(From left) Linda Scott Nwoke, Thelma Banks, Shawna Glover, LaFawn Pughsley and Shari Banks receive Business Women of the Year Awards.
Precious Grundy / Lima News
LIMA — Derry Glenn, 6th Ward City Council Member, recognized five African-American businesswomen in Lima on Tuesday.
Thelma Banks, of Helen Ruth Southern Sweet Tea Shop; Shari Banks, of All My Angels Daycare; Shawna Glover, of The Beauty Bar; Linda Scott Nwoke, of Ella Bees 1 Inc. and LaFawn Pughsley, of Plush Party Palace were honored for their contribution to the city of Lima with the Business Women of the Year Award.
The Community Action Program, founded by Derry Glenn, has annually awarded minority business owners for the past 3 years. “Typically we honor men and women but this year we honored all women,” said Glenn. “We plan to honor other businesses as well. I would encourage everyone to reach out to these businesses so they can continue to do great work in our city.”
Thelma Banks, the owner of Helen Ruth Southern Sweet Tea Shop, was honored along with her daughter, Shari Banks, the owner of All My Angels Daycare.
“We are being recognized for doing better for Lima, Ohio. It is time to make a change for everyone. It is not just about Black people, it is about the community helping one another and gaining strength to move forward,” Banks said. “To young people that are wanting to start their own business, I say follow your dreams, follow your heart, make sure it is what you want to do and not what others encourage you to do. I am so proud of my daughter. She worked hard at many jobs but one day she said ‘Mom, I have to follow what God gave me.’”
These five business owners, among many others, are advocating not only for growth but empowerment.
