The Kimmie Awards, presented during the Queen’s Brunch hosted by Dr. Alethia Tucker as Ms. Corporate America Maryland state director, honor women leaders for their service and purpose. The awards are presented during events such as the Queen’s Brunch, hosted by Dr. Tucker in her capacity as Ms. Corporate America Maryland state director. Proceeds from associated events sometimes benefit the Kim’s Girls College Fund and the organization Women Giving Back.
Recipients are often women leaders in various fields who demonstrate leadership through service and purpose. Past recipients of the Kimmie Awards portion of the program include women from various professions, chosen by Dr. Tucker through her Ms. Corporate America Maryland events. This is a combined event, which includes the honorees who were recognized for their significant community impact as “Everyday Queens.” Each of these honorees embodies the strength, character and perseverance of Kimberly McCormick, the woman for whom the award is named.
Who is Kimberly McCormick, you ask? Let me share a bit more of her life story.
Kim was truly one of a kind — admired for her wit, sassy spirit, creativity and contagious zest for life. A devoted wife and loving mother of two daughters, she brought that same energy to every area of her life, from her work at both the state and federal government levels to her thriving catering business, where she was especially known for her exceptional cupcakes and pound cakes. Despite living for years with polycystic kidney disease and later multiple sclerosis, Kim faced life with unwavering positivity, strength and perseverance, always encouraging her family and refusing to be defined by her challenges. Though her immunocompromised body could not withstand COVID and she passed away shortly after her 50th birthday, her legacy endures as a powerful example of resilience, character and courage for her family and all who knew her.
The 2025 honorees recognized for their community impact include — along with yours truly — Monica LaPenta, Sharon Anderson and Diane McDuffie.
Monica LaPenta is visionary executive director and CEO of The BIT Center, a Baltimore nonprofit transforming community health through food education, arts and youth empowerment. A social entrepreneur and children’s author, she builds pathways where culture, compassion and innovation nourish both people and place. Her personal motto: “I rise with purpose, turning every challenge into a table of possibility.”
Sharon Anderson is CEO and founder of GirlSpeak Inc. She leads initiatives that celebrate, educate, empower and unite young women ages 11-24. With more than 20 years of youth mentorship, she has developed impactful programs and conferences, including the organization’s signature life skills program, How’s Your S.E.L.F.I.E. Game, implemented in various schools throughout Prince George’s County. Her personal motto: “I Believe. I Can. I Do.”
Diane McDuffie is a community liaison and retired civil servant who has devoted her life to service and community uplift. With 30 years in the federal government and more than two decades of volunteer leadership, she continues to champion youth development and provide resources to families and schools where support makes all the difference. Her favorite quote: “Helping others fills me with purpose and strengthens the world around me.”
As for myself, I am a nationally recognized keynote speaker, radio show host, syndicated newspaper columnist and author. I have presented and served as keynote speaker at hundreds of engagements, am a motivational speaker and received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. I am the author of three books: “Destiny’s Door, Turning Milestones Into Stepping Stones”; “The Sharecropper’s Daughter, It Doesn’t Matter Where You Begin, But Where You End That Counts”; and “Reinvented to Rise Vol. II.” My favorite quote is from the Bible, Romans 8:28, which says, “And I know that all things work together for good, to them who love God and are the called according to His purpose.”
Ms. Corporate America Maryland is an organization and a competition led by Dr. Tucker as its state president, aimed at celebrating, elevating and empowering women in corporate America, government and leadership positions. Using her expertise as a reinvention strategist and author, Dr. Tucker champions women to “stop playing small and walk boldly in purpose.” It is not a title held by Dr. Tucker herself, but rather an organization she spearheads in Maryland.
Key aspects of the Ms. Corporate America Maryland organization:
Empowerment Focus: The primary goal is to provide a platform that helps professional women transition from “survival to vitality” by providing them with visibility, networking opportunities and personal development resources.
Beyond a Pageant: While it includes a competition (which mixes business with beauty and leadership skills), the organization emphasizes that it is “more than a pageant.” It focuses heavily on the women’s professional stories, interview skills and contributions to society rather than traditional pageant elements.
Leadership and Community Impact: The program aims to strengthen leadership skills and celebrate women who are making significant impacts in their industries and communities as entrepreneurs or corporate leaders.
Platform for Influence: Winners and participants gain a platform to share their nonprofit work, business ventures and inspirational stories on various stages and media outlets.
Sierra Morgan is the current Ms. Corporate America Maryland 2025 statewide winner. She was crowned at the state competition held in Baltimore in March. In this role, she represents Maryland at the national Ms. Corporate America competition. Her platform centers on caregiver advocacy, drawing on her 15 years of experience as a dedicated caregiver.
In short, the organization is a professional development and networking platform that uses the structure of a competition to highlight and uplift the accomplishments of corporate women in Maryland. More details can be found on the Ms. Corporate America website or the Maryland chapter’s social media pages, such as Ms. Corporate America Maryland on Facebook.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
