By: Gloria Smith, Associate Editor for World Liberty TV

Here were most of the honorees at the 2026 Gold Women’s Health & Business Awards Gala at Mercy College.

They honored women who are making a difference in leadership, entrepreneurship, and business innovation.

It was another event promoted by Deborah Dixon Anderson of Light of Gold Marketing and Public Relations.

The event had many interesting people of diverse backgrounds to lend their services and support.

She is in her 20th year where she can help with public relations, marketing, branding, consulting, social media, events, and more. Mitra Kalita, Co-Founder and Director of URL Media, received Innovation in Media and Community Connection award.

Mitra Kalita, is a journalist, media executive and author of 2 books, where she worked for CNN Digital, Philadelphia Inquirer, and others.

Nakisha Smith, Founder and  Wellness Coach of Alwayz Fit 4 Lyfe, received the Community Health Leadership Award.

Emelyn Stuart, Founder, received the Perseverance Award. She is the first Afro-Latina to own an independent movie theater, Stuart Cinema and Cafe. It was not easy and had to move to Greenpoint with a nearby theater.

Also, Emelyn Stuart is a filmmaker, successful off-Broadway play, and  many other  talents.

Rachel Kaylie, Personal Injury and  Bankruptcy Lawyer from Brooklyn. She received the Legal Excellance Award.

Mother of Athenia Rodney who received the award of Community Advocate. She is a founder and strategic growth partner as a marketing coach, community builder, and more.

Maria Davis, Founder of Voice of Impact Award.  Ms.Davis is a HIV Activist and AIDS Survivor.

Ruth Kendall was an engaging emcee, DJ Carl got the crowd grooving including myself.

It was a very well attended event close to 100 people were in attendance, mostly women who were there to support each other.

Good amount of people came from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, cocktail hour started early with appetizers and wine, then people settled to the award section of the event, where each honoree was awarded an crystal style award, and spoke for 5 minutes, acceptance speech.

Mouth watering dinner was served, chicken, fish, beef, vegetarian options, devastating desserts that melt in your mouth were served.

Touching speech was by Deborah Dixon Anderson of Light of Gold Marketing and Public Relations, who was the organizer of this prestigious event.

She opened up about her having breast cancer, how she lost her hair and had to wear wigs, due to chemotherapy , for few years she had go through this experience, until it went into remission.

She went on to say, the hell I had to go through with breast cancer, nothing is hard in life for me.

I know Mrs. Anderson over 20 years, I have total respect for her and her team, and she is a warrior always out there helping people with her skills and talent. I am honored to call her a friend.

 About Light of Gold PR, Marketing, and Consulting LLC: Debra Dixon-Anderson is the Founder and CEO of Light of Gold PR, Marketing, and Consulting LLC, a MWBE (Minority/Woman-owned Business Enterprise) headquartered in New York City while working twice a week in New Jersey.

Light of Gold PR, Marketing, and Consulting LLC has a 8-person team in New York that has over 35 years of combined experience in Public Relations, Marketing, Branding, Crisis and Reputation Management, Promotions, Media Relations, Communications, Technology, Social Media, Training, and Consulting.

Debra has over 18 years of Technology and PR experience, having worked as a Consultant, Social Media Expert, Business Development and Branding Strategist, Trainer, and Public Speaker in Publicity/Promotions, Marketing, and Media Relations.

Debra has also received various awards for her work in the community and for advising small businesses. These include: 2019 Brooklyn Chamber Entrepreneur of Year Honoree and 2014 Top Women in Business Honoree.

Team Gold, our team of 8 has over 30 years of combined experience in: Public Relations, Branding, Crisis and Reputation Management, Promotions, Marketing, Media, Writing, Web Development and Digital and Technology.

If you are interested in learning more about Deborah Dixon Anderson of Light of Gold Marketing and Public Relations, and the services offered, click here.

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