About Us - The Pink & Black Honors

Frechic Burton Austin

Co-Creative

Frechic Burton is a visionary leader in public health, marketing, and community engagement, currently serving as Director of Equity and Community Engagement at Neighborhood Family Practice in Cleveland, where she leads initiatives to expand access to care and strengthen partnerships. With a track record of building impactful public health campaigns for organizations like the Ohio Department of Health, UNICEF USA, and Cleveland Clinic, Frechic continues to drive equity and innovation on both regional and global stages.

Brad Bowling

Code Media Group

Brad Bowling is the founder of CODE Media Group and publisher of CODE M Magazine, the only national men’s magazine focused on showcasing men of color, with over 1.4 million monthly readers. With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, marketing, and business leadership, Brad has built a dynamic career helping companies connect with the African-American market while also leading ventures in media, fashion, cigars, and podcasting.

Beverly Burks

The Presidents Council

Beverly Burks is a seasoned nonprofit executive with extensive experience in community development, youth programming, and economic support for small businesses. She specializes in policy development, program logistics, and collaborative partnerships, with a strong track record of mentoring mid-level managers and engaging adolescents through leadership and advocacy training.

Deborah Bibb

Weatherhead School of Management

Deborah Bibb, diversity liaison at the Weatherhead School of Management, draws on her personal experiences as a student at The Ohio State University to foster inclusive excellence and elevate campus culture. She champions initiatives like the Reach Out MBA Fellowship, Northstar Initiative, and Forté Rising Star Program, working to ensure all voices are heard, valued, and empowered through meaningful dialogue and leadership development.

Melissa Garrett-Hirsch

Unbar Cafe

Melissa Garrett-Hirsch is a seasoned technology executive and business owner with over 30 years of experience in IT strategy, organizational development, and leadership across sectors like consumer products and financial services. She currently leads a team of senior analysts at Progressive Insurance and owns the UnBAR Café Culture Group, which operates UnBAR Café and Café Indigo in Cleveland.

Marisol Cardone

Pink Party Retreat

The Pink & Black Honors is Cleveland’s premier celebration of entrepreneurial excellence, hosted at the historic Severance Music Center. This elegant affair blends sophistication with meaningful recognition, featuring networking, live entertainment, and tributes to distinguished business leaders shaping Cleveland’s community, while also providing entrepreneurs with essential resources and opportunities to build strong connections.