Odyssey International Productions, a 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes the efforts and accomplishments of small-business owners, individuals, and organizations who have contributed significantly to the development of their communities, recently held its 19th annual Awards of Excellence ceremony at the Robert Treat Hotel, Newark, N.J.

Melissa Persia Oliver, founder of Odyssey International Productions, said, “We were elated to honor such phenomenal individuals.” More than 200 guests attended to honor 16 award recipients who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

Awards of Excellence were presented to the following recipients, including the Lifetime Achievement Award of Excellence to Terrence Clark, President and CEO, New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council; the Outstanding Achievement Award to Linda Wellbrock, CEO and Founder, Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Business Owners; the Special Recognition Award to Casilda Del Valle, Vice President, Finance and Administration, National Minority Supplier Development Council; and the Green Diamond Special Recognition to Gregory Murphy, Managing Director, Skanska.

Tiffany Clare, Supplier Diversity Coordinator, Plaza Construction; Gale Bartholomew, Diversity Manager/Project Manager, Crescent Consulting Associates, Inc.; Herlema Owens, Association of Women Construction Workers of America, Inc.; and Victoria L. Hosendorf, Director, Philadelphia Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center received the Business Award of Excellence.

The Entrepreneur awards were presented to Mona D. Terrell, President and CEO, Mona Terrell & Associates LLC; Renee Marshall-McKinley, Founder, Keep Yourself Smelling Sweet; Theresa Semple, President, Semple Solutions LLC; Elisabete Miranda, President, CQ Fluency; Cesar Teixeira, CEO, CATB Liquor Import; Maria and Diego De La Rosa, Owners of Little Spain Paella Party LLC; and Clarisa Romero, Founder, Mindful Consultants.

Linda Estrada Page, Branch Manager, BCB Community Bank, received the Community Service Award.

Sponsors of the 2018 Awards of Excellence included BCB Community Bank, National Minority Supplier Development Council, Skanska, The Crescent Companies, Star Bright Services Inc and Starco Construction Company. The honorees are selected by “Pass the Torch,” a program in which the past honorees nominate an honoree or organizations and individuals nominate an individual. Board members of Odyssey review and make the final selection of the honorees.