The Think Bold Festival & Conference announced the 2026 Think Bold Honors Awards presented by VyStar Credit Union. The event will be held on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, at VyStar Headquarters located at 76 S. Laura Street in Downtown Jacksonville.
The Think Bold Honors Awards recognize exceptional leaders whose work is shaping a more equitable, innovative, and inclusive Jacksonville. Each honoree will receive a custom-crafted Think Bold Montblanc Writing Instrument, symbolizing excellence, precision, and bold leadership.
The Think Bold Festival and Conference will be held April 8-12, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and surrounding venues. Think Bold is a hub for big ideas, bold leadership and transformative action. As a trusted leader in community investment and financial empowerment, VyStar’s partnership has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s mission – ensuring it continues to serve as a platform for inspiring change and fostering meaningful connections.
“VyStar is honored to present the 2026 Think Bold Honors Awards, recognizing visionaries whose bold leadership is expanding economic mobility, capital access, and community voice across Jacksonville,” says Kemal Gasper, VP, Community Engagement, VyStar Credit Union. “Their impact reflects the values we champion and inspires us to build a more connected, thriving city.”
Twelve extraordinary leaders will be recognized during the Think BoldHonors 2026. The Think Bold Honors Ceremony will spotlight trailblazers, innovators, and community champions in philanthropy, business, advocacy, and the arts. With the festival’s mission to inspire entrepreneurship, workforce development, and innovation, these honorees embody the bold spirit of transformation and community impact.
2026 Honorees and Categories
- Civic Engagement & Community Voice Award
Honoree: Wanda Willis - Corporate Civic Leadership Award
Honoree: Darnell Smith - Economic Justice & Capital Access Award
Honoree: Caleena Shirley – - Environmental Equity & Placemaking Award
Honoree:Kay Ehas - Faith & Cultural Unity Leadership Award
Honoree: Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. - Health & Youth Development Leadership Award
Honoree: Eric Mann - Hispanic Impact & Inclusion Award
Honoree: Monica Hernandez - Neighborhood Transformation & Anti-Poverty Award
Honoree: Travis Williams - Small Business Equity & Government Impact Award
Honoree: Gregory Grant - United Impact & Social Innovation Award
Honoree: Melanie Patz - Venture Capital & Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Award
Honoree: Jim Stallings - Women’s Empowerment & Social Leadership Award
Honoree: Donna Orender - Bold Leadership in Real Estate Award
Honoree: Tinesha Tutt
“The Think Bold Honors Awards were created to amplify leaders who are not only doing the work, but shifting the culture of what leadership looks like in Jacksonville,” sag\ys Troy McNair Sr. & Maurice ‘Mo’ Henderson, co-founders of Think Bold Festival & Conference. “These honorees are builders, innovators, and community changemakers. Their leadership reflects the spirit of Think Bold – courageous, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to our city’s future.”
The THINK BOLD Honors Ceremony is an invitation-only event that sets the stage for the THINK BOLD Festival & Conference. For more information about THINK BOLD, including sponsorship opportunities or tickets for the festival, Click here or visit www.thinkboldfest.com.
