Success Stories: Michael H. Boyce Award

Angelle, a proud West African and mother of young children, founded Elicia Home Health Care in March 2023 to honor her grandmother, Elicia. With limited financial resources, she launched her business, which provides personal care assistance, housing stabilization, and transportation services. Despite limited resources, Angelle obtained four licenses from the Minnesota Department of Human Services and plans to add a Mental Caseworker license in 2025. Her husband oversees the transportation division, which includes a fleet of six vehicles, while Angelle leads a team of 21 staff members, including caseworkers, PCA staff, administrative assistants, and drivers. Angelle’s first Housing Stabilization client, a homeless, sight-impaired gentleman, found permanent housing and continues to benefit from her company’s life-changing services, exemplifying her mission to enhance lives through compassionate care.

Angelle’s journey is one of extraordinary courage, discipline, and perseverance. After leaving a partnership with her brothers-in-law due to financial misconduct, she faced significant familial pushback but stood firm in her values. Her discipline earned her a significant line of credit, enabling her rapid business growth, and her leadership and innovative approaches have built a stellar reputation for Elicia Home Health Care, making it a trusted partner for cities and counties across Minnesota. Deeply rooted in faith and spirituality, Angelle brings a profound sense of purpose to her work, transforming the lives of individuals and strengthening her community. With plans to expand her services further into the Twin Cities Metro and acquire a commercial space, Angelle is a testament to honor, courage, commitment, and leadership—making her a worthy recipient of the Michael H. Boyce Award.

Ella Harris, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in real estate finance, is channeling her expertise into a new venture by launching a small consulting business. With a career marked by deep industry knowledge and strategic insights, Ella now dedicates herself to guiding consumers, small businesses, real estate agents, investors, and prospective homeowners through the complexities of real estate finance. Her wealth of experience and passion for mentorship make her an invaluable resource for clients seeking growth, stability, and success in a highly competitive market. Beyond her consulting work, Ella is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry by engaging with high school students and others, introducing them to career paths and educational opportunities in real estate finance. Through teaching, speaking engagements, and active outreach, she is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the field, making her a worthy recipient of the Michael H. Boyce Award.

Twenty-three-year-old Lakot Rosemary is a shining example of resilience and community empowerment through entrepreneurship. After completing an entrepreneurial skills training course at St. Bakhita Vocational Training Centre, she launched her tailoring workshop, The Cornerstone, in December 2023. Located in Kuywee Sub County, Agago District—a rural area with limited resources—The Cornerstone serves as a hub of opportunity for young women and families. Rosemary’s mission extends beyond tailoring services; she trains girls who cannot afford formal education, offering them hands-on skills in exchange for nominal fees or contributions through garden work. This innovative model ensures access to life-changing skills while fostering community development.

Emerging from financial hardship after the COVID-19 pandemic, Rosemary reinvests her profits into gardening, employing casual laborers and creating additional income streams that benefit her and her community. Her initiative to purchase fabric in bulk makes affordable materials accessible to clients, further enhancing her impact. The success of her business has inspired many, prompting parents to value girls' education and motivating others to invest in their children’s future, improve farming practices, and meet household needs. Rosemary’s story is a testament to the power of education, innovation, and determination. By transforming her life and uplifting her community, she embodies hope and resilience, proving that even in the face of adversity, meaningful change is possible.

Devora exemplifies what it means to fully embrace opportunity and transform it into growth. Throughout her time in the program, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication, leveraging every resource available to her advantage. Her commitment is evident not only in her business success but also in her remarkable personal development. Devora’s journey reflects a blend of resilience and determination, making her an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work and the support of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As a business owner, Devora has consistently displayed innovation and perseverance, turning challenges into opportunities for progress. Beyond her business, she has grown as an individual, showcasing leadership and a readiness to give back to her community. Her passion and drive set her apart, and her ability to inspire others underscores why she is deserving of this honor. Devora’s story is one of transformation, and her achievements embody the spirit of the Michael H. Boyce Award.

Shelly and Devonte, the husband-and-wife duo behind KLAQC, Inc. (Kids Learning Academy through Quality Communication), are transforming lives in their hometown of Compton by empowering students on the autism spectrum. Through their innovative programs, they help students achieve high school diplomas and prepare for success in college and the workforce. Their compassionate and purpose-driven approach addresses critical needs in the community, creating pathways for inclusion, education, and opportunity.

This fall, Shelly and Devonte completed the EPUC program, further equipping them to expand their mission and amplify their impact. Their unwavering dedication to their students and the broader Compton community exemplifies their visionary leadership and deep commitment to service. Together, they are shaping brighter futures, making them outstanding nominees for the Michael H. Boyce Award.

Maria Triplett embodies the spirit of perseverance and ambition, making her a deserving winner of this award. Despite balancing the demands of a full-time day job, Maria tirelessly pursues her entrepreneurial dreams with an unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic. Every day, she shows up with a positive attitude and a hunger to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.

Maria’s business mindset and nonstop determination set her apart as a shining example of what it means to truly chase one’s goals. Her commitment to turning her vision into reality is a testament to her resilience and drive. Maria is not only an inspiration to those around her but also a role model for anyone striving to overcome challenges and achieve success. Her story is one of grit, passion, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, making her a truly worthy recipient of this recognition.

Milton Arceneaux, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, is a devoted community leader, photographer, and advocate for the preservation of Louisiana's Creole heritage. Through his photography, Milton masterfully captures the vibrant essence of Creole culture, showcasing its people, traditions, and landscapes with an artistic lens that tells stories of resilience, pride, and joy. His images celebrate the unique history, language, and customs of the Creole community, inspiring others to recognize the importance of preserving this rich heritage.

Milton's work goes beyond documentation; it serves as a call to action for cultural preservation. By collaborating with local organizations, he supports initiatives in economic development, education, and the arts, while uplifting small businesses and underserved communities. His photography sparks awareness and pride, encouraging others to value and protect the traditions that define Creole identity. Milton’s dedication ensures that Louisiana’s Creole culture continues to thrive and inspires generations to embrace their roots while contributing to a brighter future for Acadiana.

Stephanie is an inspiring and positive entrepreneur who has made a significant impact in the business world, particularly in helping others streamline their operations through effective procedures. She is the driving force behind Banks C-Suite Consulting, where she works to simplify and optimize the business processes of her clients. Stephanie's passion for entrepreneurship and her dedication to nurturing future business leaders led her to co-found the BizStarts Youth Summer Camp.

The camp, which focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in youth, provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn valuable life skills at an early age. As Camp Facilitator, Stephanie brings her expertise as a certified instructor in the Entrepreneurial Mindset course, accredited by the Kauffman Foundation. The camp uses the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program (Middle School Edition) curriculum, which equips students with the mindset and tools to navigate challenges and make positive decisions in their personal and professional lives.

Stephanie’s commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs is nothing short of exceptional. She is a true force for good, and there could not be a more deserving individual to receive this award.

Joe Luten, co-owner of Importin’ Joe’s Ethiopian Coffee, exemplifies a business model rooted in compassion and cultural authenticity. Based in Northern Indiana, Joe and his wife, Afomia, have built a 3rd wave coffee company that delivers more than just expertly roasted Ethiopian coffee—it delivers hope and equity to marginalized communities. From donating 3,000 cups of coffee to teachers to tackling child homelessness in East Africa, Importin’ Joe’s has proven its dedication to meaningful social change. Joe’s business, now operating out of a 5,000-square-foot production facility in South Bend and selling in 35 Meijer stores, reflects a commitment to economic empowerment and community transformation. With 30% of profits reinvested in social equity initiatives, Importin’ Joe’s is truly a catalyst for change.

Joe is especially deserving of the Michael H. Boyce Award for his dedication to uplifting underprivileged youth and prisoners through mentorship and sharing his personal journey. He actively collaborates with programs like the Niles SOAR program, which provides on-site job skills training to emotionally challenged youth, equipping them with tools for a brighter future. Joe’s story is a testament to resilience and service, as he uses his success to inspire and empower others. Through Importin’ Joe’s, he has cultivated not just a thriving business but a platform for lasting, positive impact, making him an ideal candidate for this prestigious recognition.