2025 Minority Business Opportunity Award Recipients Announced
The Business Development Connection (BDC) of the Greater Shreveport Chamber proudly celebrated a distinguished group of minority business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers at the 2025 Minority Business Opportunity Awards Dinner, presented by Willis Knighton Health. The event, held Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, recognized individuals and organizations whose contributions are fueling economic growth and community advancement across the Shreveport-Bossier region.
Each year, the BDC honors those who exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, and service. This year’s honorees embody those values—championing progress, creating opportunity, and building a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape.
“Our 2025 honorees truly represent the best of our business community,” said Chamber Chairman Tom Simms. “They exemplify resilience, vision, and service—and we are proud to recognize the remarkable ways they are making a difference in Shreveport-Bossier.”
2025 Minority Business Opportunity Award Honorees:
Top Business Professional of the Year
Byron Dawson – Centenary College of Louisiana
A distinguished football coach and respected community leader, Byron Dawson has built a career defined by mentorship and lasting impact. Through his work as a coach, public speaker, and advisor, Dawson empowers others with a message rooted in purpose, resilience, and faith—demonstrating that true success is measured not just by personal achievement, but by the lives we uplift along the way.
Non-Profit Professional of the Year
C. Chanel Jackson – Families Helping Families Region 7
Known for her unwavering dedication to supporting families in need, C. Chanel Jackson exemplifies compassionate leadership and meaningful service. Through her work at Families Helping Families Region 7, she continues to expand opportunities for underserved communities across the region with advocacy, excellence, and heart.
Small Business Owner of the Year
Brent Latin – Young Professionals Entertainment (YPE)
An entrepreneur and creative visionary, Brent Latin launched YPE while still in high school, transforming his passion for music and storytelling into a purpose-driven business. As CEO, he leads all creative and business operations and has built a team committed to using media to uplift and inspire communities through compelling narratives and strategic outreach.
Emerging Business of the Year
The Squire Group, LLC – Racheal Squire
Founder Racheal Squire launched The Squire Group, LLC, a life insurance agency grounded in faith, legacy, and empowerment. Leaving the corporate world behind, she created more than just a business—she sparked a movement that is transforming lives and empowering women throughout the Shreveport region.
Business of the Year
Module X Solutions
“Module X Solutions exemplifies what it means to be a mission-driven business—combining innovation, workforce development, and community investment,” said Chamber President Dr. Tim Magner. “We are honored to recognize MXS as our 2025 Business of the Year for their commitment to inclusive growth, exceptional quality, and creating meaningful opportunities in Shreveport.”
A national leader in custom-engineered modular systems, Module X Solutions (MXS) serves critical industries such as renewable energy, telecommunications, infrastructure, and data centers. Operating from its Shreveport-based facility, MXS fosters a “shop floor first” culture that empowers a workforce of more than 275 employees—nearly half of whom identify as minorities. The company invests in workforce training, apprenticeships, and partnerships with trade schools and reentry programs, shaping a resilient talent pipeline and setting the standard for inclusive economic growth in Northwest Louisiana.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Reginald W. Abrams, Sr.
“Reginald Abrams is a pioneer whose service to Shreveport has helped shape the city’s legal, civic, and business landscape,” said Dr. Magner. “Through his historic career, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his deep-rooted investment in community progress, Mr. Abrams exemplifies the values of integrity, leadership, and service that this award represents.”
A licensed pharmacist and attorney since 1978, Reginald W. Abrams, Sr. has forged a remarkable legacy across law, public service, and civic leadership. He became the first minority associate at Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & Roberts before founding his own firm, which now represents major clients including the City of Shreveport. Abrams served as Chairman of the Greater Shreveport Chamber and was the first Black president of the Downtown Rotary Club. His decades-long advocacy for equity and economic empowerment earned him the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award—recognizing a legacy of extraordinary service and lasting impact on Northwest Louisiana.