The Concrete Rose Foundation hosted its prestigious awards ceremony banquet on Sat. Feb. 8 at the A. Quinn Jones Auditorium, celebrating the accomplishments of more than 25 girls and mentors.

The banquet was a testament to the impact of The Concrete Rose Foundation, which continues to empower young girls through mentorship, academic support and community engagement.

“I’m amazed to see it come this far,” said Ashley Robinson, president of the foundation. “It is a testament to what God can do. It started as a recess group, and it has grown to over 25 girls in the foundation and 100 guests at the awards banquet.”

The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, special recognitions and an inspiring keynote address delivered by Judge Meshon Rawls. 

Titled “Dream Big,” the speech focused on the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his impact on the world, encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams and create change.

She used a step stool to illustrate how organizations like the foundation serve as stepping stones for young girls to access life-changing opportunities. 

To further emphasize her point, Rawls brought her granddaughter on stage for a live demonstration.

“When you dream big, you will find out it is not easy to achieve your goals, but you will have others who will believe in you and make your dreams come true,” Rawls said. “Those are the people you want to be around. Mentoring programs like The Concrete Rose Foundation can help you reach your goals. Take advantage of all of those opportunities.” 

The ceremony honored recipients with various awards, including the Academic Excellence Award, Dedicated Chaperone Award, Humanitarian Award, Advisor of Excellence, Pillar of Support, Key Contributor Award and the Heart and Soul Award.

The event recognized the dedication of those who have contributed to the program’s mission of empowerment and community service. 

Robinson thanked sponsors and donors for their monetary contributions to make the program a success since its inception in 2019.

Robinson thanked the late Dr. Natalie Valdez and Bernard S. Phillip II and donors such as Valerie McCray and Diyonne McGraw.

McGraw was Robinson’s mentor when she was 14 years old, and Robinson thanked her for her guidance. 

“I hope she feels a deep sense of pride in what her mentee created for the youth,” Robinson said. “Her belief in our mission is truly invaluable.” 

A warm welcome was given by Susan McClellan, the foundation’s secretary, who highlighted the impact of the foundation and its extension, the Chi Rho Phi Youth Sorority.

“This ceremony was created to honor, uplift and celebrate exceptional mentees,” McClellan said. “They persevered through determination and grace. This is a tribute to their growth and accomplishments.” 

A significant moment of the night was the induction of two new members into the youth sorority: Janay Johnson and A’laiah Walker.

Current members Madison Ray, A’laiah Walker, and Jameyah Curry shared their personal experiences, expressing gratitude for how the foundation has shaped their lives.

“At first I thought it was just a group I wanted to be in just to be with my friends, but I learned it was much more than that,” Ray said. “I have mentors who care about my growth. It is a sisterhood that holds each other accountable and leads with integrity.”

The pinning and awards ceremony was led by McClellan, Robinson and advisor Michelle Patrick.

Among the attendees was Reneasia Watson, who has been part of the program for four years. Watson shared how deeply the foundation has
influenced her personal and academic
growth.

“Concrete Roses is more than just a group of girls,” Watson said. “It offers second-chance opportunities of a lifetime to lift our sisters up. It is a tool and a jewel, and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.”

Maria Moise, 34, turned her struggles into success by using her determination to open a beauty supply store to take care of the personal needs of the community.

Moise, founder and owner of JETS Beauty Supply store, held a grand opening in January at the store’s location at 6250 NW 23rd St. Unit 7 in the Oakwoods Common Plaza.

She was placed in foster care in Gainesville in 2005 from Naples, FL. She graduated from Loften High School in 2004 then attended Sante Fe College and received her Associates degree in psychology in 2009 and then received a bachelor’s in Human Resources management in 2016.

“I love doing hair,” Moise said. “It gives me a chance to interact with my clients. Hearing them encourages me to keep going. I assist them and we confide in each other. They help me and don’t even know it.”

Her love for doing hair took another route in her entrepreneurial endeavors. 

Moise decided she wanted to sell hair and hair care products.

“A traumatic experience left me homeless and I got myself in a situation I never imagined being in,” Moise said.

Her ultimate goal is to open a shelter for battered women and single mothers and she hopes the funds through the store can help achieve that dream.

Moise began investing in her dreams by learning how to drive a semi-truck in 2017. 

With her savings from driving, she invested the money in hair and started selling from her home in 2018.

Moise received her cosmetology license in 2018 at Bly’s School of Cosmetology in Gainesville.

She then began to sell the hair online in 2019 and eventually was able to open her own physical store this year.

“I was the store manager for Payless, Sally’s and Walgreens,” Moise said. “I’ve helped them make money. If I can do it for other companies, I can do it myself.”

Through this major turning point in her life, a message from American Christian Author and Speaker Joyce Meyers encouraged her to keep going despite her fears.

“I was terrified,” Moise said. “As time got closer, I got to the building and I remember the words from Joyce Meyer saying, ‘Do It Afraid,’ and that’s what I did. It’s challenging but I’m doing it.”

Her store sells hair bundles, cosmetics, hair products like shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes, and hair tools like combs, brushes, and clippers.

“I want customers to come and feel welcomed,” Moise said. “It’s not only about a sale, I want them to be knowledgeable about the products they will be using. I want this store to be people’s one-stop-shop for fashion, hair products, and hygiene products.”

Studio M Spa and Barbershop Owner Willuance Mesalien said the beauty supply store is a great addition to the area.

He works next door to the beauty supply store and said it is convenient for him because he can buy the products he needs while supporting a black-owned business.

“This was an awesome move,” Mesalien said. “I don’t need to travel far to get the products I need. It is time to support places who support us. It is time to invest in more of our businesses.”

Moise said she also offers other business owners an opportunity to sell their items at her store.

For those who are interested can contact Moise at 352-562-0453 or via email at jetsbeautysupplystore@gmail.com.

The store’s hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it is closed on Sundays.

For more information, visit www.jetsbeautysupply.com