INDIANAPOLIS (July 24, 2025) – The WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee announced today that 26 women-owned businesses in Indiana have successfully earned their Women Business Enterprise certification through its 25 In 25 All-Star Initiative.
The initiative is part of the committee’s broader goal of leaving a lasting economic impact beyond the excitement of WNBA All-Star 2025, which took place July 18-19 in Indianapolis. Through targeted workshops, mentorship and coaching, participants were guided through the often-complex WBE certification process, an important credential that verifies a business is at least 51% led, owned and controlled by women.
“We’re incredibly proud of these 26 remarkable women who are now officially WBE certified,” said Tracy Ellis-Ward, WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee Legacy staff lead and a senior vice president at Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “This achievement not only reflects their hard work and determination, but also our commitment to making sure that WNBA All-Star generates real, long-term opportunity for women in Indiana.”
Through the 25 In 25 All-Star Initiative, the host committee partnered with the Office of Minority and Women Business Development in Indianapolis, the Indiana Department of Administration’s Division of Supplier Diversity, and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council to help expedite the review and approval process. Angela Harvey-Franklin, CEO of SOAR Consulting, a M/WBE business, worked with each entrepreneur to coach, assess and prepare them for the application process.
Glenda Watkins, CEO and founder of Pallet Queen in Anderson, created her business in 2024 to pick up and recycle thousands of wood pallets at businesses in and around Madison County. Watkins partners with manufacturers, retailers, dealerships and small businesses to promote sustainability and eliminate waste. Watkins recently received a WBE certification with help from the 25 in25 All-Star initiative, which she said will help her expand her business’ reach and impact.
“The 25 in 25 All-Star Initiative has been a pivotal opportunity for my business, Pallet Queen,” Watkins said. “By receiving my WBE certification, I would like to gain access to government contracts and increase my visibility across Indiana.”
Participants received city, state or national certification depending on their business needs:
- Kristle Brooks, Kristle Brooks Investments – State Certified WBE
- Phyllicia Carr, Twelve Design Studio – State Certified WBE
- Crystal Gibson, Circle City Event Rentals & Consulting – State Certified WBE
- Valerie Harvey, Lego Love, LLC – City Certified WBE
- Mary Hobbs, BeeHive Body Co, LLC – National Certified WBE
- Tuesday Ingram, Assisting Your Loved Ones Homecare, LLC – National Certified WBE
- Leslie Isenbarger, Glass Components, Inc. – National Certified WBE
- Tiffany Johnson, Johnson Creations — City Certified WBE
- Lucy Jones, LCJ Photo + Film – National Certified WBE
- Shante Jones, Infamous Home Care – National Certified WBE
- Kathryn Jordan, KJordan Consulting, LLC – State Certified WBE
- Serita Kent, Empirical Consulting, LLC – City Certified WBE
- Karyn Lander, Purely Joy Meal Prep – State Certified WBE
- Victoria Odekomaya, LiMStudios, LLC – State Certified WBE
- Tracy Palmer, Getting To The Root Financial Wellness – State Certified WBE
- Jade Parker-Dinkins, ROJORGANICS – State Certified WBE
- Mary Reed, Rose Balloon Décor & More – State Certified WBE
- Ursurla Shelton, Shear Elegance Day Spa – State Certified WBE
- Yolanda Smith, Branding 4 Success – National Certified WBE
- Leila Spann, enbloom Marketing – National Certified WBE
- Denika Thomas, Essential EA – National Certified WBE
- Camille Walker, Lamira Wellness, LLC – City Certified WBE
- Tiffany Walker, Walking Strong HR Solutions – State Certified WBE
- Glenda Watkins, Pallet Queen – City Certified WBE
- Shayla Webb, The AromaRoom – State Certified WBE
- Nicole Woodson, The Floral Design Lab – State Certified WBE
The 25 in 25 participants will also be recognized during the Indiana Fever vs. Seattle Sparks on Aug. 26. For more information about Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s Supplier Development Program, please send inquiries to supplierdevelopment@pacers.com.