A Syracuse-based small businesswoman continues to earn accolades in a field dominated by white men. Owner/operator of Luminary Electrical Shawni Davis was recognized Friday as the New York State Small Business Development Center’s Minority Entrepreneur of the year. SBDC state director Sonya Smith says as an African American woman herself, this award carries special meaning.
“With women still vastly underrepresented in decision making, whether it’s in politics, business, or communities, this is really important to show the strong leadership, her actual staff and team being here to support her, the community itself.”
Several Luminary Electrical employees were on hand for the award ceremony. In accepting her award, Davis expressed her appreciation to her staff, friends and family, and says she’s focused more than ever on staying successful.
“We are going to continue to grow. We’re going to continue to let Luminary shine,” Davis said with a smile. “We want to continue to be a representation of what we want to see in our industry. Thank you for even recognizing that because that just gives us more exposure for more people to see what it is that we’re trying to do here.”
Luminary has 15 years of experience doing commercial and industrial and electrical work. Davis sounds modest when she lists the projects her company is involved in.
“The Buffalo Bills Stadium, that’s one of our most notable projects,” Davis said. “We’re also working at the Corning Glass Museum, which is another very big project, very cool. And then my staff is working on the New York State Thruway rest areas that are being revamped. So we’re pretty busy.”
Including Davis, her company now employs 13 people, up from just two this time last year. Some Central New Yorkers might recall it was last October when she introduced President Biden during a visit to Onondaga Community College.
Scott Willis
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WAER News