Falls entrepreneurs La'Tia Ferguson & Jy'Ahzhannae Taylor to be honored at Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color Awards celebration

Press release

Two young entrepreneurs from Niagara Falls, La'Tia Ferguson, 23, founder of Styled By T, and Jy'Ahzhannae Taylor, 24, founder of Blaze Athletics / Blaze Cheerleading, will be recognized as part of the fourth annual Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color Awards Celebration at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at Seneca One Tower in downtown Buffalo.

At a time when communities across the country are looking for ways to support small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs, the Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color initiative continues to invest in young founders of color by creating a platform for recognition, visibility, and community support in Western New York. This year, Ferguson and Taylor will represent Niagara Falls among the 10 honorees selected from across the region.

Presented through a partnership between RL Experience LLC and True Community Development Corp., the Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color initiative was created to recognize, encourage and support youth and young adult entrepreneurs throughout Western New York. The annual event celebrates young people who are building businesses, serving their communities, and showing leadership through entrepreneurship. In addition to being honored publicly, each honoree will also receive financial support to invest in their business, products or services.

The recognition of two Niagara Falls honorees highlights the talent, creativity and determination rising within the city. From beauty and personal branding to youth athletics and community-centered leadership, Ferguson and Taylor reflect the promise of a new generation of entrepreneurs making a real impact in Niagara Falls.

The Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color initiative is also proud to recognize the continued support of the Niagara County Legislature and Minority Leader Jeffrey Elder, a longtime supporter of the initiative and its mission to uplift young entrepreneurs of color. Their support reflects the importance of investing in young people whose ideas, talent and determination are helping shape the future of Niagara Falls and Western New York.

“Niagara Falls has strong, talented young people with vision, drive and something meaningful to offer their community,” said Robert Lowery, founder of the Empower716 Young Entrepreneurs of Color initiative and CEO of RL Experience LLC. “We are proud to recognize La'Tia and Jy'Ahzhannae and to help shine a light on the entrepreneurship and leadership coming out of Niagara Falls.”

The April 25 celebration is expected to welcome approximately 275 guests, including families, business leaders, educators, community supporters, and elected officials. Mayor Robert Restaino is expected to join the event to offer congratulatory remarks, and Elder is also expected to share remarks in recognition of the honorees. Representatives from the governor’s office, state government, and local elected offices are expected to attend in support of this year’s honoree class.

Organizers hope the Niagara Falls community will take pride in this year’s honorees and support the broader movement to uplift young entrepreneurs who are creating opportunity for themselves and inspiring others along the way.

Members of the public are invited to attend. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased at www.empower716.com.