Synergies Work, an Atlanta nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities, today announced the 15 finalists across five categories for its 3rd annual EDDIE Awards taking place Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta.
To learn about the finalists and their respective categories, go here.
One winner will be named in each category. Additionally, an Entrepreneur of the Year selected from the finalists will receive a $10,000 grand prize to further their business aspirations.
Guests and speakers at this year’s black-tie event include Steven Braskamp, Executive Vice President of Capital One; Maria Town, President and CEO of American Association of People with Disabilities; and Andrew J. Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and two-term Mayor of Atlanta. During the event, Young will receive Synergies Work’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long work as a civil rights activist and leader.
Entertainment includes musical performers and brothers Dom & Sean Kelly of the acclaimed band A Fragile Tomorrow (Dom is also President and CEO of New Disabled South), and Deshaymond Solomon, known as the “Blind Savage,” a singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur redefining what it means to be blind.
“Now in its third year, the EDDIE Awards showcase the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of the disability community—and this year’s finalists have raised the bar even higher,” said Aarti Sahgal, Founder & CEO of Synergies Work. “We’re inspired by the talent and innovation we’ve seen from across the nation. These entrepreneurs aren’t just growing; they’re redefining the future of business—and reinforcing our commitment to invest in ability and equity.”
Judges for this year’s EDDIE Awards include Al McRae, President of Bank of America Atlanta; Shakir Moin, President of Marketing, Coca-Cola North America; Stephen Ewell, Executive Director of Consumer Technology Association Foundation; Jason Bearden, Market President and CEO of CareSource Georgia; Tasha Allen, Vice President, People & Corporate Citizenship, Georgia Chamber of Commerce; Lachi, CEO of RAMPD (Recording Artists & Music Professionals with Disabilities); Melissa Pomeroy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Cooperative Credit Union Association; and Bryan Clagett, Managing Partner of Jamestown Associates Virginia.
