KINGSTON, R.I. – April 22 — Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Kamilah A’Vant, will be recognized at the upcoming 2026 11th Annual The 100 Women of Color Gala & Awards with 99 other women of color across areas of New England later this year.

The 100 Women of Color Gala & Awards celebrates the power of community; past, present, and future. The gala will recognize the contributions that women in business, education, entrepreneurship, entertainment and service have made to impact the lives of those throughout their communities from Stamford, CT to Springfield, MA.

A’Vant was nominated by her longtime friend and colleague, Janine Fondon, Associate Professor of Practice in Communications at American International College, Springfield, MA. Fondon is a journalist, entrepreneur, public relations professional, exhibit curator, and president and CEO of diverse news company UnityFirst.com. Together, A’vant and Fondon worked for NAMIC Next, an organization that empowers diverse professionals and organizations to lead, innovate, and thrive in a changing global media landscape. 

“I’m so thankful for the nomination. I’m always behind the scenes, and that’s my comfort zone; I’ve always felt like I can make a greater impact when I’m sitting at the table making an influence. My work is always going to be around voices who are not represented and make a difference in areas where people of color are present,” said A’Vant. 

A’vant, a seasoned DEI&B leader, is responsible for recognition and inclusion opportunities in personal and professional spaces she works in. She has experience in various senior leadership roles in the fields of media, publishing, finance, and television. Formerly the Director of Diversity Programs at Color Magazine, where she created, executed, and managed logistics for the brand’s DE&I programming, and oversaw all editorial content of the online publication. She also spent 9 years in broadcast television, managing 71 US broadcast television stations, and was an Adjunct Professor at Bay Path University, teaching leadership and organizational studies courses.

The event is hosted by Elevent28 Entertainment Group, founded by June Archer, an entrepreneur, music and television executive, television personality, philanthropist, and community leader. The galas provide financial support for programs advancing young men and women of color. A portion of the proceeds from these events support scholarships for young men and women who graduate from high school and plan on attending College, leadership, and mentorship programs.

The 100 Men of Color Gala Awards will take place in several locations later this year that include Virginia, Connecticut, and North Carolina.