Gladys Brangman Receives NYS Senate Commendation Award During Black History Month
During Black History Month, Senator Lea Webb recognized five leaders across the Southern Tier with New York State Senate Commendation Awards for their service and impact in the community. Among them was Gladys Brangman, Founder and CEO of Business Leaders of Colors.
The award highlights Gladys’ work supporting entrepreneurs, educators, and small business owners across the region. At the same time, her response reflects something familiar to BLOC members. Recognition like this does not happen in isolation. It reflects the network of entrepreneurs, partners, and community members who continue to build and support one another through BLOC.
BLOC was created to make space for underrepresented entrepreneurs to access resources, visibility, and opportunity. Over time, that has translated into real outcomes: businesses launching, collaborations forming, referrals circulating, and members gaining the confidence to step into rooms that once felt out of reach. This award acknowledges leadership, but it also reflects the shared work behind it.
Black History Month often focuses on individual stories. Within BLOC, those stories are connected. They show up in everyday actions: mentoring a new business owner, sharing information about funding, introducing someone to a potential client, or creating space for conversations that move ideas forward.
Gladys’ recognition is a reminder that community based economic development is not abstract. It happens through consistent effort, relationships, and collective support. The New York State Senate recognized Gladys as one of five local leaders whose dedication continues to strengthen opportunity and impact across the Southern Tier.
