By Speakers Magazine
The spotlight was bright, the applause thunderous and the excellence undeniable on Oct. 7 as Speakers Magazine and Speak Sell Shine hosted the 2025 Top Speakers Awards at the legendary Howard Theatre.
Founded by Speakers Magazine publisher and publicity strategist Pam Perry, the annual event recognizes professional speakers who inform, inspire and ignite change. This year’s honorees, nominated in August, earned their titles through popular online voting held throughout September, showcasing the voices audiences love and respect most.
“This year’s Top Speakers Awards drew an impressive 149 nominations across five professional categories, showcasing the depth, diversity and excellence of voices shaping today’s speaking industry,” said Perry.
Culminating the evening’s celebration was Rushion McDonald, who flew in from Atlanta to receive the Mentor of the Year Award for his extraordinary impact in developing leaders and communicators across entertainment, entrepreneurship and media.
A celebrated executive producer (The Steve Harvey Show), brand strategist with media personalities like Stephen A. Smith and Sherri Shepherd, and host of Money Making Conversations, McDonald has built a legacy of empowering others to turn passion into purpose; and purpose into profit.
“Rushion McDonald is the blueprint,” said Perry. “He embodies everything Speak Sell Shine stands for: mastery of message, leadership through service and the ability to help others rise.”
2025 Top speakers honorees
Dr. Serelda Herbin — Top Motivational Speaker A transformational coach and author of Married to My Purpose, Dr. Serelda Herbin equips audiences to live intentionally and align with divine purpose. Her speaking style blends wisdom, warmth and unwavering faith — helping professionals push past fear and walk boldly in their assignment.
Senita M. Hill — Top Women’s Issues Speaker The visionary founder of Peace on Patuxent, Inc., Senita M. Hill leads with compassion and conviction. Her nonprofit serves women battling life-leveling cancers, offering no-cost retreats and emotional renewal. As a professional speaker, Senita gives voice to resilience, reminding audiences that true influence begins with service.
Kelsey Nicole Nelson — Top Entrepreneurial Speak Media powerhouse Kelsey Nicole Nelson is a national sports broadcaster and businesswoman who commands the stage with confidence and clarity. She teaches entrepreneurs how to amplify their authority and leverage media to scale their brands. Kelsey’s message is clear: Own your lane. Lead with your voice.
Dr. David M. Walker — Top Leadership Development Speaker As a leadership expert and executive coach, Dr. David M. Walker delivers high-impact presentations that challenge professionals to lead with vision and purpose. His work bridges performance and principle — helping organizations create cultures that thrive on trust, teamwork and transformation.
Tyneka Pack — Top Health & Wellness Speaker Dynamic and disciplined, Tyneka Pack redefines wellness for modern professionals. Her approach blends physical fitness, mental resilience and spiritual grounding. Through her signature talks and workshops, Tyneka inspires audiences to take radical ownership of their health and happiness.
Speak Sell Shine special honorees
Melody Augustin-Roberts — Rising Star Award A shining example of grace and grit, Melody Augustin-Roberts emerged from the Speak Sell Shine Cohort 3 as a true standout. Known for her supportive spirit and business acumen, she uplifts her peers while expanding her own influence. Her future in the speaking world is bright — and this is just the beginning.
Rushion McDonald — Mentor of the Year Award From producing global media hits to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Rushion McDonald is a strategist, storyteller and servant leader. His Money Making Conversations platform continues to elevate voices of visionaries who are changing culture through communication, business and faith.
About Speak Sell Shine
Speak Sell Shine, founded by Dr. Pam Perry, is a transformative experience and community for professional speakers, authors, and entrepreneurs ready to position themselves for media, mastery and momentum. Each year, the program culminates in a red-carpet awards celebration in Washington, D.C., spotlighting excellence in speaking, storytelling and service.
Learn more at www.SpeakSellShine.com and follow the celebration online using #SpeakSellShine25.