This year’s Spark Awards winners are an exceptional group of innovative entrepreneurs guiding their enterprises with determination, integrity, and dedication to customers.
BBB Cincinnati's 2024 Spark Awards finalists
Meet this year’s Spark Awards finalists, a class of passionate leaders selected by our panel of judges for their dedication to fostering positive workplace environments and strong community involvement.
Winners were revealed at the 2024 Torch Awards for Ethics and Spark Awards Gala on Thursday, October 3 at The Summit Hotel.
Ernie Estrada, Owner
Chef Hip E's Cocina Loca
Chef Hip E's Cocina Loca is a stationary food truck located in the historical town of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, opened in 2021. Specializing in Chicano Q cuisine created and served by legacy chefs, this Mexican-American barbecue spot boasts a vast menu of culinary delights using the freshest ingredients. They value uplifting their community, supporting causes from fundraisers to bike rallies — and even giving down-on-their-luck guests a meal on the house.
Shamyah Matthews, Licensed Massage Therapist/CEO
Gifts of a Goddess LLC
With the motto, “Relax. Refresh. Restore,” Gifts of a Goddess LLC offers massage services to help clients relax, feel rejuvenated, and heal. The Blue Ash, Ohio, licensed massage therapist specializes in trauma and grief healing as well as energy work, customizing each service to the client’s unique needs. Since 2021, they’ve encouraged the community to take care of themselves one body at a time: healing hurt and anguish, creating a sense of inner security, and instilling hope.
Alexandra Bowden, CEO
PEOPLEfirst Talent & Retention Consulting
Founded in 2022, PEOPLEfirst offers process improvement, culture-shaping, recruitment, HR projects, and more to help businesses harness the power of people to truly thrive. Headquartered in Loveland, Ohio, the company’s mission goes beyond profits to having a larger societal impact by improving workplace fulfillment and creating a culture of good. Through volunteering, partnerships with local organizations, and supporting community events, the company actively invests in the region's well-being.
