Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Circle of Community Gala Award Winners

The 3rd Annual Circle of Community Black Business Gala & Awards, hosted by Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH), was a night of honoring legacy, celebrating achievement, and investing in the future. Each year, we recognize outstanding individuals and businesses who exemplify leadership, resilience, and community impact.

We are proud to announce this year’s Circle of Community Award Winners, who are shaping the future and uplifting our community in profound ways.

Left to right: Curtis Self, Rina Neal, Marlin Watson and Brandon Clark. These trailblazers are shaping our community and paving the way for future generations. Thank you for your impact, dedication, and leadership!

Black Excellence in Leadership Award “Champion for Student Success & Leadership”

Brandon Clark – Student Programs Coordinator, K-State Student Belonging & Inclusion

"Brandon is a mentor, leader, and advocate for student success. Through his role at Kansas State University, he is fostering a legacy of inclusion and empowerment, ensuring that students have the support and guidance needed to thrive. A former K-State student leader himself, Brandon has dedicated his career to helping the next generation of students navigate college life, build meaningful connections, and graduate prepared to lead. His passion for mentorship and advocacy makes him a cornerstone of student success at K-State."

Brandon L. Clark is a dedicated mentor, advocate, and leader, passionate about empowering multicultural students and preparing them for leadership and success both on and off campus. As the Student Programs Coordinator for the Department of Student Belonging and Inclusion at Kansas State University, he plays a pivotal role in advising and supporting over 25 multicultural organizations.

Affectionately known as "Clark" by students, he serves as an advisor to the award-winning K-State Black Student Union, the K-State National Pan-Hellenic Council, the K-State IMHOTEP Black Male Initiative, and the Big 12 Conference on Black Student Government. His leadership extends beyond campus as the State Director for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Clark’s impact has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Black Student Union Archer Leadership Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Positive Black Male Award, Delta Sigma Theta’s DSTinguished Gent Service Award, and the Brenda Burt Most Outstanding Advisor in the Big 12 Award. In a testament to his influence, the Kappa Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha renamed their prestigious Alpha X-Cellence Award in his honor.

A proud K-State alumnus, Clark holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the university and truly bleeds purple. His unwavering commitment to student success ensures that every student he mentors is empowered to thrive, lead, and graduate with purpose.

Humanitarian Award “ Visionary Community & Financial Empowerment”

Rina Neal – Director of Finance, City of Manhattan

"Rina’s dedication to public service and youth mentorship has left an incredible impact on our community. She serves on multiple boards, including the Geary County Food Pantry and Flint Hills Girls on the Run, ensuring resources and opportunities reach those who need them most. As a longtime champion for financial literacy and community development, Rina has worked to bridge gaps in access to essential services, empowering families and individuals to build sustainable futures. Her leadership in the public sector continues to shape a stronger, more inclusive Manhattan, Kansas."

Rina D. Neal is a dedicated leader and finance professional with over 20 years of public administration experience in municipal government and nonprofits. A Kansas State University graduate, she holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration (Accounting & Economics) and an MBA.

Since joining the City of Manhattan in 2002 as a Senior Accountant, Rina has advanced to Director of Finance, overseeing the city's fiscal operations. She is deeply committed to community service, having served as board president for Geary County Schools USD 475 during the COVID-19 pandemic and as treasurer for various organizations in Junction City.

A passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment, Rina is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., previously serving as the Mid-Western Representative to the International Leadership Development Committee (2018-2022).

Beyond her professional and civic roles, Rina is a devoted wife to Jimmy Neal, II, a U.S. Army veteran, and a proud mother to Jayson and Maya Neal. She also serves as a caregiver to her grandparents, embodying her commitment to family and service. With a heart for leadership and collaboration, Rina works tirelessly to uplift her community and drive meaningful change.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award “Redefining Storytelling & Entrepreneurship Through Media Innovation”

Marlin Watson – Founder, Companion Projects Media

“At just under 30, Marlin is redefining storytelling through video production. As the founder of Companion Projects Media, he helps businesses bring their visions to life, proving that passion and creativity can build lasting legacies. From capturing unforgettable moments to crafting impactful brand stories, Marlin has built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and resilience. His ability to translate a company’s mission into compelling visual content has made him a sought-after creative in the industry, and his influence continues to grow across the region."

With a passion that began with filming simple family home videos as a child to now owning and operating his own video production company, Companion Projects Media, Marlin has always had a passion to capture stories for others in an exciting and engaging way. He is a local entrepreneur, living in Manhattan, KS since 2008 and loves serving his community while helping others to share their stories and vision through professional content creation. Today, Marlin’s engagement with local businesses, grows a passion for assisting them in crafting compelling social media and website content. He has teamed up with numerous businesses and is continually building lasting relationships with his clients. He aims to expand his production team to offer services nationwide. The name “Companion” reflects Marlin’s belief in the collaborative nature of the creative process, a partnership between creator and client, in every project he takes on.

Longevity in Business Award “ A Legacy of Business and Integrity”

Curtis Self – Founder, C&S AutoFinders

"With over 30 years in business and more than 10,000 cars sold, Curtis has built a thriving company based on integrity, resilience, and community trust. His journey is a testament to what’s possible with hard work and perseverance. Starting with a vision to serve the Manhattan community with quality vehicles and exceptional service, Curtis has grown C&S AutoFinders into a well-respected business known for putting customers first. His long-standing success in an industry where Black entrepreneurs face significant barriers is not only commendable but inspiring for future generations of business owners."

For over 30 years, Curtis Self has been a pillar of the Junction City business community as the owner of C&S Autofinders, selling more than 10,000 vehicles throughout his career. His success is built on patience, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, emphasizing that a business's reputation is its greatest asset. He advises entrepreneurs to honor their word, maintain a strong image, and be mindful of their business practices, especially in the digital age where credibility is key.

Curtis comes from a legacy of leadership and service. His parents, Nolan and Wilma Self, were trailblazers in Junction City. His father, a Buffalo Soldier with the 10th Cavalry, retired from the U.S. Army as an E-8 and became the city’s first Black superintendent of sanitation. His mother, a civil servant at Ft. Riley, made history as the first Black member of the Junction City school board. Together, they raised eight sons, all proud graduates of Junction City High School. Married for 77 years, they instilled in their children the values of hard work, perseverance, and community service.

As a respected businessman and community leader, Curtis continues to set an example of resilience and trustworthiness, ensuring his legacy extends far beyond the cars he sells—he's shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs through wisdom and experience.

Why This Matters

Studies show that 8 out of 10 Black-owned businesses don’t make it past their first 18 months due to systemic barriers such as limited access to capital, credit disparities, and lack of funding opportunities. Additionally, Black professionals hold less than 5% of executive leadership roles in corporate America, and Black representation in city elected positions remains disproportionately low, with Black mayors leading just 8% of major U.S. cities. In higher education, Black professionals make up less than 10% of student affairs leadership and multicultural program directors, despite their critical role in fostering inclusive campus environments and supporting student success.

The Circle of Community Awards aren’t just about recognition—they’re about changing the narrative. By honoring these trailblazers, we highlight the impact of Black leadership and entrepreneurship across business, government, and education. This is about more than celebration—it’s about creating a platform that amplifies voices, stories, and successes. Representation matters, and together, we are building a future where Black excellence is not just recognized, but fully empowered.

A Night to Remember

Thanks to the generosity of our community, we met our $25,000 fundraising goal, which will go directly toward supporting Black entrepreneurs and students through grants, scholarships, and business training programs.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, and contributed to making this event a success. Your support is building a future where Black businesses and leaders thrive.

Let’s continue this work—together.

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