Calonda Henry of Broad Horizons Speech Therapy has been named 2025 Overall Small Business Leader of the Year.
The 11 Northeast Florida business leaders were selected for the honor by the Chamber Councils, the Beaches Division, NextUp JAX, and Venture Services. All individual winners were recognized Tuesday at the Small Business Breakfast presented by TD Bank at the Florida Blue Conference Center.
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Broad Horizons Speech Therapy has grown considerably in the pediatric therapy space over the past five years. The company started in 2019 and has since expanded from a comprehensive therapy center to include a school staffing agency, now offering both Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy services.
The center supports children with diverse needs, including speech, language, reading intervention, motor development, and sensory integration challenges. Henry grew the business from being a solo practice with one provider, to being a finalist for Best Pediatric Clinic in Jacksonville (2024) and a recipient of the prestigious 2024 Comcast RISE Grant, awarded to only 500 businesses nationwide.
“Calonda’s ambition and commitment to her work is valuable as a business owner. Her entrepreneurial spirit is an example of the impact emerging businesses can have on our city,” JAX Chamber President and CEO Daniel Davis said.
Calonda Henry, a Jacksonville native, is the first business owner in her family and the first to earn a master’s degree. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Central Florida and her master’s from Nova Southeastern University. Henry has been a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, since 2010. She started Broad Horizons Speech Therapy after working as a direct hire for Duval County Public Schools for four years.
“This journey has been anything but ordinary. As a young, minority woman in my 30s, I am proud to represent the 3% of African Americans in the field of speech-language pathology and the even smaller percentage of women business owners”, said Henry. “I am determined to reach and surpass that milestone, not just for myself but as a testament to others that breaking barriers is possible.”
Today, innovation remains at the heart of Broad Horizons Speech Therapy’s strategy. The center stays ahead of the curve by exploring AI-assisted interventions and new therapy methods to enhance their competitive edge. Their mission is to empower every child to reach their full potential through personalized case and evidence-based, culturally responsive practices. Her dedication to innovation and excellence has made Broad Horizons a trusted resource in the Jacksonville community.
“For me, every child deserves to be heard, understood, and empowered to thrive in their own unique way. That means embracing creativity, celebrating individuality, and fostering a space where growth is not just possible but inevitable,” said Henry. “I believe in equipping families with tools and knowledge, so they feel confident as partners in their child’s development.”
Outside of the center, Henry stays involved in leadership opportunities around the community, serving as a dedicated board member of the Williams YMCA, and Co-Chair for the Building Our Economic Wealth Committee within her sorority. She serves as a mentor for graduate clinicians and contributes to the next generation of professionals as an Advisory Board member for the Communication Sciences and Disorders Program at Jacksonville University.
In addition to Calonda Henry, the 2025 Small Business Leaders of the Year are:
- Sonya Marchisillo, Pinnacle Communications Group – Arlington Council
- Sarah White, Sarah Ennis White Events – Beaches Division
- DJ Remark, BloodScribe Creations – Downtown Council
- Randi Beesing, Any Lab Test Now – Jacksonville – Health Council
- Andrea Reyes, Reyes Legal, PLLC – NextUp JAX
- Sam Harding, Intent Sales & Marketing – Jacksonville IT Council
- Dr. Tracy Riley, Tracy Riley Counseling – Professional Women’s Council
- Regent Ducas, Easy Edit Video – South Council
- Marc Fraga, Smash My Trash of Jacksonville – Transportation & Logistics Council
- Danielle Cleary, Heartspace Art – Three Rivers Council
About JAX Chamber
The JAX Chamber is the business membership organization dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this region the best place to live, work and play. Membership provides the opportunity to connect with and buy from other Chamber members. The connections result in business growth and a more prosperous economy.
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