Phebe Fuqua, Daytona Beach’s own, is a businesswoman, cancer survivor and role model.The CEO and president of Elite Eagle Developments, Inc. was named Ms. Daytona Beach Florida Corporate America 2026 last month.Fuqua told the Daytona Times, “I have been in competitions before but to represent my city is great. I grew up in Daytona Beach and love my city. I feel like all the great things that I am involved in are being seen at a national level, which means a lot to me.“By carrying this crown, everyone is seeing the work that I am doing, which echoes my platform inspiring to change and impact to make a difference by revitalizing communities and individuals,’’ she noted.
Phebe Fuqua was named Ms. Daytona Beach Florida Corporate America 2026 in March.
During her reign as Ms. Daytona Beach Florida Corporate America 2026, she will be launching initiatives focused on:• Youth STEM and aviation programs• Leadership and mentorship opportunities• Connecting local businesses with resources and networks to strengthen communities• Community revitalization partnerships• Health awareness advocacy for multiple sclerosis and cancer survivorshipLast month, she also was honored as one of the 40 Under Forty Women in Volusia and Flagler Counties at Daytona State College.She was selected as the Young Local Government Official of the Year. Fuqua works at the City of Daytona Beach’s Redevelopment Department as a redevelopment property manager. She sometimes does special projects for the city manager’s office.“I balance it all because I have a team behind me that is working with me. My team is phenomenal,” noted Fuqua.Fuqua also owns Elite Eagles Transport, which transports goods and does debris removal. In addition, she owns Carrer Catalyst Connections, Inc., a STEM based non-profit that prepares youth for STEM careers.“It feels great being a Black businesswoman in America. I am walking into another generation of Black entrepreneurs and Black women leading. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and leaders,” expressed Fuqua.
In March, Phebe Fuqua was named a 40 Under Forty Honoree and awarded the 2026 Young Local Government Officer of the Year.
Global impactFuqua’s work has touched places beyond America such as Nigeria, Canada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Aguila, St. Martin, St. Martinique, St. Vincent and more.“It’s been very rewarding to make impact and have transformation happen in communities,” said Fuqua.Fuqua is a Mainland High alum. She is a graduate of Florida A&M University and Daytona State College. Fuqua has a Bachelor of Architecture with a focus on business supervision management.Her family lineage includes Nigerian descent on her mother’s side and St. Martin on her father’s side as well as Mississippi and Louisiana in the U.S.“I tell my children and those around me that I am my ancestor’s wildest dreams. I tell them to not just make an impact in America but internationally. It feels good to have that mixture of cultures because it shows you that you can do whatever you put your mind to,” expressed Fuqua.A survivorFuqua is also a cancer survivor and has multiple sclerosis.“It’s God! Last year, I had a bad MS episode that I went public with. I had to learn how to walk, talk and eat again. I almost died. I had to shift my thinking. Life is 10 percent of what happens to you and 90 percent how you react. I chose to live. Sometimes I can’t walk. I have bad tremors. Most of the time I am in pain. I have a tumor and fluid in my brain. I keep fighting. My purpose is to inspire change and impact others lives,” emphasized Fuqua.She further stated, “My goal is to die empty. Most people die full of potential. The graveyards are rich. People die full of dreams and potential, hopes and a lot of would of, should of and could of. I want to make sure that the day I die people know I did everything I could.”Fuqua also loves aviation; she and her husband, Danny Fuqua, are members of the Robert B. Griffin Florida Chapter of the Black Pilots of America based in Orlando.She noted, “My dream is to have a fleet of airplanes. I know how to fly but can’t pass the medical aspect to be a pilot. You shift something negative to you into a positive.”Fuqua also was honored during Women’s History Month and Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. which are both in March.“It is important to honor women and support and elevate them in every way. Also be aware and educate yourself on multiple sclerosis because it’s a silent disease. People tell me every day that I don’t look sick. You can look great but be battling something inside,” responded Fuqua.Fuqua is the mother of two sons – Amaziah, 15 and Hezekiah, 13 and one daughter Jaylisa, 14.Words of encouragementIn addition, she is a member of several organizations including the National Organization of Minority Architects.Fuqua loves traveling, writing visiting museums, culture, poetry, playing the piano, people and food.She leaves these words of encouragement for others.Fuqua emphasized, “If you have something bubbling inside you. Go for it. Don’t be distracted by the naysayers. Starve your distractions and feed your focus. Never make yourself a bite-size version for someone else to digest.She added, “You must have a stern focus on what you must do. Go into a room like you own it. Women are often made to feel like they don’t belong. I am and architecture engineer and often the only female and Black person’ it’s challenging. Also, provide access for someone else.”
