In 2026, WBENC proudly continues its tradition of honoring exceptional women business owners through the WBE Star Award. Selected by their Regional Partner Organizations, the 14 WBE Stars exemplify this year’s theme of IMPACT, demonstrating meaningful influence across their businesses, communities, and industries through leadership, excellence, and service.
Throughout the year, the 2026 WBE Stars will be featured on the WBENC website, culminating in their celebration at the 2026 WBENC National Conference, June 15–18, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where thousands will gather to do business and honor the strength and impact of the WBENC Network.
Meet Adonica Randall, President of Abaxent LLC, with the Women’s Business Development Center-Midwest Regional Partner Organization. Adonica is a seasoned technology executive whose career is defined by disciplined leadership, deep technical expertise, and a commitment to aligning technology with real-world business outcomes. As President of Abaxent LLC, Adonica brings more than 40 years of experience across enterprise IT, operational technology, and large-scale infrastructure environments.
With degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science/Electrical Engineering, Adonica held executive roles at GE Medical, IBM, and General Motors, building a foundation in complex, highly regulated industries where accountability and precision matter. That experience continues to inform her clear-eyed approach to solving enterprise challenges.
Under her leadership, Abaxent specializes in the convergence of IT infrastructure and operational technology—designing, deploying, and integrating secure, intelligent systems for modern facilities. The firm delivers end-to-end capability, pairing technology integration with workforce development and capital financing to ensure long-term performance, not just installation. Inspired by her grandmother, a fearless entrepreneur, Adonica leads the Abaxent team with a “Chief Problem-Solver” philosophy—advancing technology, opportunity, and the next generation of leaders.
Get inspired by Adonica’s insights!
Abaxent LLC is a technology broker and solutions company that serves as a trusted advisor, helping organizations “calm the chaos” of the technology landscape. The firm is vendor agnostic, connecting buyers and sellers of technology services based solely on client needs. Abaxent’s core capabilities span the IT infrastructure lifecycle, physical and data security, leasing and capital optimization, and workforce solutions. The company delivers customized, scalable solutions across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, government, and construction.
View the Abaxent LLC Economic Impact Story!
Wisdom from WBE Star, Adonica Randall
How do you define “IMPACT” in your own words?
IMPACT is the ripple effect of intentional action—it’s what happens when purpose meets opportunity. To me, impact isn’t measured by accolades or awards, but by the lives transformed along the way. It’s the entrepreneur you mentor who launches their dream business. It’s the workforce you develop that changes a company’s trajectory.
Impact is legacy in motion—serving with purpose and acting intentionally so others can realize possibilities they never imagined for themselves.
For business owners and leaders who are looking to accelerate their “IMPACT,” what key advice or actionable steps would you recommend for them to implement today?
Three principles have guided my journey: First, find your ANCHOR—identify the person, purpose, or value that grounds you when challenges arise. My grandmother’s entrepreneurial fearlessness became my foundation. Second, stop asking for permission—women in male-dominated fields must find their voice and be heard. I became the “technology whisperer” by creating my own role. Third, nurture curiosity in yourself and others—if you love what you do, it will take you far. Stay curious about emerging technologies and opportunities.
What impact are you most proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of becoming Wisconsin’s first African American woman-owned certified technology company—not for the title itself, but for what it represents. Being Black and raised by a single Black teenage mother in the 1950s wasn’t considered building blocks of success. Yet here we stand, 22 years later, having delivered critical infrastructure for the Fiserv Forum and emergency care facilities during COVID-19. I’m proud because we proved that “things are only impossible until they’re not,” as Captain Picard said. But my deepest pride comes from nurturing others toward their own journeys of excellence.
What strategies do you use to stay motivated and inspired as a leader?
My motivation comes from three sources: First, my lifelong love of technology and science fiction—Star Trek’s vision of boldly going where no one has gone before still inspires me after 60+ years. The joy of being curious keeps me engaged. Second, my relationships—our team operates on deep personal friendships and shared mission, which sustains us through challenges. Third, purpose over profit—I don’t work every day for money or accolades. The joy is in helping nurture the next person or business toward their own journey of excellence. That purpose never gets old.
Looking ahead, what legacy of impact do you hope to leave in the business community?
My legacy isn’t about building a technology empire—it’s about ensuring inclusive future-focused pathways that incorporate the richness of African American ingenuity and innovation. I want to leave behind a model that proves lifestyle businesses built on friendship, mission, and authentic relationships can thrive. I hope to be remembered as someone who helped nurture the next person or business toward their own journey of excellence. As I tell every audience: “The world needs YOUR brilliance.” My legacy is helping others believe that—and act on it.
