By Rebecca Barnes
The Influential Women Awards celebrate the women whose leadership strengthens Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. This year, the event receives meaningful support from Great Eats Hospitality, led by Miguel Pires, a business owner whose personal story and community commitment shape the sponsorship in a profound way.
Pires’ decision to support the awards reflects a deep and personal connection. “This event resonates with me because I grew up watching my mother, Alice Pires, build and run Carmello’s and Monza for more than three decades,” he explains. Her leadership guided his appreciation for strong women in business and continues to influence the values behind his work. He adds, “Supporting Prince William Living and Rebecca Barnes also played a role. Rebecca’s dedication to this community mirrors the qualities I saw in my mother, and it’s important for us to stand behind those who consistently invest in our region.”
Community involvement has long been part of the identity of Zandra’s and the entire Great Eats Hospitality group. According to Pires, the sponsorship aligns perfectly with that foundation. “Zandra’s has always been rooted in community involvement and supporting the people who make our area stronger,” he says. Backing the Influential Women Awards, he notes, recognizes the leaders who help move the region forward while strengthening the sense of connection that defines the area.
For Pires, the sponsorship also carries personal meaning. He describes it as “a way to acknowledge the women who influenced my life and shaped my understanding of leadership.” Professionally, he sees it as an opportunity to champion the many women who contribute to the growth and energy of the community, including members of his own team. “Highlighting their achievements is something I consider both meaningful and necessary,” he says.
He hopes the message behind the sponsorship is clear. “I want this sponsorship to reinforce the value of supporting leaders and organizations that make a positive difference. When local businesses and community members work together, the entire region benefits.”
Nominations are now open for the Influential Women Awards. Readers who know women making an impact in the community are encouraged to submit nominations at princewilliamliving.com/influential-women.
Rebecca Barnes is the publisher of Prince William Living and a community storyteller dedicated to elevating the people and organizations that shape the region. She serves as the Public Information Officer for the OWL Volunteer Fire Department, cherishes time with her grandchildren, and embraces any chance for Disney-inspired fun.
