IAOTP to honor Sharina Perry as Top Global Icon in Sustainability

By AI, Created 6:30 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – The International Association of Top Professionals will recognize entrepreneur Sharina Perry at its December 2026 gala at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The award spotlights her work on plant-based plastics, sustainable business models and environmental responsibility.

Why it matters: - IAOTP’s award puts a national spotlight on Sharina Perry’s work in sustainable materials and circular-economy business models. - The honor also elevates Utopia Plastix, a plant-based alternative to petroleum-based polymers, as the gala recognizes one of its founders. - The recognition comes as companies face pressure to reduce plastic waste and show measurable environmental impact.

What happened: - IAOTP selected Sharina Perry as Top Global Icon of the Year in Sustainability for 2026. - IAOTP will honor Perry at its Annual Awards Gala in December 2026 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. - The organization said Perry was chosen for leadership, dedication and commitment to the industry. - Perry is the founder and inventor of Utopia Plastix and creator of the Utopia Model.

The details: - Perry has more than 25 years of experience launching and managing national businesses. - Utopia Plastix produces commercial-grade plant-based resins from low-maintenance regenerative crops approved by the USDA. - The crops can be harvested twice a year and absorb carbon at a rate four to five times greater than trees. - The resins are manufactured in FDA-compliant, ISO-certified facilities. - The materials can be used in existing manufacturing processes without changes to tooling or equipment. - The Utopia Model is designed to help farmers build generational wealth while supporting economic growth and sustainable agriculture. - Perry’s model brings together farmers, manufacturers and mission-driven organizations to deliver plant-based polymers. - The framework is meant to help clients strengthen brand positioning, support a more responsible supply chain, meet minority inclusion goals and give consumers more ethical product choices. - Perry holds leadership, management and business development certifications. - Her credentials include an expert certification in Sustainable Strategies and Circular Economics. - Her studies include the University of Oklahoma and Cambridge Judge Business School. - Perry was named Top Inventor of the Year for 2023 by IAOTP. - IAOTP also named her Top Sustainable Strategies & Circular Economics Expert of the Year in 2024. - Additional honors listed in the release include recognition from Woman’s Day Magazine, Forbes, Oklahoma business groups and the Teachers Appreciation Foundation. - Her media coverage has included Forbes, Woman’s Day Magazine, International Business Times, D Magazine, Brainz Magazine, 405 Business, The Journal Record, The Oklahoman, Edmond Business and The New Tri-State Defender. - Perry is a Rotarian, a member of the Women’s Professional Organization and a founding board member of Black Women Business Owners of America. - Oklahoma leaders selected Perry as one of 20 minority business advocates to represent minority-owned businesses. - Perry also serves on the STEM and Workforce Development Committee within the OKC Innovation District.

Between the lines: - The award reflects growing recognition for founders tying sustainability to manufacturing, agriculture and inclusive economic development. - Perry’s profile blends product development, civic service and executive branding, which can help broaden the reach of her sustainability message. - IAOTP’s recognition model is built around invitation and vetting, which adds prestige but also keeps the honors tightly curated.

What’s next: - Perry will be formally honored in December 2026 at the Plaza Hotel. - More information is available through IAOTP’s award gala page, Perry’s LinkedIn profile and Utopia Plastix’s story page. - IAOTP also promotes the event and organization through its main website.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is using its 2026 gala to recognize Sharina Perry for pairing sustainability, entrepreneurship and supply-chain innovation into a scalable business story.