Each year, Queens brings some of Charlotte's most influential people together to honor outstanding women in business. This year was no exception. BusinessWoman of the Year Laura Schulte is Wells Fargo's Eastern Community Bank president. She leads 14 states, the District of Columbia, 32,000 team members and more than 2,700 banking stores.

"Laura Schulte is known for her visionary leadership in guiding the final phase of the largest retail bank conversion in U.S. history," says Queens' president Pamela Davies. "Since relocating to Charlotte, she has been tirelessly dedicated to our community."

Laura was honored at an annual luncheon at Queens. In her acceptance remarks Laura stated, "Charlotte is an extraordinary city today, but I truly believe that its best days are yet to come. I can hardly wait to be a part of it."

North Carolina's new secretary of commerce Sharon Decker offered the keynote address. She talked about lessons she has learned from Charlotte's greats including Joan Zimmerman, Bill Lee, a homeless person and a Buddhist monk. Sharon said, "Every single person has worth and value," and stressed "the importance of knowing what's first in your life and being courageous enough to live your life by those priorities."

Laura joins a list of remarkable women who have been named Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year. Previous winners include Carol Hevey, Cathy Bessant, Patricia Rodgers, Ruth Shaw and Joan Zimmerman, and the 2011 winner, Charlotte Observer publisher Ann Caulkins who presented Laura with this year's award.

The Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award has been around for almost 30 years, recognizing women for significant, sustained contributions to business and the community. The award celebrates the achievements of exceptional women professionals who exhibit leadership as defined by the values of Queens' McColl School of Business - competence, character and commitment to the community.

“The MSOD program has truly changed my life. It has opened me up to the world around me, sharpened my self-perception and allowed me to become acutely aware of how dynamic human behavior really is. Receiving this fellowship is not only an honor, but is a true gift for which I am ever grateful.”

– Nichole Green, Master of Science in Organization Development Student

The Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year event also honors five students in the McColl School of Business with a scholarship.

• Shante Williams, executive MBA
• Tamara Steinberger, professional MBA
• Nichole Green, MS in organization development
• Crysanne Baker, Hayworth College business major
• Helaine Coplin, traditional undergraduate business major

Laura Schulte

Learn more about the 2012 BusinessWoman of the Year.

• Laura Schulte biography
• Read Laura's remarks

Event Video

Some of Charlotte's most influential folks including Michael Marsicano, congratulate Laura.

Event Photos

Ann Caulkins, Sharon Decker, among others, attended the luncheon to honor Laura Schulte.