Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year

2026 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year

Queens University Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year, now in its 40th year, exemplifies the university’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and fostering leadership within the local and regional business community. Established in 1986, this prestigious event honors exceptional businesswomen who have made substantial and enduring contributions to the Charlotte region’s business, civic, and cultural life.

Nominations are open August 1–31, 2026

Celebrate the achievements of an exceptional business leader who has made a lasting impact on the Charlotte community. During open nominations, you can submit a local leader and help us recognize the next visionary shaping our region’s future. This award honors those whose business achievements, leadership, and community impact set the standard for excellence in our region.

To stay updated on the nomination process and the latest news for this event, please join our mailing list.

Criteria for Nomination

Nominees for consideration must be in senior business leadership roles and embody the McColl School of Business leadership philosophy: the Three C’s — Character, Competence, and Commitment to Community.

Commitment to Community
– Actively contributes to the Charlotte community through civic leadership, philanthropy, or nonprofit involvement
– Makes a sustained impact beyond their business role

The luncheon will offer in-person only options. A limited number of table sponsorships are available for eight (8) in-person attendees.

Registration Options

Individual In-Person Ticket | $125
Table Registration | $1,250

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Individual in-person attendees may switch to virtual before March 1, 2027. No refunds will be given, and changes after this date will not be honored. Individual registrations are transferable to another guest.

Table Sponsorships include eight (8) in-person attendees. Table Sponsor attendees cannot attend virtually. The deadline to submit table guests’ information is March 1, 2027.

History

Established in 1986, this award honors the achievements of exceptional businesswomen based on their contributions to the business, civic and cultural communities in the Charlotte region. Past recipients include Tanya Blackmon, former Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer of Novant Health; Dena Diorio, Mecklenburg County Manager; Peggy Brookhouse, Founder & President of Brookhouse; Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President & Systems Chief of Staff of Atrium Health; and Andrea Smith, former Chief Administrative Officer for Bank of America.

Recognized for its longstanding history and prestige, the Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year kicks off the spring award season. With ample professional development and network opportunities, this event reaches 275 of the area’s business and thought leaders. The nomination process for selection of the annual BusinessWoman of the Year is available during the month of September and can be accessed on this webpage.

Previous Award Recipients

2025  Tammy DeBoer

BWOY Quote Book 1986-2024

2024  Kristi Coleman

2023  Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer

2022  Diane (Di) Morais

2021  Tanya S. Blackmon

2020  Dena Diorio

2019  Peggy Brookhouse

2018  Carol Lovin

2017  Theresa Drew

2016  Andrea B. Smith

2015  Debra Plousha Moore

2014  Susan DeVore

2013  Lynn Good

2012  Laura A. Schulte

2011  Ann Caulkins

2010  Carol Hevey

2009  Cathy Bessant

2008  Jennifer Appleby

2007  Lauri Eberhart

2006  Dee Dixon

2005  Christie Taylor

2004  Peyton Howell

2003  Dana Rader

2002  Krista Tillman

2001  Vicki Wilson-McElreath

2000  Mary Tribble

1999  Jeannie Falknor

1998  Gail Brinn Wilkins

1997  Carol Pontis

1996  Phyllis Schultz

1995  Ruth Shaw

1994  Katie Tyler

1993  Linda McFarland Farthing

1992  Jill Flynn

1991  Muriel Helms

1990  Patricia Rodgers

1989  Betty Trautwein & Elaine Lyerly

1988  Dale Halton

1987  Bonnie Widenhouse

1986  Joan Zimmerman

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Event Contacts