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Queens University 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 female 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.

2025 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year Luncheon

Nominations will be open from September 1-30 for the 2025 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year! Celebrate the achievements of an outstanding woman who has made a lasting impact on the Charlotte community. During open nominations, you can submit a local business leader and help us recognize the next visionary shaping our region’s future.

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

March 2026

Queens University of Charlotte
1900 Selwyn Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28274

11:30 a.m. | Registration & Networking

12:00-1:30 p.m. | Lunch & Program

The 2025 Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year luncheon will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options. A limited number of table sponsorships are available for eight (8) in-person attendees.

Registration Options

Individual In-Person Ticket | $125
Individual Virtual Ticket | $25
Table Sponsorship | $1,250

Table Sponsorships include a table for eight (8) in-person attendees and company recognition in the program & day-of signage.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Individual in-person attendees may switch to virtual before Friday, February 13, 2026. 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 Friday, February 20, 2026.

Presented to the Community by:
Bank of America logo

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.

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 Zimmerma

Join Our Mailing List

Please join our mailing list if you’d like to receive information about the nomination process and event details.

Event Contacts

Allison Meyer-Tucker
Director, Strategic Programming
704-337-2435
meyer-tuckera@queens.edu

Ariani Huguenin
Director, Memberships & Sponsorships
704-337-2553
huguenina@queens.edu