Leadership Rising

Join Us for Leadership Rising

Queens University of Charlotte invites emerging leaders to connect, learn, and be inspired at the inaugural Leadership Rising event. Enjoy a high-impact networking breakfast and a keynote conversation celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year program, featuring trailblazer Joan Zimmerman in conversation with Queens alumna Laine Coplin.

About Leadership Rising

At Queens University of Charlotte, our mission is to be a convener—promoting open dialogue, fostering intellectual growth, and providing new perspectives and cultural experiences for our campus community and beyond.

Leadership Rising is a premier morning event designed to bring together Charlotte-area emerging leaders for connection, collaboration, and insight. This inaugural gathering also marks a milestone: the 40th anniversary of the Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year program, a tradition that has celebrated women whose leadership has shaped our community for four decades.

Featured Conversation

The featured program will highlight a conversation between Joan Zimmerman, the first recipient of the Charlotte BusinessWoman of the Year award in 1986, and Queens alumna Laine Coplin. Together, they will reflect on Zimmerman’s personal leadership journey, her insights on resilience and innovation, and her advice for the next generation of leaders.

Joan Zimmerman

Founder, Southern Shows, Inc.

Joan served as Chairman of Federal Reserve Bank’s Charlotte branch, chaired Richmond Federal Reserve’s Small Business Committee, was a founding member of First Charlotte Bank (now RBC/Centura), on local board of then NCNB. Her awards for business and philanthropy include: First Queens University Business Woman of the year; first recipient of the Business Journal’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2005 inducted into the N.C. Business Hall of Fame and in 2010 into Carolinas Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame. Received Charlotte woman of the Year Award, Thurgood Marshall Award, USAirways Top 20 Women in the Region and others.

She has served and chaired multiple non-profit organizations, including:
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Convention and Visitors bureau, chair of Charlotte Women’s Political Caucus, Queens College, JCSU Advisory, CPCC Foundation, Charlotte Airport Authority, Women’s Intercultural Exchange, Bechtler Museum, Dress for Success, Veterans Bridge Home, Mint Museum Advisory Committee, and others.

Educated at Leigh Junior Commercial College, a division of Manchester University, UK.

Early career in marketing and public relations, in Chicago and Greensboro. Worked in Germany with the Special Activities Division of the U.S. Forces in Europe.

Laine Coplin

Relationship Manager, CAV_OK Family Office

Laine Coplin is a Relationship Manager at CAV_OK Family Office, where she is engaged in complex financial planning, consulting, and project execution for ultra-high net worth families.

Laine’s career in finance began in corporate financial planning and investor relations at Fortune 200 companies, where she developed a breadth of experience in strategy, planning, financial markets, and communications.

Laine earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from Queens University of Charlotte, graduating summa cum laude. She later completed her CFP® professional education at Wake Forest University.

Laine is energized by quality time with friends and family. She enjoys reading, travel, and the outdoors. Passionate about advancing community education and well-being, Laine serves as a member of Foundation for the Carolinas Professional Cabinet of Advisors, Women’s Impact Fund, Queens Alumni Board, and Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Event Details

Secure Your Spot

Individual Registration | $75
Table Registration | $750

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

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellations received on or before Friday, October 17, 2025, will receive a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given after that time. Registrations are transferable to another individual.

Table Sponsorships include eight (8) in-person attendees. The deadline to submit table guests’ information is Friday, October 24, 2025.

Sponsorship

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ariani Huguenin (huguenina@queens.edu, 704-337-2553).