ABOUT US

“It is so important that we recognize the women trailblazers in our state’s entrepreneurial community who have made this possible. Our goal is to empower women to open and grow businesses, as well as advocate for women as significant contributors to the business community in our state.”
Wendy Coulter
Founder of the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame

“It is so important that we recognize the women trailblazers in our state’s entrepreneurial community who have made this possible. Our goal is to empower women to open and grow businesses, as well as advocate for women as significant contributors to the business community in our state.”
Wendy Coulter
Founder of the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame

"Join us for part two of our conversation with Wendy Coulter, where we delve into her entrepreneurial journey and her inspiring work in the nonprofit sector. Discover the story behind the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame and how it has evolved into a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring women's achievements. Wendy shares her passion for empowering women in business and highlights the impact of their leadership style on the workforce. Be inspired by the remarkable stories of inductees and learn how this program is expanding to other states. Tune in to gain insights into the future of business and nonprofit leadership, and find out how you can get involved in this transformative movement."

Listen to the Podcast

Over the past two decades, the number of women entrepreneurs in NC has risen 114%, according to the American Express State of Women Owned Business Report, and according to a 2021 study by SmartAsset, five towns throughout NC ranked in the top 50 places where women are most successful, including Cary, Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte and Greensboro.

Launched in 2018, the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame honors North Carolina’s most successful female entrepreneurs and advocates who have made significant and enduring contributions to impact women’s entrepreneurial development in North Carolina.

Board of Directors

OFFICERS:

Wendy Coulter - Founder/President
CEO at Hummingbird Creative Group Inc.

Stephanie Kissel - Vice President
Co-founder, COO at Supportedly.com

Johnny Bass - Treasurer
Operational & Financial Advisor at Bass Business Solutions

Sarah Glova - Secretary
Founder, CEO at Reify Media

DIRECTORS:

Elizabeth Cantino
Vice President | Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America

Katie Gailes
Co-Founder & President - Our Stories: Brave Conversations on Race
Chief Entrepreneurial Officer - Katie Gailes & Company

Brenda Harris
CEO at BPN Staffing Solutions

Danielle Mayber
Partnerships Manager at District C

Gena Messer-Knode
Dean; Career Services & Business Innovations, Executive Director of The Eastern North Carolina Center for Business and Entrepreneurship at North Carolina Wesleyan College

2022 Selection Committee

Johnny Bass - Chair
Operational & Financial Advisor at Bass Business Solutions
Member of NFIB/NC Leadership Council & NFIB USA/DC Leadership Trust
johnny@bassbusinesssolutions.com

Stephany Connelly
Director Of Strategic Partnerships - Covenant Holdings, LLC
South Atlantic Region Director for National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)

Gena Messer-Knode
Dean; Career Services & Business Innovations, Executive Director of The Eastern North Carolina Center for Business and Entrepreneurship - North Carolina Wesleyan College

Pamela Prowten
Business Development Manager, VP at JP Morgan Chase & Co.
SCORE Mentor

Shanon Madrid
Broker/ Owner- Sunbelt Business Brokers
President Elect- NAWBO Greater Raleigh

Melinda McVadon
Re-Branding Strategist - The McLynn Group
President Elect- NAWBO Charlotte

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