North Carolina Women Business Owners Gala
The North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame community gathered at the elegant Umstead Hotel & Spa to honor some of the state’s most inspiring leaders at the annual Women Business Owners Hall of Fame Gala. The evening was filled with connection, celebration, and stories of perseverance from women who have shaped North Carolina’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Honoring Excellence and Leadership
Nine incredible women were inducted into the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame this year: Carrie Peele, Darleen Johns, Jodi Hill Free, Niki Huebner, Robbie Hardy, Sally Webb Berry, and Trish Saemann, along with Advocacy Award recipients Liza Weidle and Terry Bradley Dunn.
Each honoree was recognized for her vision, innovation, and lasting impact on women-owned businesses across the state. From pioneering new industries to mentoring the next generation of female leaders, these women embody what it means to lead with purpose and passion.
A Night of Connection and Inspiration
Guests arrived at the Umstead’s grand ballroom, greeted by an atmosphere filled with excitement, gratitude, and pride. The event blended elegance and inspiration while featuring networking, live music, keynote remarks, and emotional tributes to the honorees.
Many in attendance were past inductees who came to celebrate new members joining the Hall of Fame, creating a strong sense of continuity and community. Laughter, applause, and even a few tears filled the room as stories of perseverance and triumph were shared.
From entrepreneurs who started their businesses with little more than an idea, to advocates who have fought for women’s visibility and equality in the workplace, each inductee’s journey served as a reminder that success is not a solo pursuit but it’s built through courage, mentorship, and community.
“The 2025 inductees to the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame truly exemplify the power and impact of women in business across North Carolina,” said Wendy Coulter, Founder and Board President of the NC Women Business Owners Hall of Fame. “Their journeys inspire us all, and it is a tremendous honor to recognize their dedication, innovation, and unwavering spirit as they pave the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.”
The Hall of Fame Gala has become a beloved annual tradition, a reminder that when women succeed, communities thrive.
Since its founding in 2018, the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame has recognized over 50 women whose achievements have shaped the state’s economic and cultural landscape. The Hall of Fame celebrates more than individual success; it documents the collective history of women’s entrepreneurship in North Carolina.
Each inductee shares a common thread: a deep connection to North Carolina through their birth, education, or business endeavors. Together, their stories paint a vibrant picture of what leadership looks like when grounded in purpose and fueled by determination.
Continuing the Legacy
For those who couldn’t attend, highlights and photos from the gala will be available soon on our website.
There, you can also learn more about the Hall of Fame’s history, nomination process, and the remarkable women who have been honored since its founding.
As we look ahead to the next year of innovation and growth, the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame invites women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and allies across North Carolina to continue this legacy, supporting, celebrating, and investing in women who are building the future. When women succeed, North Carolina succeeds.
