50 Most Influential Women awards class of 2024

The year 2024 has been filled with hope, breakthroughs and a world that is focused on thriving in the midst of difficulty. And our class of 50 Most Influential Women proves that no hard- ships can keep a good woman down as they have persevered through many new and recurring challenges. 

They pick themselves up when they stumble; find their way around – or through – obstacles and figure out how to thrive and make a difference in their communities. 

Some of these women you will recognize because of the high profile they have achieved through work or philanthropy. Others you may not know, but we hope in reading this section you will soon feel that you do. Each exemplifies what most of us hope to achieve in our careers and our lives: a legacy of influence and support for those who follow. 

They are entrepreneurs; they are trailblazers. They’re not afraid to take the heat and take on the establishment if it means improving the odds of success. They are mentors, making others bold with their wisdom and experience, and by leading by example. They are passionate and compassionate, giving of their time, resources and energy to help those less fortunate, whether here in our own community, nationally, or abroad. 

They are, in a word, influential women. 

Here in North Carolina it has been a time of unbelievable tragedy, stark catastrophe and yet also powerful hope and regeneration in the aftermath of the most powerful storm to ever strike the Western part of the Tar Heel state. Hurricane Helene dealt a crushing blow to the area and many are still trying to recover from it. But even in the midst of such hardship women like our honorees have pitched in to help rebuild. 

And this year we’re pleased to once again include our colleagues at North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in the festivities, by expanding the scope of the most influential women list to include attorneys from around the state of North Carolina. We’re sure that they’ll add even more prestige to the event. 

So, please, join us in recognizing these incredible honorees. 

Considering the extraordinary achievements of so many nominees, narrowing the list was no easy task. 

But that was our charge, and, as they do each year, the team working on these awards came through admirably, choosing women whose handiwork can be seen across the region. But it’s not hard to have faith – in our nominees and in the hundreds and thousands of other women in our community – that their talents and energy will continue to improve life in the Queen City and beyond. 

We hope you enjoy – and draw inspiration from – hearing their stories. 

Scott Baughman 

Editor 

The Mecklenburg Times