The Charlotte Business Journal has announced the honorees for its 2023 Power 100 List. This year’s class is made up of the region’s leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion. Included in the Power 100 is Tya Bolton, director of small business and entrepreneurship for the CLT Alliance Foundation.
The CBJ’s editorial staff spent months seeking out nominations, working through contacts across companies big and small, and asking for the help of nonprofits and civic organizations to identify the DEI players who are setting the agenda here.
“Tya’s steadfast commitment to helping entrepreneurs start, run and grow their businesses has added and will continue to add significant value to the Charlotte Region,” CLT Alliance Foundation President Nate Hogan said. “We couldn’t be more excited for Tya to receive this much deserved honor and look forward to the impact Tya’s work will have on the economic growth of our communities.”
The CBJ asked the honorees for their thoughts on where Charlotte is headed and how they are helping get us there. The responses ranged from a couple hundred words to more than 1,000 — all striking for the depth of thought and important for the promise of positive actions. These are serious people who are leading change.
“I lead with love and aim to leave a legacy that drives ongoing social change, honors the uniqueness of all, and fosters a thriving inclusive environment supported by necessary resources,” Bolton said.
One of the questions asked of all 100 honorees: What is your definition of diversity?
“Diversity is multicultural, multigenerational, and socioeconomically inclusive. It is about acknowledging and valuing differences, creating an environment where all feel respected, included and empowered to contribute without repercussions,” Bolton said. “Embracing diversity leads to broadened perspectives, improved problem-solving, increased creativity and a stronger sense of unity.”
The CBJ’s thought on diversity: it’s in these profiles, the very best of Charlotte trying in 100 different ways to make this a better place. For everyone.
See the full Power 100 List here.
