Northeastern University in Charlotte recognized local leaders throughout the Charlotte Region at the second annual Heart of Charlotte Awards. Hosted on Oct. 27, this year’s event awarded seven individuals and one organization for their exceptional commitment to bettering the local community by strengthening neighborhood connections, investing in educational achievement, creating jobs and supporting business development, and fostering social, racial, and health equity. Tryon Medical Partners was the presenting sponsor for the second consecutive year, and WBTV’s Molly Grantham joined as keynote speaker.
“This year’s award recipients are more than deserving of their respective honors and were carefully selected amongst a group of impressive nominees,” Angela Hosking, CEO and dean of Northeastern University in Charlotte, said. “We are proud to continue this tradition of recognizing those in the Charlotte community who are striving to make a difference and can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year’s program.”
Award recipients were nominated by individuals in the Charlotte community during an open nomination process this summer. This year’s program recognized the following winners in seven categories, which included three new categories to honor those specifically advancing issues related to health and wellness:
- Community Leader of the Year winner – Gregory “Dee” Rankin, Future Leaders NC: This award celebrates an individual that is making a difference in the Charlotte community by strengthening neighborhood connections, creating jobs, supporting business development and/or fostering social and racial equity.
- Educational Leader of the Year winner – Ramona Moore Big Eagle: This award honors a leader in the community who has gone above and beyond to invest in educational achievement.
- Health Educator of the Year winner – Zeleka Benton, Novant Health: This award recognizes an educational leader dedicated to the field of healthcare.
- Health Equity Leader of the Year winner – Dr. Jerome Williams, Jr., Novant Health: This award honors an individual in the community who is dedicated to fostering health equity.
- Nurse of the Year winner – Jeanne Williams, Mecklenburg County Public Health: This award recognizes a nurse with exceptional dedication to patient care and the community.
- Community Engagement Award winners – Alexander Patterson “Pat” McCoy, Action NC, & Justin McKee, Northeastern University in Charlotte (ABSN): This award celebrates exceptional Northeastern University students, alumni and/or faculty and staff who are committed to creating reciprocal partnerships that are mutually respectful, socially and ethically responsive, strategic and purposeful.
- Community Partner of the Year winner – United Way of Central Carolinas: This award honors an organization that is making an impact on the community through its commitment to strengthening neighborhood connections, creating jobs, supporting business development and/or fostering social and racial equity.
More information on the Northeastern University in Charlotte’s annual Heart of Charlotte Awards is available at hoca.sites.northeastern.edu.
