Pride Awards 2022 is set to take place at The Westin Charlotte on Feb. 24 at 11:15 a.m. The theme this year, “Breaking Barriers,” will celebrate diverse minority and small business ownership and the importance of corporate supply chain diversity.
Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte, will receive this year’s prestigious Pride Award. Cockrell’s career has spanned more than 38 years in financial services with a number of key executive roles. He also has served as vice chair of the Global Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Council and was instrumental in establishing several employee networks at Bank of America, including the Black Professional Group and the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement. In 2019, Cockrell received two D&I awards for his role in promoting equality, unity and multiculturalism.
“I’ve had great role models and mentors during my career who advocated for me,” Cockrell said. “Bank of America values diversity and recognizes our role and responsibility to continue to cultivate an inclusive culture. As such, and as bank leaders, we understand that success doesn’t only equate to our personal skills but also to our ability to actively support and nurture other people’s talent.”
In the spirit of celebrating minority business ownership, this year’s Pride Awards will include a “Reinventing the Pitch” competition featuring small business owners from Charlotte’s opportunity zones who have broken barriers to keep their businesses afloat.
The event will also shine the spotlight on how Pride Awards major sponsors have successfully broken barriers with their supply chain diversity initiatives.
“We are very proud of our ‘Breaking Barriers’ theme,” Dee Dixon, CEO of Pride Magazine, said. “We are excited about showcasing business owners from underserved communities and allowing them to compete for a valuable marketing package. We hope the exposure will help them thrive for years to come.”
Presenting and supporting sponsors include Atrium, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Food Lion, U.S. Bank, Northeastern University, Truist, Lowe’s, Novant, Premier and WCNC.
To reserve seating, click here or call 704-375-9553 for more information.
