UNCF Charlotte to Host 24th Annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Hat Luncheon to Raise Funds for College Students

One of Charlotte’s largest annual women’s luncheon fundraisers will honor local women, HBCUs

UNCF Charlotte will host its 24th Annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, Presented by Wells Fargo, on Saturday, Sept. 19. Known as one of Charlotte’s largest annual women’s luncheon fundraisers, the event supports UNCF’s mission to help students get to – and through – college while celebrating extraordinary women whose leadership transforms communities. The luncheon will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center in the Richardson Ballroom, with doors opening at 10 a.m. for pre-event festivities including shopping with local vendors, cocktails and photographs. This year, the luncheon aims to raise over $550,000 to support students across the state of North Carolina.

“At Wells Fargo, we believe education is one of the most powerful pathways to opportunity,” said Gigi Dixon, head of External Engagement. “We are honored to partner with UNCF in supporting students as they pursue their academic goals and prepare for successful futures. Through the Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, we celebrate the leaders who inspire change while helping more students thrive in and graduate from college.

Named in honor of the iconic poet, author and activist Dr. Maya Angelou, this unforgettable afternoon celebrates women who embody her fearless spirit, resilience and commitment to service. Centered on the theme of Beauty, Health & Wellness, the event will highlight the impact of leaders who are advancing well-being, confidence and care throughout their communities. This year’s distinguished honorees include Humanitarian and educator, Mary “Dee” Dolby, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. C. Nicole Swiner, Family Physician and Women’s Health Expert.  Andrea Lewis, the Creator and Executive Producer of the Netflix Limited Series, The Black Beauty Effect. Dr. Tonya McLeod, a board-certified dermatologist and senior partner at Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. And Shassity Stevenson, founder of Skye Salons and owner of Shassity Styles. Additionally, special guest Claire Sulmers, Founder of Fashion Bomb Daily, will report live from the event on buzz-worthy ensembles.

“Each year, the Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon is more than an event—it’s an experience,” said Tiffany Jones-Boyd, Regional Development Director. “It’s a celebration of brilliance, a gathering of purpose-driven leaders, and an opportunity to directly impact the next generation. We invite the community to join us for a truly unforgettable afternoon.”

The Women Who Lead Luncheon will feature the annual ‘Hatitude’ Competition, a tradition in which guests showcase their most stylish, creative and dramatic hats for prizes in several categories. The program will also bring the Beauty, Health & Wellness theme to life through a panel discussion moderated by Ohavia Phillips-Reed, providing honorees a platform to share their journeys in redefining and shaping the future of the industry. Guests will also hear from UNCF scholars who will share how scholarships have shaped their path to education. Positively Charlotte’s Alicia Quarles and Lisa Mahachek will emcee the luncheon, with chair Whitley Stewart, real estate adviser and strategist at The Agency Charlotte, participating in the program.

Every ticket purchased and every sponsorship secured helps open doors for deserving students and strengthens the pipeline of future leaders. The 24th annual luncheon is Presented by Wells Fargo, with Lowe’s Companies, Inc. serving as the gold sponsor; alongside a dedicated group of loyal donors and community partners.

For ticket information or additional details about the UNCF Women Who Lead Luncheon, visit UNCF.org/MAWWLL.

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About UNCF

UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 13,000 scholarships to more than 10,000 students totaling more than $64 million. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities, including 36 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in strengthening the pipeline of leaders and professionals who advance our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education, and our widely recognized trademark is, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” ® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram.