CELEBRATING WOMEN

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Photos by Tricia Coyne Photography

The mission of the Visionary Women Luncheon is to celebrate the power and purpose of women coming together to share big ideas that benefit the community. It's presented annually by Wells Fargo Private Bank, Queens University of Charlotte and the Mint Museum.

The luncheon is also a tribute to the past 34 recipients of Queens University of Charlotte's Business Woman of the Year; and the Charlotte Woman of the Year program, which began in 1955. Charlotte's 2019 Business Woman of the Year is Carol Lovin, Executive Vice President and System Chief of Staff for Atrium Health.

“This event is unique because it is singularly focused on celebrating women, women empowerment, women supporting other women and women coming together to make a difference in our community,” says Madelyn Caple, Managing Director for Wells Fargo Private Bank. “Every detail is perfect — the invitation, the flowers, the menu and the program content — it’s all so thoughtful,” she says.

For the first time, the luncheon was held outdoors on the grounds of the Mint Museum Randolph amid gorgeous displays from Watered Garden Florist. Acclaimed artist Windy O’Connor created the designs that were used for the tablecloths and the invitations.

While guests enjoyed a delicious meal from Porcupine Provisions, speaker Gregg Renfrew, Founder and CEO of Beautycounter cosmetics, was interviewed on stage by Pamela Davies, former president of Queens University of Charlotte and the 2018 Charlotte Business Woman of the Year recipient.

Gregg’s cosmetics company is revolutionizing the industry by creating clean and sustainable products while also advocating for safer beauty laws.

Attendees were delighted to discover that Gregg is the cousin of sisters Hillary Cooper, The Mint Museum’s Director of Advancement & Communications, and Leslie Culbertson, Corporate Relations Manager for Anne Neilson Fine Art.

“Leslie and I are so proud of Gregg — she is an incredible person, wife, mother, entrepreneur, and friend,” Hillary says. “She has always been smart, driven, fearless, and confident. She has built an amazing business and is transforming the world.”

The warmth of the crowd and the meaningfulness of the event left an impression on the guest of honor.

“Gregg was blown away by the luncheon, the women she met in Charlotte and how engaging everyone was,” Madelyn says.

VISIONARY WOMEN LUNCHEON

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                                                                          Tricia Coyne Photography

The Visionary Women Luncheon has a beautiful mission: to celebrate the power and purpose of women coming together to connect, listen and share. It's presented annually by Queens University of Charlotte, Wells Fargo Private Bank and the Mint Museum. 

Catherine M. Austin Designs, Todd Murphy Events and Watered Garden Florist transformed the Frances Young Dining Room at Morrison Hall on the university's campus into a garden inspired by fashion designer Oscar de la Renta. Porcupine Provisions created the delicious spring menu. And Arzberger Stationers set the tone for the event by designing the gorgeous invitations. 

Along with honoring all women, the luncheon is also a chance to pay tribute to the past 33 recipients of the Queens University of Charlotte's Business Woman of the Year; and the Charlotte Woman of the Year program, which began in 1955. Charlotte's 2018 Woman of the Year is the university’s president, Pamela Davies.

Host committee members Madelyn Caple, Pamela Davies, Hillary Cooper and past Charlotte Business Woman of the Year winners Joan Zimmerman, Theresa Drew and Mayor Vi Lyles planned an interesting program featuring speaker Alexis Jones. Alexis is an internationally recognized author, activist, speaker and media personality. She talked about her I Am That Girl nonprofit and why she founded the ProtectHer locker room program that educates male athletes  on the importance of respecting women. 

One of the most exciting moments was Madelyn Caple, Regional Manager for Wells Fargo Private Bank, announcing the Wells Fargo Foundation grant investments of over $750,000 in philanthropic support for nonprofits and organizations serving the needs of girls and women. Along with generous donations to many recipients, it was also revealed that Wells Fargo is the lead $50,000 underwriter of Charlotte’s innovative new Family Justice Center in partnership with The Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage. It will give domestic violence victims and their children access to all the services they need in a single place.