The Women to KNOW State Hardcover is a once-in-a-lifetime honor and publication that features the highest caliber women from across the state. Applicants are interviewed and selected by a panel of previous honorees and members from the community.
Nominations are CLOSED for 2026!
More Than a Feature. A Lifetime Honor.
THE HONOR
The Women to KNOW in North Carolina hardcover is more than a publication. It is a distinction reserved for women who are shaping the future of business, leadership, and community impact across the State. Each honoree is carefully selected by a panel of previous awardees and respected members of the community who recognize not only success, but significance.
To be named a Woman to KNOW is to join a legacy of leadership, a network of women who embody excellence, integrity, and influence.
How Honorees Are Chosen
THE PROCESS
Each year, nominations are thoughtfully reviewed by our selection committee to identify women who exemplify leadership, innovation, and service.
During the interview process, nominees share their personal and professional journeys, their impact on their communities, and their vision for the future. The committee looks for women who have achieved measurable success while uplifting others through mentorship, advocacy, or philanthropy.
Only the most exemplary candidates are chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime honor.
Criteria Overview:
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Proven professional accomplishments
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Demonstrated leadership within their industry
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Measurable community or philanthropic impact
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Commitment to supporting and empowering women
An Evening of Recognition and Legacy
THE CELEBRATION
Honorees will be formally recognized during the Women to KNOW in North Carolina Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating leadership, community, and collective impact.
The event begins with a red-carpet welcome and a cocktail reception where honorees and guests enjoy live entertainment, tasting stations, and photo opportunities. Following the reception, attendees gather for the recognition program where each Woman to KNOW is called to the stage to be honored for her achievements and presented with the official Women to KNOW in North Carolina hardcover.
Our Selection Committee
MEET THE JUDGES
JENNA MCGEE
Account Manager | KNOW
SARAH BENKEN FOUSHEE
CEO & Publisher | KNOW
BETTY HINES
Women Elevating Women
The Women to KNOW in North Carolina judging panel is composed of former honorees, business leaders, and community advocates who share a commitment to excellence and equity. Each brings a unique perspective and years of experience identifying women who are truly shaping the future of their industries and communities. Their work ensures every honoree is evaluated with integrity, purpose, and intention.
“When Successful Women Are Lifted Up For Their Hard Work And Achievements, They Inspire The Next Generation Of Female Leaders.”
– Sarah Benken Foushee, Founder + CEO of KNOW Women
A Legacy of Women Who Inspire
MEET THE HONOREES
Across the nation, Women to KNOW honorees represent the highest standard of achievement, purpose, and leadership. These women are entrepreneurs, executives, philanthropists, and innovators who redefine what it means to lead with vision and compassion.
The Women to KNOW in North Carolina class joins a powerful community of hundreds of women who have been recognized through this initiative. Together, they form a collective legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of leaders. Meet the 2026 Class of Women to KNOW in North Carolina
ADRIENNE BAIN
JPI
ALINA KUZNIETSOVA
Fururumo
ALLISON LATOS LUCAS
Cabin Consulting
ALYSSA FOUSHEE
The Southern Host
DR. AMNA SHABBIR
Success Curated
APRIL STEPHENS
EXP Reality
ASHLEY GEORGE
Alive and Well
BOBBI JO LAZARUS
Elliott Davis Advisory LLC
DR.CHARRYSE JOHNSON
Mental Health Consultant
COLISHA C. STANFORD
StepUp Ministry
DIONNE GRIFFIN MCGEE
DG McGee Enterprises
DONNA LEE REED
HOME4ME
EMMA HAYES
SECU
JANICE K. IVEY (JAN IVEY)
Carolina Ascent FC
JANASSA L. KEARNEY
Assana-J-Health And Wellness
JANE MONREAL
WCNC Charlotte
JASMINE BEARD
Ajoy Consulting
DR. JENNIFER BIZUNEH
The Medical Spa
JENNIFER THOMPSON
Charlotte International Airport
JUDY WISHNEK
Truliant Federal Credit Union
KARI ESMAIL
The Fun Side
KIM BAKER
K. Baker, PLLC
KRISTY TESKEY
Asset Funders Network
LARITA BARBER
Goodwill Industries
LASHAUNA LOWRY
Ally Financial
LENORE CULPEPPER
U.S. Bank
MAGGIE MAE WHITTEMORE
Authentically You Consulting
MARINA IVANOV
Apex Transit Solutions
DR. MELINDA HENDERSON
Bencura Rehabilitation Services
MELISSA HALL
Fields of Hope
MICHELLE COFFINO
Generational Health
MICHELLE RENEE HORTON
Youniversity Drive
DR. MICHELLE LAWS
Symbiotic Strategies
NIA LUCKEY
TEDX Speaker
NICHOLE EATON
Intuitive Therapist
NICOLE M. BENTIVEGNA
Signature Wellness
NIKKI THORNTON
Meca Commercial Real Estate
DR. PRAVALLIKA DEVINENI
U.S. Department Of Energy
RHONDA COPELAND LYLE
The Scholarship Strategist
SELENA WORRELL
Worrell Contracting Co, INC
SHAMIRA N. WRIGHT
ULCC
SHARON C. GOODSON
NCCAA
SHAY PROSSER
North 12 Partners
STEPHANIE BROADERS
Spark Well Consulting
STEPHANIE SNEED
Stepforward
TAYUANEE DEWBERRY
Hornets Nest Council
TIFFANY JOHNSON
Colliers
DR. VALERIE RAKES
Catawba College
DR. VONDA K. ROGERS
Northgate Academy
WHITNEY LEWIS-THOMPSON FELD
Bissell Ballantyne
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
The Women to KNOW in North Carolina, presented by Queen City Metal Recycling & Salvage offers exclusive partnership opportunities for brands and organizations that champion women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact. As a sponsor, you will align your brand with one of the most respected recognitions for women across the state while gaining meaningful visibility among influential audiences.
From event sponsorships to book placements and digital exposure, each opportunity is designed to create connection, recognition, and long-term brand equity.
Please email us at hello@theknowwomen.com to learn more about our partnership opportunities.
