Women Executives (WE) is a diverse group of accomplished women who support and nurture each other's personal and professional growth.

WE provides a forum for professional interactions, sponsors programs for professional growth, and encourages its members to develop their leadership potential and serve the community. The goal of WE is to be an organization that is representative of leaders in the business, professional, educational and non-profit community of Charlotte. Membership in WE is by invitation only through a sponsored application process.

A Message from our President: Lead with Grace. Live with Gratitude.

Dear Women Executives,

It is an honor to serve as your President for the 20252026 term. I'm deeply grateful for the strong leaders who came before me and for the opportunity to walk this path with each of you.

Our theme, "Lead with Grace. Live with Gratitude," is more than a motto--it's a mindset for how we lead, work, and live.

To lead with grace is to uplift others with empathy, integrity, and strength. As women executives, we have the power to shape our communities and create lasting impact.

To live with gratitude is to appreciate the journey, embrace challenges as growth opportunities, and celebrate the people and moments that sustain us.

Thank you to LaRita Barber, last year's board, committee chairs, and volunteers for your inspiring leadership and dedication.

In the year ahead, I encourage you to stay engaged--mentor, lead, or simply support one another. Let's build meaningful connections and celebrate the women around us who embody grace and gratitude every day.

I'm truly thankful for this community and excited for the journey ahead. Together, let's lead with purpose and live with appreciation.

With gratitude,
Dawn Newsome
President, Women Executives | 20252026

With gratitude,
Dawn Newsome
WE President, 2025-2026

Membership

Membership in Women Executives is by invitation only through one of our current members. The membership process requires that each prospective member be sponsored by two Women Executives members with a cumulative seven years as members of WE. In addition, both the lead and co-sponsor need to have been a member for at least 1 year.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A WE MEMBER

A WE member exhibits some, if not all of the following characteristics and must meet additional criteria that will be outlined by the sponsor/co-sponsor when a prospective member is identified.

Expresses commitment to and actively engages with and supports WE's mission and objectives.
Holds an executive level position with executive decision-making authority and responsibilities within the company or organization.
Has a demonstrated and progressive record of executive leadership positions and professional accomplishments.
Exhibits the knowledge, determination, integrity and strength of character which lead to success.
Utilizes her skills and experiences not only in her work, but in WE, business, civic, community or charitable organizations.
Enriches the diversity of WE in one or more ways (e.g., professionally, culturally, through accomplishments)
Maintains ethical standards which are evidenced by her behavior, her interpersonal dealings, and the way she conducts business.
Acts as a connector and collaborator within WE.
Is a mentor and a role model for others.
Resides in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area.