NAWBO Charlotte
& NC WBO Hall of Fame
Awards Gala
Three great awards, one great night!
Each year NAWBO Charlotte awards two women business owners with prestigious awards. These women are nominated by you, and a panel of judges interviews each finalist to choose the final winners.
The Woman Business Owner Award is presented to a member who has demonstrated strong leadership skills in growing and managing a successful business that is more than five years old.
The Rising Star Award is presented to a member who has demonstrated entrepreneurial creativity and determination in successfully managing a business that is less than five years old.
NC Women Busines Owners Hall of Fame Charlotte is host city for the NC Hall of Fame award this year. Launched in 2018, the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame honors North Carolina’s most successful female entrepreneurs and advocates who have made significant and enduring contributions to impact women’s entrepreneurial development in North Carolina. This initiative is in coordination with NAWBO-Raleigh, the Small Business Administration and many other North Carolina organizations. Keep in mind, nominees for the Hall of Fame do NOT need to be a NAWBO member, and they can be living or deceased.
34th Annual NAWBO Charlotte Gala Award Winners
WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER
Christine Roper
Roper Physical Therapy
Christine opened Roper Physical Therapy in 2003, offering individualized treatment plans incorporating myofascial release. In 2012, she joined forces with her friend and colleague adding a medical-based, bio-mechanically sound yoga program to their physical therapy practice. Christine and her dynamic team of therapists have found success in helping their patients heal and achieve better quality of life by combining their expertise in myofascial release, physical therapy and knowledge of medical-based yoga. Christine has been a guest speaker covering topics surrounding medical-based yoga and myofascial release at several colleges and universities. Currently Christine is a committee member for the Gold Award Committee at Hornet’s Nest Girl Scouts and is a board member of the non-profit organization, Brave Step. Christine resides in Charlotte with her husband of 22 years and their 3 children.
RISING STAR
Melisa Galasso
Galasso Learning Solutions
Melisa Galasso, CPA, is the founder of Galasso Learning Solutions LLC, where she designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topics. She also supports essential professional development, public speaking, and business skills. She is fortunate to work with clients motivated to invest in high-quality custom training for their staff. Melisa’s passion for instructional design is one of the differentiators that sets her apart from other CPE providers. She was honored as one of the 50 Most Influential Women by the Mecklenburg Times and has earned several awards for public speaking and technical training. Melisa enjoys traveling, watching her daughter ride her horse, and spending quality time with family. She finds balance through yoga, reading, and frequents local performing arts shows.
34th Annual NAWBO Charlotte Gala Award Finalists
The Woman Business Owner of the Year Award
Julie Bee
Bee Smart Social Media
Michelle O’Connor
O’Connor Insurance Associates
Christine Roper
Roper Physical Therapy
The Rising Star of the Year Award
Melisa Galasso
Galasso Learning Solutions
Mindy Hinson
M3 Real Estate
Nicole Reina
Amaze Clean
NAWBO Charlotte Business Owner of the Year Finalists
NAWBO Charlotte Rising Star Finalists
The 2019 NC Woman Business Owner Hall of Fame Award Finalists
Congratulations to all our finalists!
Ann Bailey, Bailey Fine Jewelry
Diane Bower, CruzDiva Travel, LLC.
Ashley Christiansen, AC Restaurants
Carrie Cox, Humacyte, Inc.
Wilma Daniels, Daniels Development Company, LLC and the William Hooper Apartment Complex
Cindy Eckert, The Pink Ceiling
Andrea Harris, NC Institute of Minority Economic Development
Elaine Lyerly, The Lyerly Agency
Nancy McFarlane, Mayor of Raleigh, NC: Advocacy Finalist
Barbara Mulkey, Mulkey Engineers & Consultants
Fabi Presslar, SPARK Publications
Ashley Thomas, Bridge to Sports
NC Hall of Fame Finalists
2019 Gala Sponsors
PREMIER SPONSOR
PACESETTER SPONSORS
FRIENDS OF NAWBO CHARLOTTE
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Thank you to all our sponsors and corporate partners for your support of NAWBO Charlotte, NAWBO Greater Raleigh, and our women business owners across North Carolina.
2019 NC Hall of Fame Sponsors
Women Business Owner Past Winners
Rising Star Past Winners
