From the Front Row: 24th Annual UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon
Photo: Corrie Huggins Creative
From wide brims to bold fascinators, there was no shortage of style filling the Charlotte Convention Center on September 19th as guests gathered for the 24th Annual UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon. Behind the fashionable tradition, however, was a larger purpose of raising funds to help students pursue a college education.
Named in honor of the late poet, author, and activist Dr. Maya Angelou, the annual fundraiser has become a longstanding Charlotte tradition for UNCF. This year’s Beauty, Health & Wellness-themed luncheon was presented by Wells Fargo and chaired by Whitley Stewart, Real Estate Advisor and Strategist at The Agency Charlotte. Tiffany L. Jones-Boyd, Regional Development Director of the UNCF Charlotte Region, served as host.
The day began with shopping from local vendors, mimosas, live music, and red carpet photos before guests made their way into the Richardson Ballroom for the afternoon program. Alicia Quarles and Liza Mahachek of Positively Charlotte served as emcees, while the luncheon’s signature Hatitude! competition continued the tradition of guests arriving in distinctive hats.
The 2026 Maya Angelou Women Who Lead honorees were Shassity Stevenson, owner of Shassity Styles and founder of Skye Salon Suites; Dr. Tonya McLeod, board-certified dermatologist; Andrea Lewis, creator and executive producer of The Black Beauty Effect and Black Actress; and Dr. Nicole Swiner, family physician and women’s health expert.
The four honorees took to the stage for an intimate conversation moderated by Ohavia Phillips-Reed. Educator and humanitarian Mary “Dee” Dolby was also recognized as the luncheon’s Lifetime Achievement Honoree, while UNCF scholars Maya Webb and Kennedi Thompson shared how scholarship support has shaped their paths to college.
Guests had another opportunity to contribute through the silent auction, which featured an array of standout offerings. Among them were a luxurious two-night stay at Four Seasons Anguilla, a vintage-inspired sapphire and diamond necklace from Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry, and a premium dinner for two at the newly opened Fogo de Chão. Altogether, the luncheon raised more than $500,000 in support of UNCF’s mission.
