
The Heart of Charlotte Awards
Recognizing Charlotte individuals and organizations that have embraced the spirit of serving others

Northeastern University’s Heart of Charlotte Awards recognizes individuals and community organizations who are making an impact on the health and wellbeing of the Charlotte community. Honorees are celebrated for their exceptional commitment through a range of activities positively impacting the community: by going above and beyond to support the lives of marginalized individuals through equitable health practices, by investing in educational achievement, through the creation of jobs or through support of local business development, as well as by fostering social, racial, and health equity while consistently working to improve health outcomes.
Nomination Information
Who can apply?
Nominations are free and open to all individuals who reside in or work in the Charlotte metro area and organizations that have offices with a Charlotte metro address. The Charlotte metro area includes Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties in North Carolina and Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster and York counties in South Carolina.
Nomination Process
To nominate a deserving individual or organization for the Heart of Charlotte Awards, please complete the online nomination form by Monday, September 11, 2023, 5:00 p.m. ET.
Selection Process and Winner Recognition
Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of representatives of Northeastern and community leaders from partner organizations.
Award winners and finalists will be recognized at an award ceremony on October 26th, 2023. Additionally, award recipients will be acknowledged on our website and social media channels, as well as in local media outreach.
2023 Award Ceremony
Presenting Sponsor: Tyron Medical Partners
Keynote Speaker: Molly Grantham
The 2023 Heart of Charlotte Award ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. ET.
Submit a nomination (before September 11th)
Award Categories
Community leaders from all industries are encouraged to apply! Additionally, this year, we have included three new categories to recognize those specifically advancing issues related to health and wellness.
Community Partner of the Year (Organization)
Recognizing an organization that is making an impact within the Charlotte community through its commitment to support marginalized groups/individuals through equitable health practices, educational achievement, creating jobs, supporting business development and/or fostering social and racial equity.
Behavior Analyst of the Year
Recognizing the behavior analyst dedicated to positively impacting their patients’ well-being and quality of life.
Community Engagement Award
Celebrating an individual that is making a difference in the Charlotte community by strengthening neighborhood connections, creating jobs, supporting business development and/or fostering social and racial equity.
Community Leader of the Year – Northeastern University
Recognizing an exceptional Northeastern University student, alumni and/or faculty or staff member who is committed to creating meaningful relationships and connections to our community that are mutually respectful, socially, and ethically responsive, strategic and purposeful.
Educational Leader of the Year
Honoring a leader in the community who has gone above and beyond to invest in educational achievement.
Healthcare Administrator of the Year
Honoring individuals dedicated to providing healthcare support and leadership that impacts the community at large.
Health Educator of the Year
Recognizing an educational leader dedicated to the field of healthcare.
Health Equity Leader of the Year
Honoring an individual in the community who is dedicated to fostering health equity.
Health Policy Leader of the Year
Recognizing a leader who is dedicated to ensuring the best practice(s) through health policies supportive of the overall health of Charlotte community members.
Nurse of the Year
Recognizing a nurse with exceptional dedication to patient care and the Charlotte community.
Public Health Leader of the Year
Recognizing a leader who is dedicated to coordinating federal, state, local, and/or community stakeholders in creating effective plans responsive to healthcare concerns within the Charlotte metro area.
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