CIAA Commissioner McWilliams Selected as Charlotte 2018 Power 15 Award Recipient Presented by Walker's Legacy

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Walker’s Legacy, the largest digital platform for multicultural women in business and entrepreneurship, will honor fifteen (15) women leaders of Charlotte as a part of a national awards program.

Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams announced her selection as a 2018 Power15 Award honoree presented by Walker’s Legacy, a global platform for the professional and entrepreneurial multicultural woman. Presented in partnership with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and AARP, the Power 15 Award recognizes notable community and business leaders who thrive in an array of industries including social entrepreneurship, business, technology, media, and real estate among others.

"We are honored to recognize Commissioner McWilliams with this year’s 2018 Power 15 Award,” said Natalie Madeira Cofield, founder, and CEO, Walker’s Legacy. “We recognize the imperative role multicultural women in business have on our society and economy alike and are excited to celebrate her work and the transformative impact she has in Charlotte”

“I am humbled to be recognized by Walker’s Legacy and to be included with the other influential women being highlighted this year”, McWilliams said. “It is reaffirming to be honored as a servant leader in the advancement and promotion of the great work of the conference, our member institutions and especially our students.”

This national honor celebrates a total of 150 multicultural women across 10 major cities. Past honorees include Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor of the City of Atlanta, GA; Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, Executive Vice President of Entertainment Diversity, Inclusion, and Communications at CBS Entertainment; and Miko Branch, co-founder of Miss Jessie’s, among others.

About Commissioner McWilliams:
Now in her seventh year at the helm of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (CIAA), McWilliams is a sought-after speaker and is recognized on a local, regional and national level. As the first African American female commissioner in the NCAA, McWilliams has served on numerous boards, and currently sits on Collegiate Women’s Sports Awards, John B. McLendon Foundation Board, NCAA Board of Governor’s Cultural Diversity Committee, Hampton Nation Advisory Board, M&F Advisory Board and the Black Enterprise Charlotte Convention Steering Committee.  She is active in her church community and chairs the HBCU initiative committee for the Crown Jewel’s LINKS of Charlotte, of which she is a member.

About Walker’s Legacy:
Walker’s Legacy is a digital platform for the professional and entrepreneurial multicultural woman. We exist to inspire, equip, and engage through thought-provoking content, educational programming and a global community.

About the Walker’s Legacy 2018 Power 15 Awards: The Walker’s Legacy Power 15 Awards is a national effort by the organization to recognize the achievements of notable business and community leaders.  In partnership with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and AARP, this recognition celebrates multicultural women who thrive in an array of industries including social entrepreneurship, business, technology, media, and real estate among others.

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS