Circle of Empowerment Awards


2026 CIRCLE OF EMPOWERMENT AWARDS

An Evening to Celebrate Those Who Help Others Soar

The 2026 Circle of Empowerment Awards are taking the celebration to new heights.

For the first time, The WICT Network: Carolinas is transforming the Circle of Empowerment Awards into an evening gala—bringing our community together for a memorable night dedicated to recognizing excellence, leadership and the people who empower others to reach new heights.

Under this year’s theme, Soaring to New Heights, we’ll celebrate the leaders, innovators, mentors and changemakers whose impact continues to elevate our industry and our community.

October 15, 2026 | 5:00–9:00 PM

Sullenberger Aviation Museum
4108 Minuteman Way
Charlotte, NC 28208


Award Categories

Recognizing Excellence Across Our Industry

The Circle of Empowerment Awards recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, mentorship, service and commitment to empowering others.

2026 Award Categories

  • Carol A. Hevey Award
  • Champion Award
  • Excellence Award
  • Innovation & Impact Award
  • Woman to Watch Award
  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Outstanding Mentor Award
  • Women Empowerment Award

View award details and eligibility here.


The 2026 Experience

A New Way to Celebrate

This year, Circle of Empowerment is becoming an evening gala.

Join us for a memorable night featuring:

🏆 Recognition

Celebrate the exceptional individuals whose leadership and contributions make a difference.

🥂 An Evening Gala

Experience Circle of Empowerment in a new way as we gather together for an elevated evening of celebration.

🍽️ Plated Dinner

Enjoy your choice of chicken, salmon or vegetarian entrée.

🎤 Guest Speakers

Hear from guest speakers who will help us explore what it means to reach new heights.

🎁 Personalized Guest Gift

Every attendee will receive a special keepsake from the evening.

🤝 Connection

Network and celebrate alongside fellow WICT members and industry professionals.

Your ticket also includes a drink ticket and parking.


Guest Speakers

 

Christine Rodocker

Vice President, Distribution and Consumer Marketing, INSP

With over 30 years in entertainment, Christine has led marketing and strategic partnerships for major companies like Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, collaborating with top brands such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Vogue. An active industry leader, she advises WICT Carolinas and is recognized for her mentorship. She holds a BA from Pfeiffer College and an MBA from Fordham University.

Ohavia Phillips-Reed

In Arena Host, Charlotte Hornets

Brooklyn native Ohavia Phillips-Reed is a dynamic force in sports and entertainment, hosting for the Charlotte Hornets and University of Kentucky Football. An award-winning emcee and entrepreneur, she has led major events like the ACC Championships and NAACP National Convention. A two-time author and founder of The cOHllab, Ohavia has earned numerous honors, including North Carolina Woman to Know and Charlotte’s Ohmazing Day in Media Empowerment.

Abbie O’Dell

Senior Director, Learning Services, Charter Communications

Abbie joined Charter in 2002, progressing from Technical Support to Training Supervisor, where she launched the Virtual Training Team. She is now Senior Director of Learning Services, leading learning for Field Operations. Holding degrees in English Literature and education, Abbie is a Betsy Magness Leadership Institute graduate and active WICT and SCTE leader, recognized for her leadership and contributions to industry education.

Jonica Hartman

Vice President, Strategic Planning and Execution, Charter Communications

Jonica Hartman leads planning and execution for Spectrum Reach’s advertising product and technology roadmaps, strategic partnerships, and Value Management Office. She has held senior roles in product planning and strategic initiatives since joining telecommunications in 2010. A long-time WICT Network leader, Jonica holds a Bachelor’s in Economics and certificates in Project and Program Management.

Dr. Charlitta Hatch

Managing Director, Slalom

Dr. Charlitta Hatch is a managing director at Slalom with over 20 years of experience leading enterprise transformation across technology, people, and strategy. Formerly Deputy CIO and Chief Data & Analytics Officer for the City of Charlotte, she brings a unique public sector perspective. Charlitta earned her Ph.D. in Urban Education and serves on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. She is also a dedicated civic leader and educator committed to making institutions work better for people.


Giving Back

Our Giving Back efforts at this year’s award ceremony will feature a donation drive for SafePassage, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides a 24-hour emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, advocacy, counseling, and other supportive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in the Carolinas.

Please join us in supporting this wonderful organization in one of two ways:

  • Bring wish-list items to the event to donate
  • Visiting the Giving Back table at the event to donate or purchase items

Any donation, big or small, is most appreciated and makes an impact to those affected.

Wish List

  • Gas cards
  • Uber gift cards
  • Gift cards
    • Walmart, Target, Food Lion, Aldi, etc.
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Disinfectant spray
  • Paper towels
  • Laundry detergent
  • Household cleaners
  • Hand soap
  • Snacks and Capri Sun juices
  • Pantry items

Your Questions, Answered:

What’s different this year?

We’re taking the Circle of Empowerment Awards to new heights with our first-ever evening gala—an elevated celebration of achievement, connection and empowerment.

What’s the dress code?

Business Casual Cocktail. As we celebrate our first-ever evening Circle of Empowerment Awards banquet, we encourage you to dress to impress and celebrate the occasion in style!

Is parking available?

Yes! Parking is available at the Aviation Museum, with approximately 90 parking spaces. We encourage attendees to carpool when possible and arrive early to secure a spot.

If I’m nominated, do I receive a ticket?

Being nominated does not automatically include a complimentary ticket. ticket. Finalists will receive a complimentary ticket. If you are nominated but not selected as a finalist, you will need to purchase a ticket to attend.

If you purchase a ticket and are later selected as a finalist, you will be reimbursed.

Can non-members attend?

Absolutely! Non-members are welcome to join us for this special evening.

How do I select my meal?

You’ll choose your meal preference during the ticket purchase process. Entrée options include chicken, salmon or vegetarian.

Will I have access to the museum during the event?

Yes! Guests will have access to the museum’s main exhibit area throughout the event.

Can I purchase a ticket if I’m not nominated?

Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are limited, so we encourage you to reserve your seat early.

How much are tickets?

WICT Members — $70

Non-Members — $75

*Additional Eventbrite fees may apply

When does registration close?

Registration closes October 12, 2026, or when tickets sell out.


Sponsor

Proudly Sponsored By Beacon Hill Technologies.

 


View Full Award Details and Eligibility Requirements

Jump Ahead:

Volunteer of the Year Award

Recognizes a woman who has shown exemplary volunteer support for The WICT Network Carolinas. This person champions social issues, causes, and conditions for women. She is a leader who dedicates her time to volunteering/serving to help grow the Chapter and serve women overcoming personal challenges or achieving a professional goal. She is regarded as a role model, educating and inspiring others in the community.

She is someone who demonstrates The WICT Network Touchstone of Leadership – Be a Catalyst – Progress is never made by standing still or relying on the same tired, old ideas.

A nominee must be:

  • An active member of The WICT Network: Carolinas
  • A Woman with any length of service in the cable telecommunications industry at any organizational level

Women Empowerment Award

Recognizes an inspirational woman who “pays it forward” through her involvement and commitment to helping women throughout the Carolinas. She is a leader who dedicates her time to volunteering and serving women overcoming a personal challenge, or achieving a professional goal. She champions social issues, causes, and conditions for women and is regarded as a role model by educating and inspiring others in the community.

She is someone who demonstrates The WICT Network Touchstone of Leadership – Inspire – She rallies those around her to join in her mission and others will follow.

A nominee must be:

  • An active member of The WICT Network: Carolinas
  • A Woman with any length of service in the cable telecommunications industry at any organizational level

Woman to Watch Award

Recognizes an “up-and-coming” businesswoman who has demonstrated sound leadership, successfully contributes to her organization’s success, and inspires and motivates others to achieve their best. She is a confident leader who consistently challenges herself and those around her to raise the standard. She promotes respect and is a team builder that peers and subordinates highly regard. She is a prudent risk-taker with a reputation for setting the wheels of change in motion.

She is someone who demonstrates The WICT Network Touchstone of Leadership – Be a Catalyst – Progress is never made by standing still or relying on the same tired, old ideas.

A nominee must be:

  • An active member of The WICT Network: Carolinas
  • A Woman with any length of service in the cable telecommunications industry at any organizational level

Champion Award

Recognizes the achievements of an outstanding male in the Carolinas. He is a champion for the advancement of women and has made significant contributions to the cable telecommunications industry and The WICT Network Carolinas. He exhibits leadership qualities seeking to transform his organization through the support and advancement of women and the cable telecommunications industry as a whole. He is purposeful in his work to remove barriers to champion women at all levels.

He is someone who demonstrates The WICT Network Touchstone of Leadership – Listen – With more than just your ears.

A nominee must be:

  • A Male business leader currently employed in the cable telecommunications industry
  • A Male based in the Carolinas at any organizational level

Outstanding Mentor Award

Recognizes a woman or a man with a strong history of mentoring others throughout her or his career. This individual creates opportunities by participating in formal or informal mentoring programs and is generous with their time mentoring. They inspire, support, and motivate others to be their best through empowerment. They are highly regarded in the cable telecommunications industry by their superiors, peers, and subordinates.

She or He is someone who demonstrates The WICT Network Touchstone of Leadership – Connect – To your peers, your industry, and everything around you.

A nominee must be:

  • An active member of The WICT Network: Carolinas
  • A Woman or Man with any length of service in the cable telecommunications industry at any organizational level

Innovation & Impact Award

Recognizes a woman who has impacted the cable telecommunications industry by re-energizing her business area. She is someone whose innovation and hard work have maximized the human experience. She is a leader with the ability to harness technology innovation through its application to impact her organization. She has leveraged existing technology with her organization’s internal or external customers to significantly improve efficiencies or expand product features. She has created value for her organization and is recognized as an “outside the box” thinker.

She is someone who demonstrates The WICT Network Touchstone of Leadership – Be a Catalyst – Progress is never made by standing still or relying on the same tired, old ideas.

A nominee must be:

  • An active member of The WICT Network: Carolinas
  • A Woman Leader with a minimum of five years in the cable telecommunications industry; at any organizational level.

Excellence Award

Recognizes a woman passionate about the cable telecommunications industry and is a great representative to the broader business community. She is committed to achieving excellence personally and professionally and enhancing the perception of the cable telecommunications industry and women in technology-related career fields. She is an admired role model with a history of supporting others and actively developing people at all levels within her organization. Highly regarded by peers and subordinates, possesses the reputation for delivering meaningful and sustainable contributions to the industry, and is viewed as a highly sought opinion leader on business issues and industry trends.

She is someone who demonstrates The WICT Network Touchstone of Leadership – Connect – To your peers, your industry, and everything around you.

A nominee must be:

  • An active member of The WICT Network: Carolinas
  • A Woman with a reputation for leading high-performance teams

Carol A. Hevey Award

This award is the highest CIRCLE honor, recognizing an accomplished industry woman in the areas of Leadership and Advocacy. The recipient will be recognized for her professional and personal achievements throughout her career.

  • Fundamental commitment to others through mentorship, career development, and advocacy.
  • Career pioneer occupying positions traditionally held by men while paving the way for others.
  • Exemplifying superior leadership and professionalism by gaining the respect and support of her superiors, peers, and subordinates.
  • Accomplished in the area of professional development.
  • Advocates excellence in service to her company and community.

She personifies The WICT Network Touchstone of Leadership – Know Yourself and Listen.

A nominee must be:

  • An active member of The WICT Network: Carolinas
  • A Woman with any length of service in the cable telecommunications industry at the Director Level and above

Carol A. Hevey’s Career

Early career: She started in cable as an administrative assistant, in what was then an almost entirely male industry. She worked her way up through operations, including call centers and the field.

Corporate & Regional EVP: In April 2004 she was promoted to corporate EVP of operations at Time Warner Cable, overseeing a select group of the company’s 31 divisions. In the Carolinas & East Region she oversaw roughly half of TWC’s operations, serving about 6 million subscribers with 17,000 employees.

Diversity and women’s leadership: She founded and chaired TWC’s Diversity Council and Women’s Leadership Council. She also helped TWC create the Step Forward leadership program for women.

Honors: Multichannel News Wonder Woman (2006), Charlotte Business Woman of the Year (2010), NCTA Vanguard Award (2011), WICT Woman of the Year (2012), Cablefax Most Powerful Women (multiple years).

In 2012, Carol Hevey was recognized as Women of the Year Honoree for The WICT Network (Global).


Past Circle of Empowerment Awards

Nominees:
Sesaneen Allen (winner)
Diana Monk
Tina Lloyd

Nominees:
Christian Isas
Adam Slocum
Ken Reiner (winner)
Xavion Newkirk

Excellence Award

Nominees:
Crystal Nixon
Danielle Teel (winner)
April Arnold

Innovation & Impact Award

Nominees:
Laura Fields (winner)
Klaire Rouse
Katy Galligan
Emily Pusic
Shannon O’Keefe

Woman to Watch Award

Nominees:
Tyffani Newkirk
Makayla Rox
Morgan Newman (winner)
Alexandra Stewart
Chelsea Waddell
Klaire Rouse
Taco Jones
Nadia Trapp
Destiny Cutchin

Volunteer of the Year Award

Nominees:
Karen Fallen
Stacy Picklesimer
Danielle Teel
Klaire Rouse
Ali Hodges
Katy Galligan (winner)
Chelsea Waddell

Outstanding Mentor Award

Nominees:
Sneha Irrinki
Stacy Ruskin
Sherri Melsha
Desiree Cain (winner)
Morgan Newman
Kim Grose

Women Empowerment Award

Nominees:
Karen Fallen
Stacy Picklesimer
Kelly Ann Reed
Jennifer Tracy
Phoebe Luthringer (winner)
Melissa Lindsay-Mayers
Jennifer Duval