Crowning Achievements
Since 2016, Crowning Achievements has served as the chapter’s signature year-end event, celebrating both the achievements of deserving scholarship recipients and the vital partnerships that help power our community programs.
Crowning Achievements was a concept brought to the Crown Jewels (NC) Chapter in 2016 by then president, Felicia Hall Allen as a way to recognize and celebrate special individuals, organizations, and our community partners with whom we had worked with throughout the program year. While all of the five facets were acknowledged, the chapter voted to highlight a single facet partner. The early partners were awarded a modest, but impactful monetary gift during our inaugural year. Over the years to follow, the program expanded to recognize each of the five facets/program areas. The recognition style developed into a more formalized program that is now open to the public. Additionally, the Crowning Achievements program is also a time when we recognize our scholarship recipients. The program has become a signature event, giving the Crown Jewels the opportunity to further engage with our dynamic community!
Past Crowning Achievers
2025
Markell Miller, Pre-Collegiate Initiatives, National Society of Black Engineers (STY); Raven Barkley, Ayisha McMillian Cravotta, and Kimberly Pereira, Charlotte Ballet (Arts): Danielle Moore, COO, Nourish Up (NTS), Dr. Davida Haywood, Former Vice President Student Affairs and Campus Engagement, Johnson C. Smith University (ITS); Kiesha Pride, Principal, Westerly Hills Academy (HHS)
2024
Lisa Elam-Rice, Career and Technical Education Instructional Facilitator, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology (STY); The Arts Empowerment Project (Arts); Brandon Rivers, Regional Director, You Can Vote (NTS); Charlotte Sister Cities (ITS); Melanee Duncan Friday, Principal, Lawrence Orr Elementary School (HHS)
2023
N. Tyrone Ellis, Trane Technologies (STY); Doves Nest Charlotte Rescue Mission (Arts); Ashley Hampton Bardge, Club Advisor, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology (NTS); Altrusa Club of Charlotte Days for Girls Team (ITS); C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc. (HHS)
2022
Home4Me (STY); Jonell Logan, Vice President and Creative Director, McColl Center (Arts); Kerry Barr O’Connor, Executive Director, Dress for Success Charlotte (NTS); Days for Girls International (ITS); Debra Weeks, Executive Director, C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc. (HHS)
2021
Deepal Patel, Career Development Coordinator, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology (STY); Johnson C. Smith University Concert Choir (Arts); Fontella McKyer, Director, Workforce Development, Dress for Success Charlotte, (NTS); Lily Pad Haven, Inc. (ITS); C.W. Williams Community Health Center, Inc. (HHS)
2020
Ms Angela Mack, Phillip O. Berry Academy, NSBE Jr Advisor (STY); Maestro James Menna, Opera Carolina (Arts); Dress for Success (NTS); International House (ITS); Ms Nellie Ashford, Folk artist (HHS); Loaves and Fishes (Special Recognition)
2019
Terra Kennedy, Principal, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology (STY); Dr. Eric Thompson, Orchestra Director, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology(Arts); GenerationNation (NTS); Emmanuel “Manny” Ohonme, Co-Founder and CEO, Samaritan’s Feet International, (ITS): Susan G. Komen Charlotte (HHS)
2018
Dr. Tamara Glover, Phillip O. Berry Academy, NAF Academy Coordinator (STY); Quentin Talley, Founder and Artistic Director, OnQ Performing Arts (Arts); Mr Lawrence Brinson, Phillip O. Berry Academy, Social Studies Teacher (NTS); Sgt Ricky Robbins, CMPD (ITS); Jimmeka Anderson, I AM not the MEdia, Inc. (HHS)
2017
Carrie B. Cook, Founder and Executive Director of EmpowHERment, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology Johnson C. Smith University
2016
Mr Floyd Davis, Jr., CEO of Community Links