Mr. Wilson Lester of Greensboro, NC has been chosen to receive the 2022 John A. (Pete) Eberhart Ray of Light Award from Boundless Impact. Mr. Lester is being awarded for his leadership in driving a more inclusive and equitable economy and his profound impact on minority businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Wilson’s legacy of breaking down economic boundaries impacts communities across NC,” said Cindy Thompson, executive director - Boundless Impact. “Mr. Lester has devoted his career to ensure minority entrepreneurs have access to capital and is viewed as an innovator and leader in equitable economic development.”

The Ray of Light award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify Boundless Impact’s vision of building thriving communities that are intentionally diverse, inclusive and equitable, was presented to Mr. Lester at Boundless Impact’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon on June 1, at High Point University. Presenters were board members of Boundless Impact: Felix Muriithi, Past Chair, and Ditra Miller.

Mr. Lester is an accomplished leader in community finance and economic development whose efforts forge access to capital and resources for minority entrepreneurs. In 2021, he Co-Founded Partners in Equity, a national investment fund focused on supporting owner-occupied commercial real estate for BIPOC businesses owners. He built Piedmont Business Capital, a N.C.-based CDFI, that has delivered millions in impact capital to Black businesses across N.C. He is also a Co-Founder of the ACCESS Center for Equity and Success, which supports minority business enterprises with securing public and private contract opportunities. Wilson believes active philanthropy builds communities; therefore, he serves as Treasurer and on the Investment Committee for Cone Health Foundation, as a Board Member of the Triad Advisory Council for Truist Bank, and a Trustee of Greensboro College. Mr. Lester previously worked with the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs Advocacy Committee which helps shape policy that directly scales Black businesses.

Pictured from left to right:
Felix Muriithi, Boundless Impact Past Chair
Wilson Lester
Ditra Miller, Boundless Impact board member
Cindy Thompson, Executive Director of Boundless Impact