John A. Pete Eberhart Ray of Light Award Winners

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 10^th 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.

N.C. Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall received the 2020 John A. (Pete) Eberhart Ray of Light Award from Boundless Impact at the NC Global Advantage Forum on Nov. 13. Hosted by the NC Coalition for Global Competitiveness, award presenters were Felix Muriithi, board chair - Boundless Impact, and Tom White, board member – Boundless Impact and vice chair- NC Coalition. The Ray of Light award recognizes individuals who exemplify Boundless Impact’s vision of building thriving communities that are intentionally diverse, inclusive and equitable. Marshall is being awarded for decades of work that advanced North Carolina’s global competitiveness and her profound impact on businesses, students, educators and communities throughout the state.

 “Elected in 1996 as the first woman to hold a statewide office in North Carolina, Sec. Marshall has blazed many trails across our state and the world for decades,” said Cindy Thompson, executive director - Boundless Impact.  “Sec. Marshall has worked tirelessly to make North Carolina one of the most attractive places in the United States to do business, as well as an inclusive place to work and live. Her servant leader’s heart and willingness to roll up her sleeves and contribute to any project she is passionate about has inspired me and many others to public service.”

 “As Secretary of State, I have made a concerted commitment that this office will be globally engaged and culturally aware, which is what makes our state such an attractive place to work, live, and do business,” said Marshall. “I am tremendously honored to be selected for the prestigious Eberhart Ray of Light Award, and will continue to focus on the global opportunities that position North Carolina to be successful.”

 During Sec. Marshall’s tenure, the Secretary of State’s office has helped nearly 1.5 million businesses get started, she has represented North Carolina with dozens of visiting international delegations and at other international events each year, and she is Co-Chair of the North Carolina-Moldova Bilateral Committee which recently celebrated its 20th year in partnership.

Boundless Impact recently selected the J. Fred Young Family to receive the 2017 John A. (Pete) Eberhart Ray of Light Award for their innovative work in international education and their profound impact on students, educators and communities throughout North Carolina. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify Boundless Impact’s vision of building thriving communities that are intentionally diverse, inclusive and equitable.

The Ray of Light award was presented to the J. Fred Young family at the 30^th Anniversary Celebration Gala for Participate (formerly VIF International Education) on December 16 at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, N.C. At the event, the Young family members - including parents Fred and Phyllis, and three children Alan, David, and Jane - received the award from Pete Eberhart, award namesake and founding board member of Boundless Impact, as well as retired Superintendent of Greensboro City Schools.

“During his 25 years as President of Elon University, Fred Young’s visionary leadership instituted global engagement programs that today have Elon consistently ranked at the top of US colleges in percentage of students who study abroad”, said Cindy Thompson, Executive Director of Boundless Impact.  “As founders of Visiting International Faculty (VIF) Program, the Young family has helped North Carolina become a leading state in international education, as champions of teacher exchange programs, global curriculum development, language immersion instruction and educator professional development.”