Cheryl E. H. Locke, vice president and chief human resources officer at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has been recognized as an honoree in The Business Journal’s 12th-annual Women in Business awards program.
The program honors 15 businesswomen in the Triad each year for outstanding contributions to their profession, employers and community. Honorees range from entrepreneurs to high-ranking executives. Nominations were solicited from across the Triad by The Business Journal and through a range of partnerships with business organizations. In selecting the honorees, a panel of judges reviewed each application, evaluated the nominations and then selected the honorees. Judges considered nominees’ performance in their job, their stature in their industry and their engagement in their community. Past honorees were not eligible.
"This award is humbling and validates what I have always believed in, and that my business is honoring the worth of people by dedicating myself to ensuring that the environment in which we work is positive, respectful, inspiring, encouraging and just," said Locke. "It reminds me of the sacrifices and challenges of other women and girls, like my mother, who were told in the 1930s that there were 'no scholarships for colored girls.' The courage of my daughter whose spirit helps her soar above her disability; the wisdom and wit of my 11-year-old granddaughter who tells me 'But I’m special' and I know that to be true; and the strength and fierce commitment to truth that made my mother in law an incredible advocate for the African American community in Baltimore, Maryland."
In addition to being featured in an April 29 special publication produced by The Business Journal, Locke was recognized at an awards luncheon today.
“It is nothing short of inspiring to see what these honorees are accomplishing,’’ said Mark Sutter, editor of The Business Journal. “They are all extraordinarily successful in their chosen careers, and still find time to contribute in their communities in other ways — as volunteers, board members and advocates.”
Media Relations
Lisa Davanzo: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587
Chad Campbell: news@wakehealth.edu, 336-713-4587