Linda Johnson earns ABWA woman of the year accolade

PHOTO | AALIYAH BOWDEN

Linda Johnson, director of brand marketing at The Charlotte Post, was named Woman of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association.

Linda B. Johnson was recognized as the 2023 Woman of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association.  

Johnson, director of brand marketing at The Post, established the ABWA Charlotte chapter of Limitless Ladies. She was given the award on June 13 at the chapter’s monthly meeting.

“I was surprised. I had no idea at all,” said Johnson, the president of Limitless Ladies. “I feel like to be recognized for my efforts from my peers is a testament of all the hard work and dedication to all the ladies in this journey.”

The mission of Limitless Ladies and ABWA is to connect businesswomen of diverse occupations and provide opportunities to grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.  

Johnson, who has served as chapter president since 2021, will step down on July 31 at the end of her two-year term.

Family and friends near and far spoke on the Zoom call, congratulating Johnson on her special accomplishment.

“She has a genuine love for helping everyone grow,” said Joyce Wright, Women of the Year chair for ABWA. “She wants to help all of us be the best that we can be in whatever we decide that we want to do in life.” The association was started in 1949 during a time when it was socially unacceptable for women to pursue a full-time career, have a girls’ night out, or even have their own organization.

Johnson started the chapter at the start of the pandemic, where participants could network in a virtual space.

“When the pandemic hit that year, I saw that there was a void in the lives of women,” Johnson said. “The isolation, the fear and the uncertainty took a toll on everyone’s mental and emotional health. I knew that they needed to do something to help women because women need engagement so we can stay connected and engaged and be supportive.”

Johnson added that establishing the chapter has “given women purpose” and a form of sisterhood.

Johnson said Wright inspired her to start the chapter before the pandemic but didn’t have time in her schedule. At the kickoff event for Limitless Ladies in 2021, more than 80 women showed up and the chapter has grown exponentially with members from Florida, Connecticut, Georgia, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Texas, and several cities in North Carolina.

“When I think about it, the growth, development of the chapter, my heart is filled with so much joy because I see women finding their voices and supporting each other through tough times and achieving their goals,” Johnson said.

The organization hosts community outreach events, including feeding the food insecure, and awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior.

On the Net:

limitlessladies.abwa.org

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