Leadership Charlotte has long been a catalyst for developing visionary leaders who are committed to serving the greater good. Two notable alumni from Class 46, Vernetta Purcell-Morrow and Rachel Roe, have shared their unique journeys and the profound impact Leadership Charlotte has had on their lives and careers. Their stories offer valuable insights into the power of servant leadership and community engagement.
Vernetta Purcell-Morrow, Chief Operating Officer at the Mecklenburg County ABC Board, and Rachel Roe, VP of Talent Management & Learning Business Communications at Wells Fargo, both embody the spirit of Leadership Charlotte. Their experiences highlight the organization’s commitment to fostering leaders who are dedicated to making Charlotte a better place for all.
Vernetta Purcell-Morrow: A Journey of Servant Leadership
Vernetta Purcell-Morrow’s journey with Leadership Charlotte began during her graduate studies at Pfeiffer University, where she was introduced to the concept of servant leadership. This philosophy resonated deeply with her, and she saw Leadership Charlotte as an embodiment of these principles. For Purcell-Morrow, the organization’s mission to develop leaders who serve something greater than themselves was a perfect fit.
One of the most impactful moments from her Leadership Charlotte experience was the Privilege Walk. This exercise revealed the diverse paths her cohort members had taken to reach similar leadership positions. It was a powerful reminder that while relationships and networks are crucial, resilience, determination, and grit are equally important. Leadership Charlotte, she believes, cultivates these qualities and creates opportunities for leaders from all backgrounds to thrive.
Purcell-Morrow’s advice to current and future Leadership Charlotte participants is to lean all the way in. She encourages them to be intentional with every conversation, build relationships beyond their comfort zones, and embrace being uncomfortable. Growth, she notes, rarely happens when we’re comfortable, and some of the most meaningful lessons come from unexpected conversations.
Beyond her professional role, Purcell-Morrow stays engaged in the Charlotte community through service and governance. She serves on the advisory board of a local credit union and as a board member for The Confidence Project, a nonprofit addressing hygiene insecurity among underserved children and families. She also stays informed about the issues and leaders shaping Charlotte’s future, often turning to the Charlotte Business Journal for updates.
Rachel Roe: Embracing Empathy and the Arts
Rachel Roe’s decision to serve on the Leadership Charlotte Board of Directors was an easy one. She has a deep love for the organization and believes it is a powerful force for good in Charlotte. Roe’s favorite Leadership Charlotte memory is her police ride-along with a CMPD officer in the Providence Division. This experience deeply humbled her and reinforced the importance of leading with empathy.
Roe’s advice to future Leadership Charlotte participants is to go all-in. She emphasizes that this experience is once-in-a-lifetime and encourages participants to make the most of it. The people, places, and experiences presented are unique, and doing the bare minimum will result in a bare minimum experience.
Roe is passionate about the arts and serves on the Board of Directors for WDAV 89.9 FM’s Community Advisory Board. She believes classical music is a balm for the anxious and that the arts play a crucial role in building a stronger community. Roe can often be found at WDAV sponsored events, Blumenthal Arts shows, or seeing a film at the Independent Picture House in the NODA neighborhood.
Leading for a Better Charlotte
For both Purcell-Morrow and Roe, leading for a better Charlotte means creating a community where opportunity, belonging, and success are accessible to everyone. Purcell-Morrow envisions Charlotte as a destination city where people come not only to build careers but to build meaningful lives. Roe emphasizes the importance of listening more than speaking and figuring out one’s personal ‘Why’ to make a difference.
Both alumni agree that meaningful leadership extends beyond the workplace. They encourage fellow Leadership Charlotte alumni to find causes that align with their values, say yes to serving, and remain curious about the community around them. Every act of service, whether through board leadership, volunteering, mentorship, or staying informed, helps build a stronger Charlotte.
