N.C. Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall has been chosen to receive the 2020 John A. (Pete) Eberhart Ray of Light Award from Boundless Impact.

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.”

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, will be presented to Sec. Marshall at the NC Global Advantage Forum on Nov. 13, hosted by the NC Coalition for Global Competitiveness. Presenters will be Felix Muriithi, board chair - Boundless Impact, and Tom White, board member – Boundless Impact and vice chair- NC Coalition.

“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.

NC Global Advantage Forum is a premier event in North Carolina that convenes and engages a cross-section of leaders from all sectors to focus on global opportunities in education, workforce development, economic and community development, and entrepreneurship. It is an annual event and reception designed to share the value of the NC Coalition for Global Competitiveness (Coalition), to build support for the Coalition’s work, and to highlight global engagement success stories and opportunities for NC. To join this statewide virtual forum on November 13, please visit this link for more information: https://goglobalnc.org/ncglobaladvantageforum/.

Boundless Impact is a North Carolina non-profit formed in 2012 to drive inclusive leadership and innovation initiatives across commerce, education, civic and faith networks to unleash prosperity for all communities. Through leading networks of like-minded organizations, Boundless Impact develops and implements initiatives in global engagement, cross-boundary leadership and inclusive innovation. For more information, visit our website at www.boundlessimpact.org.