Urban League of Central Carolinas

Last Thursday we celebrated growth, resilience, and new beginnings as we honored the ULCC Workforce Class of Spring 2026. 🎓✨

A room full of determination, purpose, and people ready to step into their next chapter. This is what happens when community, opportunity, and hard work come together.

This progress was made possible by the generous investments and continued support of our incredible partners:

• mecklenburgcounty
• cltgov
• tranetechnologies
• AirCarolinas
• Entrywaync
• BloominBrands
• CVS Health/Aetna
• ULCC Board of Directors

Your commitment continues to create pathways to success for individuals ready to transform their lives through workforce development and economic opportunity.

This is what Workforce Wednesday is all about:
Talent. Training. Transformation.

Congratulations again to the entire Spring 2026 graduating class. The journey is just getting started. ✨

Nearly 90 graduates to celebrate new careers in high-demand fields

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — May 14, 2026 — The Urban League of Central Carolinas (ULCC) will honor nearly 90 graduates of its Spring Workforce Development programs at a community celebration on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 727 W. Trade St., Charlotte.

The event will feature keynote remarks from Shahid “Sha” Rana, whose leadership has helped position Charlotte as the nation’s second-fastest-growing large city.

Rana and his team have spearheaded major projects that have energized the region’s economy, including initiatives that attracted 6,500 new jobs and more than $739 million in capital investment in the past year. He also leads Skilled to Build, a citywide initiative that aligns small businesses and talent with opportunities stemming from Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s $25+ billion, 30-year Mobility+ infrastructure initiative.

ULCC graduates will be recognized for completing training and certifications in HVAC, Electrical/Maintenance, Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA), and Customer Service — skills fueling Charlotte’s thriving job market. In 2025, ULCC graduated 192 individuals, achieving 92% program completion, 100% certification, and 85% job placement rates.

“Our graduates represent the future of Charlotte’s workforce — skilled, resilient and ready to contribute to our city’s growth,” said Robyn Hamilton. “Sha Rana’s work and message of economic opportunity align perfectly with our mission to build pathways for upward mobility in the Queen City and beyond.”

Community leaders, employers, family members and media are invited to attend this inspiring celebration of achievement and opportunity.

Partners and supporters include Mecklenburg County, City of Charlotte, Trane Technologies, Air Carolinas, Entryway, Bloomin’ Brands, CVS Health/Aetna, Elevation Church, and the ULCC Board of Directors.

The Muggsy Bogues Foundation spent the day with the Urban League’s HVAC and Electrical training program, creating a powerful moment of learning, encouragement, and real connection.

Muggsy poured into the students with words that mattered highlighting the value of skilled trades and expressing genuine pride in their commitment to learning and growth.

We’re proud to stand alongside value-aligned partners like The Muggsy Bogues Foundation as we continue to elevate the mission and invest in futures.

Talent. Training. Transformation.


From blueprint to breakthrough… and we did just that. 🚀✨

PROPEL 26 was nothing short of powerful. A room full of vision, purpose, and future leaders ready to elevate, connect, and execute. The energy, the conversations, the opportunities… unmatched.

Charlotte showed up, and the impact was felt in every room.

This is what happens when preparation meets purpose. This is what happens when leaders choose to grow.

We’re not just building careers… we’re building legacy.

Stay tuned — this is only the beginning. 💼🔥

Starting strong with our morning breakout sessions at PROPEL!

We’re just days away from PROPEL 2026, and the energy is building.

This Saturday, April 11, the Urban League of Central Carolinas will welcome hundreds of Young Professionals and emerging leaders to Charlotte for a powerful day of connection, growth, and opportunity.

PROPEL is more than a conference — it’s a space where ambition meets access. From career advancement to entrepreneurship, attendees will gain the tools, insights, and relationships needed to move forward with purpose.

Join us at 150 North College Street at 9:30am for a dynamic experience designed to elevate the next generation of leaders across our region.

Now is the time to be in the room.

Secure your spot today: https://ulcc-yp.org/propel-2026
Use code YPPropel26 at checkout for a complimentary ticket.

Your presence — and your support — helps us continue building strong pipelines of talent and leadership in our community.
Urban League of Central Carolinas

Ready to level up your career or business? 🚀
Join us THIS Saturday for PROPEL 2026 — Charlotte’s premier conference for young professionals and emerging leaders.
✨ Career growth
✨ Entrepreneurship & innovation
✨ Networking with top leaders
📍 Charlotte, NC
🗓 April 11
⏰ 9:30 AM

Secure your spot today: https://ulcc-yp.org/propel-2026. Use code YPPropel26 at checkout for a complimentary ticket.

Meet Devin Francisco, Founder of .balanced.business .
Devin helps entrepreneurs reclaim their time through operational support, systems, and strategy — becoming the behind-the-scenes backbone that keeps businesses running and growing.

Built from resilience and a bold decision to bet on herself, Devin is now creating a business that not only supports founders but will soon create flexible opportunities for other military spouses.

Through the IDEAS Accelerator with the Urban League and Intuit, she’s gaining mentorship, community, and tools to scale her impact.

Follow and support The Balanced Business as they continue to grow.