Ward named influential leader by AACSB International

Liz Ward ‘14 M.S. is one of 25 business school graduates honored by AACSB International — the world’s largest business education alliance — in its 2023 Class of Influential Leaders.

This annual initiative recognizes notable alumni from AACSB-accredited business schools whose inspiring work serves as a model for the next generation of business leaders, and this year’s class features individuals defining what it means to be a societal impact leader.

Ward, who completed a Master of Science in Real Estate from the Belk College of Business, was honored for her outstanding work in affordable housing and upward mobility. She combined her experience in real estate, banking and affordable housing development to found Give Impact LLC. Recognizing the city of Charlotte’s housing instability challenges, Give Impact provides clients with customized solutions that focus on maximizing their ability to affect positive change through affordable housing in their community.

“Liz Ward’s achievements demonstrate that success in business can also mean success for society. Her efforts to prioritize purpose, people and planet should inspire all of us to reorient our ideas about impactful leadership,” said Caryn Beck-Dudley, AACSB president and CEO. “It is a privilege to amplify her efforts and the entire 2023 Class of Influential Leaders.”

Ward’s dedication to positive change in both industry and society have been present throughout her entire career. She was honored with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional Nonprofit Leader of 2017 and the Distinguished Alumni Service Award by the Belk College in 2018.

“Liz exemplifies what it means to leverage one’s knowledge to serve our community,” said Jennifer Troyer, dean of the Belk College of Business. “From her time at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership to founding Give Impact, she has focused on ensuring her fellow Charlotteans have access to affordable housing, an increasingly pressing issue in our region. She is an outstanding representative of Niner Nation in our community.”