The people who will make a difference in Charlotte in 2023

Every year, we expect big things from the same people: Our elected officials, people in charge of big corporations or groups who makes all the enormous decisions about our city, state or country.

Heading into 2023, The Charlotte Observer wanted to highlight a handful of unexpected local people we think will make a difference in the coming new year. It could based on something that’s in the news now or will be soon, it could be because of who they are or what they lead or what they are are a part of.

Whatever the case, these are people we’ll be watching in 2023 with the belief that they’ll make a difference.

▪ Charlotte’s Alternatives to Violence team

▪ Peter Han, Super G Mart vice president for business development

▪ Calla Hales, A Preferred Women’s Health Center, executive director

▪ Dennis LaCaria, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools consultant and contractor

▪ Karol Świderski, Charlotte FC attacking midfielder/striker

▪ Steve Wilks, Carolina Panthers interim head coach

This story was originally published December 29, 2022 at 6:00 AM.