‘Your voice matters’: Charlotte Checkers host International Women’s Day panel
The Charlotte Checkers turned the spotlight away from the ice before their March 8 game, hosting a Women in Business panel that featured influential voices from the Charlotte community. The 45-minute discussion, held prior to the Checkers’ matchup with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, offered insights on leadership, mentorship and resilience.
Chief operating officer Tera Black and vice president of corporate partnerships Mary Grams joined local leaders from PNC Bank, Society 54 and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority for the panel, moderated by Checkers in-game host Kendall Smith.
For Black, a sports industry veteran with 30 years of experience, one philosophy stands above all: “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” That mindset has guided her throughout her career, particularly in navigating the unpredictable nature of live sports. Black recalled a high-stakes situation during the Checkers’ first season at Bojangles Coliseum in 2015 when the venue’s ice plant broke just weeks before the home opener.
“We had no time to bust out the concrete,” Black said. “So we built a rink on top of the rink, and not one person knew the difference.”
The story underscored the adaptability and teamwork required to thrive in her role, where unexpected challenges are routine. Black emphasized that resilience and preparation are key. “It’s powerful to see a crisis arise and watch really smart people figure out how to get out of it,” she said.
Grams, who has spent her career working in male-dominated industries like motorsports, recalled the challenges of being one of the few women in those spaces. Early in her career, she often felt pressure to prove her worth, but found that embracing her own leadership style — rooted in authenticity and determination — helped her stand out. Eventually, she learned to embrace the value of diverse perspectives.
“Sometimes as a woman, I may focus on details,” Grams said. “But the men I’ve worked with have helped me see the big picture, and I learn from that every day.”
Both Black and Grams highlighted the importance of mentorship in their journeys. Black encouraged attendees to create their own “personal board of directors,” a trusted group of individuals with varied experiences who can offer guidance during pivotal moments.
“You need people who will give you the straight goods,” Black said. “People you can call on anytime to help you make a grounded, intelligent decision.”
Grams emphasized authenticity as a core leadership trait.
“I’m not a yes-(wo)man,” she said. “If I believe in something, I’ll fight for it. Whether it’s for our partners, my coworkers or our season ticket holders, being honest and genuine has always been key for me.”
The panelists also addressed the role of men supporting women in business. Black credited several men for advocating for her throughout her career, including former Colorado Avalanche goaltender and current NHL executive Craig Billington, who played a pivotal role in her early career. “He trusted me with things I didn’t necessarily have the experience for, but he knew I would figure it out,” Black said.
Grams echoed those sentiments, acknowledging that men she’s worked with have been critical in helping her develop a broader perspective and stronger decision-making skills.
The panel closed with a reminder that success isn’t just about individual achievement but also about building meaningful relationships. “Making a great deal of money does not necessarily make you rich,” Black said. “Life is about relationships and experiences.”
For women seeking growth in their careers, their advice was important: Be intentional, build a network of trusted mentors and recognize the value of resilience.
“Your voice matters,” Grams said. “If you believe in what you’re doing, fight for it.”
This story was originally published March 9, 2025 at 5:30 AM.