TheSircle Dinners - 2026 Calendar
TheSircle Dinner - Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Dinner Venue: Enventys Partners - 520 Elliot St., Charlotte, NC 28202 (2nd Floor)
Arrival/Wine Glass 6:30 PM - Buffet Dinner: 7:00 PM till 9:00 PM
Guest Speaker: Joanne Rogers
Founder of Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery; Co-Founder and Curatorial Director of the VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) Center.
Theme: “The Value of Art: The Leader’s Edge in a Frantic World” - How creativity, culture, and aesthetic intelligence redefine performance, connection, and legacy
At its core, *The Value of Art* is not about aesthetics—it is about perception, presence, and the depth with which a leader engages the world. Leaders who actively engage with art develop a heightened sensitivity to nuance, pattern, and emotion, strengthening their ability to make decisions in ambiguity and to lead with clarity under pressure. This creative exposure fuels personal development by expanding imagination, sharpening self-awareness, and cultivating the discipline to see beyond the obvious. More importantly, it amplifies social resonance: the capacity to connect, inspire, and move people in meaningful ways. In a time where performance is no longer defined solely by execution but by influence and impact, leaders who embrace art—and live creatively—build cultures that are not only effective, but deeply human, adaptive, and enduring.
Our Dinner Conversation Topics:
Art as Strategic Intelligence
How exposure to art sharpens perception, expands thinking, and enhances decision-making in complex environments.Culture as a Creative Act
Why the most resilient and innovative organizations are intentionally designed like works of art—not just systems of execution.The Emotional Economy of Leadership
Understanding how art builds empathy, emotional resonance, and deeper human connection—inside teams and with customers.From Consumption to Creation
How leaders shift from passive appreciation of art to actively living creatively—in problem-solving, communication, and vision-building.Legacy, Meaning, and the Aesthetic Life
What it means to build a life—and a company—that reflects beauty, purpose, and contribution beyond financial outcomes.
About Our Guest Speaker:
Joanne Rogers is an entrepreneur, gallery owner, photographer, and arts advocate whose work sits at the intersection of creativity, community, and cultural storytelling. Widely regarded as a visionary leader in the arts ecosystem, she has dedicated her career to expanding access to artistic expression and building platforms that elevate underrepresented voices.
Her entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of AngelOak Photography in 2011, where she developed her creative foundation as a visual storyteller. She went on to co-found 9.18.9 Creative Services in 2012, laying the groundwork for what would become a broader, multi-dimensional arts platform. Over the years, Joanne has transformed these early ventures into a portfolio of impactful initiatives, including The Palette Table (2016), Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery (2020), the Charlotte International Arts Exchange (2022), and her leadership role as Founding Member and Curatorial Director of The VAPA Center (2021).
A defining pillar of her work has been her commitment to serving artists of color and historically underrepresented communities. Through The Palette Table, she created a structured pathway for mentorship, skills development, paid opportunities, and exhibition platforms—helping artists not only refine their craft but also build sustainable careers. This mission expanded further in 2020 when she acquired and transformed a residential space into her first gallery, Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery, establishing a physical hub for creative exchange, cultural dialogue, and artistic visibility.
Joanne’s curatorial work is distinguished by its immersive and educational nature. Her exhibitions—ranging from themes of identity and migration to memory, social justice, and human dignity—are designed not only to showcase art, but to provoke reflection, foster empathy, and connect diverse audiences. Notable curated exhibitions include The Dignity of Memory, Crossing Borders: We Are All Immigrants, Black Boy America, Gentrified, and Seeing Auschwitz, among many others. Across hundreds of solo and group exhibitions, her work consistently bridges cultural divides and invites audiences into deeper engagement with the human experience.
Beyond gallery spaces, Joanne has extended her influence into curating art for businesses, private collections, and community environments, as well as designing arts programming for organizations seeking to integrate creativity into their culture and engagement strategies. Her work reflects a belief that art is not a luxury, but a necessity—an essential force for healing, education, communication, and balance in both individual lives and collective systems.
Her contributions have been recognized through multiple honors, including the Humanitarian Award, Trailblazer Award, Best Gallery, Best New Art Space, and Best Art Exhibit. Yet, her impact is best measured in the communities she has helped shape—spaces where joy, diversity, collaboration, and intentional creativity are not ideals, but lived experiences.
At the core of Joanne Rogers’ work is a simple but powerful conviction: that art, when made accessible and intentional, has the ability to transform how we see ourselves, how we relate to one another, and how we build a more connected and meaningful world.
Register to Attend with PayPal
DINNER REGISTRATION is $95.00 per person - Buffet Dinner by Chef Todd Villani (Terre a Terre)
No refunds or replacements for cancellation or absence - Free Parking On-Site
JOANNE ROGERS
SAVE THE DATES - Upcoming Dinners 2026
Tuesday, May 19 - Joanne Rogers - Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery and VAPA Center
Tuesday, June 23 - Chef Todd Villani - Founder of Terre a Terre and international culinary expert
Tuesday, September 22 - Nathan Arledge - VP Family Services - Habitat for Humanity Charlotte
November TBD - Joaquin Soria - CFO, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
About TheSircle Dinners
Goal and Objectives
GOAL
To provide Leaders with a framework for creative dialogue and meaningful connections
OBJECTIVES
To make meaning by facilitating connections among leaders
To discover what makes us transformational leaders who excel
To understand what motivates engaged leaders to go beyond personal best
THESE ARE THE ONLY RULES:
Be yourself. Let us understand Who You Are, What You Do and Why It Matters
Don't sell. You will be able to do business after the event, in private
Turn off your phone - Don't text during dinner. You can use the phone away from the table
Focus
The Focus is LEADERSHIP and its many facets and expressions.
You are the real conversation catalyst, along with the Guest Presenter and everyone else in the room (I believe the collective talent and expertise are the source of our Breakthrough)
The aim is to engage in Creative Dialogue:
to understand how our experiences converge
to enrich perspectives, approaches and strategies that help us lead better.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING DINNER
I choose specific topics for us to explore with a profound perspective.
I craft Provocative Questions to guide the conversation towards "what works best."
We use Games to discover new insights and ideas.
You collect Practical Approaches and Tools which you can use in your professional life.
You receive everyone's e-mail to connect privately.
Past Dinners
2026
Tuesday, April 21 2026
“Purpose in the Storm: Thriving Through Life’s Unexpected Challenges."
Guest Presenter: Tim Buwick, business leader, entrepreneur and author
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
“From Spark to Radiance: The Evolution of Purpose through Creativity”
Guest Presenter: Fabi Preslar, Founder of SPARK Publications and President of Radiant Chapters Collective
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
“The Artist’s Eye in The Leader’s Mind”
Guest Presenter: Suzanne Fetscher, former CEO of McColl Center for Art + Innovation in Charlotte
2025
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
“Creative Resonance: Art’s Power to Inspire, Heal and Transform”
Guest Presenter: Dr. Siu Challons-Lipton, Professor at Queens University
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
“The Inspiring Power of Amplifying Your Legacy”
Guest Presenter: Walter Frye, Founder of Inkwell Tides
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
“Harmony for a Better Tomorrow – An Evening on the Transformative Power of Music”
Guest Presenter: David Fisk, CEO/President, The Charlotte Symphony
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
“Jack Ossa: The Architecture of Becoming”
Guest Presenter: Jack Ossa, AIA, CEO - Ossa Studio
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
“A Seat at the Table: Building Communities of Kinship through Philanthropy.”
Guest Presenter: Charlie Elberson, CEO, Reemprise Fund
Monday, June 16, 2025
“Transformational Leadership in Healthcare: The Case for Whole Health.”
Guest Presenter: Russ Greenfield MD, Integrative Medicine and Whole Health Expert
Thursday, May 29 , 2025
“Cultivating Global Citizens: Reflections on a Life Between Cultures.”
Guest Presenter: Ljubomir (L.J.) Stambuk, CEO World Affairs Council of Charlotte
Tuesday, April 22 , 2025
“The Evolving Self: Embracing Open-ended Life Possibilities”
Guest Presenter: Mark Peres, Founder of The Charlotte Center for Humanities and Civic Imagination
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
“The Heart of Leadership: Stories of Growth, Purpose, and Change”
Guest Presenter: Elizabeth McKee, President of Leadership Charlotte
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
“The Seven Weapons to Silence the Imposter”
Guest Presenter: Gary Frey, author of “Silence the Imposter”
2024
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
“The Path from Entrepreneurial Passion to International Resonance”
Guest Presenter: Manuel “Manolo” Betancur, Owner - Manolo’s Bakery, Artisen Gelato - World Bread Hero 2021
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
“Leadership and the Power of Disciplined Listening”
Guest Presenter: Michael Reddington, Executive Resource, Certified Interviewer and Author
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
“Leading with Your Kinder, Higher Self”
Guest Presenter: Angela Gala, Entrepreneur, Founder and Non-Profit Executive
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
“Innovation is a Leadership Strategy”
Guest Presenter: Louis Foreman, CEO and Founder, Enventys Partners
2019
Thursday, November 14, 2019
“Finding Inspiration to Lead”
Guest Presenter: Stephanie Ansaldo, President, The Echo Foundation
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
“Find Your Voice and Lead”
Guest Presenter: Katie Oates, Folk Music Artist
Thursday, August 29, 2019
“Stories to Lead By”
Guest Presenter: Jack Grossman, Entrepreneur, Author and Philanthropist
Tuesday, May 23, 2019
“Cowboy Up: Recover from Defeat and Succeed”
Guest Presenter: Chaz Seale, CEO of Billie Jean King EyeCoach
Monday, January 14, 2019
“Transforming Through Collaborative Leadership”
Guest Presenter: Candice Langston, Managing Director, The Lee Institute
2018
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
“Building a Legacy of World Class Service”
Guest Presenter: Timothy Miron, Catering Manager, The Ritz Carlton Charlotte
Monday, August 27, 2018
“Leading through Mastery and Meaning”
Guest Presenter: Peter Reinhart, International Bread Expert
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
“The Magic of Networking”
Guest Presenter: Cindy Sisson, Marketing/Sales & Networking Expert
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
“Living Creatively”
Guest Presenter: Matt Olin, writer, host of Creative Mornings Charlotte
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
“The 7 Keys of Extraordinary Leadership”
Guest Presenter: Lou Gayoso, International Business Leader
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
“The Magic Within”
Guest Presenter: Hannibal, world-renowned Magician
2017
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
“Using Big Data Analytics for Social Good”
Guest Presenter: Rishi Bhatnaghar, CEO of Syntelli Solutions
Thursday, September 7, 2017
“Swiss Leadership Wisdom for Entrepreneurs”
Guest Presenter: Prof. Dr. Andres Pfister, ZHAW Switzerland
Thursday, July 6, 2017
“Passionate Entrepreneurship”
Guest Presenter: Mac Lackey
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
“Leading with Significance”
Guest Presenter: Laura Meyer Wellman
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
“Influence: The Power of Great Ideas”
Guest Presenter: Mark Moore, CEO of Mana Nutrition
2014 - 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
“Deep Friendships”
Guest Presenter: Roger Baumgarte
Thursday, June 9, 2016
“Making Meaning”
Saturday, April 30, 2016
VIP Event - TheSircle Olympic Gold Event
U.S. Olympic Swimmers Time Trials and Dinner
Queens University Levine Wellness Center
Thursday, February 18, 2016
"The Most: Living in Joy"
Thursday, January 21, 2016
"Lead with a Story"
Thursday, December 3, 2015
"Purpose Your Big Why"
Thursday, October 29, 2015
"Real Connections"
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
"Captivate Your Audience and Get Buy-In"
Guest Presenter: Dianne Chase, partner at C4CS
Thursday, May 21, 2015
"Reinvent Yourself and Lead"
Guest Presenter: Michael Solender - Writer
Thursday, March 19, 2015
"The Sartorial Factor: Dress Your Purpose"
Guest Presenter: William Wilson, CEO, William Wilson Clothing
Thursday, February 19, 2015
"From $0 to $100 Million"
Guest Presenter: Ben Dominitz, Vistage Chair, CEOGuru LLC
Thursday, January 15, 2015
"In Leadership as in Art"
Guest Presenter: Jerald Melberg - The Jerald Melberg Gallery
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
"Leading through Simplicity"
Guest Presenter: Deborah Bosley - The Plain Language Group
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
"Leading through Creativity"
Guest Presenter: Sheila Mullen - McColl Innovation Institute
Thursday, August 21, 2014
"Awakening Your Professional Soul"
Guest Presenter: David Pinkley - The Career Sage
Thursday, July 24, 2014
"Communicating Your Essence"
Guest Presenter: Marcia Merrill - Red Rover Communications
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
"Leadership WISDOM"
Facilitated by Carlos Salum
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
"Charlotte and the Media"
Guest Presenter: Allison Latos - News Anchor WSOCTV-ABC
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
"Fully Engaged Leadership in Action"
Guest Presenter: John Paul Galles, publisher Great Charlotte Biz
2011 - 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
"Radical Connectivity: People, Ideas, Action"
Guest Presenter: Mike Watson, Emcee TEDxCharlotte, AIC
Thrusday, October 3, 2013
"Leading through a Theory of H.O.P.E."
Guest Presenter: Jay Jaboneta - Social Entrepreneur
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
"Leadership in North Carolina, then and now"
Guest Presenter: Mary C. Curtis - award-winning journalist
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
"The Power of Entrepreneurial Innovation"
Guest Presenter: Louis Foreman, Founder & CEO of Enventys
Wednesday, June 20, 2013
"Cultural Breakthrough"
Guest Presenter: Astrid Chirinos, President LACC
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
"The Entrepreneur's Search for Meaning"
Guest Presenter: Fabi Preslar, President of SPARK Publications
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
"Beyond Winning: Life Lessons from Sports"
Guest Presenter: Trudi Lacey, WNBA/Executive Coach
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
"Leadership and Community Engagement"
Guest Presenter: Elizabeth Nisbet Miller, Connector
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
"How I lead: Manifest Your Leadership Style"
Facilitated by Carlos Salum
Thursday, October 8, 2012
"Going Deep Quickly Authentic Trust"
Guest Presenter: Mark Peres, Prof. Johnson & Wales
Thursday, September 27, 2012
"The John Love Experience" (what is it?)
Guest Presenter: John W. Love, Jr. - Interdisciplinary Artist
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
On Leadership: "The Resetting of America"
Guest Presenter: Bruce Fritch, Principal - Fritch Consulting
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
"Fulfilling Your Compelling Vision"
Guest Presenter: Manny Ohonme - Founder, Samaritan's Feet
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 - TheGrandSircle
"A Brave New You" Evolving Brands - Global Impact
Presenters: Tom Morgan - Melanie Buchanan - Carlos Salum
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
"Spring Up: Evolving through Challenges"
Guest Presenter: Dr. Sam Santander, MD, MPH
Thursday, February 16, 2012
"Developing Your Philanthropic Vision"
Guest Presenter: Chris McLeod, Philanthropy Advisor
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"Personal Branding"
Guest Presenter: Melanie Guinn, President of ZGM Brand
Thursday, September 8, 2011
"Inspiring Stories of Personal Achievement"
Guest Presenter: Kenneth Kahn, President, Black Label Advisory
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Inaugural Dinner
"Enduring Value Creation"
Presenters: Jim Alexander and Carlos Salum
2010 - ReNEW Interactive Series (5 dinners) - Hodges Taylor Gallery
2009 - Interact Live Series on Leadership (6 dinners) - Interact Studio