Dinner with 9 Niners
Dinner with 9 Niners, hosted by the Future Alumni Network, provides students with the opportunity to network and build individual connections with nine notable UNC Charlotte alumni in an intimate setting. During this three-course dinner, attendees will learn how UNC Charlotte helped launch these alumni to success and how staying engaged as an alum has had a positive impact on their lives and careers. Each alum will lead conversations around their respective table, answer questions, provide advice, and share their personal success stories. Toya Corbett ’97, founder of The Etiquette Doctor, will also provide lessons on dining and networking etiquette.
Attendance is by invitation only. If you are interested in learning how you can attend, please email futurealumni@charlotte.edu.
meet the 9 niners
todd aldridge ’92
Director of Global Creative
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Todd Aldridge is a seasoned creative leader with a passion for storytelling, team-building, and operational excellence. Todd received his Bachelor of Creative Arts in Art degree from UNC Charlotte’s College of Arts + Architecture. As Director of Global Creative for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Todd has played a pivotal role in streamlining communication, implementing Standard Operating Procedures, and leading high-profile projects such as the Model Year Launch, campaign guidelines and design systems, Homecoming, and social content creation. Beyond his work at Harley-Davidson, he’s shaped minds as an Adjunct Professor of Typography and Graphic Design at UNC Charlotte, where he also serves as President of the Alumni Board of Directors.
toya corbett, Ph.d. ’97
Founder
The Etiquette Doctor
Toya Corbett received her BA in Psychology degree from UNC Charlotte’s College of Humanities and Earth and Social Sciences, and is a rockstar trainer, leadership strategist, and executive coach dedicated to empowering others with the confidence and courage to achieve their unique version of success. Known as The Etiquette Doctor, Corbett captivates audiences with her expertise in etiquette, executive presence, and networking strategies. Her company has been featured in Forbes, and she writes an etiquette column for VISTAS magazine that focuses on food, wine and entertaining. During her time as a student, Toya participated in the SAFE program, SGA, hall council, Emerging Leaders, the Black Student Union, Order of Omega, and she pledged the Kappa Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As an act of gratitude for all that she learned and experienced at Charlotte, she and her best friend created the Friends-Giving Scholarship which supports students active in the SAFE program and student organizations. Her accolades include the prestigious Aspiring Leaders Program at Rutgers University and the Excellence in Leadership Award from UNC Charlotte’s Black Alumni Chapter.
gene johnson ’73
CEO/President (Retired)
Fairpoint Communications
Gene Johnson received his BS degree in Accounting from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business and had a long career, culminating in his retirement as Chairman and CEO of a NYSE public company. More importantly, he stayed involved at Charlotte literally from the day he graduated. He currently serves as the Chair of the UNC Charlotte Foundation Board and has previously served as President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and chair of the Athletic Foundation. He has also served the University as an adjunct faculty member and as Interim Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He is the first alum to receive an honorary doctorate degree, serve as chair of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Foundation. He wears green nearly every day!
ryan kennedy, P.E. ’04
Co-Founder
Atom Power, Inc.
Ryan is founder of Atom Engineering, PLLC, co-founder of Atom Power, Inc and founder of Kennedy Power Systems. He has been in the electrical design, project leadership, and engineering industries for over 30 years. A native of Charlotte, Ryan began his career as an electrician and worked with hardhat and tools on large commercial projects for six years before starting his study of electrical engineering at UNC Charlotte. During his 30-years in commercial power distribution industries, Ryan has played a significant role in the design or construction of several notable Charlotte high-rise buildings, including Truist Tower, Fifth Third Center, Three Wells Fargo Center and Duke Energy Center.
Ryan is a licensed Professional Engineer and Advisory Board Chairman to UNC Charlotte’s Electrical and Computer Engineering department.
christopher moxley ’03
Co-Owner
704 Shop
Christopher Moxley is the Co-owner of 704 Shop, Charlotte’s original lifestyle brand fusing hometown pride and premium streetwear. Chris received his BSBA degree in International Business from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business. He was named a Distinguished Young Alumnus by the Belk College of Business and chosen for an Excellence in Leadership Award by the Black Alumni Chapter. Chris credits his superpower as networking, which has fueled his success in establishing several notable partnerships for the 704 Shop brand, including with UNC Charlotte, the City of Charlotte, the PGA, Charlotte FC, and more. Chris is a current member of the UNC Charlotte Foundation Board, and a previous member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
yandrick paraison ’99
Principal and Founder
The Paraison Group
Yandrick Paraison is a seasoned leader with over a decade of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, and community engagement. Yandrick received his BA degree in English from UNC Charlotte’s College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences. As Principal and Founder of The Paraison Group, he spearheads strategic initiatives and fosters impactful corporate and community engagements. His background includes leadership roles at Year Up, Strategies for Change Group, and the Republican National Convention, where he built robust partnerships, drove national campaigns, and created opportunities for diverse talent and underserved communities. Yandrick serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
joanna tyson ’05
Senior Recruiter
Ally
Joanna Tyson is a seasoned recruiter with 20 years of experience, dedicated to connecting top talent with the right opportunities. She is a passionate real estate investor, focused on building a strong portfolio. Joanna practices enthusiastic obedience to the 5 steps of stewardship: work, give, save, spend, invest. Joanna was a co-founder of the Charlotte Ally Alumni Network and a past UNC Charlotte Foundation Board member. Joanna received her BSBA in Management from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business.
michael vaccaro ’97
Sr. Vice President, Nursing & Clinical Services
Novant Health
Michael Vaccaro currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Nursing & Clinical
Services for Novant Health. Michael has responsibility for all Novant Health’s inpatient
acute care nursing. Prior to his current role, he has served as the senior director of nursing for Women’s and Children’s services at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and the nurse manager of pediatric services at Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital. He began his career as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit at Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital after receiving his Bachelor’s of Science degree in nursing from UNC Charlotte’s College of Health & Human Services.
Kimberly moore-wright ’95
Chief Teammate Officer
Truist
Kimberly Moore-Wright is chief teammate officer for Truist Financial Corporation, a purpose-driven financial services organization committed to inspiring and building better lives and communities. She is a member of Truist’s Operating Council, responsible for the human resources function, and also oversees the Truist Leadership Institute, Truist’s in-house leadership development organization. Kimberly holds her Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business, Master of Business Administration from North Carolina State University and American Banker Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking.
about the future alumni network
The Future Alumni Network (FAN) is a student organization that connects students with UNC Charlotte alumni and hosts events to build Niner pride. For a one-time $49 membership fee, students receive a premier swag pack, invitations to member-only events, and early access to other events and swag throughout the year!
Let’s Stay Connected! Follow us on Instagram or email futurealumni@charlotte.edu