[Charlotte, NC| October 5, 2023] — Self-Help is proud to announce regional manager Tanya Dial-Bethune, senior financial coach Donnetta Collier, mortgage underwriter Akeya Hudson, commercial lending program associate Jana Sanders, and mortgage loan officer Tina Webb-Bouttry, have all been welcomed into the prestigious, Who’s Who in Black Charlotte at an event that took place at the Mint Museum Uptown on Thursday, September 28. Emmy-award winning journalist and host of BETs America in Black, Ed Gordon was guest host. 

Each will be featured in the upcoming eighth edition of the publication, which celebrates the achievements of Black professionals in the Charlotte metro-area - providing inspiration for future generations. Who’s Who in Black Charlotte is one of 10 publications that recognize and highlight the achievements of African Americans in various cities across the United States.   

Reflecting on the achievement, Self-Help mortgage loan officer Tina Webb-Bouttry said, “I was extremely pleased and humbled to be recognized for work that I am passionate about which changes the lives of so many.” 

Webb-Bouttry continues, “Like Maya Angelou famously said, ‘Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.’ This was one of those moments.” 

“Whenever I am in a room with so much talent and greatness, I get a little intimidated. Then I remember, I am in the room too," Akeya Hudson observes. “It was an honor to be inducted into Who’s Who in Black Charlotte.” 

“I’m here to help families, large and small, reach their financial goals,” Donnetta Collier states. “Self-Help has allowed me to do that for 23 years and our great God did so long before. I’m humbled and grateful to do what I love.”  

“It feels amazing to receive this recognition," Jana Coleman Sanders explains.  “It feels even more amazing to work for a financial institution that truly allows me to give back to the Charlotte community.  That’s the true reward. Working to advance economic opportunity for all.” 

As part of the recognition, Sanders, Hudson and Dial-Bethune joined other community leaders at West Charlotte High School for a Black Charlotte Youth Summit on Friday, September 29. The school is located in the West End Corridor where Self-Help's Beatties Ford branch is located. 

"The Youth Summit was very impactful, and we shared our journey regarding our career in small breakout sessions with junior and seniors,” Tanya Dial-Bethune explains. “The joy was that the higher schoolers seeded back into us with words of wisdom during their presentation of what they learned.  

She adds, “You can always learn something from someone no matter their age. It was a great way to end the week with other community leaders and students in the community.” 

"The Charlotte Black Youth Summit was so enriching,” Hudson agrees. “It was a full circle moment for me. I recalled coming over to West Charlotte for similar events when I was in high school. I was truly grateful to take part in it all.” 

Who’s Who in Black Charlotte has been celebrating African American achievement for over 30 years.  It’s widely recognized as the country's ultimate community of African American professionals, business executives, community leaders and entrepreneurs. 

About Self-Help Credit Union   

Self-Help Credit Union was chartered in 1983 to build a network of branches that partner with working families and communities often underserved by the financial marketplace. With over $1.7 billion in assets and serving more than 90,000 members in 37 branches – eight in Florida, twenty-two in North Carolina, six in South Carolina, and one in Virginia - Self-Help Credit Union is one of the fastest-growing community development financial institutions in the country. It is part of the Self-Help family of nonprofit organizations whose collective mission is to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for all. For over 40 years, the national Center for Community Self-Help and its affiliates have provided more than $10.9 billion in financing to help more than 160,000 borrowers buy homes, start, and grow businesses and strengthen community resources. For more information, please visit www.self-help.org. 

About Who’s Who in Black Charlotte 

A subsidiary of Real Times Media, Who’s Who in Black was founded in 1989 with the sole focus of celebrating and elevating Black culture, Black achievement, and Black people. More than 30 years later, Who’s Who continues to fulfill its mission by creating spaces for networking and empowerment for Black professionals around the country.   

Jenny Shields, Director of Media Relations, Self-Help Credit Union Direct Line: 919.794.6798 | Cell: 919.584.4379 | Email: Jenny.Shields@self-help.org