MESSAGE FROM FOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINAS INSTITUTE FOR PHILANTHROPIC LEADERSHIP:
Michael Marsicano Award for Philanthropic Leadership recipient: Libby Safrit
On October 14, 2025, IPL Awards Luncheon was a powerful reminder of what inspired, mission-driven leadership looks like.
We were proud to recognize this year’s Michael Marsicano Award for Philanthropic Leadership recipients: Libby Safrit, Executive Director of Teen Health Connection, and Stephanie Stenglein, CFRE, Associate Executive Director of Arts+. Both have transformed their organizations through integrity, innovation, and impact.
Our Board Chair, Jim Kelley, shared powerful reflections on IPL’s mission and growth. Through Leadership Gift School (275 leaders from 109 organizations) and Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy (171 participants from 92 nonprofits), IPL continues to strengthen the leadership pipeline across the Carolinas. Jim also celebrated our partnership with the United Way of Greater Charlotte, whose Unite Charlotte cohort helped make this fall’s ELP our largest yet.
We were equally inspired by Michael Marsicano, who expressed his pride in the award that bears his name and gratitude to those who’ve contributed to its growing endowment – now at $370,000 and moving toward a $500,000 goal. He reminded us that nonprofit leaders are, in many ways, an extension of our democracy, helping ensure every community thrives through service, generosity, and leadership.
Deep gratitude to our event hosts: Amy Tribble and The Mint Museum Uptown, and Bonita Buford and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture, Jim Kelley and The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, Shannon Williams and Armstrong McGuire & Associates, and Michelle Hamilton, CFRE at Carter, Advancing Philanthropy Worldwide, and to our table hosts whose partnership made this celebration possible.
