Charlotte Nugent
MEMORIAL AWARD
Charlotte Nugent, founding Greater Than member, passed away suddenly in June 2023, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.
It's hard to imagine Greater Than without thinking about Charlotte. Charlotte was one of the original 14 women who took a risk with Margot and Meredith in 2019 to launch Greater Than (before we even had a name) and continued to bring her community along year after year. Many cohorts have a current member who was referred by Charlotte. Charlotte had been elected to local public office and gave us real life insight into what candidates need to be successful. She pushed us to check our own biases about what makes a 'good' candidate and championed supporting local, first time candidates.
Charlotte's impact extends far beyond Greater Than. Shortly before she passed away, Charlotte welcomed her first child, Heron, in March 2023 with her husband Ben. She was a committed educator, life-long learner, and community activist. Charlotte was 38.
Charlotte was one-of-a-kind. She is deeply missed.
In her honor, Greater Than selects one candidate each year who our members believe best exemplify Charlotte’s legacy. The candidates are people who share a passion for public education, social justice, and democracy, while demonstrating leadership and a commitment to being part of the solution.
2025
Leslie Mehta
Leslie is our 2025 honoree, carrying forward the values and legacy of Charlotte through her steadfast pursuit of justice and compassion. Like Charlotte, Leslie has dedicated her life to service, first as Legal Director of the ACLU of Virginia, and now as a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 73. Her advocacy for expanding access to healthcare and improving outcomes for all is deeply personal, shaped by the loss of her daughter in 2021. Guided by empathy and conviction, Leslie exemplifies leadership rooted in purpose, courage, and care for others.
2024
Tanneshia Dukes
Tanneshia is our 2024 honoree, embodying the values and legacy of Charlotte. Like Charlotte, Tanneshia is a dedicated educator with a deep passion for ensuring that our public school systems meet the needs of all children. She has worked tirelessly to combat discrimination and promote equity in both our schools and communities. Inspired by her own values and life experiences, Tanneshia felt called to public service, driven by a desire to improve the lives of those around her. A true servant leader, Tanneshia represents the very best of what this country can offer.
