100 Women We Love, Queer Women We Love, Wonder Women

100 Women We Love 2012

June 15, 2012 Destiny Dejesus

“Knowing that my election showed Charlotteans and the world that we are not bound by discrimination wakes me every morning with pride,” proclaims LaWana Mayfield, the City Council representative for District 3 in Charlotte, NC, and the city’s first openly gay elected official. Last November, she trounced her Republican opponent in the council election with 78 percent of the vote, replacing an eight-year incumbent. Now, continuously building on her 15 years of activism, her other leadership posts include the Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee, Mecklenburg County Development Corp. Board, Smart Start Board and the Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund Board of Advisors. Prior to the election, Mayfield took an active role in LGBT activism as the Human Rights Campaign’s Diversity Co-Chair. “I believe that my role, along with growing the City of Charlotte, is to open the door for LGBTQ dialogue and to create pathways to service. I have this amazing opportunity to help direct the growth of the City of Charlotte through my vote,” Mayfield says. “I am right where I am supposed to be, and I love my job!”

Drum roll, please! We’re excited to present this year’s 100 Women We Love—our most diverse group of out entertainers, artists, athletes, activists, business principals and elected officials yet. Each of these women is a superstar in her own right. Their achievements and contributions shape our lives —and elevate us in the eyes of the world . They’re working to raise LGBT awareness, increase our visibility and quicken our progress toward a just society.

We are extremely proud to present the class of 2012. There are no rankings or numbers. They are all leaders.

Stacy McWilliams
Among men’s pro sports leagues, the NBA consistently ranks at the top for diversity in management positions, including race and gender. One of those leaders is Stacy McWilliams, Vice President of Team Marketing & Business Operations. At the NBA, McWilliams represents team interests by working with internal stakeholders and external parties—like broadcast and marketing partners, licensees and agencies—to develop mutually beneficial programs and revenue-generating business opportunities. Her responsibilities aren’t just domestic; McWilliams took on a role of liaison between the league’s New York office and China after recently spending seven months in Beijing as the NBA’s VP, Client Programs and Business Solutions. She’s also active in the NBA’s involvement and reach within the LGBT community. “I’m proud of the work we do at the NBA with LGBT organizations, and I’m fortunate to work with people who are willing to stand up for what is right,” McWilliams tells GO. “On a personal level, I believe we all have life experiences and strengths that will move us forward and make a difference, and we can all make an impact everyday by being out.”