City Celebrates 27th Annual Mayor's International Community Awards

Published on May 20, 2025

MICA honoree, Mountain of Hope, poses for picture during Hurricane Helene recovery.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 20, 2025) - The City of Charlotte Mayor’s Office, in collaboration with the Economic Development Department and the Charlotte International Cabinet (CIC), will host the 27th Mayor’s International Community Awards (MICA) on Wednesday, May 21.

The MICA Awards, at the Booth Playhouse at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, recognize the philanthropic efforts of three foreign-owned firms and honor individuals and organizations that make significant international contributions. 

“Charlotte is shaped by the talent, innovation and generosity of people from around the world,” said Mayor Vi Lyles. “The MICA Awards celebrate those who bring international perspectives to our city and who work every day to make a meaningful difference, locally and globally. Their efforts strengthen our community and reflect our city’s values. Congratulations to all our 2025 honorees.”

Individual Award Honorees

  • Mountains of Hope, a volunteer-led group representing more than a dozen countries, will receive the Richard Vinroot International Achievement Award for its swift and compassionate response to Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. The more than 56 volunteers residing in the Charlotte region provided critical aid, including clearing debris, donating supplies and winterizing emergency shelters. By building trust through grassroots outreach, they were able to serve the state’s most vulnerable residents. 
  • Lihong Yu, founder of PHT International, will be honored with the CIC International Entrepreneur Award. Starting with just $5,000 in 1993, Yu built PHT International into a global chemical manufacturing leader, generating nearly $200 million in annual revenue. With headquarters in Charlotte and presence in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Ningbo, the company has pioneered green practices that minimize waste and environmental impact. Yu, originally from Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, grew up during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and has become a trailblazer in the global business community. 
  • Johnelle Causwell will be presented with the Global Leader Award for her efforts to strengthen Charlotte’s global economic ties. A key figure in the Caribbean and wider international community, Causwell has led initiatives with the Charlotte International Cabinet, International House and the Charlotte International Women’s Day Planning Committee. She has represented Charlotte globally through educational, diplomatic and humanitarian delegations. Her advocacy led to the creation of African and Caribbean Community Day and has earned her national recognition. 

Foreign-owned Firm Awards

Three foreign-owned firms will also be recognized for their volunteerism and philanthropy in the Charlotte region.

  • Large Company Category: Schaeffler Group USA Inc., headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The company employs nearly 1,300 people in the greater Charlotte region and manufactures high-precision components for electric vehicles, wind turbines and trains at its facility in Indian Land, South Carolina. In 2024, its Americas region generated more than 4 billion euros in revenue. Beyond business, Schaeffler employees have participated in local career days and hosted student tours to spark interest in STEM careers.  The company also operates an apprenticeship program with hands-on training for young adults. During the pandemic, Schaeffler provided hundreds of hot meals to emergency workers. 
  • Medium Company Category: HUBER Technology US, the North American subsidiary of German-based HUBER SE. Located in Denver, North Carolina, the company manufactures water and wastewater treatment machinery and is expanding its facility to over 206,000 square feet. The company supports multiple sustainability initiatives, such as the National Forestry Service and joins elected officials, water utilities, community leaders, educators, and other businesses participating in Imagine a Day Without Water.
  • Small Company Category: ATG ADVISORS. Founded by Lester Selby, a native of Guyana, the company operates in Charlotte and Grenada and offers free financial literacy classes for the local immigrant community. The firm is also an active participant in cultural festivals and international outreach events. 

The MICA Awards are part of Charlotte Small Business Month. For more information, visit the Small Business Month calendar.

Tagged as:

Related Events

Back to top