Elizabeth Minehart '05, above, and Elizabeth Freeze, the College's Chief Philanthripy Officer, are being recognized by the Triad Business Journal.
Elizabeth Minehart ’05 and Elizabeth Freeze are recognized for driving growth, engagement and opportunity across the Piedmont Triad.
Two women with Guilford connections will be honored Thursday night for their leadership among women in business. Elizabeth Minehart ’05 and Elizabeth Freeze are being recognized by Triad Business Journal as part of the publication’s 2026 Outstanding Women in Business cohort.
The annual awards program highlights leaders across the Piedmont Triad who have demonstrated professional excellence, community engagement and a commitment to advancing opportunities for women in the workplace.
Elizabeth Minehart, a marketing manager at Ziehl-Abegg Inc., joined the company in 2023 and leads marketing strategy for its North American operations. A Guilford graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art, she oversees brand consistency, campaign execution and a marketing budget exceeding $1 million while managing a cross-functional team based in North and South America.
She was recognized in part for guiding a team that delivered the grand opening of Ziehl-Abegg’s advanced manufacturing facility in Winston-Salem, an effort that brought together employees, community partners, global executives and elected officials.
During her career she has held leadership roles in administration with YMCA of Greensboro and in communications with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and also helps manage a small business.
Elizabeth Freeze is being honored for her leadership in advancing philanthropy at the College. As head of the Guilford’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, she oversees a staff of six and manages a $1 million budget while serving on the College’s leadership team.
She played a central role in the College’s efforts last year to raise more than $6 million in unrestricted cash in six months, surpassing the established $5 million goal. The effort also more than doubled alumni participation, increasing the number of donors from 900 in fiscal year 2024 to more than 2,000 in fiscal year 2025.
In her career she has held fundraising leadership roles with Junior Achievement of the Triad and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Davidson College and a master’s at UNC Chapel Hill.
All 25 honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony Thursday in Greensboro.