Sonja P. Nichols

Sonja P. Nichols serves as the President and Owner of Southern Lion LLC since May 2022, a multi-merchant retail shopping venue and small business incubator in Carolina Place Mall. Nichols holds a position on the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina System and serves as a board member for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Foundation and the Atrium Health Foundation. As President and CEO of Nicholant Enterprises since February 2016, Nichols focuses on supporting small businesses. Nichols has held leadership roles in various organizations, including Past President of Good Friends Charlotte, Past Board Chair of the Women’s Impact Fund, and Founding President of the South Charlotte Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. Academic credentials include an MBA and a B.S. in Accounting from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, along with executive management training from the University of Richmond.