Mary Claudia Belk Pilon is president and board chair of the John M. Belk Endowment, a private family foundation partnering with postsecondary programs and institutions in North Carolina. Through her vision in carrying forward the legacy of her father, John M. Belk, the Endowment has focused its mission on strengthening the workforce and improving the lives of low-income and other underrepresented students by increasing their access to and completion of college and other credentialing education. Pilon earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and communications from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. After graduation, she stayed connected with her alma mater and became the college’s assistant alumni director. She then moved closer to home where she worked in Retail Management for Belk for 12 years. She also worked for The Belk Foundation for five years.Pilon has served her community in many ways and participated on several boards that highlight the importance of education access and success for all children. These include The Belk Foundation, John M. Belk Scholarship Advisory Board at Davidson College, Good Friends, Greater Enrichment and Fletcher School. She and her husband, Jeff, have three children and live in Charlotte. Pilon continues the Belk family legacy of giving, with a focus on creating educational opportunities for deserving students through her leadership of the John M. Belk Endowment.