Fall WILMA 2023

WILMA

Honor Roll

Meet the 2023

WILMA’s Women to Watch Awards finalists

Snack

Queen

Yumday brings curated & conscious bites

Newcomer

Advice

Making power connections with Pam Hardy

Planting Seed a

Cierra Washington on building community around the Northside Food Co-op

WILMAFALL

106 classic rock

Leadership + Lifestyle since 2003

PUBLISHER Rob Kaiser

PRESIDENT Robert Preville

EDITOR Vicky Janowski

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Angela Conicelli

SENIOR MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Maggi Apel

Craig Snow

Stacey Stewart

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Alexis Alphin

Jillian Hon

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Braden Smith

OFFICE & AUDIENCE

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Sandy Johnson

EVENTS DIRECTOR Elizabeth Stelzenmuller

EVENTS & DIGITAL COORDINATOR

Jamie Merrill

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER Suzi Drake DESIGNER Tara Weymouth

MEDIA COORDINATOR Julia Jones

FASHION STYLIST Drewe Smith

CONTRIBUTORS

Tim Bass, Nina Bays, Jenny Callison, Meghan Corbett, Beth A. Klahre, Laura Moore, Emory Rakestraw, Katie Schmidt, Lynda Van Kuren, Elizabeth White

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daria Amato, Logan Burke, Megan Deitz, Madeline Gray, Terah Hoobler, Allison Joyce, Stephanie Savas Photography, Kate Supa

@ WILMAmag / WILMAmag.com

FOUNDER

Joy Allen

SUBSCRIBE

For a one-year subscription, please send $26.00 (check) to: WILMA, 219 Station Rd., Ste. 202, Wilmington, NC 28405, or call 910-343-8600 x201

Copyright 2023

MADELINE GRAY is a freelance documentary photographer based in Wilmington. With a master’s degree in photojournalism, her work is regularly featured in local and national publications. She enjoys spending time in places that are off the beaten track and collaborating to share the diverse stories found there. Gray photographed the cover image of Cierra Washington, consultant Caroline King on page 30, and the category group shots for this year’s Women to Watch Awards section, which starts on page 65 madelinegrayphoto.com and @madelinepgray on Instagram

TERAH HOOBLER is a Wilmington-based freelance photojournalist with over sixteen years’ experience in photography and art. She is a mom of three, an artist, and an avid coffee drinker. Hoobler photographed BCC’s Small Business Center director April Scott (page 34), Wrightsville Beach Surf Mamas (page 46), life coach Michelle Dolan (page 105), and historic preservation planner Jessica Baldwin (page 112). terahhoobler.com

LAURA MOOR E is an English professor at Cape Fear Community College in one of the top three-rated English departments in the state. In addition to education, she has a background in public relations and journalism. She talked with Yumday founder Lia Ballentine about moving the snack subscription box company to Wilmington for the issue’s Taste feature (page 42).

EMORY RAKESTRAW is a North Carolina native who has extensively covered the people, places, and history of the Tar Heel State. She works in public relations representing clients in the interior design and wellness sphere throughout the Southeast. When not writing, she can be found at the beach. Rakestraw talks with this year’s Women to Watch Awards bracelet designer Lisa Brown on page 96.

ANNA WOODALL LEE has been a licensed cosmetologist for twenty-two years, specializing in onlocation hair and makeup. When she’s not working on adorning a bride or model, she can be found behind the chair at Salon Verve or spending time with her family. She worked on the shoot for this issue’s cover as well as the Women to Watch Awards finalists’ photoshoot for the awards section starting on page 65

AND THE AWARD GOES TO ...

It’s that time of year again. WILMA’s Women to Watch Awards is around the corner, and on September 8, we’ll honor this year’s thirtyfive finalists and announce seven category winners.

Maggi Apel, who serves as co-director of WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, and I (shown above from the 2018 awards) will be on the stage for the program, but there’s a full team at WILMA working on nomination forms to magazine pages to the party itself.

I’ll never have that Oscar speech moment, so allow me to squeeze this in here.

Thanks to the incomparable events team of Elizabeth Stelzenmuller and Jamie Merrill for not just putting on a mega awards party but coordinating the entire nomination process and photoshoot logistics. Thanks to designer Suzi Drake for directing the group photos and the issue’s special awards section and to designer Tara Weymouth for conceptualizing the social media looks around the finalists and their headshots.

Thanks to the talented photographers Madeline Gray and Summer Lambert, who worked with the finalists, and to jewelry designer (and former award recipient) Lisa Brown, who made this year’s custom awards bracelet.

Thanks to our Women to Watch Advisory Board members who culled through hundreds of nominations to make the difficult decisions on the finalists and winners.

Thanks to Maggi’s friend who had to reschedule an outof-town gals trip, and now she can come celebrate with all of you. Thanks to my husband who was OK with delaying leaving for Disney until the morning after the party so that I can celebrate with all of you.

The morning of September 9 is going to hurt, but the evening of September 8 is going to be epic.

This is about the time that the playing-off music would start, so I’ll end with apologies for leaving anyone else who works on this massive project for WILMA.

The special section starts on page 65, so check out the impressive group of women who work a hundred different ways to improve their organizations and the community.

WILMA’s fall issue, however, isn’t just about the awards.

Turn to page 57 to read about several women working on innovative projects to address food system issues. Flip over to page 42 to learn about how Lia Ballentine built a snack subscription service that counts Fortune 100 companies among her clients. And check out our leadership section starting on page 25 for advice on intentional networking and info on area business counseling resources.

One final note on awards season: Congratulations to the YWCA Lower Cape Fear for running its Women of Achievement Awards for the past thirty-eight years and recognizing the work of nearly 500 local women. The YWCA closes out its awards program with a legacy celebration September 27 (info: ywca-lowercapefear.org)

Vicky Janowski, WILMA editor editor@wilmingtonbiz.com

STATE OF THE ART

THE CAMERON ART MUSEUM BOARD OF TRUSTEES UNANIMOUSLY NAMED HEATHER WILSON AS THE MUSEUM’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR this summer.

Wilson, a member of the staff for sixteen years, is no stranger to CAM. Starting in 2006 in development, she became deputy director in 2019. During those years, she led a needs assessment for CAM’s programming and oversaw its diversity and equity inclusion initiatives.

She served as interim executive director earlier this year when longtime museum head ANNE BRENNAN retired from the role.

Originally from Salisbury, North Carolina, Wilson moved to Wilmington from Boston to pursue her master’s degree in fine arts in creative writing at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where she co-founded the nationally known literary journal Ecotone.

Pulling from past education and experience, Wilson continues to grow CAM’s scope beyond visual arts through multidisciplinary programming that connects to the art on display. “The human connection we foster between people and art,” she says, “is what excites me the most.”

SPOTLIGHT

photo by STEPHANIE SAVAS PHOTOGRAPHY

SUMMIT VIEWS

THE SECOND ANNUAL NEW HANOVER COUNTY EQUITY AND INCLUSION SUMMIT is slated for September 14-15 at Cape Fear Community College’s Union Station.

This year’s event will cover health and cultural equity, youth and transgender issues, visual and hearing impairments, and developing an action plan for land acknowledgments and the inclusion of Indigenous People.

ASHLEY LOMBOY (below), from the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe of North Carolina, will serve as the keynote speaker for the summit during Thursday’s luncheon.

“Last year, we had an engaging summit that allowed members of our community and representatives from across the state to discuss important DEI-related topics taking place here at home, as well as across the country,” says New Hanover County Chief Diversity and Equity Officer LINDA THOMPSON . “This year, we look forward to expanding that conversation as we aim to provide attendees insight that will help them navigate today’s challenges while working to build more inclusive communities.”

Registration is available on the county’s calendar of events section at nhcgov.com.

photo by TERAH HOOBLER

COOL AS ICE

MOVIEMAKER MAGAZINE HAS DECLARED WHAT MANY WILMINGTONIANS ALREADY KNEW: CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL IS COOL . The local film festival was amongst MovieMaker’s 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World for 2023 list, which celebrates festivals that rise above the rest in innovation, welcoming environments, and cool factor.

The “25 Coolest Film Festivals list exists because of festivals like Cucalorus,” says the magazine’s editor-in-chief Tim Molloy. “It’s the rare festival that has nothing to do with competition or heavy-

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Fueled by Faith holds a women’s leadership conference featuring speakers Khalilah Olokunola, Audrye McLeod, Holly Pickerel, and Gina Sevey as well as other activities.

LOCATION: The Harrelson Center

DATE: September 29 + 30

MORE INFO: fueledbyfaith.org

84,846 FEMALE MALE 72,020 UNDESIGNATED 16,810

handed networking. It’s all about art, love, and cool. Dan Brawley and the rest of the team cultivate a sense of support, inclusion, and curiosity – they truly love films, the more daring and inventive, the better – and if that sounds like you, this is probably your dream festival. It’s a nice bonus that it happens to be in a film town that’s both a place of cinematic legend and a hotbed of new projects.”

The twenty-ninth annual festival takes place November 15-19. A Song for Imogene by Honey Head Films (shown above during filming) opens the festival. For a full schedule, go to cucalorus. eventive.org.

EXPANDING CHILD CARE

This fall, Cape Fear Community College will launch free drop-in child care services for all of its enrolled students, becoming the first community college in North Carolina to offer the service.

MORE INFO: cfcc.edu/drop-in-childcare

BITES ABOUT TOWN

Thalian Hall once again hosts Taste of the Town with bites at downtown restaurants including The Vine, The George on the Riverwalk, Quanto Basta, The Little Dipper, and more. Samplers get to crown their favorites as part of the event benefiting Thalian Hall.

LOCATION: Downtown Wilmington

DATE + TIME: 6 p.m. | September 14

MORE INFO: thalianhall.org/taste

photo by KATIE McTIERNAN / c/o HONEY HEAD FILMS

Source: New Hanover County Board of Elections

Defining WILMA

Earlier this year, as part of the magazine’s twentieth anniversary, we asked readers what WILMA meant to them.

Casual-to-ardent readers, leadership program participants, and others weighed in on the question.

Over the past two decades, WILMA’s coverage has continually shifted and grown, but its focus has remained steadfast. Writer and 2022 Women to Watch Award winner SAYANTANI DASGUPTA describes that mission eloquently: “WILMA meets a vital need of this community by focusing on local issues and the trailblazers who tackle them.”

Here are some of the other responses from readers to the question “How would you describe WILMA and its role in the community?”

- April Skwirl

- Leslie Thornton

- Tanya Fermin

-Mahlaynee Cooper

- Lauri Ann Plante

2

W OMEN W ATCH

ON THE AGENDA

Advice and connections from local leaders + the latest on WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative

p.26

W2W INITIATIVE UPDATES

p.28

W2W INITIATIVE SPONSORS

p.30

DEI ADVICE WITH CAROLINE KING

p. 34

PLUGGING IN: EXTRA ASSIST FROM SMALL BUSINESS CENTER’S APRIL SCOTT

p.37

PLUGGING IN: BIZ RESOURCES ROUNDUP

p.38

PAM HARDY ON POWER NETWORKING

UPDATES

W2W RECAP:

The latest on WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative and its mission to help develop more women leaders in our area

• LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR: WILMA’s annual leadership conference took place in July at the Wilmington Convention Center. The half-day event (shown above) brought together more than 350 people to hear workshops on building confidence, work-life issues, mentoring, and public speaking. A keynote panel talked about balancing risks and rewards as leaders. To see more pics, go to facebook.com/ WilmaMag for the Leadership Accelerator photo album.

• LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: This year’s WILMA’s Leadership Institute class continued to meet for monthly skills training on topics including strategic thinking; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and leading through challenging times. Learn more about the forty-seven women in this year’s cohort at wilmamag.com/women-to-watch/ wilmas-leadership-institute.

• ALUM NETWORKING: WILMA hosted a networking event in August for current and former participants in our flagship leadership programs. Hundreds of WILMA’s Leadership Institute graduates, Women to Watch Awards finalists and winners, and WILMA Network members gathered at Bowstring Burgers & Brewyard to reconnect and expand their circles.

• IN THE LOOP: Keep up to date with these and other Leadership Initiative programs as well as application announcements by going to WILMAmag.com or signing up for the WILMA Leadership email at WILMAmag.com/email-newsletter.

LEADERSHIP INITIA TIVE

WILMA’S EXPLORE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

W2W UP NEXT:

to connect with WILMA’s leadership programs

How

• WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS: This year’s awards event is September 8 at the Wilmington Convention Center. Winners in the categories of Arts, Business, Education, Health, Nonprofit/Volunteer, Public Sector, and Rising Star will be announced. Look for more on the finalists starting on page 65.

• MENTORING: As a part of WILMA’s mentoring program, up-and-coming women in the community are matched with women and men mentors to assist with their leadership development. Participation in the program is limited to those who participated in a W2W program in the past year, and the mentorship will run from October to September 2024.

• FUTURE LEADERS: The inaugural class of WILMA’s Future Leaders wraps ups its first year, which included special attendance to WILMA leadership events and one-onone mentoring. The group of area high school teens will close out their year hearing from UNCW Senior Woman Administrator and Deputy Athletics Director Tiffany Tucker before a UNCW Women’s Basketball game in November.

ERIN EASTON CFCC Director, Workforce Training/Development

“WILMA magazine celebrates successful women and helps to shape emerging female leaders, directly aligning with CFCC's mission to promote excellence through innovation in education and empowering students for lifelong success. CFCC celebrates our female students, faculty, and staff members and empowers them to enhance their leadership skills. We celebrate achievements, share success stories, and provide the skills and knowledge needed for success. We are honored to be a part of WILMA’s Leadership Initiative and play a role in empowering women in our community."

“All of us at PNC celebrate the innovative women who fuel Wilmington’s dynamic business landscape and help make the Cape Fear region a great place to work and live. As a Main Street bank, PNC is committed to cultivating, empowering, and honoring women business owners, leaders, investors, and financial decision-makers in the communities we serve. Our continued support of WILMA’s Women to Watch Initiative is reflective of this commitment.”

FOUNDING SPONSORS

KAREN WEAVER Vice President & Relationship Strategist, PNC Private Bank, WILMA Advisory Board Member

CORPORATE SPONSORS

Strategic DEI and Employee Retention: advice from Caroline King

photo by MADELINE GRAY

By seeing DEI not just as a punitive recourse of action but as a proactive strategy to maintain a healthy culture and happy employees, your organization’s success and innovation will improve significantly.

The Key Components of a DEI Retention Strategy include two parts.

By making sure that all voices are listened to, and that everyone feels respected and included, teams can be more productive and efficient. Also, with a focus on diversity of thought, organizations can benefit from improved problem-solving by leveraging unique perspectives. Additionally, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is essential for increasing employee satisfaction. Studies have shown that when employees feel included and respected, they are more engaged in their work and less likely to leave the organization. This in turn can lead to improved morale, increased productivity, and better customer service outcomes.

DEI also helps to attract and retain the best talent. With an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring practices, organizations can ensure that they are recruiting the most qualified individuals for open positions.

And those individuals will be more likely to stay with the organization if there is a culture of acceptance and respect already present. By investing in a comprehensive DEI strategy, companies can ensure that their organization is a place where employees feel valued and respected – leading to greater retention and higher engagement.

Effective DEI strategies have a positive impact on employee retention. By creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance, organizations can attract top talent, improve employee engagement and satisfaction levels, and achieve increased employee retention.

Recent research (from Deloitte) shows companies with above-average diversity produce a greater proportion of revenue from innovation (45 percent of total) than from companies with below-average diversity (26 percent).

First, create key benchmarks to measure feelings of fairness, belonging, respect, and autonomy across colleagues. You can do this by creating anonymous culture surveys that measure feelings of fairness, belonging, respect, and autonomy in every area of the organization. Pay close attention to trends you discover across different demographic identities. Once you have identified a plan to address DEI trends, it is important to put that plan into action. This requires implementing strategies and programs that align with the survey results to improve benchmarks. It can also be helpful to work with an expert or consultant who specializes in DEI and has experience developing equitable processes.

When creating your strategy, think about how it can be tailored to your organization’s specific culture and environment. Consider coming up with solutions that will cause little disruption to current processes, such as developing online training modules or making sure meeting agendas are distributed before each session.

Additionally, implementing an equitable hiring process is crucial for any organization looking to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. For example, if there is a trend of dissatisfaction in compensation for a particular demographic, now is the time to conduct a comprehensive compensation audit and correct any discrepancies between similar roles or positions.

Taking these steps demonstrates that not only do you value feedback from your employees, but also that you are committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization. Additionally, implementing solutions based on surveys or other employee feedback can help build loyalty and trust in your organization. Ultimately, finding real-world, actionable solutions to issues related to diversity and inclusion can lead to a more engaged workforce that is proud of the work they do.

Ultimately, taking these steps will create a more positive

mployee engagement is a key factor in reducing employee turnover, and having an effective DEI strategy plays an important role in engaging employees.

and inclusive environment for all of your employees.

By taking the time to invest in data collection and then acting on it, you can show your employees that their feedback is valuable and taken seriously, creating an environment where employees feel heard, respected, and appreciated. This will ultimately result in improved morale, commitment to company values, and better employee retention rates. Taking the time to collect data and act on it is an important part of creating a better workplace experience for everyone.

Ultimately, these strategies should be embraced and actively supported by your organization’s leadership. Without a supportive team at the top, it will be difficult to make any progress towards DEI goals.

As well as being responsible for enacting and monitoring policies, leaders should also focus on setting an example to employees by practicing inclusive behaviors themselves.

By creating specific strategies that align with survey results and following through on their implementation, organizations can begin to create a more equitable workplace culture. With dedication and hard work, continually assessing DEI benchmarks can help organizations create an environment that is truly diverse, inclusive, and respectful of all employees.

A focus on DEI can also help organizations recruit top talent. Having a diverse and inclusive workplace is attractive to potential job candidates, as it signals that an organization is invested in creating a supportive environment. This can help organizations stand out from top talent and make them more competitive in the recruitment process. In short, DEI has a significant impact on employee retention, which can have wide-ranging benefits for any organization. W

Caroline King, who holds a Ph.D. in business strategy and strategic leadership, is the owner of Wilmington-based Bright Star Consulting, which focuses on integrating DEI into the organization's infrastructure. As well as an author, educator, and keynote speaker, she also serves on the boards of a number of nonprofit organizations promoting equity within communities.

PLUGGING IN BIZ RESOURCES

OWNING IT: BCC’s Small Business Center helps entrepreneurs

by JENNY CALLISON | photo by TERAH HOOBLER

N

launch or boost their ventures.

In the past fiscal year, Scott has guided thirty entrepreneurs who’ve called on the free services of the Small Business Center (SBC).

“It doesn’t sound like a ton, but, for most of them, there are quite a lot of steps to get there,” she says. “I sit with some of them for an hour or two, and they are up and running. Others, I work with them for six months, especially if they need financing.”

Scott is both coach and conductor, pulling in an orchestra of resources tuned to a particular client’s situation.

When someone needs specialized advice and wisdom, she turns to her partner organizations such as SCORE and UNCW’s Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC). She’s apt to connect people wanting to launch a food-related business with Block Eatz, an incubator for food entrepreneurs that’s a partnership between Genesis Block and Cape Fear Community College’s Small Business Center.

Jerry Coleman, director of CFCC’s SBC, is himself a resource for any of Scott’s clients who want to start or grow a manufacturing business. (See more local resources on page 37.)

“The (startup) basics are the same for some companies, but sometimes I refer clients to guest counselors who have reached out to me,” Scott says. “There are also marketing companies in town I connect clients with.”

One client Scott remembers clearly was a small-engine repairman with more than twenty years of experience whose employer shut down. The company referred

its former employees to BCC’s Small Business Center, as mandated by law.

This client “felt he was too old to get a new job, but it was clear that he knew his stuff: I could tell it was spewing from his DNA,” Scott recalls. “I asked him why he didn’t start his own business, and he told me he’s not a business owner.”

Scott explained that his small-engine repair skills would be in demand and that she and her partners could teach him the business side. “I could see the light bulb go off,” she adds.

This client, like many others, believed that a person needs a lot of money and perhaps a college degree to become a business owner. Scott tries to dispel those misconceptions. Sure, one client needed $50,000 to launch his enterprise, but that was a more complex venture.

“Some clients can launch with as little as $500,” she says, citing a woman who started a dog-sitting business, needing money only to become registered and insured, and to purchase a fanny pack to hold dog treats.

What is needed, Scott believes firmly, is a business plan. Although some clients don’t feel it is necessary, experience has shown Scott that taking an idea from concept to execution requires a roadmap, and that sometimes that map shows the road is lined with potholes.

Brunswick’s SBC offers another valuable resource: space for emerging businesses. The Leland-based Business and Industry Incubator contains coworking space that’s open six days a week. It can seat twenty people in a shared open-office environment with basic resources for clients.

The incubator also has three garage-type bays in which clients can manufacture goods or operate a distribution business. Emerging businesses can lease one of the bays for up to three years at below-market rates.

“To help tenants, we have a ‘success team’ with members of the small business world, like attorneys and bankers,” Scott says. “This crew of people put their arms around the tenant and help develop their business, working with them in areas where they are not strong.

“The goal is that when (tenants) leave, the things they weren’t strong in before they are strong in now. They are more financially structured and able to rent space with the money they saved by paying low rates with us. It’s been quite interesting to see tenants come in and see how they grow.” W

o seven-year itch for APRIL SCOTT. The director of Brunswick Community College’s Small Business Center is still in love with her job, which she’s held since 2016. Over that time, she’s worked with many small business owners and entrepreneurs to

PLUGGING IN BIZ RESOURCES

Each issue, WILMA includes a Plugging In directory to help you connect locally. This time, we’re focusing on organizations that help current or aspiring small business owners, entrepreneurs, and even those just looking to brush up on their skills. Keep an eye out for future lists to tap into support for wellness groups, networking opportunities, and more. Let us know about your organization by emailing editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.

BCC’s Small Business Center

Brunswick Community College’s Small Business Center offers free confidential business counseling, coworking and incubator space, free webinars and seminars, and more. Read more about the center’s services and its director, April Scott, on page 34.

INFO: brunswickcc.edu

CFCC’s Small Business Center

Cape Fear Community College also hosts a Small Business Center that offers free, confidential counseling to potential business owners to help them start their businesses as well as counseling to existing small business owners to help improve their success rate and profitability. In addition, it offers education via business-related seminars, free to the general public.

INFO: cfcc.edu/small-business-center

Elevate Coworking

Elevate is primarily a coworking and shared office space geared toward women. But it also hosts workshops and community events. Recent ones included a women’s health summit this summer and a small-business skills series.

INFO: elevatecoworking.info

SCORE Cape Fear

Region SCORE’s local chapter is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses across Southeastern North Carolina launch, grow, and achieve their goals through

education and mentorship. SCORE Cape Fear Region mentors new and existing small businesses by providing confidential advice, consultation, and education from experienced business experts who volunteer their time and expertise.

INFO: score.org/capefear

UNCW CIE

UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) identifies and nurtures fast-growth, highimpact business ventures from the campus and the community. It provides student, faculty, and community entrepreneurs with education, networking opportunities, flexible workspace options, experienced mentors and advisers, and connections to resources. CIE events are open to members and the general public.

INFO: uncw.edu/research/centers/ innovation-entrepreneurship

SBTDC

The Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is a business advisory resource for growing and developing businesses. Its professional advisers provide services statewide from offices hosted by campuses of the University of North Carolina system.

INFO: sbtdc.org/offices/uncw

Channel Channel is a business resource center, powered by Live Oak Bank, designed to strengthen the regional economy by increasing diversity in business ownership throughout the Wilmington region. Learning programs and community support systems are offered in a coworking space downtown, with access to technical advisers, professional services, and networking opportunities at no cost.

INFO: liveoakbank.com/channel

MAKING A MARK PAM HARDY ON CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS

photo

tions – whether you’re new to town or looking to expand your circles. When you first moved to Wilmington, how did you approach getting to know your new city and meeting people – both for your professional role in community outreach and in building a personal network of connections?

Hardy moved to the area to serve as district manager for Duke Energy supporting Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender, and Sampson counties. She has worked for the utility company for more than twenty years in various roles. The latest one that brought her here was a position she had long been interested in but meant moving to a new city. And that meant making new connections and relationships.

It can be daunting, even for a person who thrives on interacting with others as Hardy does.

But two short years later, through a mix of sincerity and intentionality, she has forged her own network and identity in her no-longer new home base. Hardy shares her advice about how to cultivate connec-

RECOMMENDED READ

You’ve

of key leaders or movers and shakers in the community I should know.’”

What’s your advice for making meaningful connections – moving past the introduction phase?

“When I first moved to Wilmington, I approached getting to know the city and meeting people with a strategic and intentional mindset.

I did not have an established business or a professional network in the region prior to arriving. The first group of individuals I reached out to were Duke Energy employees. I asked them to introduce me to employees, organizations, or individuals in their network they trust.

I also created an introduction email with my contact information and distributed it to all the key leaders on my predecessor’s distribution list. When individuals responded, I requested coffee, lunch, or 15-30-minute introductory meetings to get acquainted.

I also used LinkedIn to announce my new role and connect with individuals in similar and diverse roles. Through those connections, I always asked, ‘Please share the names

LOCAL PROGRAM SUGGESTION: GET INVOVLED WITH A LOCAL NONPROFIT.

“There are a multitude of organizations doing impactful and meaningful work to support the community.”

“My advice for making meaningful connections is to be genuine, really have a sincere interest in others, be engaged during conversations, take the time to ask the person about their background or the biggest projects they’re working on.

If appropriate – how you can support or assist each other? Relationship building is never a oneand-done. It’s about building deep, trusted, and valuable connections and networks. Moving past the introduction phase is about connecting the dots on what we have in common – family, travel, work, etc. and building forward.” How do you approach allocating your time so that you’re not spreading yourself too thin and staying motivated?

“I plan my schedule and allocate my time based on the goals I need to achieve for the day, week month, or year ahead.

I focus on events that will allow me to reconnect with my current network and build new contacts.” W

OTHER LOCAL WOMEN PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

“Sheri Shaw, Stephanie Lanier, Judy Budd, and Tufanna Bradley. They are the epitome of connectors and are willing to invite others into their networks.”

This October will mark two years since PAM HARDY moved to Wilmington after living thirty years in Raleigh.

Been Chosen by Cynt Marshall

by LOGAN BURKE

DONATING TO CHARITY FROM YOUR IRA

By Buck Beam Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST

Did you know that if you are at least 70½ years old, you can make tax-free charitable donations directly from your individual retirement account (IRA)? By making what’s called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), you can benefit your favorite charity while excluding up to $100,000 annually from your gross income. These gifts, also known as charitable IRA rollovers, would otherwise be taxable IRA distributions.

How Do QCDs Work?

To make a QCD, simply instruct your IRA trustee to make a distribution directly from your IRA to a qualified charity. The distribution must be one that would otherwise be taxable to you. You can exclude up to $100,000 of QCDs from your gross income each year. And if you file a joint return, your spouse (if also 70½ or older) can exclude an added $100,000 of QCDs. However, it’s important to note that SEP and SIMPLE IRAs are not eligible. Also, you don’t get to deduct QCDs as charitable contributions on your federal tax return because that would be double-dipping.

QCDs count toward satisfying any required minimum distributions (RMDs) that you would otherwise have to take from your IRA—just as if you had received an actual distribution from the plan. However, distributions that you withdraw and then transfer to charity do not qualify as QCDs.

Let’s assume that your RMD for 2023, which you are required to take no later than December 31, 2023, is $25,000. You receive a $5,000 distribution from your IRA in February, which you then contribute to Charity A. In June, you make a $15,000 QCD to the same charity. You must include the $5,000 distribution in your 2023 gross income, but you can exclude the $15,000 QCD. Together, these two donations satisfy $20,000 of your RMD for 2023, but you’ll need to withdraw another $5,000 no later than December 31, 2023, to avoid a penalty.

Note that QCDs cannot be made to a private foundation, donor-advised fund, or supporting organization. But you can make a one-time QCD of up to $50,000 to a charitable remainder annuity trust, charitable remainder unitrust, or charitable gift annuity.

Can I Name a Charity as My IRA Beneficiary?

Yes, you can, but be sure to understand the advantages and disadvantages. Generally, the beneficiary of a traditional IRA must pay federal income tax on distributions received from that IRA after your

death. But if you name a charity as your sole beneficiary, the charity does not have to pay any income tax on distributions from that IRA after your death, provided that the charity qualifies as a taxexempt charitable organization under federal law. Also, the full value of your IRA will be deducted from your taxable estate when determining the federal estate tax that may be due. These are two significant tax advantages that benefit both the charity and your heirs.

If you would like to leave some of your assets to loved ones and other assets to charity, consider leaving your taxable retirement funds to charity and other assets to your loved ones. This may offer the most tax-efficient solution. Another option is to name the charity and one or more individuals as co-beneficiaries.

The legal and tax issues discussed here can be complex, so be sure to consult your tax, legal, and financial advisors for further guidance. For help understanding how QCDs and other charitable donations can interact with your financial plan, reach out to CAPTRUST. We’d love to help.

CAPTRUST specializes in providing comprehensive wealth planning services to executives and high-networth individuals, and investment advisory services to retirement plan fiduciaries, foundations, and endowments.

Buck Beam

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

bites

by LAURA MOORE | photos by MEGAN DEITZ

Snack company curates from mission-driven makers

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, LIA BALLENTINE was living and working in Austin, Texas, when she decided there was no time like the present to change things up. Having worked in corporate communications for two decades, she was ready for a new direction, and snacks were her first way toward finding it.

Yumday is a snack subscription business born out of Ballentine’s love of snacks and storytelling, coupled with her desire to support companies owned and led by women and people of color.

As a Filipino American, Ballentine began with her desire to learn more about food holidays, researching foods of different cultures. From that experience, she learned about many unsung heroes of the food industry and decided to help celebrate and share them with Yumday customers.

“I always looked at food as a connection point,” Ballentine shares. “As an immigrant kid in America, I would try out new foods from neighbors, and my mom would make a meal to showcase our culture.”

With so many people stuck at home and craving comfort, the pandemic turned out to be an ideal time for Ballentine’s idea to take shape.

“There was no other time to do it but then,” she says. “I discovered products founded by women and people of color and I launched a website and – with a little push – I got going and put it out there into the world.”

I always looked at food as a connection point. As an immigrant kid in America, I would try out new foods from neighbors, and my mom would make a meal to showcase our culture.

LIA BALLENTINE founder, Yumday

In the first month of operation, Ballentine sold “a whole six boxes,” but the business started to take off more soon after, with companies sending snack boxes to employees during lockdowns. That’s when, as Ballentine says, “Everything grew and exploded.”

Born in the Philippines, Ballentine has lived across the United States, working in upper-level creative positions for companies such as 20th Century Studios and Sony Pictures. With Yumday, though, Ballentine has had the freedom to make Wilmington home. Ballentine’s sister and her new family live, so making the move to the East Coast was an easy choice.

“My sister and her husband had a baby last year, and he is my first nephew, so I couldn’t stand the thought of not being close enough to hang out with him,” Ballentine shares.

Ballentine moved the headquarters of Yumday to 225 South Water Street in Chandler’s Wharf and decided to open a brickand-mortar store as part of her vision of collaborating and supporting other mission-minded organizations.

Exposed brick and industrial metal provide a unique backdrop for the whimsical warmth of the specially-curated Yumday. The snack subscription business’s home base was designed by Ballentine, its “Chief Snack Officer,” whose vision is one of empowerment and delight.

“This is my first foray into a physical brick-and-mortar shop, but I want to continue to keep going and see where it leads,” Ballentine says.

With a cozy couch that overlooks an array of snacks and gifts as well as cookbooks and T-shirts, Yumday features a wide collection of goods all curated with careful consideration by

Ballentine.

For the subscription service, she curates each snack box that Yumday offers to fit the size and schedule that works for each customer. Clients receive new and different snacks created by companies with unique missions.

Yumday’s clients now include large corporations such as Meta and Intuit, who share the snack boxes as gifts to clients and employees, but Ballentine hopes to reach locals and travelers alike who make their way through the shop.

“My general love of storytelling is a lot about people and community; food and snacks is a fun way to do it. I am still telling a story and building a business for myself in a space that I enjoy, which is food,” she says.

Within that space, Ballentine plans to connect with other businesses and people who share in her vision to create an atmosphere of inclusion and acceptance as well as support those who do so.

Each month, the curation changes within the subscription service and within the store, but there is always a variety of goodies that includes founder and brand values that Ballentine shares and, of course, wholesome delicious snacks.

“I changed the way I shop to support small businesses and people who are doing good – incredible women and persons of color,” Ballentine says. “I just started with my personal interests, and it grew from there.”

Yumday is currently open Thursdays-Saturdays 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Ballentine plans to add soon an extra day in the shop, which is always open online at yumday.co. W

ISAssisted Stretching for you? In a short answer: yes! At StretchLab we get this question a lot – who should be getting stretched? We may think that assisted stretching is a service reserved for elite athletes or incredibly active people. Those people can certainly benefit from assisted stretching – but there are so many incredible benefits that reach more people. Many of our members visit our studio on a weekly basis to practice injury prevention to lower the risk of pulled muscles, or reduce pain from tension, soreness, or tightness from daily life like prolonged sitting or standing at work or chasing children or grandchildren around the home.

According to Ada Gonzalez, Owner of Stretchlab for the Raleigh and Wilmington markets, “What we love about Stretchlab is that we get to help the entire spectrum of our community. We have members who are high school athletes that need help with injury prevention and recovery, active middle agers who live active lifestyles but are not as flexible or mobile, all the way to active seniors who want to move and feel better with their best adventures in life still ahead of them.”

An assisted stretch at StretchLab begins with us getting to know you a little and evaluating how well your body is moving. We’ll ask about your current flexibility (and don’t worry if you have none – that’s what we are here for!), if you have any previous injuries and what your goals are. Your goals might be to golf a little more, train for a marathon or just get out of bed with less creaks and pops in the morning. No matter what brings you into StretchLab, we will customize an assisted stretch that will increase your mobility and decrease that muscle tension that we all build up over time.

After we get to know you, your Flexologist will invite you to lay down on one of our comfortable benches and begin your custom stretch routine. Our Flexologists have gone through dozens of hours of training through

our Flexologist Training Program that is the only nationally accredited assisted stretching program in America. They are highly trained and qualified to assess your mobility and take great care with each client for your comfort and safety. Each stretch will have a specific goal on a tension scale and you shouldn’t feel any pain during your stretch. Your Flexologist will be in constant communication with you and at times will ask you to activate your muscles and push back on them during the stretch. This helps release your stretch reflex and get you into a deeper stretch and we will hold these stretches for maximum benefit.

Our full 50 minute stretch will allow us to stretch your full body from neck to calves and our 25 minute stretch is a more targeted stretch to address a certain focus area.

We work with clients of all ages, fitness levels and flexibility levels to help decrease pain, increase mobility and overall range of motion. No matter what brings you into StretchLab – back pain, hip tightness, wanting to increase your running stride – we will custom create a plan that is right for your body, your mobility goals and your budget! StretchLab offers convenient monthly memberships making your stretching a consistent practice will lead to the best overall results. Opening in August at the Pointe at Barclay in South Wilmington.

Ada and her husband Henry are the franchise owners of Stretchlab for the Raleigh and Wilmington markets. Ada has taken a lifelong passion and over 20 year career of helping others with their flexibility and mobility as a Licensed Physical Therapist and Pilates Instructor and made it her mission to help the community "live long" by improving their overall health and wellness through assisted stretching in North Carolina.

Moms making waves

by MEGHAN CORBETT

photo by TERAH HOOBLER

When it comes to parenting, it does indeed take a village. That support can come in many different forms, but for a group of nearly 300 local women, it stems from a love of surfing.

What began in 2018 as a Facebook group for surfing mothers is today the Wrightsville Beach Surf Mamas. The goal of the group is to empower mothers to reconnect to their passions and build community, according to LISA DUNLAP. “As we all know, motherhood and the postpartum phase can be really challenging for women. There is so much isolation, changes in our bodies, and

Local women find support through a surfing sisterhood

less time for things we love,” she says. “For us surfers, it’s even harder. We have less time to devote to surfing, our bodies look and feel totally different, and it can be overwhelming and intimidating to get back out there when you haven’t surfed in years.”

“Brooke (Acas), Juli (Cullins), and I each had similar ideas and missions for a surfing moms group in Wilmington at different times,” Dunlap says. “Our current mission is to empower rad moms and their families who live in North Carolina to reconnect to their passions again, build confidence, prioritize themselves, and build community through surfing.”

By providing the infrastructure needed for moms, Dunlap says the group allows members to be better mothers and partners – and better surfers. The Wrightsville Beach Surf Mamas meet regularly to hit the waves for both moms-only and family-friendly surf sessions. Surf lessons help members improve their skills. And in addition to time spent on the water, the group also organizes moms nights out and child care trades.

This kind of support enables mothers like JULIMARIA CULLINS, who grew up in a family of surfers, to get back on their boards. The camaraderie of the Wrightsville Beach Surf Mamas community reminds her of the one she knew in her youth. “I grew up surrounded by surfing women. My childhood best friend’s mom was the world champion surfer in 1983, and I always had a surf girl crew,” Cullins says. “Therefore, when I became a mother, I missed having a group of females to be with in the water.”

BROOKE ACAS is a Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach native. “I grew up surfing in Wrightsville Beach and enjoyed working at Bert’s Surf Shop as a teenager. I was able to work with some great seasoned surfers there that taught me how to read the waves and understand the ocean better,” she says.

Although the women come from different backgrounds, their collective families, careers, talents, and knowledge have allowed this group to thrive. Plans for future growth include organizing surf retreats in the Outer Banks this fall and to Puerto Rico next spring, and eventually, the group hopes to expand to other communities along the North Carolina coast. According to Dunlap, their success is due to member input and the importance it holds; consistency in meetups; child care trades so that all surfers have the chance to get a break; including dads in family meetups to encourage moms to come without the guilt; and including all levels of surfers to make sure everyone has fun without exclusions.

The Wrightsville Beach Surf Mamas can be found on Facebook or followed on Instagram @WBsurfmamas. W

For more health and wellness stories, sign up for the WILMA Wellness newsletter at WILMAmag.com.

Many who are passionate about art already know that paying for a dedicated studio space is something you get to do, rather than something you have to do. Of course, trying to pursue art as a career with no sales is very difficult if there are no funds (or bread) to put food on the table, you dig?

The notion of generating a return on investment is where I take issue, because the process itself is its own reward. After all, time is the most precious commodity we have and if you aren’t working in a field you love, you’re just working to broke.

Putting money into your career is the best possible investment, and having a studio outside your home can positively impact to your professional and personal development in a variety of meaningful ways. One is that having a dedicated space for work creates an added sense of intentionality and commitment.

Stephen King famously wrote about the importance of setting a routine in terms of training the brain for the production of art. The benefit of having a dedicated studio space outside the home is similar in that it establishes that mindset, where the space is exclusively for work.

Of course, this frees up space inside the home and eliminates the need to pay for a storage space. And significantly, especially for those who understand that clutter is sometimes a byproduct of creativity, there are no well-meaning individuals around organizing (aka hiding) essential equipment.

At theArtWorks™ we have approximately 38,000 square feet with 50+ working studio spaces dedicated to artists and artisans, whether visual, performing or literary. You can be in the business of art for yourself, without having to be by yourself.

We have a fine art gallery, pop-up markets and national expos. We advocate for art at the national, state and local level, connecting artists with opportunities for grants and assistance with advertising. The idea is this helps

the artists here focus on what they are best at, namely, producing art.

It’s worth mentioning while on the subject of advertising that there is a difference between exposure and recognition. Exposure is a stepping stone to recognition; in the absence of it the work is essentially produced inside a vacuum.

If a tree falls in the woods and nobody hears it, does anyone care? Being here can potentially bring recognition and support from a community of patrons, which is essential for an artist to thrive and be successful.

Similarly, there are many advantages associated with being surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals. Our artists’ village is where the sharing of ideas flows naturally. You can be as independent or as social as you want, with 24-hour access to be here.

Credibility is another benefit, as having a studio creates a more professional impression for patrons versus trying to sell art out of an in-home studio. There’s also an added sense of security compared to having customers visit your home.

At theArtWorks™ a studio can be acquired for as little as $400 on a month-to-month basis and notably, all the funds are reinvested back into supporting our local community of artists. This is why we say we are a ‘for-purpose’ organization that is focused on helping people be happy and content instead of solely pursuing financial gains.

HERE’S WHY HAVING A STUDIO MAKES SENSE

For more information, call 910-352-7077 or visit www.theArtWorks.co. Located at 200 Willard Street, theArtWorks™ is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 to 5, Sundays from 12 to 5, and by appointment.

Ira GOWN by Alémais and Jen with turquoise stones BAG by Kayu, both available at S. Worsley

NewLeaf

If spring is synonymous with rebirth, fall is all about transition. Flowers hit the runway in an innovative way last season with sculptural details and no traditional floral prints to be found, and the trend continues … only now with a more botanical bent. This fall’s motto? Love it and leaf it.

Inspired by nature, you’ll see everything from realistically rendered plants to ’70s-influenced colorful blooms. Wild, free-flowing prints in many shades give this season’s looks a vintage folklore feel. Silhouettes are long, loose, and billowy, adding a dash of romance.

And when the weather finally does change, pair these new botanicals with heavier or textured fabrics to readily adapt to those cooler months.

photos & styling by DREWE AND KATE BRANDING CO. | intro by NINA BAYS

Seeker SHIRTDRESS by Alémais ; Pink Opal Candy NECKLACE by Theodosia; quilted Lucie CROSSBODY BAG by Clare V in bright poppy, all available at S. Worsley

Floral Gavin DRESS

by Cinq à Sept, Yellow

Opal Candy NECKLACE

by Theodosia, and “A”

Dunes LARIAT NECKLACE

by Sylvia Benson,all available at S. Worsley

Ira Twist Front DRESS by Alémais in lemon/cream, Porter ANKLE BOOT by Paige in bone, and Cassia BAG by Kayu in white, all wavailable at S. Worsley

HAIR & MAKEUP: Beauty and Bloom

WARDROBE: S. Worsley

VENUE: Sycamore Bend Estate

MODEL: Lilly Kinney

HORSE: Valuable "Able"

SHARED LEADERSHIP ABROAD

Stepping into a culture that is not your own is something we ask of our clients when they work with horses, but it is also an experience we immerse ourselves in. This summer, several of TeachingHorse’s lead facilitators went international, traveling to Scotland and London, to scout facilities and deliver a TeachingHorse experience to our amazing clients. Our seasoned US-based facilitators partnered with our newer UK-based facilitators for months to pull together a high-touch leadership development session while navigating the uncertainties of a new facility (in a country) and a new design.

Several key lessons came from this trip that I want to share with you:

ENTERING A NEW CULTURE

When entering a new environment, culture, or experience, horses teach us how important it is to apply attention at all three levels (self, other, and environment). Between America, Scotland, and London, we observed differences in horse handling, team expectations, and our roles in the changing environment. Our team oscillated between roles based on who needed to coordinate with the client, with the facility, and manage our team. With our US team having more experience working together, it was a smooth balance of responsibility, however, we had new members of the herd so we prioritized finding their place as well.

CULTIVATING NEW MEMBERS OF THE HERD

Having facilitators in the UK has opened up a huge opportunity for sharing The Diamond Model of Shared Leadership internationally. As we continue to certify advanced equinefacilitated practitioners around the world, we have learned to leverage their cultural experience to deliver transformational and culturally relevant sessions for our clients. One of the ways we check for mutual understanding is by sharing meals to prepare and debrief our experience. Having our herd come together

to discuss their reality requires a commitment to diverse perspectives. Similarly to horses, we understand that as we navigate uncertainty, we should convene instead of operating in a silo.

IMPORTANCE OF A DEBRIEF

Debrief and reflection are critical to growing together as a team. Stating plainly what you notice, how it impacts your experience, what you can appreciate about the experience, and what you learned can go a long way. We have found that starting with appreciation can shift the energy of the conversation and provide a sense of grounding before navigating potentially difficult topics. We share an appreciation for our horses, for each other, and for what went well during the day. Being grounded in the success of the day leaves room to discuss what we would like to do differently or better the next time.

We practice what we preach when navigating uncertainty and the international trip this summer was a testament to the scale at which we make it a priority. If you want your team to learn how to embody shared leadership in theory and practice, contact us at www.teachinghorse.com.

Special thank you to our UK team Danielle McKimmon (Scotland) and Julia Felton (England), our senior facilitators Morgan Ridenhour (Charlotte) and Morgan Riyami (Raleigh), and our ‘environmental sentinel’ Denise Zirker (Raleigh) for their hard work in making this work a success.

Abriana is the Creative Director of TeachingHorse, LLC. She spends her days navigating brand and product development to support today's leaders via equine experiential leadership development.

the Feeding

needs

When it comes to filling plates, these area women are tackling the issues

by LYNDA VAN KUREN

From increasing access to fresh produce to reducing food waste, here are some of the groups – and their leaders – tackling local food systems to make them more bountiful for all.

CIERRA WASHINGTON is striving to eliminate the food desert in Wilmington’s Northside. JORDYN APPEL-HUGHES is strengthening the region’s food infrastructure. And MALLORY WEEKS is helping students learn how to turn waste into compost and conserve resources.

breaking read b

Northside Food

Co-op staffers

Qailinn Bowen (from left), Sarah Casey-Summers, Cierra Washington, and Marsel McFadden (not shown is Shaquana Knowlin)

CIERRA WASHINGTON discovered that her mission was to help people while she was in college. Currently, she is fulfilling that goal at the Northside Food Co-op, where she has worked as a full-time staff member since 2020. The co-op aims to bring a full-service grocery store to the Northside of downtown Wilmington, providing food security and addressing the area’s food desert.

“I love taking care of people,” Washington says. “I love Wilmington, and I want to live in a space that supports everyone and where everyone’s basic needs are met.”

When Washington was named the co-op’s project manager in 2022, she readily shouldered its many challenges. First, she had to regain support for the grocery store, which had waned during COVID.

In addition to holding listening sessions to learn what residents wanted in a grocery store, Washington strolled around Northside neighborhoods engaging residents in friendly (and informative) conversation and handing out free baskets of fresh fruit – an activity she continues to do when she has free time.

“I have to meet people and build trust,” Washington says. “I want people to know this is here and that I’m not going away.”

The store is planned for the corner of 10th and Fanning

streets. The city of Wilmington donated the land, and New Hanover County is covering construction costs.

Washington also took a leading role in establishing Frankie’s Outdoor Market, the co-op’s weekly farmers market. While the market is intended to be a stopgap measure until the grocery store is built, it has become so popular that Washington is moving it to a city park.

Washington, however, wants to build more than a grocery store. So, she created, with her staff, the co-op’s free dinner gatherings.

“People need to eat the food to know what it’s like, and they need to know each other,” Washington says. “We are creating community.”

While the dinners bring neighbors together, they also support the Northside’s small businesses. The co-op buys ingredients from local shops, and store owners donate their time and labor.

Though a grocery store is still a good two years away due to its hefty price tag, Washington is undaunted. In addition to her other duties, she writes grants and will hold a capital fundraising campaign this October through December.

“I’m doing what I can to make the community part of the project,” she says. “When my community is good, I am good.” W

photos by DARIA AMATO

marke t growth

Feast Down East’s executive director JORDYN APPEL-HUGHES is a realist with a big dose of idealism. It’s a formula that has enabled her to put Feast Down East on steady footing and increase its programming.

Feast Down East works to grow Southeastern North Carolina’s local food system by supporting farmers, increasing access to fresh food, and enhancing food security.

“I wanted to create new, interdisciplinary programs to fulfill the needs of our community,” Appel-Hughes says.

While Feast Down East has long been known for its food hub in Burgaw, which provides a way for area farmers to get their crops to restaurants, grocers, and institutions, Appel-Hughes has expanded the organization’s reach.

For example, she led Feast Down East’s disaster relief efforts during Hurricane Florence. She and her staff delivered everything from hot meals to toiletries to families that didn’t have electricity for weeks.

“We tried to go where others weren’t because they didn’t know about the situation or couldn’t get there,” Appel-Hughes says.

That experience gave Appel-Hughes new insights into how extensive hunger and food insecurity is in the community. Flo,

the organization’s refrigerated van, now makes rounds Monday-Friday for the Motive Mobile Food Market, giving people living in food deserts access to fresh, seasonal food grown by local farmers.

Appel-Hughes plans to add nine new sites for the mobile market in Brunswick and Pender counties as soon as the organization obtains another vehicle.

To further reduce food scarcity, Appel-Hughes partnered with FarmSHARE. Through this program, Feast Down East serves as a depot for food distribution. Using funds provided by the Carolina Food Stewardship Association, Feast Down East buys food from local farmers and gives it to regional organizations. They then distribute the food to the communities they serve.

Appel-Hughes has proven to be a savvy financial manager as well as a forward-thinking leader. While growing Feast Down East’s programming, she also grew its profits.

“Last year our sales for the mobile market increased 40 percent over the previous year, and sales for the food hub increased 30 percent,” she said. “Seeing that growth is so fulfilling.”

For Appel-Hughes, her work at Feast Down East is more than a job. It is her calling.

“I’ve felt honored to be part of this organization and to perform my current role,” Appel-Hughes says. “My journey is meaningful. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” W

photos by DARIA AMATO

Feast Down East runs a food hub from the Historic Burgaw Train Depot site, helping small-to-mediumscale farmers get their products to market.

photo by ALLISON JOYCE

want t no waste not

For Winter Park Elementary School teacher MALLORY WEEKS, nothing compares to seeing her students light up when they master a new skill or concept. But seeing them get excited about waste diversion, composting, and growing food runs a close second.

To help students at Winter Park and throughout the county learn the importance of turning waste into a useful commodity, the fourth-grade teacher chose Garbage to Gardens as the focus of her Emerging Leaders program. Through Garbage to Gardens, cafeteria waste streams are used for composting and recycling rather than deposited in New Hanover County’s landfill.

“Composting and waste diversion is a passion of mine and partnering with Garbage to Gardens is a great opportunity to get students involved,” Weeks says. “If you explain to kids the value and benefits of composting, they hop on board.”

Since taking over Winter Park’s Garbage to Gardens program, Meeks has convinced school staff to make the program a daily occurrence instead of a one-day-a-week event. By placing liquid, food, and recyclable items into the appropriate bins that are then turned into compost, Winter Park has drastically cut waste.

“In a typical day we made ten large trash bags worth of

trash,” Weeks explains. “On days that we collected waste just from the cafeteria, we filled less than one trash can. We had 90 percent less waste.”

Meeks has taken several additional steps to expand Garbage to Gardens. She worked with school staff to turn some of the school’s compost into a vegetable garden, and she persuaded more than half the school’s teachers to place composting buckets in their classrooms for waste from breakfast and snacks.

Meeks also helped develop an environmental education curriculum.

“Garbage to Gardens is a hard sell because teachers don’t have a lot of time to put into it,” Meeks says. “The curriculum includes activities teachers can get on board with. We are tying the program into literacy as a way to get teachers connected to it.”

Though D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy joined Garbage to Gardens in 2021, Meeks is anxious to see more schools adopt the program. She hopes to add interest by presenting information about Winter Park’s program to county and state stakeholders and by working with North Carolina’s local and state Composting Council.

“I am doing my part to help with trash diversion,” Weeks says. “I have a good way to spread the importance of converting waste to future New Hanover County residents.” W

Winter Park Elementary School students explore the healthiness of different soils as part of the Garbage to Gardens program.

photo c/o Kat Polk

WILMA’s

Women Awards toWatch 2023

Introducing the Finalists

Meet the 2023 WILMA’s Women to Watch Awards finalists.

They represent leaders in their fields and community. Read more about the thirty-five women on the following pages to learn more about why the judges selected them out of nearly 300 nominations and applications that came in this year.

In this issue, we introduce this year’s finalists in arts, business, education, health, nonprofit/ volunteer, public sector, and rising star. The rising star category is the only one with an age description and is open to those under thirty.

The women will be honored at this year’s awards event September 8 where the winners also will be announced. For more on the finalists, go to our website at WILMAmag.com.

Congratulations to this year’s group.

The Judging Process

Each year, WILMA opens up the nominations process for the Women to Watch Awards during the summer. Our judging panel – made up of leaders who sit on the Women to Watch Leadership Initiative’s advisory board as well as outside guests – met to pick the finalists and winners in each of the seven categories.

WILMA would like to thank the judges for volunteering their time and expertise on the awards.

The Judges

Wanda Coley

Donna Esteves

Amy Grant

Pam Hardy

Kristy Hubard

Alexis Hunter

Sonya Johnson

Brandy Keck

Tammy Proctor

Ruth Ravitz Smith

Kelly Schaudt

Karen Weaver

Judges who were nominated for the awards did not sit in on deliberations for the categories in which they were nominated.

Credits

This year’s awards bracelet is by Lisa Brown/Little Blue Bungalow Handcrafts (read more about Brown, who is also a former Women to Watch Award winner, on page 96).

group photos:

Madeline Gray

headshots:

Summer Lambert

hair & makeup:

Anna Woodall Lee

location: The Elia, 254 North Front Street, Suite 100

furniture:

White Birch Rentals

florals: Mother of Wild

Flower House

Arts

For more about the finalists, go to WILMAmag.com

CHRISTINA CAPRA

Describe your role and the art you create.

“I am a filmmaker. I direct both theatrical and commercial productions. I am a storyteller, and I think the most important part of great storytelling is connecting with the audience.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

SONJA COOK Arts

“I would like to think I have helped bring some of the local artists’ stories to the public light with my films and my time working at Art in Bloom Gallery. My latest film, Karen Crouch Believing in the Process, was accepted into local film festivals: Cucalorus and the North Carolina Film Festival as well as quite a few international film festivals. I am honored to have worked with local artists Karen Crouch and Jessie Robertson on this film that we created for Art in Bloom Gallery.”

What’s a future goal?

“I dream of being a director of a feature film or episodic. I love being on film sets; there is a certain magic that exists there.”

Describe your role and the art you create.

“I provide a space that removes common barriers to creating art and doit-yourself (DIY) projects that people see. … My studio makes it easy for anyone to unleash their inner artist and try DIY. I provide the supplies, tools, specialty equipment, assistance, and the cleanup that often prevents people from acting on their ideas.”

Where do you draw your inspiration?

“My inspiration comes from many places: God, and the opportunities he places on my heart to explore; my family, and their ideas or personal challenges they encounter; and my community, and the ups and downs I see in the day-today.”

What’s a future goal?

“Given the current statistics of mental health in our youth and young adults, I’m praying about what it might look like to offer my studio up in ways that foster a safer alternative in handling and working through their struggles.”

Filmmaker

Owner & Operator, Pinspiration

SHUFORD MELISSA

SARAH MELISSA

HAND

Owner and Educator, Kindermusik with Sarah/ Flutist, Wilmington Symphony Orchestra

Describe your role and the art you create.

“I teach early childhood music education classes to children from birth to the age of seven years. I create a playful and nurturing environment where the child will experience music of varying styles, genres, and cultures. … I also perform on the flute/piccolo with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, and during the concert season I am hired to coach one of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra Chamber groups.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“I have the largest Kindermusik studio in Wilmington with almost 100 students weekly and was awarded Top Producer in 2022 from Kindermusik International. I was one of 200 educators in the world to receive the Top Producer in 2022, and I was just recently awarded in June a new badge of being fully accredited in all ages of the Kindermusik Curriculum.”

Describe your role and the art you create.

“I am a poet, published author, and spoken word artist. … I am a DJ, telling stories through musical selections, inciting joy and self-expression through dance. I am the owner/CEO of FunkSHUn at the JunkSHUn, an event venue where I help clients plan, execute, and bring their vision to life for their own private events.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“I was invited to guide and instruct students and teachers through a two-hour poetry workshop for their upcoming eighth-grade Poetry Slam. … I offered the keynote address as a content expert at a women’s empowerment event focused on mental health, where I shared original poetry from my published book Unrequited Verses – Honest Deception Painful Growth, highlighting the value of writing as self-expression to improve mental health. I have collaborated with other local poets and created a monthly Open Mic Night.”

WILGIS

Describe your role and the art you create.

“I’m a fine art photographer, specializing in photograms, which are shadow-like photographic images made by placing objects between light-sensitive paper and a light source. My original photograms are made the old-fashioned way: in a traditional darkroom with a dreamy red light. In my art and in my life, I choose to ‘let my light shine,’ and I hope my art will encourage others to do so as well.”

What’s a future goal?

“I love creating photograms in new ways and combining various other processes. I most recently created photograms using both the silvergelatin and the cyanotype process combined. Upcoming, I would like to create a series to which I will add gold leaf to black-and-white silver gelatin photograms. My chosen subjects, combined with the metallic highlights, will create uplifting and positive images that will hopefully encourage others to shine brightly.”

Owner & CEO, FunkSHUn at the JunkSHUn

Fine Art Photographer, One Fine Fotogram

Business

Business

For more about the finalists, go to WILMAmag.com

ANELIESE BARD ANDRADES

Describe your role.

“I currently oversee the marketing, HR, and IT departments. This role includes strategic planning, budget management, staff development, brand positioning, SEO and AdWords, contract negotiation, leadership, CRM administration, legal/compliance, and serving as a vendor liaison.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“One of the contributors for Cape Fear Solar Systems’ growth – which brought more clean energy careers to our region and allowed us to move into our new warehouse. I have served as co-chair for the North Carolina Azalea Festival Boxing Committee for eight years. I am a volunteer coach at Port City Boxing. Boxing helps keep kids off the street while promoting discipline and self-control.”

What’s a future goal?

“A long-term goal is to contribute to Cape Fear Solar’s success leading up to phase two of construction, which includes a four-story office building, allowing further expansion. Expansion will allow me to achieve my future goal of helping others reach their professional goals.”

Describe your role.

“My role, as President of Carolina Cleaning Services, is to provide strategic leadership and oversee the overall operations of the company. This includes setting goals and objectives, developing business initiatives, and ensuring the company’s profitability and growth.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“As a Cleaning for A Reason partner since 2017, our team provides free cleaning services to patients battling cancer and others who are facing extenuating and dire circumstances. The Zimmer Cancer Center has been an integral part of this collaboration.”

What have been some of your career highlights so far?

“My business career began when I left the world of being a fashion model in Brazil and became the first female manager for a car rental company with a national footprint. I learned many things from that experience and utilized that knowledge early on when I began Carolina Cleaning Services shortly after coming to the U.S. I’m most proud of navigating the company the past twenty-nine years to reach this level of recognition.”

Director of Marketing & Communications, Cape Fear Solar Systems

CASSANDRA BARBA

President, Carolina Cleaning Services

HARDY

District Manager, Duke Energy

Describe your role.

Pam Hardy is a government and community relations manager for Duke Energy, serving New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Columbus, Bladen, and Sampson counties.

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“This summer, my organization, Duke Energy, supported Cape Fear organizations facing unprecedented economic challenges and demand with $100,000 in capacity-building grants. Funded organizations include Good Shepherd Ministries, Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry, Step Up Wilmington, Brunswick County Partnership, and Safe Haven of Pender.”

What have been some of your career highlights so far?

“Some of my career highlights thus far have been learning about the Cape Fear region – the people, businesses, and a community which thrives on supporting and lifting their neighbors where they live and work. In addition, serving on local boards provides an opportunity to build and deepen relationships with key leaders.”

MANLEY TRISTAN

Describe your role.

“Being a product leader is all about empowering my teams to solve our customer’s problems in innovative ways that they love, yet that work for our business. To do this we must first identify a problem to solve and then paint the target for the outcome we want to achieve. Then we work to develop solutions to those problems, ensuring they are valuable and usable for our customers, feasible for our engineers to build, and viable to our business model.”

What’s a future goal?

“I believe in the crawl, walk, run approach, knowing that big things start small. Long term, I’m working toward becoming a Chief Product Officer. Recently I’ve started working with an executive coach to help me develop into the leader that I want to be, and taken on an expanded role, leading a larger team that oversees many products at the bank. I’m working to deeply understand those new products, our customers who leverage them, and our teams who support them.”

CHARITY TUTTLE

Founder & Kindness Curator, Be Mo’ Kind

Describe your role.

“I founded Be Mo’ Kind to inspire human kindness and provide hope and opportunity to our youth. I have done that through speaking engagements, apparel sales, and fun collaborations with local partners to create opportunity. Be Mo’ Kind develops peer-led safe spaces that heighten awareness, create conversations, and provide solutions around bullying while inspiring human kindness, and our mission is backed by a rad apparel line with the reminder to simply Be Mo’ Kind.”

What have been some of your career highlights so far?

“My main highlight is connecting with youth and making a positive impact on their mindset to provide them with hope. Finding opportunities to speak with youth and creating a safe space to engage is a win. Meeting people that share how they have been impacted by bullying or suicide reminds me to keep having conversations. I have also presented to the 1 Million Cups community and gained key connections for the growth of my business.”

SVP Product Leader Deposits & Lending, Live Oak Bank

Education

Education

For more about the finalists, go to WILMAmag.com

LAUREN ANN CRYAN

Describe your role.

“I teach a relationship-based, immersive learning practice. It is an empowering experience with horses in an emotionally expressive manner that can be therapeutic for both parties involved. These connections often lead to positive behavior changes at home, school, work, etc. In short, learning how to speak ‘horse’ helps to better connect with yourself and others … I have worked with ‘students of the horse’ from ages five to seventy-five, including exceptional and neurotypical children and teenagers, military veterans, adults seeking confidence after a previous trauma with horses, people needing a place to destress, and those who are processing grief. I have witnessed that people with autism, in particular, have a gift in communicating with horses.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“I was a pre-K-8th grade EC teaching assistant for two local charter schools. At the barn, I’ve hosted whole classrooms, Wounded Warriors Project, yoga with horses classes, and horsemanship sessions for any age who are drawn to self-realization through the art of working with horses. In our local horse community, I strongly believe in collaboration over competition. I work with Drift Yoga Club, Sea Horse Stables, Our Journey Stables, Intracoastal Equine Farm, and Wild Horse Ranch.”

MICHAELA HOWELLS

Describe your role.

“As an anthropologist, I am interested in understanding the connections between human culture and biology. This is especially important when looking at how pregnant people’s stress impacts their pregnancy outcomes and lives of their children. As the director of the UNCW GAPS (Growth Adaptation Pregnancy Stress) Lab, my students and I conduct research focusing on stress associated with racism, stigma, and natural disasters. I combine my teaching with applied research opportunities for students at the local, national, and international level.”

What’s a future goal?

“In collaboration with my community partners, I am working to address the disparities in pregnancy outcomes among Black individuals compared to non-Blacks. These differences are not caused by underlying biological differences between groups but by differences in exposure to toxic stress, barriers to health care, and other forms of systemic discrimination. We are building a coalition of community partners in New Hanover County to reestablish First Year Cape Fear, a support and information network for pregnant people in the Cape Fear Region.”

Associate Professor of Anthropology, UNCW

Owner, Seabreeze Horse Connection

MARIA D.

RODRIQUEZ

Describe your role.

“In addition to teaching a full load of classes (six to ten) each semester, I am also responsible for recruiting and advising students and working in the community to build partnerships for internships.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“I love being a part of my community. I volunteer as an interpreter with Christ Community Church, Red Cross, CFCC, and Latino Alliance. I think that serving as an interpreter has made a great impact in my community because I help people to communicate. In May, I was appointed to the NHC Hispanic/ Latino Commission and now am the secretary. I hope to do great work with the commission. I am also the President of CATI.”

What’s a future goal?

“A short-term goal is to raise funds to help DACA students because they have to pay out-of-state tuition. I feel that everyone should have access to an affordable quality education. I also want to continue to volunteer in the community and help build new relationships between nonprofit organizations and my students.”

ROSSER LAURA

Special Educator, New Hanover County Schools/Advisor & Schools Liaison, Unified Champion Schools/Outreach Coordinator, Theatre for All

Describe your role.

“As a teacher of students with intellectual disabilities and autism, I team up with general educators, community agencies and organizations, families, and the students themselves to build an environment optimized for their learning and development. Growing self-advocates – students with disabilities – alongside advocates – students without disabilities – is the mission of my work with all community partners. Together, we are working to create an inclusive world, where we all grow and thrive with the support of each other.”

What’s a future goal?

“I am working with two Unified youth leaders and former students, Special Olympics North Carolina, and NHCS to accomplish our goal of creating the first Unified District in North Carolina. This would mean that every school in NHCS would commit to creating an inclusive school culture where students with/without disabilities participate together, in leadership, team sports, and whole school/community engagement. It’s a big lift, but the future is now – and it is certainly inclusive.”

ALEXIA SHANK

Describe your role.

“I have the pleasure of working on the College Bound team at GLOW Academy to support 6th-12th grade students preparing for life after high school graduation. We coordinate and execute at least one college trip for each grade level, support students and families as they plan and prepare for college, expose students to a wide range of career options, and provide support throughout the first year of college. We host early career awareness programming, financial aid seminars, and provide individualized support.”

What’s a future goal?

“The Class of 2023 is our first cohort of GLOW Academy alumnae. Our College Bound programming continues to support our students throughout their first year of college. This includes emails with links to shared resources, virtual check-ins, in-person meetings, and alumnae events to connect them with current GLOW Academy students. Seventy-two percent of the Class of 2023 are first-generation college students. To ensure their success and fulfill all parts of our mission, it is vital to continue to offer access to higher education.”

Community Spanish Interpreter Program Director, CFCC

Associate Director of College Access, GLOW Academy

Health

ALEXIS HUNTER

Health

CHELSEA CROOM

Describe your role and work you do in the health care field.

“I am currently the program manager over the Rape Crisis Center in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, and Duplin counties. I manage a team of therapists, advocates, and prevention educators who work to provide free and confidential services via advocacy, therapy, and prevention programming. In addition, I help with advocacy of clients in court and at the hospital.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“I have mentored and supported many staff members in their work with the Rape Crisis Center and in furthering their careers and studies. I have supported many clients in the courtroom alongside assistant district attorneys and even the district attorney in December of 2022 on a thirty-year case in which the perpetrator was found guilty.”

What’s a future goal?

“A future goal for me is to eventually do consulting work with other similar agencies that deal with crisis and mental health to help them create an environment for their staff to feel safe and supported and want to come to work every day.”

Describe your role and work you do in the health care field.

“I connect people and resources between Wilmington Health and other organizations. I help people and employers find access to high-quality care at a reasonable cost. I work alongside my team as the ‘boots on the ground’ in the community to ensure the people of our region know we aspire to be the most trusted partner in health care and transform the delivery system.”

Impacts you’ve made in your organization or field overall?

“Wilmington Health is the medical partner of the North Carolina Ironman 70.3, and I serve as the captain. That partnership has provided our team with a volunteer opportunity to serve athletes in the largest sporting event in Southeastern North Carolina. Our team members are excited to be able to provide care to the athletes who need it, and I find great happiness in leading that charge.”

Program Manager, Coastal Horizons Rape Crisis Center

Community Liaison, Wilmington Health

JOSALIN J.

HUNTER

Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Coastal Horizons/ Licensed Clinical Therapist, Journey to Healing

Describe your role and work you do in the health care field.

“I am fortunate to have training in the fields of both social work and public health. My hope is to bring my knowledge and passion for serving underrepresented communities in the areas of health and mental health to support equity-related initiatives at Coastal Horizons. This includes community collaborations, dialogue, and trainings that will contribute to a more equitable health care environment for both Coastal staff and clients.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“In the community, I provide and host mental health therapy groups and events for youth and young adult girls, including Becoming Her which is designed to nurture, educate, and empower girls as they grow into women. I have also contributed to several projects such as needs assessments and led seminars, workshops, and trainings focusing on trauma and resilience –some connected to the work of the incredible folks at UNCW and also New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force.”

NEWBERRY AMY

Describe your role and work you do in the health care field.

“As the owner/founder and a pelvic floor physical therapist, I educate and empower women in our community in pelvic health, a poorly represented and understood area in not only society but also our health care system. I create safe spaces for women to learn about historically taboo topics like pain with sex and how to overcome it and debunk myths surrounding pregnancy and postpartum by providing body confidence to the women in our community.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“I hold an active role in the community hosting workshops for women on pelvic floor health and how to regain confidence by resolving embarrassing urinary incontinence, frustrating pelvic pain, and fear surrounding birth/postpartum. I successfully co-hosted the first Women’s Health Summit to connect women in the community with local women’s health and wellness providers. These events bring awareness to women about their pelvic health and encourage them to be their own health care advocates.”

KELSEY SANDERS

Paramedic, Novant Brunswick ED & Pender EMS and Fire

Describe your role and work you do in the health care field.

“On the ambulance, I provide emergency patient care for 24-hour shifts. I am a member of the State Medical Assistance Team that can deploy for large-scale disasters in the state. I’ve worked through hurricanes to provide disaster relief, medical care, and extrication of trapped individuals … At the hospital, I function alongside the nurses providing emergency care.” What’s a future goal?

“A short-term goal I would like to work on consists of a program that helps bridge the gap with civilians. There are many misconceptions on what paramedics can do in the ambulance that create a divide on patients truly needing 911 from calling. Educating the public on cardiac and stroke care that ambulance crews initiate can make a difference in a patient returning to normal or having lifelong side effects. Long-term, I plan to apply to physician assistant school in the next two years to become a physician in our local emergency rooms.”

For more about the finalists, go to WILMAmag.com

Owner & Founder, Pelvic Prescription Physical Therapy & Wellness

Non pr ofit

onprofit

QAILINN BOWEN

Describe your role.

“My role at Northside Food Co-op as the Strategic Partnership Coordinator is to build and foster relationships with our community members and other local organizations and businesses to help support and share resources for our community.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“Some of the impacts I made here locally are facilitating the startup of The Urban Oasis Community Garden at Maides Park as well as facilitating the Northside Community Dinners that bring together and average of 150 community members each dinner.”

What inspires you to help others?

N“Knowing that it doesn’t start or end with me. Sometimes, I’m the helper, and other times I’m receiving the help. To be in community with others in which we all help each other is incredibly inspiring.”

What’s a future goal?

KATIE TATE

For more about the finalists, go to WILMAmag.com

“A goal of mine as a native to the Northside of Wilmington is to help ensure we get a community grocery store on the Northside. I’m really passionate about that, and we deserve it.”

Describe your role.

“I lead an effective team to meet fundraising goals that support Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s mission and programs. My team and I are responsible for securing financial contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other donors through major gifts, grants, campaigns, and special events. My role as a fundraiser is important as Lower Cape Fear LifeCare relies on contributions to ensure everyone in our community receives the care and support they deserve at end of life.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“As a nonprofit professional, my career has provided many opportunities to impact our community. I am proud to help raise millions of dollars to ensure that everyone in our community has access to high-quality end-of-life care. I am also proud to have written and received a highly competitive $1 million grant to benefit LifeCare Memory Partners. Over the last three years, the program has served over 1,000 caregivers and persons living with dementia in our community.”

Strategic Partnership Coordinator, Northside Food Co-op

Director of Foundation, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

LAURIE HAGGERTY

TAYLOR

Development Manager, Carousel Child Advocacy Center

Describe your role.

“Member of the management team of the region’s only Child Advocacy Center. Responsible for creating and managing an omnichannel program focused on increasing annual giving revenue, deepening donor engagement, and broadening the base of support.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“Founding member in 2011 of the Women’s Impact Network; founding member and first chair of the Association of Fundraiser Professionals in 2007. Increased revenue for Carousel Child Advocacy Center 50 percent. Raised over $38 million for Lower Cape Fear Hospice, completing four capital campaigns. Proud to have launched and mentored the careers of many successful fundraisers in our community. Member and newsletter editor for the Cape Fear Garden Club. For over eleven years, served as a board member of the New Hanover Community Foundation. Member of Rotary Club of Wilmington for over eight years.”

What’s a future goal?

“Planning and mentoring for continued growth of revenue to further the mission of the Carousel Center. Explore hobbies for personal growth. Traveling to new and exciting places.”

VAN PELT MEADE

HORTON

Describe your role.

“From leading our campus of 60,000 square feet and staff who provide marketing, event coordination, operational, and fundraising support, I work to assure our partners have access to training, grants, leadership, and opportunities for expansion, while also serving as a sounding board to sustain our nonprofit community through challenges and opportunities.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“To lead Wilmington’s campus of humanitarian nonprofits is to assure a place of stability where nonprofits serve, collaborate, and thrive in restoring client stability.”

What’s a future goal?

“Short-term, we would like more nonprofit mental health providers, professional care managers, and legal services on campus. We now have a floor available. Mid-term, we will continue to research and enhance services for nonprofit infrastructure. Longer-term, we will significantly fund the new Harrelson Center Endowment with the North Carolina Community Foundation, established by the Honorary Board to provide permanent funding. Ongoing, reduce the barriers to positive change – there will always be barriers.”

GENEVIEVE WIRTH

Describe your role.

“As a nonprofit executive and volunteer board member for three community organizations, I aim to develop a better quality of life for historically marginalized residents. I’m passionate about combatting systemic discrimination and removing obstacles it has caused. At work, I lead a team of seventeen to provide programs to underserved youth related to personal, professional, and educational development opportunities. In my volunteerism, I focus on providing additional resources related to food security and other enrichments.” What inspires you to help others?

“I believe every child deserves access to the support necessary to be successful, regardless of the zip code into which they were born. I was blessed with opportunities, guidance, and a network to foster success. However, I realize that not everyone has access to the support needed to succeed. My drive to serve is rooted in creating equity and developing a support system for the kids whose life circumstances did not provide them with one.”

Executive Director, The Harrelson Center

Executive Director, Voyage

Public Sector

Public Sector

This category recognizes women who work in the area’s public service sector – public safety agencies, local and state government, military, etc.

CARESS C. CLEGG

Describe your role.

“My role includes managing public relations and internal communications, developing and implementing strategies to promote the district’s achievements, events, and initiatives. I work closely with school administrators, staff, and the community to ensure accurate and timely information dissemination. Additionally, I lead a team of five and play a crucial role in maintaining positive relationships between the school district and its stakeholders.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“Through various initiatives, I have had a significant impact on the local community. One such initiative is Girls with Pearls at Blair Elementary, which provides mentorship and skillbuilding for young girls, helping to foster self-confidence and leadership skills. My involvement on the United Way of the Cape Fear Area board has helped to support critical social causes and improve the lives of vulnerable communities. Additionally, my work on the NHCS EDI Committee promotes equity and inclusivity in education. My commitment to community development, education, and social responsibility, I hope, has led to a lasting impact.”

Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, N.C. Cooperative ExtensionNew Hanover County

Describe your role.

“N.C. State Extension’s mission is to improve the well-being of the family through programs that educate, influence public policy, and help families put research-based knowledge to work in their lives. As a Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, I deliver evidence-based programming in nutrition, health, food safety, food preservation, and local foods. I also collaborate with other agencies through the Cape Fear Food Council to support food security efforts.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“Hearing kids – and adults – say things like, ‘I never thought you’d get me to eat vegetables, but this is good!’ is a prime example of my impact! I help demystify food, both in terms of exposure as well as access. Partnering with the Wilmington Farmers Market, community members donate money to purchase produce from farmers that is distributed at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. So far this year we’ve donated about 290 pounds of local fruits and vegetables.”

Communications Supervisor, New Hanover County Schools

KATE

MARSHALL

Describe your role.

“I serve the city of Southport as the Animal Protective Services Officer and head of the department. My primary focus is to educate both residents and visitors on the local animal welfare ordinances to ensure their pets remain safe and are humanely treated. Southport’s beautiful waterfront also brings a diverse variety of wildlife to our city. My calls for service can be unique, and I strive to help any animal in need.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“I was instrumental in updating the city’s Animal Welfare Ordinance in 2019. Important initiatives such as antitethering laws were added to better the quality of life for pets.”

What’s a future goal?

“A goal of mine is to build a more robust Community Cat Program in surrounding communities. As the area’s population continues to grow, an active volunteer-based group will be needed to address the critical issue of overpopulation. I would be able to provide training and guidance to ensure it would be successful.”

RHODES FAWN N.

Health & Human Services Equity Coordinator, New Hanover County

Describe your role.

“I am the first Health Equity Coordinator at HHS (New Hanover County’s Health and Human Services department). I advocate, coordinate, and implement health equity programs.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“I created the Food Pathways initiative, which links older people to free food, arranged several COVID outreach events, and produced the Equity Matters webinar, a monthly health equity webcast. I designed an Economic Services Outreach program for first-time applicants at participating venues. I established the New Hanover County Health and Human Services Health Equity Council. I arranged a neighborhood SNAP food conference and organized the Minority Maternity Health Community Conversation for minority women to share their stories.”

What’s a future goal?

“A pipeline from HBCUs and minority-serving institutions to health and human services is a future goal, which would increase the number of minority employees and interns, especially in areas of environmental, mental, and school health. To establish a patient advocate and doula certification program for New Hanover County citizens at NHC HHS.”

KRISTY WILLIAMS

Program Manager, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office-Elements Youth Violence Intervention Program

Describe your role.

“My position oversees a team of fifteen employees and manages the functions of our program, which serves approximately 125 youth and families per year. When I began with the program sixteen years ago, I started as a case manager for court-ordered, repeat juvenile offenders who were either gang involved or lived in an area with gang activity. … Our program is a civilian-based program that is within the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“In the past sixteen years of this career, our program has served over 1,000 youth within our community on an individual basis. The work that this program does is designed to meet each youth where they currently are, individually, and help provide them with the tools to build themselves and their support system up in a way that assists them with moving forward down a path to success.”

For more about the finalists, go to WILMAmag.com

Animal Protective Services Officer, City of Southport

StarsRising

Rising Stars

ALLAYNA DAIL

Describe your role.

“As the Assistant Director of Community Relations at the city of Southport, I play a key role in planning, marketing, and implementing city and nonprofit activities, aligning them with my department’s objectives. I oversee the Fort Johnston Visitors Center, supervise volunteers, and manage event displays. Additionally, I maintain and update social media platforms, create marketing materials, and serve as a liaison for the NC 4th of July Festival.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“During my tenure with the city, I’ve spearheaded two projects that hold special significance for me. The first is the Discover the Trees of Southport Forestry Committee Walking Tour, which features an online tour and a physical walking map. The second project is the innovative Southport on Film initiative, an interactive web-based catalog showcasing the city’s rich history of filming. As part of this initiative, I also designed a walking tour for visiting guests to explore the area’s filming locations.”

EMMA ERICKSEN

Describe your role.

“As the Marketing and Engagement Manager at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, I am focused on building strong relationships, with a special focus on first-year members, by providing one-on-one consultations that help each member strategize and optimize their membership benefits. In addition, my marketing and communications efforts are geared towards elevating the chamber’s image as the leading regional business advocacy organization, dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive regional economy.”

What are examples of some of your achievements so far?

“I have accomplished several significant milestones, including holding a role/title with NCPRSA (Public Relations Society of America, North Carolina Chapter). I am a proud member of the Leadership Wilmington Alumni, being part of the Class of 2023. Additionally, I have achieved recognition as an ACCE Certified Professional in Membership & Revenue Development. These achievements highlight my dedication to professional growth and excellence in my chosen field.”

Assistant Director of Community Relations, City of Southport

Marketing & Engagement Manager, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

This category is open to women under the age of thirty.

CAROLINE

GANN

Senior Analyst for Solar Energy, Live Oak Bank

Describe your role.

“As an analyst under Live Oak’s Renewable team, I focus on financing solar construction projects. On average I am responsible for roughly $300 million in active funding of solar construction sites financed by Live Oak across the country. I work with various departments from the inception of a project to the final PTO letter.”

What are examples of some of your achievements so far?

“I am a graduate of the WILMA Leadership Institute class of 2022 and a 2023 awardee of Wilmington’s Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40. I am a founding member of Live Oak’s Veteran Employee Resource Group and Asian American Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group. This year, I was able to facilitate a formal relationship with Live Oak’s Women Inspired Network – a women’s employee resource group –and A Safe Place. Thanks to our LOB WIN Leadership and ASP, Live Oak’s Women’s ERG sponsors a monthly skills class at the shelter for its members.”

GILLIKIN LEAH

Inpatient Nurse Navigator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

Describe your role.

“Essentially the admissions and discharge nurse for all patients at the Hospice Care Center in Wilmington. This job includes the implementation of care plans for patients at the end of life across the lifespan; safe medication administration and creation of therapeutic relationships with the patient and their friends/family; collaborating as a team with fellow nurses, leadership, and health care providers.”

What are examples of some of your achievements so far?

“Graduated nursing school at (the age of) twenty. Was able to put myself through merit nursing scholarships. Hired as a new graduate nurse – one of the first ever – to work inpatient as an RN at the Wilmington Care Center. One year later, I would work as a nurse navigator in Wilmington, also being credentialed at Novant Health NHRMC working on the Clinical Liaison team, along with working PRN with Wilmington GI as pre/post-op nurse. I have a strong passion for GI cancer prevention and early detection after losing my father three weeks after his diagnosis with colon cancer my senior year of high school.”

ELLA KING

Isaac Bear Early College Graduate/Yale University (Class of 2028)

Describe your role.

“As a student of Russian and Central Asian studies, I inquire into the history, languages, cultures, and politics of these regions. Having recently concluded independent foreign study in Uzbekistan to research Uzbek culture and the Russian language, I now look forward to continuing my studies at Yale.”

What are some of the impacts you’ve made locally?

“Through presidencies of Isaac Bear Early College’s National Honor Society, Debate Club, and International Studies Club, I’ve led service projects to improve food security and access to feminine hygiene products in Wilmington. I have also had the privilege of volunteering through the New Hanover County Office of Diversity and the UNCW Office of Global Partnerships and International Education to promote remembrance of the 1898 Massacre and tutoring in the English language for students from Uzbekistan.”

What’s a future goal?

“Short term, I strive to pursue my education at Yale, working to improve myself and my understanding of the world around me. Long term, I hope to improve the quality and accessibility of education in academia.”

For more about the finalists, go to WILMAmag.com

W2W Awards Bracelet

By EMORY RAKESTRAW

Earthy, organic, with seaside hues and abundant natural textures and structure; this is one way to describe the jewelry made by LISA BROWN, owner of Little Blue Bungalow Handcrafts. Yet, before her transition to full-time jewelry maker, Brown had a prolific career and even won the Public Sector category for WILMA’s Women to Watch Awards in 2020.

Each year for the awards, WILMA works with a local jewelry designer to create the custom awards bracelet that the seven category winners receive. This year’s design will be unveiled at the awards event September 8.

As fate would have it, Brown is now creating the same (albeit different) awards bracelet she received in 2020, an award she regarded as a community effort and, “an honor to be considered with such an inspirational group of women.” Although she has since traded a career-focused mindset to embrace her long-held artistic pursuits, Brown is still finding ways to help others and give back. W

Read more about Brown's background and jewelry, including working with overseas artisans, at WILMAmag.com.

WILMA's WELLNESS GUIDE TO

Stellar Health Nutrition

Hi, I’m Penelope Taylor, Registered Dietitian. My practice takes a different kind of approach to nutrition, promoting health and longevity over mere dieting. Food should nourish you both mentally and physically. I am here to provide you the expert advice you need, especially if you struggle with disordered eating, food cravings, food aversions, or just want to break the cycle of restrictive dieting. Together, we will create a tailored plan that is specific to your health goals. Come visit the downtown Wilmington office, or check in via telehealth from the comfort of your home. Blue Cross and Cigna insurances accepted.

411 Chestnut St., Suite 201

Wilmington, NC 28401

(910) 408-2291

stellarhealthnutrition.com

@stellarhealthnutritionllc

ilm yoga therapy

ilm yoga therapy is uniquely designed to help women with disordered eating navigate the discomfort of befriending their bodies. Owner and Certified Yoga Therapist Lillie Hewitt believes the therapeutic process should be as unique as you are. Whether you’ve struggled with body image for years or just recently fallen into disordered patterns, Yoga Therapy could be a positive addition to your self-care. The use of somatic tools such as mindfulness and therapeutic touch, coupled with therapeutic dialogue, can help regulate stress and anxiety, regain trust in your body, and connect more deeply with your life. Visit ilmyogatherapy.com to learn more.

244 Princess St., Suite 204 Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 617-6904

ilmyogatherapy.com

@ilmyogatherapy

OsteoStrong

Looking to strengthen your skeletal system and improve your overall health? OsteoStrong may be able to help! Our unique Osteogenic Loading system is completely pain-free and requires no heavy lifting, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking better health. Visiting once a week, you'll feel energized and refreshed, without any soreness or fatigue. With a simple and easy-to-understand biohacking system, OsteoStrong's Wilmington location is conveniently located to help you achieve your health goals.

814 S. College Rd., Unit D Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 760-1997

osteostrong.me

@osteostrongwrightsville

Awaken Your Essence

Awaken Your Essence believes in the power of healing and transformation through connection and whole-hearted authentic living! Tara Gilmore is a certified integrative health and wellness coach with a focus in stress and anxiety management, a 200 RYT, certified Reiki Practitioner, and a certified sound therapist. Tara will co-create with you on your journey to whole-hearted authentic health and wellness. Awaken Your Essence offers support and guidance through a tailored program fit for your specific needs. Health is individual to every person. It is not only physical but a balanced integration of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. One cannot function fully without the others. The body and mind are not separate. When fully integrated, there is a limitless potential for fulfillment.

2610 Oleander Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403 (973) 951-6588

awakenyouressence.net

@awakenwithtara

Smile Straight Orthodontics

Looking to transform your smile, help with your child’s self-esteem or a medical issue?

Meet Dr. Emily Poulos, a board-certified orthodontist at Smile Straight Orthodontics. She attended Appalachian State University and earned degrees in Chemistry and Biology. She received her Masters of Physiology at North Carolina State University.

Dr. Poulos’ passion was to help people transform their lives with great smiles. She enrolled at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Dentistry. She completed her education journey and orthodontics residency at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. A wife and a mom of four busy kids, she is now helping patients of all ages with the smiles of their dreams!

Smile Straight provides a FREE consultation, multiple treatment options including traditional braces, clear braces and Invisalign®. They create the right orthodontic treatment plan that fits each patient.

Smile Straight provides orthodontic care for children, teens and adults, accepting private insurances, Medicaid and offers an affordable payment plan.

126 Cinema Dr. Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 940-0259

smilestraightwilmington.com

@smilestraightwilmington

Green Lean & Clean Meal Prep Delivery

Green Lean & Clean Meal Prep

Delivery is your local source for always fresh, never frozen meal prep. We focused on freshness and variety making your weekly meal prep exciting and never boring. We make all meals fresh the day of your pick up or delivery and source from local farms. We offer healthy protein snacks, breakfasts, protein pancakes, soups, salads, and signature bowls to keep you enjoying your healthy eating. Catering to all diets including vegan and vegetarian! We deliver Monday-Thursday to the greater Wilmington area and we deliver all over eastern NC including Leland, Hampstead, Surf City, the greater Raleigh Area, New Bern and Jacksonville areas, Morehead City and Atlantic Beach areas, and the greater Greenville area. We would absolutely love to be a part of your healthy lifestyle!

7316 Market St. Unit 3 & 4

Wilmington NC 28411 (910) 686-1633

burnglc.com

@greenleanclean

Anointed Heart Acupuncture

When health issues arise, it can feel overwhelming, disheartening and even hopeless at times. By combining the practices of Traditional Chinese medicine and modern healing technologies, Alexa helps guide women to discover what their bodies are trying to communicate and facilitate the changes needed for their bodies to heal themselves.

Each treatment is tailored to the individual with a deep respect for the interconnection of emotional, physical and spiritual wellness. Modalities that she offers include acupuncture, herbal medicine, medical qigong, cupping, meridian tapping, resonant light technology, red light therapy, and acoustic wave therapy.

(210) 867-6363

anointedheart-acupuncture.com

@anointedheart_acupuncture

Like many others in the clean beauty industry, my story begins with health issues. I had been on a wellness journey for over ten years and was sure I could count on my thirties to kick my skin problems to the curb. It wasn’t until I started having health issues -- specifically Hashimoto’s disease -- that I began to analyze not only what I put in my body but also what I put on it. What I discovered shocked me. The products I was using were laden with endocrine disruptors and carcinogens, which were impacting my health. I read articles, listened to podcasts, and researched products. I finally found my “miracle”, and it wasn’t in a drug store aisle. I also found I didn’t have to sacrifice my health in the name of beauty. In fact, the alternatives I found were not only more effective but also they contained skin-nourishing ingredients. Clean beauty became my passion.

I created Figgy Co. when I realized I couldn’t locally source my favorite clean beauty products. I left my job as an ultrasound technologist and concentrated my efforts on creating a space dedicated to selfcare; a place where I could share the best and cleanest natural beauty and wellness products with the Wilmington area. Whether you're an allnatural obsessed product junkie like me or just starting your wellness journey, I’m excited to get to know you and share this space with you.

1904 Eastwood Rd., Suite 107 Wilmington NC 28403

(910) 239-9144

figgyco.com

@figgyco

Figgy Co.

Good For You Food

After my own health scare in 2013, and learning how to heal my body on my own, I became passionate about helping women get to the root cause of their health issues. As a nutritional therapist practitioner, I coach women on becoming empowered to listen to their bodies while looking at a bioindividual approach to get to the root cause of their health concerns. Nutritional therapy is based on the idea that health can be achieved through a holistic, foundational approach by supporting the foundations of health while using the body’s innate intelligence. We all have the answers within us, we just need to learn how to tune in!

I help women with digestive issues, adrenal fatigue and hormonal issues feel better and have more energy!

Wilmington, NC 100% Virtual goodforyoufood.net

@goodforyoufd

Best Self Coaching Group

It is time to get empowered and focus on you. Best Self Coaching is life coaching dedicated to women who are wanting to transform their lives. I'm Dr. Sandy Brannin, and as a physician, wife, mother, and Certified Life Coach, I help women become the person they want to be and create a life they want. I understand the feeling of overwhelm, burnout, not having time for yourself and always putting others needs before your own. I know you have goals and things that you want to do and achieve. Next course is starting in September, accepting sign ups now.

coachme@bestselfcoaching group.com bestselfcoachinggroup.com

Chrysalis Center for Counseling & Eating Disorder Treatment

Chrysalis Center’s team of experienced eating disorder professionals sets us apart in the Wilmington area, however, our clinicians also provide high quality care to people struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD and many other mental health concerns.

Our psychiatric nurse practitioner treats children age 6 through adulthood and recently completed her certification in Perinatal Mental Health.

Our nutrition staff has knowledge of the dietary needs unique to a variety of medical conditions.

3240 Burnt Mill Dr., Suite 1

Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 790-9500

chrysaliscenter-nc.com

@chrysaliscenternc

Women In Strength Fitness

Women In Strength is a community of women who all have a common goal of committing to their health. We strive to assist women to feel empowered and strong physically and mentally. We want to help women to see their potential when it comes to their strength, because strength is beautiful!

We may be a fitness studio, but we're so much more than that! Through the community we have, our commitment to you, and consistency and accountability, we encourage you to challenge yourself and to dive into creating a lifestyle that is healthy and sustainable for you!

Our coaches are here to provide motivation, customized workouts, and nutritional guidance to help you achieve your goals inside and out of the gym!

Join our community for personal training or hop into a group class!

505 S 17th St. Wilmington, NC 28401 (910) 338-9262

womeninstrengthnc.com

@womeninstrengthnc

Many Women, Many Stories

“What would happen if one woman told the truth about her life? The world would split open.”

This quote by Muriel Rukeyser inspired the creation of “Many Women, Many Stories,” an organization in Wilmington, that helps women turn life challenges into positive, reframed stories. Their goal is to empower women through support, motivation, inspiration, and apprenticeship opportunities for growth.

Join Many Women, Many Stories on their “Maiden Voyage” at Shell Island Resort on November 17-19, 2023. This three-day event offers an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner growth with other women. You'll get to listen to great speakers and participate in group sessions that will motivate and encourage you to take steps toward self-improvement and maybe split the world apart!

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of a multicultural, multi-generational community of women who want to empower themselves and others. Register now at ManyWomenManyStories.com.

314 N. Green Meadows Dr., Ste. 600 Wilmington, NC 28405 (828) 234-5492

manywomenmanystories.com

Welcome to Progress Medical

Medical Weight Loss, Hormone Optimization, and Concierge Primary Care

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Dr. Josh Dobstaff

Dr. Dobstaff grew up in Rochester NY before moving south to attend James Madison University in Virginia. Dr. Dobstaff attended medical school at St. George’s University in Grenada, followed by his residency in Internal Medicine in Wilmington, NC.

Dr. Dobstaff has embarked on numerous career endeavors across the state of North Carolina, which include working in numerous hospitals, involvement in various medical directorships, and business ownership. His dream is to use this clinical and business knowledge to bring a modern medical practice to the Wilmington area. He is excited to share this vision with you.

Teen girl guru

After working for almost thirteen years as a life coach for girls and young women, MICHELLE DOLAN knows she has found her mission helping clients navigate this critical, and often challenging, stage of life.

“Most girls don’t see the wealth they possess,” she says. “Coaching is very practical: I help them recognize what they have and can change their trajectory.”

While her clients come to her from many backgrounds and geographic locations, thanks to her largely online sessions, most of them share similar challenges, she says.

Times of transition (middle school into high school, senior year of high school with its many decision points, and moving on to higher education or the job market after high school) are times of high anxiety, Dolan points out.

“Part of the art of coaching is the ability to hear where (the client’s) heart is beating loudest, and where she would be willing and ready to start,” Dolan says. “You want to start the process at just the right place.” W

Read more about Dolan at WILMAmag.com.

Dolan’s tips for teens feeling anxious about back-to-school season:

• Acknowledge your feeling of anxiety.

• Remind yourself of affirming truths.

• Stop the spiral of being overly self-focused.

everything all at once in the same week.

by JENNY CALLISON

• Think of micro-steps and goals. Do not go wild and try to change

• Focus on what you truly want to do. Many times, we think about what we should be doing. A great shift is to focus on what we could be doing.

For more, go to michelledolan.com.

|

photo by TERAH HOOBLER

bring heat the

by

ELIZABETH WHITE | photos by ALLISON JOYCE

Spending an evening with these Hot Flashes may involve finding oneself at a bar, having some drinks with friends, (and maybe table-top dancing) while listening to a mixed bag of music ranging from rap to country to alternative/modern.

On stage performing would be a group of eight women ranging in age from their fifties to sixties. Did they ever think they would be up on a stage performing at their age? No. That is what makes The Hot Flashes truly a sight to see, and especially, to hear.

Most of the members of The Hot Flashes met through the Loud Music Company, a music store at 5500 Market Street. With a nudge from co-owner MICHAEL COLE, the women were asked to come to a jam session. Upon hearing them perform, Cole told them, “You all actually don’t suck.” At that moment, the

Here is who makes up

The Hot Flashes:

TINA LANDON: Choreographer and artistic director by day and bass player/ singer by night. Landon, who is married to Cole, opened Loud Music Company in Wilmington with him a couple of years ago. Both are music industry veterans. During her career, the Emmy-nominated Landon worked on choreography for major artists including Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and others. Initially, with The Hot Flashes, Landon was asked to fill in for an

band was – to Cole at least – born. Not so much the women, who had never intended to be in a band.

Next came a “promise” from Cole that the women would never have to ever play in public.

“He tricked us all,” says member MARGARET PIERSON jokingly. Cole explains it wasn’t so much a “trick, but more that I left out some critical details.” He suggested calling the group the “I Don’t Wannas” because of their initial hesitation about performing.

Three weeks later, The Hot Flashes made their debut at Seven Mile Post. Now, eleven songs and multiple gigs later, they are convinced The Hot Flashes “will soon be untouchable.”

original band member. “I tried learning to play bass thirty years ago but wasn’t very good,” she says. When the need became permanent, “I looked at the members’ sad, pathetic faces and agreed.”

Favorite song to play: Beggin’; “Because it hits so hard and has such high energy,” Landon says. “But I also love Here for the Party because Val sounds fantastic on it, and it’s a huge challenge for all of us.”

MARGARET PIERSON: Doctor by day and violinist/drummer by night. Pierson took violin lessons as a kid but had never

played the drums before. Now a drum set sits in the center of her house. She purchased the instrument in Raleigh after dropping off her middle child for her sophomore year of college. “My house was getting way too quiet,” she says. “It was time for a new hobby, and my kids weren’t going to need me as much anymore.”

Favorite song to play: Beggin’ (closing song)

LYNDA GRAUBERT: Semi-retiree during the day and bass guitar player by night.

When one thinks of hot flashes, it is usually linked with dreaded hormonal changes and that stage of life. With the Wilmington group, The Hot Flashes, it is quite the opposite.

Graubert plays for a blues/rock band outside of The Hot Flashes and played in a band in New York City. She auditioned for the group after the existing members saw some videos of her playing.

Favorite song to play: Hard by Rihanna; “I thought I would be playing a lot of classic pop,” she says. “Boy, was I wrong!”

TERRY EPSY: Real estate broker by day and keyboard artist by night. Espy has sung backup for the likes of Kenny Rogers. When telling her adult son about the band, he remarked, “Sounds like it will all be Motown-type stuff,” referencing their ages. Espy laughed, feeling proud she knows the lyrics to Rihanna and Bruno Mars songs now. “My music world has definitely expanded,” she says. Favorite song to play: Here for the Party; “I am usually not a fan of country, but Michael promised his arrangement would convince me. Now, it is one of my favorite songs.”

VALERIE WEBSTER: Retiree by day and singer/drummer by night, Webster took violin lessons as a kid and started taking drum lessons at the age of fifty-nine. She never thought she would be in a band. “But after the first night jamming together with the ladies, I was hooked,” she says.

Favorite song to play: Beggin’; “We put a twist on it, and I get to be creative on the drums.”

JENNIFER HARJO: Chief public defender by day and guitarist by night. Harjo has no professional music experience and met her bandmates at a practice at Loud Music Company.

Favorite song to play: Here for the Party; “It is my favorite song our band plays,” she says. “But I am a Dead Head at heart.”

SARAH HALLENBECK: UNCW English professor by day and French horn player by night. Hallenbeck played the horn in high school and never thought she would be in a band like The Hot Flashes. “The horn is not a typical rock band instrument,” she says. When asked to join the group, “I thought they were just joking,” she says. “I was really just at (Loud Music Company) to pick up my ten-year-old son from his guitar lesson.”

Favorite song to play: Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars; “I feel like the horn part just works well with that song.”

MARIA TRIOLO: Health insurance agent by day and lead singer/cowbell player by night. Triolo moved to the area a few months ago, and her daughter – who works at Loud Music Company – convinced her to take some lessons to meet new people. “Nobody had really heard me sing outside my house or in my car,” she says. “I was a nervous wreck at the first performance, but these ladies are so great. We all support each other.”

Favorite song to play: I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas W

Rolling On

I ROSE AT 4 A.M., HITCHED A RIDE TO AN AIRPORT 45 MILES AWAY, AND BOARDED A PLANE BEFORE DAYBREAK. AN HOUR LATER, I STOOD ALONGSIDE HORDES OF OTHER SLEEPY TRAVELERS IN CONCOURSE B AND WAITED FOR MY CONNECTING FLIGHT TO BALTIMORE. I STIRRED SWEETENER INTO MY OVERPRICED AIRPORT COFFEE AND THOUGHT, THERE HAS TO BE A SIMPLER WAY TO BUY A CAR.

But nothing is simple. Ever. Not in my world. Even the coffee got complicated – too bitter with a couple of packets of powder, too sweet with three. This, I knew, was just part of the price I’d have to pay to change cars for the first time in fifteen years, so I scorched my tongue and lumbered toward my second plane of the morning. Counting the airport escalator and moving sidewalk, I’d already taken four modes of transportation, none of them mine.

If everything worked according to plan, I would fly two states away, hand over a check for more money than my parents paid for their first house, and buy a car I’d never seen beyond my computer. Then I’d hop in and drive several hours home, simple as that.

***

I’m not a car guy. I can’t afford the newest, coolest, hottest thing on the road. I’m not driven by fantasies of restoring a 1963 Corvette or snagging a powder-blue Thunderbird from the glory days of American motoring. For me, a car is a conveyance and nothing more, just a way to get from Point A to Point B with as little effort and expense as possible.

I’ve been driving a long time, and I’ve owned cars from lots of brands: Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Ford. One was a pickup. One was a diesel Peugeot that growled like a tractor. One was a rusty BMW that a Marine sold me because he wanted to buy a jet ski. All but two were used.

The cars came and went. After leaving my driveway for the last time, most of them made their next stop at the salvage yard. Finally, I decided I needed something that would last, so in 2007 I tracked down a Toyota 4Runner that became my workhorse. It was already eight years old and came without the high-tech features of the current century: no GPS, no Bluetooth, no back-up camera, no heated seats, just a cassette player and a radio with actual knobs. Two cup holders. If I strayed into another lane, I got notified not by an intuitive computer but by the horn of the other driver. That Toyota embodied what I hoped someday to become: tough, low-maintenance, and reliable.

***

Sixteen years and 283,000 miles later, I stood at the counter of a repair shop and faced the “service writer,” whose job was to sell me repairs. He looked as cheerful as an undertaker.

“You’ve got a rear-end problem,” he said.

by TIM BASS | illustration by MARK WEBER

“The last person who told me that was a gastroenterologist,” I said.

A sense of humor wasn’t making him any money. He just added up the numbers. Fixing my SUV would cost me more than twice what the vehicle was worth. The parts would arrive on some distant date, and at an unknown point after that, I’d be back on the road for another hundred thousand miles. Or thousand. Or hundred. With a car the age of mine, no one could say for sure.

***

Things wear out. They’re new, then nearly new, and soon they’re old and uncertain. Before we know it, we’re standing at the counter to hear about our rear-end problems, and no matter how much we hope, no matter how much we pay, we get no guarantees, warranties, or indemnities.

Do we give up and hobble off to the recliner? Or do we give in and slip on the armor of aging: compression socks, back braces, knee stabilizers, orthotic shoes, blood-pressure monitors, cataract sunglasses?

No. When faced with the unknown number of our days, we go to Baltimore.

***

“I’m a car guy,” he said.

This was Ben, the young salesman who was closing the deal on my next car, which would run on a combination of batteries, gas, and computer chips, a dazzling product of automotive science that didn’t exist when I last bought a vehicle. I had to fly to Baltimore to get this thing because none were available anywhere in North Carolina. I wasted weeks looking.

Ben picked me up at the airport – the mark of a good (and motivated) salesperson. As we drove to his dealership, he cataloged the cars he owned: two BMWs on a rental program, another that was getting customized that very day, and the Hyundai we were riding in at the moment. Along the way, he noticed a traffic jam ahead, punched the brakes, and did a back-up maneuver on the shoulder of the interstate without catching the attention of the Maryland state patrol. Indeed, Ben was a car guy.

At the dealership, he handed me off to the internet sales manager, then the paperwork guy, and finally the money man. Then it was back to Ben, who shook my hand and sent me on my way, just three hours after my plane landed in Baltimore.

Two miles down the freeway, traffic slithered to a dead stop, as if to say, “Welcome to the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area, where no one goes anywhere, fast.”

By 11 p.m. I was back home, 19 hours after my day began. I arrived exhausted and poor, with a sore rear-end, but determined to recharge and roll on, for as long as the ride would take me.

Tim Bass is coordinator of UNCW’s bachelor of fine arts program in creative writing. Mark Weber is a Wilmingtonbased artist and illustrates WILMA’s monthly Direct Male essay. weberillustration.com.

5 TAKE

After working for Wilmington for nearly a year-and-a-half, JESSICA BALDWIN recently moved into the role of senior historic preservation planner for the city. The promotion took effect in mid-July, and in the role, Baldwin says she is responsible “for helping to maintain the historic built environment and cultural heritage of Wilmington.” She moved to the Port City in March of last year from New York City.

WHAT DREW YOU HERE FROM NYC? “I grew up in Columbus County, so Wilmington felt familiar. I have family nearby, and it was an opportunity to learn new skills and develop my career in a more well-rounded way. Plus, Southeastern North Carolina is a beautiful place, hot but beautiful.”

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO WORK IN THE FIELD OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION? “I knew I wanted to be an architect since I was a kid, but after school I quickly learned architecture school and the practice of architecture are very different. I had also always been drawn to the history of our built environment, how cities are constructed, how architectural styles changed, and how the movement of people effects how buildings, streets, and cities look and function. … The thing that inspires me the most is how much histor-

ic buildings and spaces really impact people’s daily lives even when they are unaware and how the spaces I protect today are saved for generations beyond me.”

CURRENT MAJOR PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES YOU’RE WORKING ON? “Currently I am working with consultants to establish some more objective and easy to follow Design Standards. A personal goal for myself is to see that an inclusive story of the history of Wilmington was being represented through formal processes like landmarks and historic reports.” WHAT’S SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? “I think the biggest surprise would have to be that historic preservation is consistently seen as a burden, and while it can prevent the use of lower cost materials and make some projects last longer, it is a really an economic development tool. It protects sites of significance that give communities a sense of place, making residents happier and inviting visitors to see how unique a place can be.” HISTORICAL BUILDING THAT’S A PERSONAL FAVORITE TO YOU, EITHER HERE OR ELSEWHERE? “The former Whitney Museum in NYC is one of my favorite buildings I have ever experienced. Designed by Marcel Breuer, it’s a beautiful Brutalist structure designed with the sheer intention to celebrate American Art.” W

JESSICA BALDWIN’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Roundup email. To sign up for daily WILMA emails, go to WILMAmag.com.

photo by TERAH HOOBLER