L E A D E R S H I P A W A R D S
ABOUTUS DR. MARQUIS BARNETT
CITY OF WINSTON-SALEM
Dr. Marquis H. Barnett is the Human Resources Director/Chief HR Officer (CHRO) for the City of WinstonSalem where he oversees all people operations for an employee population of more than 2,000. He is also a member of the professional track faculty in UNC Greensboro's Master of Public Affairs program. A proud HBCU graduate, Dr. Barnett holds dual Bachelor of Sciences degrees from Howard University, a Master of Sciences degree from Villanova University, and a doctorate degree from Vanderbilt University. He and his wife Deniece are proud parents of two children, Grayson and Dylan.
ABOUTUSMARK BATTEN WS/FCS
Mark Batten currently serves as the Executive Director of Community Engagement with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools where he leads efforts to strengthen partnerships and create sustainable supports that empower students and educators. He volunteers with his local church and several nonprofits, and is on the Boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters Services, HandsOn Northwest North Carolina, and the Youth Development Division of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina. Mark is a girl dad to 2 and is married to his high school sweetheart. He enjoys kayaking, hiking, building LEGOs with his daughters, and cooking up new and creative dishes in the kitchen.
PHOTO: CARLY GEIS
ABOUTUSCHRISTY BELLIS
THE GO-TO WINSTON-SALEM
Christy Bellis is the founder and owner of The Go-To Winston-Salem and The Go-To Greensboro. She wanted to create an impactful platform to connect the people of Winston-Salem (and later Greensboro) to their community in an engaging way. She is a member of the Leadership Winston-Salem 2024 Class and is actively involved in her local church. A Northern Virginia native, Christy attended the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, where she graduated with degrees in both psychology and peace, war, & defense. When Christy is not busy with the company, she enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with her dog Rosie, facetiming her 11 nieces/nephews, and cheering on the Tar Heels!
PHOTO: LINDA CARNELL
ABOUTUSMIRIAM DINEEN
THE MOOD TREATMENT CENTER
Miriam Dineen is a graduate of the Wake Forest University Physician Assistant program and has practiced across several specialties in North Carolina for the last 14 years. She currently practices at The Mood Treatment Center where she specializes in working with adolescents and young adults. She is also a speaker for a pharmaceutical company and clinical preceptor for High Point University’s PA program. Miriam is a proud military spouse and mother to her two young daughters. She loves ACC football and can be found cheering for the Deacs as a proud alum!
ABOUTUS DR. EMILY DRESSLER
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Emily Dressler is an Associate Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Biostatistics and Data Science at Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM). She is passionate about team science and has been involved in over 20 clinical trials as lead statistician. Her primary focus is cancer research with over 80 publications in medical journals on trials and statistical approaches. She now leads these efforts for the Wake Forest National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP). She enjoys exploring and living in Winston-Salem with her husband and two beautiful boys, ages 3 and 5.
ABOUTUS JEFF FANSLER
CITY OF WINSTON-SALEM
Jeff Fansler is the Director of Transportation for the City of Winston-Salem where he has spent his entire professional career furthering transportation equity, promoting mobility options, and developing quality transportation solutions. Throughout his career he has successfully completed major infrastructure rehabilitation projects such as the Old Salem streetscape and utility improvements project and the Business 40 betterments project that included partnering with NCDOT for the Strollway and Green Street Pedestrian Bridges. Jeff has an Electronic Engineering degree from Fairmont State University.
ABOUTUSCHRISTINE FARISS
HAYDEN DESIGN
Christine Fariss is a Winston-Salem native and small business owner that has a rich background elevating healthcare, academic, and research spaces through interior design, project management, and program management.
Christine became the proud owner of Hayden Design in December of 2021, ushering in the next chapter of interior design innovation alongside her small but mighty team. She proudly serves on the SECU Family House Board and the North Carolina Healthcare Engineers Association (NCHEA) Board. She attended East Carolina University for interior design and received her MBA from Wake Forest University. She resides in Ardmore with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
ABOUTUSTASMIN FARZANA
HANESBRANDS
Tasmin is a Bangladeshi-American who believes that we set ourselves apart from others by identifying opportunities during challenging times—she lives by this principle every day. As a Senior Manager of Corporate Strategy at Hanesbrands, she is helping the company to meet its full potential through enterprise transformation. She is the CoChair of the Community Partner Committee of the Winston Under 40 Advisory Board, serving SECU Family House. Tasmin loves traveling the world and experiencing new cultures with her husband Cameron. She keeps her personal life colorful with passions for literature, music, and cooking for family and friends.
PHOTO: JASPER & FERN
ABOUTUSTARYN JEREZ
GO FOR IT CREATIVE
Founder of "Go For It, Creative", Taryn Jerez is a local small business owner, creative business coach and industry educator. Over the past eight years, she has coached hundreds of small business owners, spoken at dozens of events, and built community, both locally and online, to uplift minority and women-owned businesses. Taryn hosts the Empowered for Profit Collective, a monthly membership for early-stage women creatives. She also writes as a business & arts columnist for Forsyth Magazine.
When Taryn isn’t pouring into her community you can find her at home filling her own cup, with her husband and three year old son and their two dogs, Luna & Neville.
PHOTO: SIOBHAN LORRAINE
ABOUTUSTASHA KOLBE
REYNOLDS AMERICAN
Tasha is currently the Senior Director, Talent Acquisition, for Reynolds American where she and her team are leading efforts to recruit top talent including the areas of Early Career Programming, Social Media campaigns, and Employer Branding. Tasha previously served as President of Appalachian State’s Yosef Club Advisory Board and the American Red Cross Board of Directors. Tasha is a proud Appalachian State University Alumna, holds a master’s degree in Management & Leadership from Webster University, and is currently pursuing a Master Studies of Law from Wake Forest University. Tasha resides in WinstonSalem with her husband Tyler, two sons Kamden and Hayes, and cat, Kooper.
ABOUTUS
DR. KATE LAMBERT
SPANGLER, LAMBERT & LIPP
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
Kate Lambert is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and a partner with Spangler, Lambert & Lipp Pediatric Dentistry.
In addition to her private practice, she serves as the pediatric dentist on the craniofacial team at Atrium Health
Wake Forest Baptist specializing in care for babies born with cleft lip and palate. She serves on the boards of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston Salem and Mom League. Kate's hobbies include baking elaborate birthday cakes, playing tennis and pickleball, and exploring the world both near and far with her husband and their two children.
ABOUTUSLOVE’ LEMON
18 SPRINGS COMMUNITY HEALING CENTER
Love’ is a native of Winston-Salem and was raised in Happy Hill Gardens. She graduated in 2012 as Student Government Association President from Salem College, earning a Bachelor's in Communications. Love’ holds a master's from Wake Forest University School of Divinity. With a passion for social justice, she engages communities on povertyrelated issues. Love is the Founder/CEO of Healing Heights, pioneering trauma-informed social justice training. As the Executive Director of 18 Springs Community Healing Center, she prioritizes Healing Justice. She loves brunch with mimosas, crystal healing, balanced chakras, buying Black, and preaching the Gospel truth!
ABOUTUS DR. ALLISON MATHEWS
GILEAD COMPASS FAITH COORDINATING CENTER
Dr. Allison Mathews serves as Executive Director of the Gilead COMPASS Faith Coordinating Center and Research
Fellow in Faith and Health in the School of Divinity at Wake Forest University. She also serves as the founder and CEO of a consulting company, Community Expert Solutions, Inc., which aims to innovate clinical research engagement for underrepresented groups. She co-led efforts to have Dec. 14th officially declared as HIV Cure Research Day by the State of NC. She is a graduate of Howard University and completed her Master’s, PhD,and post-doctoral work at UNC Chapel Hill.
ABOUTUSNICOLE MOORE
ATRIUM HEALTH WAKE FOREST BAPTIST
Nicole Moore is a Director within the Core Market Growth & Business Development team at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. She is an avid supporter for the Winston-Salem community. She currently serves on the Winston-Salem Under 40 Advisory Board, as co-chair of the Community Engagement Committee and member on the Intern Experience Committee. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Texas Woman’s University and an MBA from High Point University. Her hobbies include traveling, skiing, strength training, cooking, reading and spending leisure time with friends, family, and her 3 dogs.
ABOUTUSJULIA POWERS
HEGE FINANCIAL GROUP
At Hege Financial Group, Julia oversees marketing, client services, and client events as their Brand Manager. Julia loves serving her community and helping small businesses, as she volunteers her time on the Executive Board for the Lewisville Clemmons Chamber of Commerce, an Officer of the Winston Under 40 Board, and an Ambassador for Greater Winston Salem Inc. Julia is a Florida native (Go Gators!) and spends her time with her husband Sean, and their dog and two cats. They enjoy playing board games, traveling, hiking, going to wineries and breweries, trying new food, and going to concerts in their spare time. Fun fact, Julia just completed her first sprint triathlon!
PHOTO: ARTISTRY BY MELINDA
ABOUTUSMYLES REGIER
FORSYTH TECH
Myles holds a degree in Automotive Restoration and Business Management from McPherson College. He began teaching motorcycle classes at Forsyth Tech in 2017.
Transitioning to full-time teaching in 2020, he now serves as Program Coordinator of Motorsports and, as of 2022, Associate Dean of Engineering and Transportation. Committed to equity, Myles guides transportation programs for Winston-Salem's workforce, contributing to Forsyth Tech's mission of equitable economic empowerment and community transformation.
ABOUTUSNATALIE SAHLOFF
SAIL OFF PHOTOGRAPHY
As owner of Sail Off Photography, Natalie has achieved success through her blend of artistic innovation, community engagement, and client-centric services. She has been named one of the Top Three Commercial Photographers in Winston-Salem with work featured in prominent publications. She remains committed to giving back by mentoring up-and-coming professionals and volunteering to serve those experiencing food insecurity. As a dedicated mother and wife, she balances her career with her passion for family, and zest for life through rock climbing, snowboarding, and painting.
ABOUTUSDREW SIEGRIST
LINVILLE TEAM PARTNERS
Drew joined Linville Team Partners in 2021 and serves as Senior Acquisitions Manager and Broker on the Retail Growth Team. During his tenure, his team has been a driving force in adding over 130 locations to the firm's client portfolios. As a long-time resident and cyclist to Winston-Salem, he enjoys participating in the city's thriving cycling community, furthering bonds with those who introduced him to the sport when he was a local teenager. At heart, he is a family man who is always looking for any excuse to travel in order to expose his family to new places and activities!
ABOUTUSJAMES SINGLETARY
WINSTON-SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT
James is a Winston-Salem native who came home to serve the community he grew up in. He currently serves as the Sergeant of the Burglary Unit in the Criminal Investigations Division of the Winston-Salem Police Department. In his career with the WSPD, he has served as a patrol officer, school resource officer, and detective. He has coached at the William Roscoe Anderson Recreation Center, YMCA,
AYFL, WSPD PAL Tee Ball League, and other organizations for the past 8 years. This past year, James started his NonProfit organization, A Heart For Change. He was able to partner with The Winston-Salem Police Foundation to bring a free flag football league for boys and girls aged 5 to 18. James is married and the father of 6 children.
ABOUTUSINGE SMITH
VERGER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Inge Smith is the Communications Manager at Verger Capital Management, which serves non-profit endowments and foundations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from East Tennessee State University and a master’s in public administration from High Point University. Inge holds a position on the Board of Directors of The Parenting PATH and is a member of the REACH Women’s Network. Additionally, she is a member of the Winston Under 40 Advisory Board. She enjoys connecting people, playing tennis, and supporting local downtown restaurants and businesses. She also loves traveling with her husband Mark, and hopes to visit all seven continents.
ABOUTUS DR. TIM STORHOFF
WINSTON-SALEM SYMPHONY
Tim Storhoff serves as Vice President, Chief Revenue and Patron Relations Officer at the Winston-Salem Symphony. Tim holds bachelor’s degrees in Bassoon Performance and American Studies from the University of Iowa along with a Master of Music and Ph.D. in Musicology from Florida State University. His book on U.S.-Cuban musical diplomacy was published by the University Press of Mississippi in 2020. Tim volunteers at Bookmarks, is an active advocate for the arts at the state level and serves on the Winston Under 40 Advisory Board. When Tim is not at a concert, you can find him testing a new recipe in the kitchen, visiting one of Winston-Salem’s many excellent establishments or exploring North Carolina with his wife, Kate.
ABOUTUSJAMARKUS SWINSON
PIEDMONT FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK
Jamarkus Swinson is an AVP Branch Manager/Business Development Officer for Piedmont Federal Savings Bank. His community affiliations include serving on the Board of Directors as Assistant Treasurer for Financial Pathways of Piedmont and serving on the Board of Directors for the Robinhood YMCA. A native of Fayetteville, Jamarkus graduated from NC A&T State University with a B.S. in Supply Chain Management.In his spare time, he enjoys mentoring at-risk middle and high school youth in the areas of education, professional development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and health & wellness.
ABOUTUSROLANDO VALLE
DEBBIE’S STAFFING SERVICES
Rolando is an accomplished executive celebrated for elevating business development, marketing, and client relations. He currently serves as Vice President of Debbie’s Staffing Services. Rolando has an MBA from Wake Forest University and a BSBA from Western Carolina University.
Outside the office, Rolando volunteers with Stepping Stones Canine Rescue and Winston Under 40, and coaches sports. Rolando lives and breathes Wake Forest’s motto of Pro Humanitate (For Humanity) in using his abilities to improve the lives of others.
ABOUTUSSHATORIA WHITESIDE
READ, EMPOWER, AND DISTINGUISH (READ)
Shatoria is the founding Executive Director of Read, Empower, and Distinguish (READ). The mission of READ is to help struggling, underserved readers in marginalized communities reach proficiency by providing quality literacy resources and instruction to students and their families. She is also an adjunct instructor at Forsyth Tech and owns The Learning Advantage, LLC. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from NC A&T State University and her Master's of Education from Strayer University. For fun, she loves traveling to different beaches with her husband and two children.
ABOUTUSKANE WILKERSON PARKS
COMPANIES
Kane is a broker and facilities / project manager for Parks Companies. In the past five years, he has overseen $60 million dollars of new construction and redevelopment projects. He currently manages over 700,000 square feet of commercial space. A Winston-Salem native, Kane attended college at Lynn University in Florida graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. When he is not focused on real estate ventures, Kane works part time for his family’s local bakery in Winston-Salem, Wilkerson
Bakery. Kane also enjoys golfing, kayaking, water skiing, hiking, and woodworking in his free time.
