LETTER FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR
The Future is Female
I
love feel-good stories, and this issue offers at least a dozen doses of inspiration. First, we meet Gwen Høeg, 18, a Northwood High School senior brimming with energy and ambition. The story on page 32 tells only the beginning of this young woman’s journey into the male-dominated motor sports world. She doesn’t yet realize that tenacity is her real superpower. Gwen is unafraid to give a wholehearted effort and make course corrections to achieve her goals. She believes she can, so she will. On page 54, read about Angela Cacace, a powerhouse making room for women in the construction industry. Her hashtag #moveoverbob has grown into a full-fledged venture that amplifies positivity for female workers and male allies. For Brandi Morris (page 40) and Hannah Brown (page 48), their families are a source of support for their businesses in downtown Pittsboro – Red Moose Brewing Company and Deep River Mercantile, respectively. And throughout our fifth annual women’s issue, we learn about what drives Gwen, Angela, Brandi, Hannah and eight others who are passionate about the welfare of children, the benefits of art and literature, the rights of humans and animals alike, and the well-being of our own health as individuals and as a democracy. As Chatham County grows, change is inevitable, and our quality of life depends on each of us and how we choose to act. These 12 women, whether on the brink of retirement or just starting to learn of their potential, serve as role models who show up every day to make a difference. CM
Anna-Rhesa Versola rhesa@chathammagazinenc.com
THE COVER Photo by John Michael Simpson 4
CHATHAM MAGAZINE
APRIL / MAY 2022