WILMA Fall Issue 2025 by Greater Wilmington Business Journal / WILMA magazine

New Again

Kristy Louden adapts in rediscovered spaces

The Awards Issue

Meet the 2025 Women to Watch Awards finalists Honoring Icon Award winner Judy Girard

Located in the beautiful, wooded city of Leland, NC, our 55 and older apartment community features 1- and 2-bedroom floor plans with upscale amenities so you can live the lifestyle you love.

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Granite Countertops

In-unit Washer and Dryer

Oversized Closets

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Manicured Courtyards

24 Hour Fitness Club

Yard Games/Activity Lawn

Creative Arts Center

Concierge Service

Pickle Ball Court

Dog Park & Pet Spa

Theatre Room

Community Garden

youth

meet new city manager Becky Hawke she's iconic

award worthy in the studio shoe stories

Madeline Gray photographed business owner Kristy Louden in her space that she converted from an appliance shop to a vintage store for a story about local women rehabbing commercial spots. on the cover

Unlock Your Inner Goddess & Elevate Your Feminine Leadership!

Leadership + Lifestyle since 2003

PUBLISHER Rob Kaiser

PRESIDENT Robert Preville

EDITOR Vicky Janowski

SENIOR MARKETING CONSULTANT

Craig Snow

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Alexis Alphin

Jillian Hon

Jake Quilla

EVENTS DIRECTOR Jamie Merrill

EVENTS & MEDIA COORDINATOR

Alecia Hall

ART DIRECTOR - EDITORIAL Suzi Drake

ART DIRECTOR - MARKETING Tara Weymouth

OFFICE MANAGER David Taylor

FASHION STYLIST Drewe Smith

CONTRIBUTORS

Tim Bass, Nina Bays, Meghan Corbett, Lily Crowder, Amy Kilgore Mangus, Samantha Kupiainen, Laura Moore, Barbara L. Nelson, Emory Rakestraw Boyd, Dylan Schmidt, Lynda Van Kuren

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Daria Amato, Drewe and Kate Branding Co. , Madeline Gray, Aris Harding, Terah Hoobler, Nate Smith

DIRECTOR OF FEAST WILMINGTON

Jessica Maurer

FOUNDER Joy Allen

For a one-year subscription, please send $26.00 (check) to: WILMA, 101 N. 3rd St., Suite 400, Wilmington, NC, 28401or call 910-343-8600 x201

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. In this issue, Gray photographed the cover and store owner Kristy Louden (page 48), WILMA Women to Watch Awards finalists (page 55), The Mermaid Lounge owner Alisha Browne (page 89), and Beaches and Boots line dancers (page 90). madelinegrayphoto.com and @madelinepgray on Instagram

LAURA MOORE 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 talks with members of the Cape Fear Ultimate about the social parts of the Frisbee league for the issue’s Plugging In feature (page 22).

BARBARA L. NELSON has a diverse background in storytelling and journalism. She began her career by reporting for local newspapers in California, Louisiana, and New York. Later, she became the editor of a real estate trade magazine in New York City. Currently, she works as a digital content creator, having developed engaging content for an international hotel and travel membership, a travel agency, a Caribbean resort company, and various other businesses. Nelson interviews Savard Beer & Board co-owner Michelle Savard about her latest rehabilitation project (page 45). blncontentstrategy.com

WILMA intern DYLAN SCHMIDT is a journalism and international relations double major at New York University. Attending The New York Times Summer Academy, she has had her writing published in The New York Times Learning Network. Schmidt was also a member of the inaugural WILMA Future Leaders class in 2023. For this year’s WILMA Women to Watch Awards section, Schmidt shares Q&As with the awards finalists and talks to metalsmith Martha Ladd. The awards section starts on page 55

MARK WEBER is an illustrator and fine artist who is based in Wilmington. His work has appeared in many magazines and publications, including Greater Wilmington Business Journal, WILMA, New York Times, The Atlantic, Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone , and Highlights for Children, to name a few. He maintains a studio at ACME Art Studios in the Brooklyn Arts. Weber illustrates the latest Direct Male essay on page 94 weberillustration.com and markweberart.com

I AWARDS SEASON IT’S

t’s been a nostalgic month for WILMA with lots of reflection and taking stock of what’s grown and what’s remained at the core.

For example, along memory lane, former WILMA co-editor Alison Satake popped by the office today. Now in California, she was in town on a family beach vacation but kind enough to deliver a batch of Britt’s doughnuts to WILMA’s downtown office.

It was shortly before Satake moved away in 2012 that she and her co-editor at the time, Nina Bays, hatched plans for WILMA’s annual Women to Watch Awards. (Nina, also now in California, still checks in regularly to write our style stories, including in this issue on page 35.)

From that first year to now our fourteenth annual awards, hundreds of women in the region have been honored for the work they’re doing in their industries and in the community.

These days, we highlight thirty-five finalists each year in seven categories – expanding significantly from the initial year of six award winners and no finalists. The first year’s awards event was a close-knit lunch at City Club. On September 5, we take over the Wilmington

Convention Center with 500 of our closest friends and family for this year’s award party.

(You can read about the latest honorees –chosen by an outside panel of judges – in the special awards section starting on page 53.)

And the program continues to expand.

This year, we launch the WILMA Icon Award to recognize a visionary woman in the area with a lasting impact. First up is former Food Network and HGTV President Judy Girard, who retired in Wilmington and helped found Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (read more about her on page 56)

While WILMA’s annual awards issue has evolved over the years, the intent has remained unchanged since Nina and Alison first started outlining ideas: recognizing the contributions of women from across fields in our area. And then throwing them a party!

Congrats to this year’s finalists and stay tuned for announcements in September of the winners.

Vicky Janowski, WILMA editor editor@wilmingtonbiz.com

A WINNING APP

SINCE SANA YOUNIS WAS YOUNG, SHE HAS FELT IT IN HER SOUL THAT MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE WAS HER DUTY. Now that her startup, Humanity Hub, is gaining momentum following a recent award from UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, she’s seeing her vision come to life.

“I think of myself as a system thinker, transformation agent, and a community builder,” Younis says.

Younis developed Humanity Hub earlier this year over her five-week intensive workshop at the CIE’s Idea Test Lab with the Women in Tech/ Female Founders cohort. The program took on seven early-stage company founders, guiding them through initial phases of their entrepreneurial ideas and leading them to refine and present their ultimate startup pitch.

Younis’ startup focuses on connecting nonprofits and other NGOs to amplify their impact through networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.

With the prize money from the award – $5,000 – Younis plans to develop a prototype of Humanity Hub, focusing initially on housing, which she says is a critical social determinant of health.

ON THYME WITH ROOM TO GROW

DANCING QUEENS

WHAT: ABBA Farewell to Summer Dance Party

WHEN: 8:30 p.m. August 23

LOCATION: Perennial Harbor, 1107 Princess Street

DETAILS: The Beehive Blondes host an ABBA-fueled dance party at Perennial's “secret garden”

INFO: thebeehiveblondes.com

ON THYME RESTAURANT IS SET TO EXPAND ON CASTLE STREET, with a 1,400-square-foot addition in the works.

That additional space will accommodate a new bar, more seating, an expanded prep kitchen, and a waiting area. PHALLIN and COREY SCOTT opened the restaurant at 918 Castle Street in the fall of 2022, and from the beginning saw a need to grow.

“I think since the day we started, we needed extra space,” Corey Scott says. “Basically, just listening to the customers and looking at what was going on in there, it was just too crowded.”

On Thyme was the Scotts’ first brickand-mortar restaurant, following the launch of On Thyme Catering in 2019 and a food truck in 2020. Since then, the two have opened Brunch Thyme in the Brooklyn Arts District and Glizzies on the Go, a mobile hot dog stand.

The Scotts say they hope to break ground on the project in mid-August. Construction is expected to take about four months, with completion slated for December.

BY THE

NUMBERS

NEW HANOVER COMMUNITY ENDOWMENT SNAPSHOTS

$1.6 BILLION value of the endowment as of July

$54.8 MILLION endowment’s 2025 grant budget

$8.7 MILLION awarded to New Hanover County Schools in Q2 2024

HUBBA BUBBLE

WHAT: North Carolina Bubble Festival

WHEN: noon-4 p.m. August 10

LOCATION: The Bend, 7227 Market Street

DETAILS: Bubble activities galore, food, drinks, live music, and vendors

INFO: thebendilm.com/events

HOME-COURT HONORS

THE GREATER WILMINGTON SPORTS HALL OF FAME WILL CELEBRATE ITS TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY NEXT YEAR by inducting five individuals during the organization’s induction weekend May 15-17, 2026.

Former WNBA player TAMERA YOUNG, who grew up in Wilmington, will be one of those inductees.

Young (above) played basketball at Laney High School and was a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

At James Madison University, she led the Coastal Athletic Association in scoring and rebounding.

“Young was the eighth overall pick by the Atlanta Dream in the 2008 WNBA draft. She played one

season in Georgia before sparking the Chicago Sky to three Eastern Conference semifinals and the WNBA Finals in 2014,” hall of fame organizers say.

She finished her WNBA playing time with the Las Vegas Aces in 2018 and 2019 and served in 2024 as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky before playing overseas.

The four other local inductees will be BILL CURRY (surfing), FRED LYNCH (basketball/high school athletic director), RON MUSSELMAN (baseball), and ED WILSON (youth coaching).

The Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame has included nearly eighty people from various sports or fields with local ties over its past two decades.

ART ACCOLADES

CAMERON ART MUSEUM RECENTLY ACHIEVED ACCREDITATION BY THE AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF MUSEUMS, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums, officials say.

“Alliance accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement,” according to a news release.

“The process was rigorous but highly rewarding, allowing CAM the opportunity to take a meaningful look at its practices in all aspects of its work – from stewardship of the museum’s collection, which is one of our region’s treasures, to interpretation and education efforts to financial sustainability,” says HEATHER WILSON (above), the museum’s executive director.

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. Cameron Art Museum is one of only twenty-eight museums accredited in the state.

To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. The alliance’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

ON THE AGENDA

Advice and connections from local leaders + the latest on the WILMA Leadership initiative

p.14

WILMA LEADERSHIP UPDATES

p.16

WILMA LEADERSHIP SPONSORS

p.17

LEADERSHIP ADVICE FROM TANYA ARMOUR

p.22

PLUGGING IN: GETTING SOCIAL WITH SPORTS

p. 25

PLUGGING IN: RECREATION LEAGUES

p.26

BECKY HAWKE ON HER CITY MANAGER PLANS

UPDATES

RECAP:

The latest on the WILMA Leadership Initiative and its mission to empower women to lead with confidence and purpose

• ALUM ANNIVERSARY: To mark the tenth anniversary of launching the WILMA Leadership Initiative in 2015, we invited alum of the programs to come together and reconnect. Held on the eve of the annual Leadership Accelerator conference, former WILMA Institute grads, Awards finalists, and others from over the years spent time together at Ironclad Brewery in downtown Wilmington.

• LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR: The next day, WILMA’s annual leadership conference took place July 24 at the Wilmington Convention Center. The half-day event brought together nearly 500 people to hear workshops on emotional intelligence, wealth building, communications, and speed mentoring as well as messages from keynote speakers connected to WILMA Leadership over the past decade. For an excerpt of one of those speeches, turn to page 17, and for more photos, go to page 20.

• LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE: This year’s WILMA’s Leadership Institute class continued to meet for monthly skills training on topics including leading in multigenerational workplaces and leading with resilience. Learn more about the fortyeight women in this year’s cohort at wilmamag.com/women-to-watch/wilmas-leadershipinstitute.

• WILMA NETWORK: The WILMA Network, made up of supporting members of the Leadership Initiative, holds monthly meetups such as networking time at Social Coffee and a golf outing at First Tee of Greater Wilmington.

EXPLORE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

photo by MADELINE GRAY

UP NEXT:

How to connect with WILMA’s leadership programs

• WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS: This year’s awards event is September 5 at the Wilmington Convention Center. Winners in the categories of Arts, Business, Education, Health, Nonprofit/Volunteer, Public Sector, Rising Star, and WILMA Icon will be announced.

• 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 WILMA Leadership program in the past year, and the mentorship will run from October 2025 to September 2026.

• BOARD TRAINING: A fall Get on Board workshop is planned for women wanting to join local boards of directors and committees. Sarah Daniels, director of UNCW’s Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations (QENO), will facilitate the training.

• 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.

WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS

Tanya Armour on Juggling Priorities

And I call them the three Gs.

The first is grace, and the second is grit, and the third is giving.

Grace is defined as an opportunity to express kindness and courtesy to people. And I offer grace to people often, but I really have a hard time doing it for myself. But what I’ve learned over time is that I have to give myself grace, to be present where God places me, and to grow where I’m planted, because I really believe that nothing happens by mistake.

Everything is intentional, and every opportunity, every place you find yourself, is an opportunity for you to grow and to learn, even when it’s fantastic, and also when it’s uncomfortable. …

When things don’t go your way, you might tend to be a little bit negative, but if you take a second to change your attitude, it might look a little bit different. I also think, ‘Okay, I’m in this tough situation, what skills can I build in this place that will make this situation better?’ Also, it might make me a little bit more marketable in another position.

So, what can I do? Are they skills like problem-solving? Are they skills like conflict resolution? What skills can you build to make the situation better? And then overall, what can I do to improve this? What am I bringing? So, our first instinct when things aren’t necessarily going our way, we want to be frustrated and complain, and I think we should give ourselves the grace to do that, but we don’t want to stay in that position too long. …

Bye-Bye, Menopause Mayhem.

HELLO, YOU!

So, second G: grit – good old grit, good old resilience? We want to be able to bounce back when things happen. We want to be able to continue to move toward our goals. …

It’s an initiative that you want to do. It doesn’t exactly look like you want it to look. Execute it anyway and find out where things didn’t work so well. And then take a step back, refine it, and do it again. Keep moving towards your goal. Keep refining, keep getting better. That’s what life is all about. We can’t stay stuck in a place of failure, because that does not allow us to be progressive. …

Then our third G is giving. … So, the act of giving is an invisible thread in all of our lives. The word philanthropy means the love of humankind. So, when you give, you are acting upon that love because you want to make the human experience better. That’s why we give.

Caring about and nurturing human potential is not what we do when we become successful. It is how we become successful, because when we give, it multiplies in the lives of others. …

So, my encouragement to you today is grow gracefully in uncomfortable situations. Be resilient. Do not give in to stagnation. Keep moving forward. And give – give of your heart, give of your time.

Struggling with sweats, mood swings, and weight that won’t budge?

You're not alone — and you’re not stuck.

Let’s calm the chaos and bring back your spark!

It’s time to feel strong, in control, and YOU again.

Because every room that you walk into, each circumstance you find yourself in, is an opportunity to show up with grace, to press forward with purpose, and to give generously from the heart, because that, my friends, that is how we lead, that is how we live, and that’s how we leave a legacy.” W

Editor’s note: Grit, Grace, and Giving was the focus for TANYA ARMOUR’s keynote talk at this summer’s WILMA’s Leadership Accelerator conference.

Armour, chief philanthropy officer for Novant Health Foundation, is a 2024 graduate of the WILMA Leadership Institute.

Below is an excerpt from her speech at Leadership Accelerator. To hear the full talk, go to W2WLeadership.com. For a recap of the event and conference photos, turn to page 20.

THE POWER OF US

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MADELINE GRAY

THIS

YEAR’S

ACCELERATOR CONFERENCE

brought together hundreds of women for a day of learning, networking, and inspiring messages.

WILMA’s annual women’s leadership event took place July 24 at the Wilmington Convention Center. This year’s theme, The Power of Us, carried an even more special meaning as it marked the tenth anniversary of WILMA Leadership’s launch.

Since July 2015, thousands of women in the region have participated in our WILMA Leadership Institute, mentoring, board training, Women to Watch Awards (read about this year’s group on page 53), and the Accelerator.

This year’s conference reflected that, featuring speakers and partners tied to WILMA Leadership over the past decade while also expanding the circle to bring in new connections. Go to facebook.com/WilmaMag to see more photos from this year’s Accelerator and alum social.

THROWING IT OUT THERE: Cape Fear Ultimate wants to spread the Frisbee fever

by LAURA MOORE | photo by TERAH HOOBLER

For more than two decades, Ultimate Frisbee has been at the center of a supportive community of athletes in Wilmington. Cape Fear Ultimate is the nonprofit organization that runs the local league .

The multigenerational organization is hoping to expand its reach and grow within the region.

Ultimate Frisbee is a noncontact game that combines the endurance of soccer with the skills of football, and it is played by two sevenplayer squads with a Frisbee on a field that is similar to football. Players score by catching a pass in their opponent’s end zone.

LIZ MOUL BOWEN, the league’s fundraising and social chair, has played since 2002, and ANI GERICS, league director, has played for most of her life since her parents met playing Ultimate at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the early 1990s.

The year-round league boasts 150-200 players who play some or all of the seasonal leagues. A nine-member board serves the community of competitors that spans generations and skill levels.

“We have players from all walks of life and all abilities. That is what is really cool about Ultimate. We have basketball players, swimmers, runners, and we are honestly open to everyone,” Moul Bowen says.

There are no practices, but games are held on Wednesdays and Sundays, and the league

often hosts clinics to help rookie and seasoned players alike. Pickup games are arranged through the group’s Facebook page (facebook. com/capefearultimatefrisbee) and played regularly.

The multigenerational league spans a wide swath of players, organizers say.

“The alumni/older generation brought their kids out and kept it in the family,” Moul Bowen says.

“When I was growing up, I didn’t love Ultimate, but the Ultimate community, everyone is so awesome, so I finally fell in love with it,” Gerics adds.

Gerics’ mom was on the 1992 UNCW Seaweed Ultimate team that won a national championship in the women’s division, and her

From left: Liz Moul Bowen, Cape Fear Ultimate’s board social chair, Lara Schuhmann, board member VP, and Ani Gerics, board member and league director

Hannah Samuelson, left, coach of UNCW's Seaweed Ultimate team and current UNCW player Jazmin Guillen

+ Destination

father played on UNCW’s 1993 Seamen Ultimate national championship team.

“I could throw a Frisbee before I could tie my shoes,” Gerics says.

There’s a youth league and a high school league. UNCW has both a men’s and a women’s club team. Cape Fear Ultimate’s open leagues are always accepting new players, and organizers hope to continue to expand their reach.

“I would love to have it continue to grow. Field space is a challenge, but we’d like to grow more youth leagues with by working with the YMCA. We want to introduce Ultimate to the kids at the YMCA camps and offer a ‘Try it Free Saturday,’” Moul Bowen says.

The league has done outreach with the YMCA to showcase the sport and gain interest among younger players.

In addition, Cape Fear Ultimate would like to expand into more high schools. Currently, only Hoggard High School offers a club team. Roland-Grise and Murray middle schools have club teams, and Cape Fear Ultimate members would like to see more schools start them up.

“Sports are getting so competitive. Ultimate is a large and welcoming community that they can learn and thrive within for the rest of their lives,” Moul Bowen says. “We would love to continue to grow so more people can learn about the sport. We hope to showcase some games at high school and get in front of people so they can learn more about the sport and have it snowball from there.”

Cape Fear Ultimate players serve up a healthy mix of competition with those who played in college or played other sports and still have a competitive spirit, according to Gerics and Moul Bowen. But they welcome new players who may not have experience too and who just want a fun, welcoming community to join and enjoy.

“It is where you find your people. Some of my best friends and my husband are the people I met on the Ultimate field,” Moul Bowen says. “Ani’s parents met on the Ultimate field. And now our kids play on the sidelines just like Ani did with her parents. It comes full circle.” W

PLUGGING IN RECREATION LEAGUES

Each issue, WILMA includes a Plugging In directory to help you connect locally. This time, we’re focusing on area adult sports groups to socialize while staying healthy. Keep an eye out for future lists about art groups and volunteering opportunities. Let us know about your organization by emailing editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.

CAPE FEAR PICKLEBALL CLUB

Started in 2015, “to promote participation in pickleball … and to bring pickleball players together in the enjoyment of social events and friendly competition,” according to its website. Cape Fear Pickleball Club offers training, education, and connection to its members. An individual membership is $35 for the year and gets you discounts on popular pickleball brands and gear. Registration is open now for the Kevin Chandler Classic pickleball tournament on October 25 and 26 in Leland.

INFO: CAPEFEARPICKLEBALLCLUB.ORG (capefearpickleballclub.org/places-to-play includes an interactive map of all pickleball courts available in the Wilmington area.)

CAPE FEAR

ULTIMATE

Cape Fear Ultimate is an accessible ultimate Frisbee league for beginners, offering a $40 entry fee for rookies and additional discounts for students, teachers, and military personnel. They “coordinate league play, work with local club and college teams, sponsor tournaments, and volunteer in our community. It’s frisbee for everyone … beginner through club-level players welcome!” Summer registration ended July 16, but you can still catch their games at Eaton Fields on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m.

INFO: CAPEFEARULTIMATE.ORG

FEAR THE MANIACS: WOMEN’S RUGBY

CLUB

Formed in 2018, Fear the Maniacs is a D2 Women’s Rugby Club. If you’re interested in rugby but not sure if it’s for you, Fear the Maniacs welcomes you

to join a practice or two, free of charge. To play in games, members must officially register with USA Rugby, then pay club dues ranging from $25 (social member) to $85 (full season). Cape Fear practices on Mondays and Wednesdays at Flytrap Downs field in Wilmington from 6:30 to 8 p.m. INFO: FEARTHEMANIACS.COM

STONEWALL SPORTSWILMINGTON

This inclusive nonprofit sports organization is dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. They believe “every person should have the ability to feel comfortable playing sports. We also believe that organized groups have the ability and responsibility to support and give back to the community.” Bowling, kickball, tennis, and volleyball leagues are offered. Registration fees range from $35-$80 per player, depending on the sport and registration deadline. INFO: STONEWALLWILMINGTON.LEAGUEAPPS. COM

WILMINGTON WOMEN’S SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Established in 2006, the Wilmington Women’s Soccer Association allows women to engage in competitive soccer while fostering connections. “Our league is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where women of all skill levels, 18 and older, can participate in high-quality matches and build lasting friendships.” Games are played Thursday evenings at New Hanover County’s Veterans Park Complex. The league also schedules summer and winter indoor pick-up seasons at Off the Wall. INFO: WILMINGTONWOMENSSOCCER.COM

- Compiled by Amy Kilgore Mangus & Dylan Schmidt

Local Government: BECKY HAWKE STARTS AS CITY MANAGER

photo by TERAH HOOBLER

BECKY HAWKE

started as Wilmington’s city manager this summer. Hawke, who was hired after a national search for the position began June 30, following the retirement of longtime city manager Tony Caudle.

She comes to Wilmington from Matthews, North Carolina, where she served as town manager and, previously, as assistant town manager since 2016. Before moving to Matthews, Hawke spent more than nine years working in local government in Virginia, where she served in executive roles for the town of Christiansburg and city of Radford.

Hawke talks about moving to Wilmington and her new role as the city’s top administrator.

What led you to a career in local government?

“After realizing I did not want to pursue a career in investigative journalism as I had intended throughout my undergraduate studies, I spent a little over a year

FAVORITE SPOTS

“I have lots of exploring still to do, but most of the antique stores have already had a visit. My favorite – so far – is Baker Street Curiosity Shop.”

researching different career options and graduate programs.

I knew I wanted to use my degree in communications studies, and I knew I wanted to help people, but nothing seemed quite right. I’d never considered local government until I stumbled on a job ad for a communications coordinator/grant writer for the city of Radford, Virginia.

It was the perfect fit for my career objectives at the time, and working for a small locality opened up tremendously diverse opportunities to learn and take on new challenges, mainly because I was willing to volunteer and there was nobody else to do it.

It’s now going on two decades, and I still find the work interesting, challenging – and most importantly – rewarding.”

Why did you want to apply for the role of Wilmington’s city manager?

“I have long admired Wilmington and always enjoyed my time when I’ve visited in the past. The opportunity to be the city manager here meant taking on a bigger organization than I’ve previously led, but there were many parallels between Wilmington and Matthews that made this feel like the right next step for me.

Both communities are grappling with growth and traffic conges-

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

“Dare to Lead by Brené Brown helped me learn to show up authentically with vulnerability and lead through the lens of my core values.”

tion, both are trying to retain the character that made them desirable in the first place while not cutting off opportunities for desirable new investment, both have committed staff who want to provide a high level of service to the community, etc.

While I found a great deal of success in Matthews, I’m excited to have the opportunity to learn and understand Wilmington’s unique challenges and play a key role in helping find the best solutions that work here.”

What are some of your goals coming into the position?

“Learning and understanding the ins and the outs of the organization and community is my primary focus: What makes things tick? What’s working well? Where are the pain points that may need addressing?

Using that as a foundation, my goal will then be to work with staff to deliver council’s vision for the city while also finding new opportunities to streamline operations and continue to provide high levels of service to the community.

I also want to ensure that Wilmington is an employer of choice because retaining and being able to recruit high-quality employees makes it that much easier to deliver what our community needs as efficiently and professionally as possible.”

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

“I’m here for the long haul and look forward to working with others to make a positive impact.”

What are a few of your key accomplishments from previous roles?

“As the town manager in Matthews, I put a great deal of focus on becoming an employer of choice – meaning we became much more competitive with our salaries, built new opportunities for professional growth and development, developed a positive work culture with increased accountability and recognition, and made sure we had the right people in the right seats – all of which paid dividends when it came to recruitment and retention.

I was also proud to play a key role in the creation of several unique partnerships, including one between the town, Central Piedmont Community College, and Hendrick Automotive that will bring in excess of $1 billion in advanced manufacturing investment, along with a $117 million public safety training facility to Matthews – all at no cost to the town.

Another great partnership was between the town, Discovery Place Inc., and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that will see the co-location of a Discovery Place Children’s Museum and new elementary school, situated next to a new signature downtown park space. It will be transformative for the downtown area, and the town will save approximately 50% on construction costs of the museum compared to building it on our own to house the museum.”

How would you describe your leadership style?

“I would predominantly describe myself as a servant leader. I am a firm believer that if we take care of our employees – to include competitive compensation and benefits, ample training and development opportunities, setting clear expectations, recognizing and rewarding good performance, creating and maintaining an inclusive and respectful work environment for all, etc. – 99% of what we need to do will get done and be done well

I also enjoy leading with a mindset toward process improvement and finding transformative and innovative ways to solve the challenges that face my organization and community.” W

ARE YOU IN A CAREGIVER ROLE? We at Dawson Med care for patients who themselves are caring for an aging parent (or ailing sibling or child). If you are managing the daily life of a loved one, you are providing heroic service.

As you know too well, however, the care you provide takes a toll on you. Your responsibilities require mental and emotional energy as well as physical energy and it’s normal for you to feel tired, frustrated – even resentful. And yet, many caregivers feel guilty if they take time for themselves to relax, refresh and refuel.

We at Dawson Med Primary and Urgent Care urge you to prioritize your own wellbeing! If you feel worn out and under-appreciated, you cannot provide proper care for your loved one.

Our practice is especially suited to the needs of caregivers like you. We have patients who put their loved ones first, and our staff is experienced in helping them find balance so they can take care of themselves as well as their ailing parent. We are good listeners, and we have heard it all! We’re here to support you through this journey.

Because Dawson Med takes

CARING FOR AGAING PARENTS WITHOUT LOSING YOURSELF

a holistic approach to medical care, we are well-positioned to give comprehensive, compassionate care to your parent while acknowledging you and your need for medical and emotional support. We can arrange a medical visit for you at the same time that you bring your parent for an appointment.

Emergencies don’t pay attention to the clock. Dawson Med’s urgent care wing offers extended hours, and a Dawson Med team member can respond in person or by phone to after-hours needs. We also can meet with you or your loved one via Telehealth, talking you through a situation wherever you are.

An ailing, aging parent mayhave multiple, complex medical issues. If dementia is part of that picture, our team members have extensive experience and can help you learn techniques that are effective in soothing, reassuring and redirecting a confused parent.

At Dawson Med, we take a personal interest in our patients and want them to stay in touch with us when they have questions, concerns or anxieties. There is nothing we have not seen or heard before. Our chronic care management pro-

gram for patients 65+ includes phone call follow-ups from a qualified health professional to keep tabs on both you and your parent.

Taking care of yourself need not be time-consuming or complicated. We can offer tips and encouragement. We can also help you find resources, like respite care, that free you up to recharge your batteries. Schedule an appointment with us today at (910) 387-3788.

With us, it’s personal. Our patients are important to us, and we want to support them, especially as they support their cherished family members.

Jan Pixton, PA-C; has a loyal patient base and a special knack for connecting with older Medicare patients. She's known for her warm, no-nonsense approach and always keeps it real— no matter your age.

The

Lifelong restaurant owner opens new family business in Wilmington Business Family

Lby SAMANTHA KUPIAINEN | photos by ARIS HARDING

EEANN POLITIS never sought to enter the restaurant business with her family; rather, it’s an opportunity she’s honored to have been given.

Together with her son, CHRIS POLITIS, and daughter-inlaw, SHEILA POLITIS, the three opened Middle Sound Grille in May, a 1,200-square-foot restaurant at 7227 Market Street. LeeAnn serves as the general manager, and Chris and Sheila are its co-owners. They also brought in partners KYLE and MIRIHA ANTOINE, who were a driving force to get the restaurant open and building it out.

Middle Sounds Grille is part of The Bend, an entertainment spot nestled in the Ogden hangout spot in Wilmington. Other businesses at The Bend include Parlour House at The Bar and Grumpy’s Soft Serve at The Bend.

The idea to go into business together started with Chris Politis, who also works as a general contractor with his wife. The two were working on renovations at Parlour House when a conversation with its owner showed Chris the potential the space had.

“They started talking with the property owners about what their plans were, what their vision was for the piece of property, and they said they were looking to put a restaurant in there,” LeeAnn Politis says. “They started out with food trucks, but they wanted to put a restaurant in there. Chris saw the potential, was talking to a lot of people that were really excited about it. Ultimately, the owner of Parlour House asked Chris if he’d be interested in building and running the restaurant, and he couldn’t pass it up.”

“We have been general contractors for the past eight years,” says Sheila Politis. “We decided to open the restaurant after doing the renovations and build out of the Parlour House. We fell in love with the property and location.”

Opening and running a restaurant isn’t foreign to the family. Prior to moving to Wilmington, LeeAnn Politis “had restaurants in Charlotte for many, many years, and moved to Holden Beach and opened restaurants there,” which her son helped with. Then, about ten years ago, she moved to Wilmington and left the restaurant business completely to start a new career in mental health.

Growing up, her son was around restaurants and saw what all went into operating one. Mostly, he saw his mom pour into her

businesses, and when he decided to establish Middle Sound Grille, he knew she “knew the business like nobody else” because she’d done it for so long.

“He got excited about opening a restaurant because he’d grown up in the restaurant business,” she says. “So, he started talking to me about coming on board and helping him open this restaurant. He built the restaurant, his company did, and they also built the ice cream shop that’s on the property.”

From Sheila’s point of view, LeeAnn is “a diamond and at the center of the restaurant.”

“LeeAnn was always a huge part of our life,” Sheila Politis says. “We knew she would be the perfect person to run the restaurant. She has opened countless restaurants and has so much experience. She holds it all together.”

When it came time to name their business, the trio decided on Middle Sound Grille because the restaurant is right off Middle Sound Loop Road. Inspiration for the restaurant’s design and decor was largely drawn from Chris and Sheila’s time living in Costa Rica. Its outdoor space has giant Connect Four games and ample space for children to play and run around.

“My son and daughter-in-law are surfers, and they spent a lot of time in Costa Rica,” LeeAnn Politis says. “The outdoor patio area is all beautiful wood, and the bar that goes around the edges of it and the inside counter are all wood from Costa Rica. It has a very outdoor, tropical feel to it. Inside is the kitchen and a walk-up counter where you can order to-go or pick up the to-go orders that are ordered online.”

Its menu boasts a variety of appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, seafood dishes, and salads. Many of Middle Sound Grille’s popular menu items are dishes LeeAnn Politis’ previous restaurants served, such as a chicken speedie: a Greek marinated chicken in a pita with lettuce and tomato with tzatziki sauce on the side. Other popular menu items are its Philly cheese steak, bacon jam burger, and grouper bites.

Looking back on the process of founding the restaurant, Sheila credits LeeAnn and the Antoines for the seamless process.

“It all came together seamlessly with the help of LeeAnn and the Antoines,” Sheila Politis says about the founding of the restaurant. “It’s all been a huge blessing, and we are so grateful to have this special place.” W

2Shoes Goody

Mixed with a bit of preppy nostalgia, this fall spotlights some old-school shoe go-tos: Mary Janes and loafers. Think lower heels and square toes as your foundation. For an edgier vibe, look for asymmetrical or multi-straps on your MJs and thicker soles on your loafers.

But don’t stop there. Socks are having their moment, and they are ready to be seen. Toss out your no-shows; crew-length socks are your new best friends, especially if they are transparent, shimmery, or boldly-colored. (Or a mix of all three.)

If a sleeker, low-heeled look is more your style, opt for the timeless pointed-toe kitten heel. And yes, you can still bring your sock game – even when rockin’ a peep-toe. W

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

Vintage buckle-heeled LOAFERS from Anthropologie with sheer ruffle cuff, ribbed crew socks

Previous page: Vintage Layne slingback HEELS from J. Crew with white crew socks

Vintage Spencer slingback kitten HEELS by Tory Burch with navy ruffled socks

Vintage woven bow LOAFERS by J. Crew with white crew socks

Vintage black LOAFERS by Steve Madden with classic gym socks

Vintage Nettie heeled MARY JANES by Madewell with maroon ruffled ankle socks

Vintage slingback

MARY JANES with sheer mesh floral crew socks

STRONG WOMEN. STRONGER COMMUNITY.

Your time feeds, shelters, and supports our neighbors in crisis.

Where Purpose Meets Action

At Good Shepherd Center, we believe in the power of community and we know that powerful change starts with people like you. Whether you’re serving lunch, planting flowers, organizing a silent auction, or planning a fundraiser, your time and talent directly uplift our neighbors in crisis.

Women are often the driving force behind real change and we need more of that energy than ever. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make a tangible impact right here in the Cape Fear region, we’ll make sure your efforts go far.

Contact Us

To get involved, contact our Volunteer Coordinator: ebrown@goodshepherdwilmington.org or call (910) 763-4424 x142 www.goodshepherdwilmington.org

WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

�� Serve meals in our Soup Kitchen

�� Beautify outdoor spaces at our shelter

�� Host drives for toiletries, cleaning supplies, water, or food

�� Join a team event committees or auction coordination

�� Sort rescued food through Second Helpings

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THE NEXT CHAPTER IN COASTAL LIVING

Nestled in one of the most sought-after areas of Wilmington, Porters Neck Village offers the perfect blend of independence, security, and style. With Phase 2 underway, now is the time to explore a lifestyle where luxury meets peace of mind—whether you're planning for tomorrow or ready to move today.

THE TIDEWATER: READY EARLY 2026

Introducing the Tidewater—the ultimate luxury duplex at Porters Neck Village. This exquisite 2,600+ square foot residence is available for move-in as early as January 2026 and features two spacious bedrooms, two and a half baths, a flexible “you” room, and a two-car garage. The open floor plan, generous natural light, private outdoor space, and elevated finishes throughout make it the perfect home for those who want it all. The Tidewater offers refined comfort without the hassle, set within a walkable and inviting community.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE: HERON COVE & EGRET LANDING

Looking ahead to Fall 2027, Phase 2 continues with our new village flats, Heron Cove and Egret Landing, a boutique offering of 27 elegantly designed apartments. This thoughtfully planned development responds to the fast-growing population of active seniors seeking vibrant,

modern retirement living in Southeastern North Carolina. With open-concept one- and twobedroom layouts, stylish finishes, carport parking, and scenic walking paths, Heron Cove and Egret Landing will offer the next generation of retirees a smart and connected lifestyle.

DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE, BUILT FOR LIFE

Each new residence at Porters Neck Village is designed with the future in mind—balancing comfort, elegance, and efficiency. Whether you're looking to downsize, simplify, or secure your long-term care options, our campus offers both independence and peace of mind. Residents enjoy chef-inspired dining, robust social and wellness programming, and access to a full continuum of care. It’s a place to thrive—not just retire.

PORTERS NECK VILLAGE—WHERE LEGACY MEETS LIFESTYLE

Join a community that celebrates your story, your independence, and your dreams. From spacious duplexes and village flats to stylish apartment homes, Porters Neck Village is where thoughtful design meets coastal ease—and where your next adventure begins.

VISIT US ANYTIME AT: PORTERS NECK VILLAGE 1200 PORTERS NECK ROAD; WILMINGTON, NC 28411 1-866-806-6213

Several shuttered spaces around Wilmington are getting new lives and fresh purposes under several recent plans. One-time shops, warehouses, and homes have been transformed into new businesses. Check out the twists on the spaces and the inspiration these female owners brought to the reimagined buildings.

REUSE REDUX &

MICHELLE and JOHN SAVARD have recently embarked on an exciting new venture: Savard Beer & Board. The project combines their passion for brewing with the artistry of surfboard shaping, all set in a warehouse in downtown Wilmington.

The Savards, owners of Wilmington Brewing Company at 824 South Kerr Avenue, have always planned to expand their business by opening a second brewery.

In 2020, they purchased a nearly 9,000-square-foot building at 121 South Front Street. The building, one block from the Cape Fear River, was previously a wholesale grocery warehouse known as W.H. McEachern’s Sons.

Constructed in the mid-20th century, it originally served as a Merita bread bakery until the McEachern family acquired it in the early 1960s.

Michelle and John Savard, both hailing from Wilmington, have cherished this building since childhood, embodying a deep-rooted connection to their hometown.

“We call it our love project because we couldn’t afford to do anything with it upon purchase, but we loved the building so much with the skylights, the exposed

brick, and the vines,” Michelle Savard says. “I grew up here, so this building I’ve known. It was beautiful with the mural, the fruits, and the veggies. I couldn’t believe that we were able to get it.”

However, as with all older buildings, the renovation presented numerous challenges that the Savards embraced. They understood that this historical structure held immense potential and was ready for a new chapter, requiring significant updates to various systems for its revival.

“It was a very old building that was being used for storage,” Michelle Savard says. “It was basically a little bit more than a dirt floor. So, we raised the floor, concrete, and added AC. There wasn’t a lot of plumbing either, but we saw its potential in the location.”

John Savard has been passionate about surfing since his youth.

Recently, he had taken the next step by shaping his own boards, infusing

creativity into every design. Together, they chose to transform the Front Street space into a unique concept: a surfboard shaping shop and brewery, merging his love of surfing with the couple’s brewing journey.

Along with the beer tanks, exposed bricks visible when you walk in, and surf shaping area, there is also an event space on the main floor available to rent out, as well as a two-bedroom, two-bath rental space on the second floor that overlooks the river.

The furnishings for the upstairs apartment are still a work in progress as this labor of love on Front Street continues to evolve.

“We learned a lot through the process. Everything won’t be exactly perfect,” Michelle Savard says. “You can’t just throw a system into a new building and expect it to work like a factory. There’s information that comes up once you’re open that you can figure out organically.” W

Michelle and John Savard are no strangers to rehabilitation work. The couple opened their Wilmington Brewing Company brewery and taproom in a converted warehouse on South Kerr Avenue a decade ago. Their latest project, Savard Beer & Board, updated a wholesale grocery space in downtown Wilmington.

photo c/o City of Wilmington

BREWING UP NEW SOMETHNG

BARBARA L. NELSON | photos by NATE SMITH

Tri-County Estate Sales owner KRISTY LOUDEN knew she wanted a brick-and-mortar location where fellow lovers of all things vintage could find that right piece.

“I’ve been in love with old things since elementary school,” Louden says. “I have family in the antique business, and a lot who were collectors. I love seeing the joy on someone’s face when they find that perfect item for their space. It, in turn, brings me so much joy!”

While searching for the right location, it only made sense to find an old space in need of new life.

After seeing a listing for the former Rogers Appliance building on Oleander Drive, she decided she had to see it for herself.

Joseph Rogers opened the appliance repair business in 1947 in the space, which was later run by his son, Alvin, who closed the longtime shop in 2018. After years of being shuttered, the

shop still held potential.

“I’ll be honest, the photos for the listing weren’t great, but something kept telling me to make the appointment and take a look. I knew I didn’t want a new build. Years ago, I thought one day I’d like to open a shop in an old gas station or an old church. I’d been praying for the right space to open, (so) I made the appointment, fell in love with it, and everything fell into place,” Louden says. “I wanted a quirky, older building, and this is exactly everything I had envisioned. I love the industrial feel of it – the concrete floors and cinderblock walls.”

Officially named Tri-County Vintage & Consignment, Louden opened the new location on June 18 to customers and is bringing new life

into the old with the vintage pieces she finds for her customers through estate sales, consignment, and vendors. She is focused on creating a welcoming space where customers can enjoy their time.

“It’s a place where you can browse or shop and just enjoy yourself,” she says. “We have music playing, a large outdoor space, and eighty-plus vendors and consigners. I want folks to enjoy themselves and just have fun.”

Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tri-County Vintage & Consignment has a strong social media presence with weekly Facebook posts of unique treasures available in the shop, including furniture, vases, artwork, light fixtures, clothing, dinnerware, and other décor items. W

RESTORING VINTAGE

MEGHAN CORBETT | photos by MADELINE GRAY

Canary Yellow, a new coffee shop and boutique hotel in the Soda Pop District, was a dream JORDAN GIOVANNUCCI drew into reality using her unique background in art, design, and food science.

She has based her drink menu off professional paint colors, including the business’s namesake, Canary Yellow, despite the exterior and interior being mostly pink and red.

“My husband and I had been casually looking for something like this for a long time. The dream was a place that you could stay at and get coffee in the morning and have everything all in one place,” she says. “That’s what we were looking for, and we found it. I had been working on the design concept for the last two years, and it was something we morphed into what was available here.”

For Giovannucci and her husband, CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL, discovering their current location felt serendipitous, as it was at a time they could go all in. Giovannucci sold her

car, the couple sold their house, and they moved into the back of Canary Yellow and began renovations.

Today, the home, at 16 North 8th Street, operates as a coffee shop plus a storefront for local vendors. Upstairs, the couple is renovating three rooms with hopes to open the boutique hotel portion by the fall or early winter. The couple has transformed other spaces in the area as well.

Giovannucci employed her roster of talents alongside her husband’s carpentry and woodworking skills to design the interior and create the menu for Canary Yellow.

“I was in art school; I did art school for a little while and dropped out,” she says. “My background is actually in dietetics, food science, which is part of the mad scientist aspect.”

Although she was working in her chosen field, she began to get design work around town.

Giovannucci worked on the interior design for Brighter Days Coffee’s former location in the Cargo District. She also designed the interior for Banh Sai’s new brick-and-mortar location, including the custom-designed wallpapers throughout.

The couple is hard at work getting the boutique hotel portion open by late 2025. Giovannucci has developed the color-themed design concepts for each room, while Russell provides the hands-on design installation and carpentry. Down the road, they eventually would like to expand Canary Yellow for markets, pop-ups, cocktails at night, and more. W

RENOVATION MOTIVATION

by EMORY RAKESTRAW BOYD | photos by MADELINE GRAY

WILMA WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS

Charlotte “Charky” Armstrong • Cammeron Batanides • Carson Hobbs

• September Krueger • Lorraine Perry

• Alison Baringer • Lannin Braddock

• Laura Brogdon-Primavera • Heather McWhorter • Evonne Varady • Kaitlin Baden • Amanda Boomershine • Kelly CAHILL • Cynthia Demetriou • Jahleese Hadley • Heather Boykin • Blair Deen • Caroline Keeler • Nicole Murray • Rebecca Schwartz • Carolyn Beatty

• J’vanete Becton Skiba • Suzanne Rogers • Debbie Smith • Lee VanOrmer • Marissa Blackburn • Kimberly Breeden • Kim Hufham • Melissa Long • Nicole Smith • Ashlyn Delabio • Alexis Delia • Samoane Ikard • Eden Mills • Lily Triolo

WILMA WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS

MEET THE 2025 WILMA WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS FINALISTS AND FIRST-EVER WILMA ICON AWARD RECIPIENT

THEY REPRESENT LEADERS IN THEIR FIELDS AND THE COMMUNITY. Read more about the thirty-six women on the following pages to learn more about why the judges selected them out of hundreds of 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 5, where the winners also will be announced, and our inaugural WILMA Icon Award recipient, Judy Girard, will be honored. For more on the finalists, including extended versions of their interviews, 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 spring.

Our judging panel – made up of leaders who sit on WILMA Leadership’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

Denise Foat

Katie Gloe

Amy Grant

Pam Hardy

Nicole Haverly

Alexis Hunter

Sheri Leavens

Tracey Newkirk

Tammy Proctor

Ruth Ravitz Smith

Cara Stretch

Karen Weaver

This year’s awards bracelet is by Martha Ladd (read more about Ladd, on page 86).

INTERVIEWS: Dylan Schmidt

GROUP PHOTOS: Madeline Gray

HEADSHOTS: Sasha Sheldon

HAIR + MAKEUP: Anna Woodall Lee

LOCATION: Azalea Station 1502 Castle Street, Wilmington AWARDS BRACELET:

Judy Girard to receive the WILMA Icon Award Breaking Barriers

by VICKY JANOWSKI | photo by MADELINE GRAY

Throughout her career and in “retirement,” JUDY GIRARD’s default setting has been to break molds.

In her various television executive roles, Girard redefined several formats that influenced programming – as well as pop culture – at the lifestyle networks where she worked.

In 2008, she retired from television, packed up her newly earned Lifetime Achievement Emmy along with the rest of her belongings, and moved to Wilmington.

It wasn’t long before Girard began building partnerships in her new hometown and set her sights on another groundbreaking project: the state’s first all-girls charter school.

In 2013, Girard and GEORGIA MILLER announced they started a nonprofit to develop what would become Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington, or GLOW.

“So, I started to dream about that in retirement the last few years,” Girard said to an audience at the Greater Wilmington Business Journal’s Power Breakfast in late 2013. “Of what would it feel like to reach back and reach over that … economic divide and give those girls a shot? How else could you do it?”

GLOW’s structure was inspired by the Young Women’s Leadership Network schools, the first of which opened in Harlem, New York. It operated as a public-private model in which the schools were public and supported by a private foundation.

The idea for GLOW, envisioned to reach underserved communities throughout the region, was to educate girls in grades 6-12, “giving them an opportunity to prepare them, not to be high-school graduates but to be college graduates,” Miller said at that first announcement.

The school opened in 2016 with its first group of sixth graders, and in 2023, GLOW saw its first graduating class.

Graduates of the past two years were accepted to colleges, and they collectively earned over $7 million in scholarships over the past three years to fund their collegiate educations, according to school officials.

“I think the girls at GLOW, I think the messages they get, first and foremost from everybody here, every teacher, is be yourself, find your strengths, find your interests and be yourself,” Girard said earlier this summer.

Throughout GLOW’s buildup, Girard tapped connections

from her career, bringing celebrity chefs from Tyler Florence to Giada De Laurentiis to Wilmington for sold-out fundraisers to support the school.

The concept of modern celebrity chefs was an era that Girard helped usher in during her time as general manager and president of the Food Network between 1998 and 2005, where she brought on soon-to-become household names such as Rachael Ray and Bobby Flay, along with competition-style shows such as Iron Chef. During her time as president, viewership grew significantly for the Food Network.

Though one of the most visible parts of her career, the Food Network wasn’t the only time Girard retooled how viewers consumed television.

As senior vice president of programming and production for the Lifetime network, she helped develop the Lifetime Original Movie. As vice president of program development for the NBC owned-and-operated television stations, she played a key role in syndication partnerships for the popular talk shows The Phil Donahue Show and Sally, Sally Jessy Raphael’s show.

Girard, who finished out her television career as president of HGTV, started in broadcasting in 1968 at a local ABC station in Philadelphia. But her interest started during her college years when she and her roommate JESSICA SAVITCH wanted to gain experience – Savitch reporting on air and Girard producing in the background.

“There was a television station there, and it was on cable, so it was real, and we wanted to work on it,” Girard recalls about the college station. “And we went and applied, and they said no girls can be on the air. And at the time, there were no women on the air doing news. It was a general belief that news had to come from guys.

“I mean, that was just part of the restriction, and it took us two years to change that,” she continues. “And I watched her do it piece by piece.”

Savitch eventually made it to the national level, becoming NBC Nightly News’ weekend anchor.

When Girard broke into the commercial television world decades ago, she says she faced similar roadblocks as at the college station in the late ’60s.

“And so, we did it all over again, and a whole bunch of women did it with us,” Girard recalls. “And it wasn’t about was about taking on bad people. It was about showing that there was a financial value to having women anchor newscasts and do other things around this nation.” W

“ I think the girls at GLOW, I think

the messages they get, first and foremost from everybody here, every teacher, is be yourself, find your strengths, find your interests and be yourself.

“

GIRARD

JUDY

AUGUST EVENTS

ELEVATE & CELEBRATE

Savard Beer & Board

August 14 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

WILMA’S WOM EN TO WATCH AWARDS

Wilmington Convention Center

September 5 @ 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

POWER BREAKFAST

Wilmington Convention Center

September 12 @ 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM

OCTOBER EVENTS

SPARK ILM

Wilmington Convention Center

October 1 @ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

WILMINGTONBIZ AFTER HOURS

Backspin Social

October 22 @ 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

arts

Not pictured: Carson Hobbs and September Krueger

CAMMERON BATANIDES CHARLOTTE "CHARKY" ARMSTRONG

arts

Volunteer Docent for Tours & Board Member, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I love history and the arts, so Thalian Hall is the perfect place for me to volunteer in retirement. … As a docent guiding tours through this iconic theater, I am privileged to share these amazing stories with area residents and tourists alike.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“In 2018, Tony Rivenbark, Thalian Hall’s longtime executive director, asked me to develop a docent program. I am proud to say we now have an enthusiastic, trained, and dedicated team of docents who volunteer their time to showcase Thalian Hall’s history, architecture, and culture with several tour themes to choose from and more in the wings.”

What themes/issues are most important in your work?

“In addition to my involvement in the docent program, as a (Thalian) Board of Trustees member, I am also looking forward to playing a role in the planned transformation of the building’s City Hall wing, which will provide additional venue spaces and facilities for education, job training, and entrepreneurships in support of Wilmington’s vibrant and diverse arts community. This will enable Thalian Hall to continue to be a major innovative and cultural center just as it was in 1858.”

Artist

& Owner, Art by Cammeron

Describe your role and work that you do.

“In my role as an artist, business owner, president of Veterans Creative Arts Program, and teaching artist through DREAMS Center for Arts Education, I create community within the classroom while empowering veterans, first responders, military personnel, neighbors, families, youth, and teens through art.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Some of my career highlights include but are not limited to, spreading love and joy through art, using art to uplift and empower others, seeing others experience the joy of creating, and exploring new mediums. I love using my gift of art to humbly serve those around me.”

What inspired you to start creating art?

“Creating art is a gift I have been given. I have been creating art since birth, and I am very thankful for the gift of art.”

How do you hope to make an impact through art?

“Art positively changes lives, and I hope to continue to foster creativity inside and outside of the classroom.”

What themes/issues are most important in your work?

“Providing equitable access to the arts, the arts are for everyone. Cultivating confidence and lowering barriers.”

CARSON HOBBS

Artistic Director & Director of Education, Opera House Theatre Company

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I develop programming including classes, camps, and workshops for OHTC (Opera House Theatre Company) to train performers in all areas of theater arts. As an artistic director, I work with our creative team to shape and oversee OHTC’s artistic vision. This includes many moving parts: determining our seasons, casting and working with performers, fundraising, crew and creative team selection, and maintaining the artistic strategy and integrity that Opera House Theatre Company is known for.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“I genuinely love teaching, and between OHTC and UNCW, there isn’t an age range or skill level I don’t enjoy working with – as long as they want to be in the room! Our classes and camps are something I am very proud of. I have had insanely good fortune with casts and shows I have worked on, especially Newsies, The Prom, Annie, and Cabaret – all of which had unique challenges, but each was personally and professionally extremely fulfilling. Lastly, teaching at Dreams of Wilmington for fifteen years introduced me to an entirely different teaching passion, one that carried into work in Atlanta and now back at Dreams. A performing highlight was being in the Broadway show Wicked – being part of such a global phenomenon was wild!”

SEPTEMBER KRUEGER LORRAINE PERRY

Director of Lifelong Learning, Cameron Art Museum

Describe your role and work that you do.

“Lifelong Learning at CAM involves the many aspects of our public programs and education that help our community engage with the exhibitions and learn about art. I manage our music series like Jazz@CAM and coordinate our lectures and community events. I oversee our Museum School, which offers classes to adults and kids throughout the year, as well as Wellness initiatives, such as Art Enhances Health and creative writing for veterans, that use art as a tool for healing and well-being. In education, I work with our teachers for professional development and connect teaching artists with schools for unique outreach experiences.”

What inspired you to start creating art?

“My first love is with textiles. It began with a sewing machine as a child and a love for fashion. In school, I studied textile design, and cloth became the canvas for all of the things you love to do as an artist: drawing, painting, printing, and creating three-dimensional forms.”

What themes/issues are most important in your work?

“Arts education in public schools: It must be available, woven across the curriculum, and valued in our communities. Art builds critical 21st-century skills, sparks passion and creativity, and can build empathy. … Our educators and art spaces like museums and theaters are essential for building a love for creating art together, listening to music together, and building strong community bonds through art in all of its forms.”

Healing Arts Coordinator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

Describe your role and work that you do.

“An expressive arts therapist, I provide opportunities for patients to engage in creative arts activities, in a safe and encouraging studio environment.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Completing a master’s degree in gerontology, with an internship in Bath, England, under supervision from Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the hospice care movement. I returned to work as a bereavement counselor with LCF, Hospice Care Center in 2004. In 2017, I received the Albert Schweitzer award from UNCW. I served on the ethics committee for PACE, a program for all-inclusive care for the elderly. Currently, I am an expressive arts therapist, providing studio arts for Life Care-Memory Care, palliative patients. I’m contracted as an expressive arts cofacilitator, at the AEH, Arts Enhances Health program, for cancer patients at the Cameron Art Museum.”

How do you hope to make an impact through art?

“My use of the expressive arts includes creative writing, music, movement, meditation, and visual arts. I use the arts to empower others to be creative, by providing the materials and a safe space to express as well as to provide support. By giving patients the freedom to express themselves through an art form, it strengthens their abilities to see themselves as creative beings.”

business

BUSINESS

ALISON BARINGER LANNIN BRADDOCK

Executive Director, North Carolina Azalea Festival

Describe your role and work that you do.

“As executive director, I oversee every facet of the festival – from strategy to execution – guiding a team of board members, staff, and 187 volunteer chairs. I manage a $2 million budget across 60-plus events and programs, while cultivating key relationships with business, community, and political leaders. These efforts help secure over $1 million in sponsorships annually, ensuring the festival’s continued growth, impact, and celebration of culture throughout the region.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Professional highlights include serving on the World Board of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) and chairing both the IFEA Foundation and UNCW Alumni Boards. As Alumni Chair, I proudly spoke at over ten commencement ceremonies, inspiring future leaders. Within the festival, I’m especially proud of surpassing $1 million in sponsorship sales in 2025 and creating our International Blooms program — an initiative that celebrates global culture and strengthens community connections.”

Anything else you want us to know about you?

“As president of the Junior League of Wilmington (2014–15), I had the honor of leading and developing over one hundred dynamic women, an experience that helped shape my leadership style. Through both the Junior League and IFEA, I’ve traveled nationwide, participating in specialized training on leadership, volunteerism, and business strategy. These experiences have deepened my perspective and allowed me to build lasting relationships with inspiring leaders from across the country.”

Owner & COO, The Braddock Group

Describe your role and work that you do.

“As co-founder, co-owner, and COO of The Braddock Group, I help lead strategic growth, operations, and brand development for our respected commercial real estate firm. I also serve as a hands-on commercial broker, guiding clients through acquisitions, leasing, and development with a focus on long-term value and regional impact.”

How did you get to this point in your career?

“I began my career in 2007 as the assistant property manager at The Villages at Brunswick Forest, where I gained hands-on experience in leasing, sales, and property management. Over the next decade, I managed over 1 million square feet of commercial space and built strong community relationships. These experiences, combined with a passion for strategic growth and development, led me to co-found The Braddock Group in 2019.”

What have you learned about your leadership style?

“My leadership style is rooted in discipline, transparency, alignment, accountability, and inspiration. I believe in collaborative teamwork, where every voice is valued and heard. I strive to lead by example, fostering a culture that is both results-oriented and people-focused. I’ve found that honoring relationships and living by these core values – both professionally and personally – is the foundation for strong leadership and longterm success. These principles guide how I support and empower my team every day.”

LAURA BROGDONPRIMAVERA

VP of Leadership Development, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I spearhead a suite of influential programs including Leadership Wilmington, the chamber’s forty-one-year-old flagship leadership program; the Leadership Wilmington Alumni Council; Encounter Wilmington, a talent retention program; Interns Encounter, a talent attraction and retention program; and the Career and Leadership Development Academy that starts in 7th grade and tracks through high school.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“My commitment to community impact and leadership excellence has earned accolades such as inclusion in the prestigious WilmingtonBiz 100 as a community Connector in 2024, 2023, 2021, and 2020. I was honored with a 40 Under 40 Award from the StarNews and the chamber in 2019 … My participation in the WILMA Leadership Institute in 2018 and recognition for Excellence in Community Engagement by UNCW in the same year further underscores my commitment to leadership and community enrichment. In 2024, my work with the Career and Leadership Development Academy was recognized by the Association of Leadership Programs with the Excellence in Innovation Award. In 2025, the nonprofit organization, Leading Into New Communities inducted me into the LINC Society, given my contributions to Leadership Wilmington through the Work on Wilmington service projects. Also in 2025, I earned the Association of Leadership Programs Certified Community Leadership Practitioner badge.”

HEATHER MCWHORTER

Director, UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I lead efforts to support startups, grow the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, and foster innovation across sectors –including the blue economy. …Through strategic programs, partnerships, and advocacy, I help transform vision into momentum – empowering innovators and advancing sustainable economic growth in Southeastern North Carolina.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“I’ve had the privilege of empowering thousands of entrepreneurs and students throughout my career …. A proud career highlight is receiving the national 2024 UEDA Award for Excellence in Community for engaging our region in the blue economy. Leading inclusive, impactdriven programs that spark ideas, build community, and drive sustainable growth continues to be the most rewarding part of my work.”

How did you get to this point in your career?

“I was raised with a strong work ethic that I learned from my grandfather, an entrepreneur who taught me the value of integrity, perseverance, and helping others. That foundation, combined with my deep belief that entrepreneurs can solve society’s toughest challenges, has guided my career. My passion for empowering people and building community through innovation has fueled every step.”

EVONNE VARADY

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I’m the co-founder of Clean Eatz, a healthy lifestyle franchise with over one hundred locations nationwide. I lead brand vision, innovation, and strategy while supporting franchisees and scaling our impact. From menu development to national campaigns, I’m involved in every layer of growth with my husband by my side.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Scaling Clean Eatz from one café to over one hundred locations was a defining milestone – an achievement only 5.3% of franchises reach. We’ve been recognized on national platforms as one of the fastest-growing brands, ranked in the Top 500 Franchises for five consecutive years, and I was honored to be named one of the Women of Franchising in 2024. These moments reflect the fire, purpose, and passion driving everything we do at Clean Eatz.”

Anything else you want us to know about you?

“Our mission to ‘Change Livez’ has grown into a nationally recognized movement rooted in wellness, education, and community. In 2023, Clean Eatz Foundation was launched to fight childhood obesity – one of my proudest accomplishments to date. I also created V&V Farms, a rustic wedding and event space designed to create moments that will be remembered a lifetime.”

Co-Founder, Clean Eatz

Education

KAITLIN BADEN

Principal, Wilmington School of the Arts

Describe your role and work that you do.

“Our school serves 300 – soon to be 360 – students from diverse backgrounds with the common goal of making them academically successful while also developing their love for the arts. My job is to kind of be everywhere at once, whether it’s greeting families and students in the morning, stepping into classrooms to offer support, talking with staff and students throughout the day, driving a bus, or working on the ‘behind-thescenes’ operations of running a charter school.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“The main thing that stands out is going into this year, our school had a 32-point jump – in our third year of testing – that came from a massive collective effort to pull ourselves out of ‘low performing status.’ … Overall, though, the fact that we opened, maintained, and grew a school during COVID still blows my mind. Stepping into this role midway through our first year – 2020 – has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. I have learned so much about running a school, about being a ‘boss,’ about myself, and about how important it is to always be a lifelong learner.”

AMANDA BOOMERSHINE

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I am a Spanish professor and also lead the UNCW Latino Alliance. As a Spanish professor, I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in linguistics, service-learning, and the Spanish language itself. I enjoy working with both undergraduate and graduate students to help them become more involved with the local Latinx community and to include them in my research projects. With the Alliance, I work with community partners to help build a stronger network among people and organizations that serve the Hispanic/Latino community in the region, and to empower residents and organizations that serve the Hispanic/Latino community by creating positive change in areas of education, business, health care, safety, and community building.”

Why are you passionate about education?

“I am passionate about education because I have seen firsthand the power it has to not only shape one’s future, but also to transform the community in general. I work hard to help my students see how what we learn in the classroom can be applied in the real world.”

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Believe in yourself and stand up for what you believe in, even if it makes others feel uncomfortable.”

Spanish Professor, UNCW

KELLY CAHILL

Community Nurse Educator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I cover a twelve-county radius providing education for Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (LCFLC), which includes physician offices, hospitals, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, colleges with nursing programs, church groups, senior centers, and the community at large. My educational modules include everything from Orienting to Hospice, Palliative Care, Spectrum of Services, End of Life Care, Memory Partners Dementia Modules, The Compassionate Lab that simulates ‘live’ demonstrations of various diseases and illnesses, Begin the Conversation addressing advance care planning, Caring for the Caregiver, Dementia Friends of America, and Bereavement and Grief.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Being a part of innovative programs offered at LCFLC and being in various director and management positions spanning over thirty years, which included both the inpatient and outpatient settings. As the first nurse liaison with LCFLC, I was able to educate and help nursing staff and physicians at NHRMC-Novant with early identification of what a typical hospice patient looks like. Explaining the difference between palliative care and hospice and seeing the ‘light bulb’ go off when health care professionals understood the difference. Being awarded a Health Care Hero Award several years ago.”

CYNTHIA DEMETRIOU JAHLEESE HADLEY

Associate Provost for Student Engagement, Enrollment & Retention, UNCW

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I lead collaborative efforts supporting students from college recruitment to degree completion focusing on building pathways for access to affordable, high-quality public education. I also teach and conduct research. A recent project, with paws4people, examined the benefits of service dogs in education. Current research explores student success, microaffirmations, and joy. Beyond academia, I teach yoga and I founded Port City Arts NC, a small business creating coastal-inspired art. As a mother, I serve the Epilepsy Foundation, on call for parents navigating a new diagnosis.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Helping individual students has been my most meaningful accomplishment. As a recipient of a $3.3 million U.S. Department of Education grant, I led The Finish Line Project for first-generation students and visited the White House. In 2024, I was a Fulbright U.S. Scholar in France’s International Education Administrator program.”

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

“Never forget that even in the darkest times, we are surrounded by possibility. Opportunities, ideas, and potential paths constantly unfold around you. Believing in possibility, maintaining hope in the face of all obstacles, will always serve you.”

Director of College Access, GLOW

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I consider myself an education engineer – designing systems that expand opportunity and evolve with student needs. At GLOW (Girls Leadership of Wilmington) Academy, I lead a college access program that spans grades 6-12. Engaging both our families and members of the Wilmington community as critical partners, I build programs that equip students with the tools – and confidence – to navigate their futures with agency and choice.” What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Some highlights live on resumes – like leading national conferences, launching early college models, or winning awards for innovation and equity. But the moments that stay with me? Watching a first-generation student lead a panel for prospective students. Hearing a parent say, ‘Now I understand FAFSA.’ Seeing ideas I once sketched on whiteboards take flight. Each one is a reminder that thoughtful design can transform lives.”

Why are you passionate about education?

“Education transforms lives – it did mine. As a first-generation college student myself, I believe fervently that every student deserves access, encouragement, and a champion who sees their potential. I am driven to be that person for students navigating systems not often designed with them in mind.”

HEaLTH

Not pictured: Nicole Murray

HEATHER BOYKIN

Director of Community Based Palliative Care, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

Describe your role and work that you do.

“As director for the communitybased palliative care program, I wear many hats. I support clinical staff in several aspects, including clinical decision making, skill-building, and clinical quality, all with the goal of maintaining and fostering staff health while they deliver the highest quality care to patients and families navigating the journey of serious illness. I also contribute to program evolution and serve as an advocate for the specialty of palliative care at the state level.”

How do you impact people?

“My hopeful impact is to lead with empathy every step of the way. Despite the difficulties of life, I strive to offer peace, kindness, and understanding to those around me, whether it be colleagues or patients and families.”

What sparked your interest in health?

BLAIR DEEN HEaLTH

“Since the very early age of nine, I knew I was put on this earth to serve others in need. I journeyed through various options to do this, from military service to ultimately joining a health profession: nursing. Helping others address health needs, even in the midst of illness, can have a huge impact on overall quality of life. I hold a very high regard for all aspects of health, from the psychosocial, spiritual, and physical.”

Senior Design & Construction Project Manager, Novant Health

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I oversee projects in (Novant’s) Coastal Region, specializing in acute care, multi-tenant ambulatory facilities, and aesthetic upgrades, focusing on design management. I coordinate cross-functional teams of internal project managers, team members, physicians, and external design consultants to deliver remarkable spaces that are functional, compliant, and visually cohesive. My larger collaborative team shapes and maintains standards for facility sizing, furnishings, and material specifications – ensuring consistency and supporting the delivery of high-quality health care environments.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Managing a large portfolio has afforded me the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives such as the Scotts Hill Medical Campus and Michael Jordan clinics. Currently, I’m leading design on strategic, high-impact efforts like the Heart & Vascular Institute Tower and Master Facility Plan at NHRMC, and an adaptive reuse project at Midtown Medical Plaza. I also serve as Art Champion across all markets, to integrate local artwork, reflecting Novant Health’s commitment to community identity in our facilities.”

How do you impact people?

“By creating environments and experiences that support and inspire every user, from project teams and clinical staff to patients and visitors. I aspire to guide projects through complex processes with clarity, transparency, and empathy so spaces are rooted in human-centered design, as well as environments that meet functional and emotional needs. I aim to promote a culture of collaboration and idea sharing, believing that the best outcomes for those we serve emerge when every voice is heard.”

CAROLINE KEELER

Physical Therapist/Menopause Coach & Owner, Inside Out Physical Therapy

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I opened Inside Out Physical Therapy to better help women discover, activate, and optimize their inner strength through physical therapy involving education, nervous system regulation, physiological wellness, manual work, and movement therapy, with the focus on the center of it all: the pelvic floor.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Every day feels like a celebration and victory. Taking a stroke patient horseback riding, who later went SCUBA diving. Taking a college-aged brain cancer patient, who couldn’t sit up when I met him, ice skating. I still hang an ornament he made me on my Christmas tree every year. Hearing from a seventy-five-year-old woman that she felt like she was twenty-three again with her husband. A mother of three who was able to climb the mountains of Machu Picchu, carry her sick child out of the jungle, and jump with abandon on a trampoline, without leaking or having pain. I don’t really remember my achievements as much as I do my patients’.”

What sparked your interest in health?

“Many of my family have been physicians. After falling off a racehorse and breaking my back, I went through extensive physical therapy. As much as I loved medicine, having grown up with it, I wanted to be in the trenches with people, doing the actual day-today work. After going through pregnancy and birth, I was further inspired to specialize in pelvic health and began my foray into helping women around pregnancy and birth.”

NICOLE MURRAY REBECCA SCHWARTZ

Founder & Licensed Therapist, Emerge Counseling Center

Describe your role and work that you do.

“As a licensed therapist, my primary role is to provide compassionate support and guidance, ensuring that individuals feel seen and heard as they navigate various life challenges. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds, recognizing that each person brings a unique story shaped by their experiences. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I oversee my own practice, which includes a dedicated team of both coaches and therapists who are equipped and trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques. Together, we create a supportive and nurturing environment that empowers clients to confront their challenges. My practice focuses on challenging clients to emerge from their pain and into a place of healing and growth.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“My career highlights are not measured by awards or public recognition but by the profound impact I’ve made in people’s lives. Witnessing mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters heal and restore their families brings me immense joy. I take great pleasure in guiding those who feel bound toward a place of freedom and hope. Each success story reminds me of the importance of compassion and support in creating lasting change for individuals and families.”

Nurse Practitioner, Wilmington Health

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I’m a family nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing practice, providing primary care at Wilmington Health, city of Wilmington Clinic. My work focuses on chronic disease management, obesity treatment, preventive health, and advocacy. I am the administrator of the board of the North Carolina Obesity Society and collaborate with stakeholders within North Carolina on public health initiatives that expand access to care and health education.”

How do you impact people?

“I aim to create a care experience that’s evidence-based, empathetic, and accessible. I advocate for health care policies and practices that prioritize vulnerable and underserved populations. Whether I’m working one-on-one with patients or contributing to broader community initiatives, my goal is to close care gaps and make health more equitable. Earning the trust and confidence of my patients is one of the greatest honors of my life.”

What sparked your interest in health?

“Medicine and public service have been foundational parts of my life from an early age. … Health impacts every aspect of life, and I wanted to be in a role where I could both educate and empower people. Primary care gives me the privilege of building long-term relationships and being part of someone’s journey toward better health.”

NONPrOFIT

Nonprofit

CAROLYN BEATTY

Community Relations & Engagement Director, StepUp Wilmington

Describe your role and work that you do.

“My primary role is to build and maintain positive relationships between our organization (StepUp Wilmington), our community, and surrounding communities, which involves addressing community needs, building bridges between StepUp Wilmington and various stakeholders, including residents, community groups, and local leaders. Focusing on strategic planning, outreach and communication, event management, partnership development, advocacy, public speaking, volunteering, fundraising, and data analysis.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“My leadership role of managing multiple district businesses, managing and mentoring 22 subordinate supervisors, managing $6.5 million in revenue, and making 40% in bottom line profit. Winning the Circle of Excellence Award for seven consecutive years, winning the Customer Service Award for three consecutive years, and winning the Preferred Employers Award.”

What is the most rewarding part of your nonprofit work?

“Loving our community and loving the people in our community, giving people hope by constantly speaking hope. Having a sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from contributing to the cause and the mission that I believe in, also seeing the positive impact and the positive differences that are being made. Always looking for opportunities for growth and learning for me and for others. Being part of the community movement.”

J’VANETE

BECTON SKIBA

Director, New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I raise awareness of the public health crisis of our time: Adverse Childhood Experiences by bringing together organizations and individuals from all sectors to make trauma-informed and resiliencefocused change in our community. I work to educate providers about biological resilience, traumainformed practice and policy, and the importance of community resilience and connection.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“In my career, I have had the privilege to work with and serve providers in every sector, including law enforcement and justice, education, and health care. I have also worked with resilience collaboratives across the state and nation. All of this has positioned me to be recognized within my community as a trusted source for connection, education, and action. I have been nominated for the DVSS Impact Award 2023 and 2024, the Smart Start Children’s Champion 2024, and the Positive Childhood Alliance of North Carolina 2025 Donna Stone Award. My collaborative work has also been recognized nationally by Trauma Resource Institute’s Organizational Ambassador of the Year 2021.”

What is the most rewarding part of your nonprofit work?

“Bringing people together and being a catalyst for person-centered change in our community.”

What are you most passionate about?

“I am most passionate about encouraging our community to employ functional compassion. Functional compassion is the act of engaging in public and personal practices that spur change on a systemic level out of direct concern for the suffering of others.”

SUZANNE ROGERS

Director of Housing, Cape Fear Collective

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I lead our housing efforts focused on preserving Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing. Our team is working to address the critical need for affordable housing by leveraging private sector investment to acquire single-family homes in Wilmington’s inner city –homes that would otherwise be lost to market pressures and gentrification. Through strategic partnerships with the city of Wilmington and the (New Hanover Community) Endowment, we are securing funding to rehabilitate these homes, ensuring they remain affordable for the essential members of our workforce.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“A particularly memorable moment was receiving an invitation to present at a United Nations International Conference, recognizing a grassroots participatory planning program developed by the dedicated staff team I was honored to lead. Another highlight was participating in a White House Conference as a result of our work on a Community Development Empowerment Zone initiative – an experience that underscored the national significance of community-driven change. I’m especially proud of helping create a workshop series to preserve and celebrate Indigenous knowledge by teaching pottery making, weaving, and flintknapping to members of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe.”

DEBBIE SMITH LEE VANORMER

President & Festival Chair, Wilmington Jewish Film Festival

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“A key highlight is growing our Holocaust education program from one school in 2017 to reaching all 10th graders in New Hanover and Pender counties. I'm also proud that a third of our audience for our film events is non-Jewish, supporting our mission of cultural outreach and inclusion. Collaborating with organizations like UNCW has expanded our impact, helping foster understanding and community through film.”

What is the most rewarding part of your nonprofit work?

“The most rewarding part of my work is seeing our dedicated volunteers return year after year, inspired to contribute. As a leader, I strive to motivate and align us around a shared mission. Seeing our team take pride in their roles and share in the excitement after a successful event is deeply fulfilling. … positive feedback our team receives from audiences is both stimulating and affirming of our efforts.”

What are you most passionate about?

“I’m passionate about building connections across difference by creating opportunities for understanding and shared experiences. Through the film festival, I help guide the selection of films that educate, inspire, and entertain while bringing people together. Film is a powerful medium for fostering empathy, sparking meaningful conversations, and celebrating our shared humanity.”

President, Paws Place Dog Rescue

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I provide strategic leadership and oversight to ensure our mission is fulfilled with integrity and impact. I guide governance and board development, foster strong communication across all levels, and champion fundraising and donor engagement to support our lifesaving work. … My role ensures sustainability, transparency, and continued growth for our rescue efforts.”

What is the most rewarding part of your nonprofit work?

“Volunteering with Paws Place has given me renewed purpose, keeping me active, engaged, and connected to a caring community. It’s allowed me to share my skills in leadership and IT, while learning new things and making meaningful contributions. I’ve built friendships, stayed physically and mentally sharp, and found emotional fulfillment. Retirement can feel isolating, but volunteering reminded me that I still have value – and that I can make a real, tangible difference in the lives of rescued dogs.”

What are you most passionate about?

“I dream of a future where no dog is left behind, even in the worst storms, where every pup has access to lifesaving care, and where love and safety are always within reach. I’ve poured myself into growing Paws Place into a regional leader in compassionate rescue. I’m committed to learning, leading, and rallying others as we build our Sanctuary Shelter – a haven of hope when dogs need it most.”

PUBLIC SECTOR

MARISSA BLACKBURN

KIM BREEDEN public sector

Schools in Parks Specialist, North Carolina State Parks UAS (Drone) Program Manager, Wilmington Police Department

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I coordinate and lead environmental education programs at Carolina Beach State Park for school groups and the public, including the Schools in Parks program, a year-long professional development opportunity for educators. I facilitate teacher workshops and student programs both in the park and on school grounds. I also assist with natural resource management, trail maintenance, and volunteer coordination at the park. Currently, I’m obtaining Wildland Firefighter certification to support future controlled burns.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“I am a Certified Interpretive Guide and Certified North Carolina Environmental Educator and received the 2021 Outstanding Practitioner Award from Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC). I served on the EENC board for two years (2020-21) as Eastern Section Chair. In my previous role as Environmental Education Manager at Cape Fear River Watch, I helped secure over $100,000 in grant funding for an urban greenspace revitalization project along Burnt Mill Creek in Wilmington.”

What inspires you to do public sector work?

“Protecting the environment and expanding access to natural spaces drive my work. I especially love working with children, nurturing their innate curiosity and providing equitable environmental education experiences. Carolina Beach State Park is free to visit, and all educational programs are offered at no cost, with transportation funding available for school field trips. My mission is to inspire and educate both children and adults, empowering others to become stewards of our shared environment.”

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I started my career twenty-four-and-a-half years ago as a crime scene investigator. Last November, I was promoted to UAS Manager. In this role, I oversee our multi-agency UAS team, which is made up of members from the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover Sheriff’s Office, Wilmington Fire Department, and Leland Police Department. Our responsibilities include responding to missing persons calls, search and rescue, major traffic accidents, outdoor crime scenes, fire scenes, providing overwatch at major events, and any other requests the agencies may have.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“I have been deemed an expert in CSI and fingerprint analysis in court, was promoted to Senior CSI (2022), and was awarded Senior Civilian Employee of the year (2024). I also have a few collateral duties: I am a general instructor through the North Carolina Justice Academy, and I am a background investigator for the department. This has also led me to be a part-time instructor with Cape Fear Community College, teaching Criminalistics: An Intro to Forensic Science.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“I love sharing the knowledge I have gained with others, whether it’s with complainants on a scene, in the courtroom, or the general public. I have taught CSI and/or drones at several STEM events at local schools, for scouting groups, and other nonprofit organizations for kids. Within our agency, I volunteer with Cop Camp, demo days, and I work with the CSI Unit to host a CSI event each September for middle and high schoolers in honor of National Forensic Science Week.”

KIM HUFHAM

President & CEO, New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I am responsible for the operations, management and overall strategic direction of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing organization that markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place. I also advocate for issues that face the local tourism/hospitality industry and manage a destination marketing budget of $18 million.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“Tourism is among New Hanover County’s top industries, generating more than $1.1 billion in annual economic impact and creating 6,790 jobs. The CVB provides a multi-faceted, researchbased Program of Work designed to strengthen our destination, community, and partnerships. … Our impact in the community continues to evolve as we implement the county’s first Tourism Master Plan and become more engaged with stakeholders and residents.”

What inspires you to do public sector work?

“It gives me the opportunity to advocate for both small and large businesses that comprise the hospitality industry. … It is an honor to be a part of the planned economic development of our community that improves the quality of place for visitors to our destination and for citizens of New Hanover County.”

MELISSA LONG NICOLE SMITH

Deputy Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, New Hanover County

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I serve as the deputy county clerk, supporting our Board of County Commissioners and ensuring public meetings run smoothly and transparently. I manage official records, schedules, boards, and committees, and work closely with colleagues across departments. … I’m passionate about public service and take pride in making government more accessible and accountable to our community.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“I received the 2024 Howard Holly Outstanding Clerk of the Year Award, a state recognition given each year to a county clerk. I’ve also had the opportunity to lead within the North Carolina Association of County Clerks, where I currently serve as the immediate past president. I take pride in promoting collaboration within my organization and forming relationships with officials to deliver transparent, effective community services, both in my professional role and beyond.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“I help make local government more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the people it serves. … I’m proud to create opportunities for public input and make sure that decisions are well-documented and clearly communicated. My goal is to serve with integrity and make a meaningful difference every day.”

Strategic Plan & Performance Manager, City of Wilmington

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I ensure alignment between the resources, programs, and services of the city of Wilmington with community priorities as defined in the City Council’s Strategic Plan. My responsibilities include spearheading initiatives for organizational change, which encompass the development and execution of the citywide strategic plan, as well as departmental business plans, benchmarks, performance measures, and targets.”

What impact do you make in the community?

“I serve as a bridge between vision and implementation, ensuring each initiative I undertake is grounded in equity, accountability, and long-term community well-being. I translate big picture goals into measurable resultsdriving transparency, efficiency, and progress. My work reflects the diverse perspectives of our community, aiming to improve the health, vibrancy, and connectivity of our neighborhoods.”

What inspires you to do public sector work?

“Working in the public sector allows me to positively impact people’s daily lives. I am motivated by the challenge and opportunity to transform diverse needs and ideas into effective strategies, while also removing obstacles and fostering collaboration to develop comprehensive and meaningful solutions.”

rising star

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

ASHLYN DELABIO

ALEXIS DELIA

Grants & Communication Manager, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I lead strategic initiatives that elevate our brand, strengthen donor engagement, and secure vital funding to support over 2,200 youth across five counties. I oversee all facets of marketing, public relations, and storytelling in direct support of fundraising efforts while managing a growing grants portfolio and stewarding key partnerships. Through creativity, data-driven planning, and mission-driven messaging, I work to expand our reach, deepen community trust, and fuel opportunities for the next generation to thrive.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Career highlights include leading a full organizational rebrand following a major unification, expanding marketing efforts into three new counties while driving growth in existing service areas, and launching impactful campaigns – such as Back-to-School and holiday gift initiatives – that have directly benefited hundreds of Club members. I’m currently participating in the WILMA Leadership Institute, where I’m developing my leadership skills while continuing to advance strategic communications that fuel organizational growth and deepen engagement across our five-county footprint.”

What’s a future goal?

“My goal is to continue growing with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC, advancing our mission through strategic fundraising and development. I’m passionate about securing vital resources needed to expand our impact, reaching more youth with life-changing programs. Every day, I see how our work transforms lives, and I’m committed to helping us grow in the counties we serve and in new communities to serve even more of the youth who need us most.”

Investment Advisor, Tilia Fiduciary Partners

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I help individuals and families turn life’s transitions – like divorce, loss, starting a family, or pursuing education – into opportunities for growth. As a CFP and investment manager, I provide compassionate, fiduciary guidance to help clients build wealth and move forward with clarity and confidence. By creating personalized financial plans and managing investments aligned with their values and goals, I empower people to take control of their future and live the life they dream about.”

What are some of your career highlights so far?

“Earning my CFP marks at just twenty-three – making me the youngest CFP in Wilmington – has been my proudest achievement. After completing over 4,000 hours of experience, rigorous coursework, and a demanding six-hour exam, I joined a small group of professionals held to the highest fiduciary standard. As a young woman in a maledominated industry, I’m proud to bring fresh perspective, empathy, and excellence to a field where diverse voices are so needed.”

What’s a future goal?

“My goal is to empower women – whether they’re building careers, raising families, or running businesses – to feel confident, capable, and in control of their financial futures. I want every person I work with to know they’re not alone and that goals are valid and achievable. I’m committed to continuing pro bono work, mentoring, and advocating for greater diversity – so more women feel seen, supported, and equipped to build lasting wealth on their terms.”

SAMOANE IKARD

Grants Coordinator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I manage the life cycle of grants, from research and writing to submission and post-award reporting. I collaborate with teams across our organization to understand where needs are the greatest, which helps me craft proposals that reflect the heart of our mission. My grants portfolio spans hospice, palliative care, education, grief counseling, and dementia services. Working with such a wide range of programs helps me tap into my creativity; no one grant looks the same.”

What’s a future goal?

“Like many grant writers, I dream of securing a million-dollar award. To get there, I plan to grow as a writer through ongoing education with the Grants Professionals Association and continually learning from proposals that do not receive funding. I want to keep refining how I communicate urgency, purpose, and possibility, matching the scale of our mission with language that moves people to act. That’s what excites me most about what’s ahead.”

Anything else you want us to know about you?

“Outside of my role as a grants coordinator, I tutor students in writing. For almost a decade now, I have worked with college students, rising high school seniors, adult learners, and moms returning to school. Some of my students have worked with me for years and empowering them to find their unique voice is always such a blessing.”

EDEN MILLS

Describe your role and work that you do.

“As president of the Pender Arts Council, I help lead event planning, grant writing, marketing campaigns, and community collaborations alongside our board members and the community. I previously helped launch the PAC Artist Gift Shop, which showcases local artists and crafters from across the county. I help organize the downtown Burgaw Blueberry Jam concert series in Dess Park, which runs from April through August, in collaboration with the monthly Classic Car Cruise-In. Securing sponsorships, hosting monthly meetings and markets, and helping manage our social media are also part of my role. In 2021, I worked with other dedicated community members to rebuild the council from the ground up after COVID, which ultimately led to us receiving a donated building in downtown Burgaw. My role blends creativity, leadership, and outreach to grow arts engagement. I’m proud to serve as an advocate for the arts in our community!”

Who has helped or inspired you on your leadership path so far?

“Olivia Dawson, mayor of Burgaw and former tourism director for Pender County, has greatly inspired me to become a community advocate and leader. Her dedication to serving others and strengthening local connections encouraged me to engage more deeply with the Burgaw area. Through her example, I’ve been motivated to collaborate with fellow leaders and advocates across Pender County and the Southeast, working together to support growth, creativity, and community development through the arts and beyond.”

LILLY TRIOLO

Describe your role and work that you do.

“I am the lead singer in a band, Loud Music Company, and I also manage the music store also called Loud Music Company. When I’m not with the band, I manage the store that teaches around seventy to one hundred lessons a week to people of all levels, all ages, and walks of life. I’ve helped form eight bands filled with our students.”

What’s a future goal?

“A future goal is to have the band be able to sell out and play around 500-1,000 seaters all over the world and to also have Loud Music Company the store thrive in this community by having people who come and support our student bands, come and take lessons, and enjoy being a part of the Loud Music Company musical family.”

Anything else you want us to know about you?

“I'm originally from Raleigh, moved here to go to UNCW, and stayed. I majored in environmental science but then felt a divine calling to play and pursue music. It was never in my plans, even though I played instruments and sang my whole life. I started writing songs for an artist, who then quit, so I decided to sing the songs myself. From there, I quit my three jobs to solely pursue music and manage Loud Music Company.”

President, Pender Arts Council

Singer & Store Manager, Loud Music Company

Soldering Stories

Metalsmith jeweler Martha Ladd designs this year’s WILMA Awards bracelet

by DYLAN SCHMIDT | photos by DARIA AMATO

MARTHA LADD, an independent metalsmith and jeweler, creates pieces that are equal parts art and narrative. Her jewelry is for “people who want to wear a story or express their individuality,” she says.

The art of metalwork involves transforming raw materials into something completely different and unique. Ladd finds joy in this process and the multitude of stories contained in her pieces because of it. One thing can have a completely unknown origin and be turned into a new and different story. It’s all part of a piece’s beauty, Ladd says.

“There are a lot more metalsmiths on the scene since when I first opened shop here in Wilmington,” Ladd shares. However, “people who are familiar with my work don’t have any trouble identifying it.”

Ladd points to a friend’s description of her work as “both bold and quiet, strong and sophisticated, down-to-earth, open, and true.”

Her jewelry is intended for people who want to wear a story. Ladd’s path to this point has been shaped by exploration and learning. Her journey into jewelry making began years ago when her Native American friend taught her about traditional beadwork. Then, she began teaching herself metalwork until she went to school to learn the art of jewelry making and metalsmithing. She was a full-time jewelry maker until 1998 when her son was born; then she transitioned to part-time jewelry making.

Her craft ranges from beadwork to metalwork, always rooted

in jewelry making. Beadwork is similar to sewing or weaving, while metalwork involves hammering, sawing, soldering, and manipulating metal to get a desired result. Both art forms involve taking one thing and “creating something that looks completely different,” says Ladd.

During the creative process, Ladd sometimes finds it difficult to spend hours alone in the studio. “I like to always leave unfinished pieces ready to pick up and go so I don’t have to know what to start with once I get in my studio,” she says. Through working on several pieces at a time, Ladd allows room for creativity and mistakes.

“I’m always surprised by how often a piece comes from a mistake,” shares Ladd. Sometimes her designs come from a stone, a dream, nature, or a mistake. “I once saw someone’s earrings from across the room at a party. Once I got closer, they weren’t at all what I thought, so I made what I thought I saw,” Ladd says.

The possibilities of metalwork give Ladd the ability to bring others’ visions to life as well. Years ago, a longtime friend came to her with a mangled metal heart found in a Civil War encampment with the words, “My heart is open to you” engraved on it. Her friend asked her to turn it into a pendant for his wife. “The found object obviously had so much meaning to someone, but we don’t know the original story behind it,” Ladd shares. “It’s all part of its beauty. I was honored to make that piece.”

Wearing a piece of metalwork is like telling many stories, “stories about how it was made or where the pieces came from,” she says.

Rather than focusing on the business of jewelry making, she focuses on the creative side.

“I like this balance in my life,” she says.

Grounded in creativity and freedom of expression, Ladd continues to find joy in her art. “I feel like right now I’m beginning again,” says Ladd. Looking to the future, she says, “I plan to continue creating and continue learning.” W

Every year, WILMA chooses a local jeweler to design award bracelets for the Women to Watch Awards winners. This year, Martha Ladd (on Instagram @mladdjewelry) is crafting the award bracelets for these winners as well. The custom design will be unveiled at the awards ceremony September 5. Info: W2WAward.com

First month free! Scan here.

by LILY CROWDER

photo by MADELINE GRAY

Alisha Browne opens The Mermaid Lounge

T Inner Sanctum

he Mermaid Lounge is Wilmington’s newest “femmecentered sanctuary” – an oasis created for those looking to celebrate their femininity, socialize, nourish themselves professionally or spiritually, and above all, feel empowered in a safe, close-knit community.

For ALISHA BROWNE, honing this sacred space materialized through years of following her creative pursuits and continuously providing the women she works with more opportunities to feel supported.

Browne moved to Wilmington after finishing business school and then worked for a decade in marketing. She attributes this period to building the foundation of her communication skills and her desire to tell people’s stories. Still, she reached a point where she wanted to branch out on her own.

“I felt a pull toward something more personal and transformative,” Browne says. “I always had the spark inside me of wanting to own my own business.”

Soon enough, she utilized a creative

outlet she had been practicing since she was young: photography. In 2019, Browne opened Atlantic Boudoir, a female-driven photography studio.

“After years of photographing women and hearing their stories, I realized so many of us were craving a deeper sense of connection, confidence, and community,” Browne says. “I also have this beautiful space where I hold my photo sessions, which had the potential to be so much more.”

Meanwhile, Browne was friends with JULIE MARIE, who owned Lavender Rain Emporium next to Atlantic Boudoir on Castle Street. Julie Marie moved her business into Browne’s space and later became Atlantic Boudoir’s creative director. Together, the two collaborated on how to make The Mermaid Lounge a reality.

The Mermaid Lounge opened in May.

“Since then, we’ve been growing slowly and intentionally. We want to make sure we’re nurturing the kind of close-knit, supportive community that people are really craving and not just packing the space,” Browne says.

The Mermaid Lounge is open three

nights a week, Wednesday through Friday, for members to socialize and work independently or utilize any of the fun extras the Lounge has to offer, such as craft kits, tarot cards, and board games. The Lounge also offers an array of workshops, classes, and special events on other days of the week, from resume-building classes to evening flow yoga classes and sexual intimacy wellness workshops.

“There’s a real mix of play, rest, and growth,” Browne says. “For a newbie, I’d recommend starting with one of our casual social nights, or an art event. It’s a great way to dip your toes in and meet people without pressure.”

These events are open to the public, though members get first dibs on registration, as well as discounted tickets. The offerings are ever-changing and continue to be added, and Browne is diligent about updating The Mermaid Lounge’s calendar online.

“I think,” Browne says, “we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.” W

This story appeared in a recent WILMA Lifestyle newsletter. To sign up for the email, go to wilmamag.com/email-newsletter.

Boogie

A Brigade

This group brings line dancing through the ages

by LYNDA VAN KUREN | photos by MADELINE GRAY

group of older adults in Carolina Beach are defying the stereotypes about aging. One, two, maybe three nights a week they are on the dance floor, kicking up their heels. They may not be perfect as they do the Boot Scootin’ Boogie and other classic and new line dances, but they are having tons of fun.

These women (and a few men) are students of KELLI DERENGOWSKI, who heads up Beaches and Boots Line Dancing. Some of the dancers, most of whom are aged fifty-eighty, dance simply for their own enjoyment. Others join Beaches and Boots performance arm and also dance at charities and raise money for local causes.

“You can stay at home and grow old, or you can do something to keep you young,” says JOHANNA KJESBU. “Through Beaches and Boots Line Dancing, you have goals. Everything stays vital. You are part of society, and you know you are making a difference to someone else.”

Line dancing, which has had a recent resurgence in popularity, provides many of the elements older adults need

to be healthy and happy in their golden years. It improves everything from balance to stride to heart rate, Derengowski says. Line dancing is also good for memory, as new nerve pathways are created when the dancers learn new dances and dance sequences, she adds.

But Beaches and Boots also improves the dancers’ lives in another vital way. They gain friends who are there for them on and off the dance floor.

“We are just a group of girls doing something we love to do, and we support each other and become very close,” TRUDY ROBARE says. “When new people come, we embrace them. … We become a family.”

Derengowski currently teaches Beaches and Boots line dancing classes at the Carolina Beach Recreation Center, Carolina Beach American Legion and El Cazador Mexican Restaurant. The classes are geared to three different skill levels: absolute beginners, beginners, and experienced dancers.

Her classes are unique in that she uses all types of musical genres for line dancing. Also, thanks to her background in ballroom dancing, Derengowski’s choreography is full of surprises. In addition to traditional and even new line dancing steps and sequences, she incorporates steps and movements

Thursday evening.

Kelli Derengowski leads a Beaches and Boots line dancing class at American Legion Post 129 in Carolina Beach. The group meets there to dance every

“

We are just a group of girls doing something we love to do, and we support each other and become very close. When new people come, we embrace them. … We become a family.

“

Trudy Robare, Beaches and Boots line dancer

from the waltz, cha cha and mambo into her dances.

The

While Derengowski’s classes can be intense – students get a great cardio workout while progressing from the basic line dancing steps and sequences to more intricate patterns and dances – she modifies the steps and breaks them down so her students can master them.

clean meets the ultimate

Derengowski also makes her classes engaging and fun. Putting movement to music and getting one’s boots (or tennis shoes) in the right sequences on the floor leaves no room for drama, social media, caregiving, or other family concerns, or other stressors.

Bosch’s PowerControlTM spray arm targets your dirtiest dishes for the CrystalDryTM technology gives dishes, including plastics, the ultimate

“It’s a time for the dancers to have fun and forget their worries, just for a little bit,” Derengowski says.

Fun is so important to Derengowski that she makes it a priority. She is the first to admit that she messes up, so her students feel okay about messing up, too. They laugh through their mistakes and keep on trying. And they keep improving. Beginners move up to the next level and then the next, and soon people who never dreamed they’d advance so far are doing the hitch kick, Derengowski says.

JAMIE BOWMAN says that it was just that encouragement and good-natured fun that gave her the incentive to continue line dancing despite her first fumbling efforts.

“They (her classmates) kept telling me to get back out there,” she says. “They support you and pull you in and help you.”

Some dancers also join the Beaches and Boots Performance Team, which raises funds and dances at local charities. One of the team’s most popular fundraisers is the annual Witches Pub Crawl.

The dancers, dressed as witches and armed with festive wands, perform in front of one pub after another to raise money for little-known but worthy causes. One year the team raised more than $12,000 for a child who had leukemia, and in another they raised enough money for a roof for a local resident’s home, Derengowski says.

An unexpected but cherished part of Beaches and Boots is the bonds the dancers form. The women leap into action when illness or a surgery strikes a dancer or her family, bringing meals and visiting to help alleviate the strain.

They are there when tragedy strikes, too. For instance, they helped Bowman, when a new widow, get through her grief. Bowman says the women were instrumental in getting her to socialize instead of staying home alone with her sadness.

And when times are good, the women take on the town, going out to line dance on their own, meeting for dinner, and attending cool events together.

“I have never had as many friends as I have gained through line dancing,” Kjesbu says. “I couldn’t be more grateful. I’ve never seen anything like this.” W

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Bottles of Whiskey,

Boxes of Woe

by TIM BASS | illustration by MARK WEBER

OLD FITZGERALD. PATRÓN SILVER. GREY GOOSE. THE FAMOUS GROUSE.

You name the booze, I’m familiar with it. I know Jameson and Hennessy. I’ve met the Christian Brothers, hung out with Jose Cuervo and the Kentucky Gentleman, and sailed with Captain Morgan and Admiral Nelson. I’ve been over to Jack Daniel’s place.

Whiskey, rye, rum, vodka, brandy, cognac, mezcal – from Kentucky Straight to Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine, I’ve had them all by the box. I’ve gone into the ABC store so many times lately that the clerks just give me a cursory nod when I push open the glass doors. I don’t need their help. I know where the cases are.

Yet I don’t drink. Not a drop. All my life, I’ve been a social dud – a bore at parties and a tap-water-only disappointment at cocktail hours and neighborhood get-togethers. I couldn’t tell you what’s in a Cosmopolitan or a Manhattan, and as far as I know, a mojito might be something you smear on a quesadilla. I know as little about alcohol as I do about cryptocurrency, and I’ve invested the same in both: zero.

Still, I have a close relationship with booze. That’s because I move every now and then, as I’ve done recently. And moving requires, well, it requires lots of things – energy, organization, patience, and the nerve to drive a U-Haul through rush-hour traffic. Mostly, though, moving requires boxes. Many, many boxes. Good boxes. Whiskey boxes.

Since I don’t tipple, swig, quaff, or imbibe, North Carolina’s Alcoholic Beverage Control system has never made a profit off me. I go there only for the free boxes stacked in the corner after the crews unpack the bottles of bourbon, Scotch, tequila, and Irish cream for the drinking (and paying) customers. It’s all casual and easy, and it’s a mighty effective recycling program.

This was my first move in twenty years, so I had work to do. I had an easy time with the essentials: coffee maker, computer and stereo, and a rocking chair that’s been in my family since before I was born (so, yes, a long time). A twenty-two-year-old with a strong back and a good attitude helped me with the bed and a heavy-as-granite cabinet I use to store important papers.

I delivered the kitchen table and chairs, two end tables, and a bunch of wall art to a reseller. I sold a broken lawn mower and gave away a fixed one. I also gave away the gas can, two weed eaters and a leaf blower, the TV, the rugs, and the vacuum cleaner. I donated my reading chair, the dresser, the lamps, a paper shredder, two sets of jumper cables, three blenders, the placemats I never used, and a giant bowl that could hold enough popcorn for a whole movie theater. I invited my wonderful neighbors to take what they wanted from the garage, and they picked the shelves clean. (They took the shelves, too.)

That left everything else – the countless mountains of small, everyday items, useful and useless, that I had accumulated in two decades of nesting in the same roost. For these, I needed

boxes. And for those, I needed the ABC store.

With each armful I set into a Lunazul or Smirnoff box, I dealt with so many questions. Why do I have a Mr. Peanut coin holder? How many bottles of eyeglass cleaner does one person need in a lifetime? How many coffee mugs? How much hand lotion? Does this electric toothbrush work? There, in the back of the closet –is that a tweed fedora? And does it have a feather tucked in it?

Here they were: two decades of bad decisions and impulse buys, the good intentions gone wrong, the amateur attempts at decorating, the stupid things that seemed like smart ideas at the time. This move forced open the dusty vault to an embarrassing trip back through time, all the way to the day I moved in. This house glowed with sunlight, and I could’ve played racquetball against the high walls in the den. All the place needed was warmth, a human touch to give it an air of invitation and social connection.

Crown Royal. Woodford Reserve. Platinum 7X.

Box after regrettable box proved my failure at doing anything but accumulating stuff I didn’t need. The more I moved, the more dejected I grew. Along the way, I came to understand, long after it was too late, all I’d really needed: one bed, one dresser, one lamp, one clock. One recliner and one side table. One pot, one pan. Maybe two plates, on the off chance I ever had a dinner guest.

Some anthropologists believe they know why Homo erectus finally climbed down from the trees and stopped dragging their knuckles: They had things to move. Mostly this was food, according to the researchers. I have a feeling they had to haul other stuff, too, like shorts and hiking shoes, travel cups and phone chargers, stacks of towels and rolls of dental floss and bottles of witch hazel, a few hundred family pictures, an award plaque or two, and some high school yearbooks. And maybe a tweed fedora.

In my twenty years in that house, I was up there in the leaves with our ancient ancestors. Finally, we hopped off the branches together and landed in the weeds, straightening our posture and ambling to the ABC cave for boxes freshly emptied of prehistoric Baileys, Tito’s, and Cabo Wabo.

Here’s to you, my paleo pals. I’ll tell you this much about moving: We’ll get dirty. Our backs will hurt. We won’t remember where those unneeded possessions came from. And when it’s all done, when we’ve packed the last of the booze boxes and folded the final flaps on the things we never should’ve owned in the first place, we’ll be lucky to survive.

Let’s just say we’re still evolving. And from here out, we’ll travel light.

Tim Bass is a retired creative writing teacher and journalist. He lives in Wilmington. Mark Weber is a Wilmington-based artist and illustrates WILMA’s monthly Direct Male essay. weberillustration.com

5 TAKE

DAWN-MICHELE BLALOCK, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina, strongly believes in providing opportunities for children to grow in the face of challenge. “We have so many challenges across our communities, it is imperative that we support the next generation,” Blalock said when she was named to head up the regional nonprofit in 2003.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE WITH THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS? “My role is all about creating opportunities for young people to thrive. Whether it’s through direct program development, mentorship, community outreach, or fundraising, I focus on making sure every child who walks through our doors feels safe, supported, and inspired. I work closely with our staff, families, and partners to remove barriers and expand what’s possible for the youth we serve.” WHAT IS THE ORGANIZATION FOCUSED ON THIS YEAR? “This year, we’re deeply focused on outreach and resilience. Coming out of several challenging years post-COVID, we’re investing in trauma-informed care, staff training, and safe spaces where youth can express themselves, process emotions, and rebuild confidence. We’re also expanding our workforce development programs to prepare teens for college, careers, and leadership roles in their communities.” WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR LONGER-TERM GOALS FOR IT? “Long term, we aim to grow our reach and deepen our impact. That means expanding access to clubs in underserved

areas, focusing on innovation in our programs, and ensuring sustainable funding so we can continue to offer high-quality services at low cost to families. We also aim to amplify our youth voice, empowering our members to lead, advocate, and shape the future of our communities.” WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM KIDS AND YOUTH WORKING WITH THEM? “Young people don’t sugarcoat the world – they tell you how it is, and that clarity is a gift. They remind me daily that hope and strength can exist even in the hardest circumstances. They’re curious, determined, and often more insightful than they get credit for. You get to witness those ‘aha’ moments when they discover what they’re capable of. They have an incredible way of reminding you why this work matters – and they bring a kind of energy and optimism that’s contagious. You leave every day feeling like you’ve learned just as much as you’ve given.” WHO IS ANOTHER WOMAN WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IN THE AREA? “You should know SHANRIEKA FREEMAN-COOPER, who leads as our vice president of operations. She’s doing incredible work, focused on quality in our programming to provide the best opportunities for our youth. She’s a fierce champion for equity and community. Her leadership, much like the young people we serve, gives me hope for the future. She was also selected this year for the 40 Under 40 award by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.” W

DAWN-MICHELE BLALOCK ’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Leadership email. To sign up for the email, go to WILMAmag.com/email-newsletter.

intro by Dylan Schmidt | photo by ARIS HARDING

WILMA Fall Issue 2025

New Again

Unlock Your Inner Goddess & Elevate Your Feminine Leadership!

I AWARDS SEASON IT’S

A WINNING APP

ON THYME WITH ROOM TO GROW

DANCING QUEENS

NUMBERS

HUBBA BUBBLE

HOME-COURT HONORS

ART ACCOLADES

ON THE AGENDA

UPDATES

RECAP:

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PRESENTING SPONSORS

Tanya Armour on Juggling Priorities

Bye-Bye, Menopause Mayhem.

HELLO, YOU!

THE POWER OF US

THIS

ACCELERATOR CONFERENCE

THROWING IT OUT THERE: Cape Fear Ultimate wants to spread the Frisbee fever

+ Destination

PLUGGING IN RECREATION LEAGUES

CAPE FEAR PICKLEBALL CLUB

CAPE FEAR

ULTIMATE

FEAR THE MANIACS: WOMEN’S RUGBY

STONEWALL SPORTSWILMINGTON

WILMINGTON WOMEN’S SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Local Government: BECKY HAWKE STARTS AS CITY MANAGER

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

CARING FOR AGAING PARENTS WITHOUT LOSING YOURSELF

The

Lifelong restaurant owner opens new family business in Wilmington Business Family

2Shoes Goody

Where Purpose Meets Action

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THE NEXT CHAPTER IN COASTAL LIVING

THE TIDEWATER: READY EARLY 2026

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE: HERON COVE & EGRET LANDING

DESIGNED WITH PURPOSE, BUILT FOR LIFE

PORTERS NECK VILLAGE—WHERE LEGACY MEETS LIFESTYLE

REUSE REDUX &

BREWING UP NEW SOMETHNG

RESTORING VINTAGE

RENOVATION MOTIVATION

WILMA WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS

WILMA WOMEN TO WATCH AWARDS

THE JUDGING PROCESS

THE JUDGES

Judy Girard to receive the WILMA Icon Award Breaking Barriers

AUGUST EVENTS

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

arts

CAMMERON BATANIDES CHARLOTTE "CHARKY" ARMSTRONG

arts

Volunteer Docent for Tours & Board Member, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

& Owner, Art by Cammeron

CARSON HOBBS

SEPTEMBER KRUEGER LORRAINE PERRY

Director of Lifelong Learning, Cameron Art Museum

business

BUSINESS

ALISON BARINGER LANNIN BRADDOCK

Executive Director, North Carolina Azalea Festival

Owner & COO, The Braddock Group

LAURA BROGDONPRIMAVERA

VP of Leadership Development, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

HEATHER MCWHORTER

Director, UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

EVONNE VARADY

Education

Education

KAITLIN BADEN

Principal, Wilmington School of the Arts

AMANDA BOOMERSHINE

KELLY CAHILL