At the 2nd Annual PROpel AVL Awards Celebration, community members gathered to celebrate the exceptional young professionals making significant strides in Asheville and beyond. We showcased outstanding individuals whose efforts have enriched the community in various ways.
(2025 PROpel AVL nominees pictured above)
Leadership Award: Jessica McLean, Read 2 Succeed
Jess McLean is a passionate education advocate. Her visionary leadership at Read 2 Succeed has transformed the organization into a thriving force for youth literacy in Asheville. As Co-Executive Director, she has guided Read 2 Succeed through rapid growth – increasing staff support, expanding programming and raising over $1.7 million to fuel its mission. Beyond Read 2 Succeed, Jess mentors fellow nonprofit leaders, advocates for public education, supports BIPOC community members and businesses, and serves on multiple boards and advisory groups including Junior League of Asheville and Self-Help Credit Union. Following Helene, Jess worked with other community organizers to design and implement a hot meal distribution system to residents in Asheville Housing Authority properties. She currently supports the Buncombe County Long Term Recovery Group and the Just Recovery Collaboration of grassroots and BIPOC-led nonprofits. Her bold, community-centered approach exemplifies the spirit of this Leadership Award.
Community/Public Service Award: Nicholas Oyarzun, MAHEC
Nicholas is a passionate healthcare professional and tireless advocate for equitable access to care in Asheville. As a MedServe Fellow, they provide direct patient care, work on public health outreach, and develop innovative solutions to connect underserved populations with services. From launching rapid testing programs in LGBTQ+ spaces and shelters, to expanding care access in the local jail system, Nicholas meets people where they are—breaking down barriers with empathy and determination. Their leadership extends beyond the clinic: mentoring underrepresented students, co-founding the Park Under-Resourced Assistance program, and volunteering with Colaborativa La Milpa, an organization dedicated to empowering Asheville’s Latino community.
Through this initiative, they have provided direct support to local families by assisting with resource navigation, language access, and health education efforts. Whether guiding patients, supporting families, or advancing public health research, Nicholas is deeply committed to building a healthier, more just community. We are honored to present them with the Community Service Award.
Mentor Award: Caitlin Jones, Vannoy Construction
Caitlin is a trailblazer in the construction industry, leading with excellence, innovation, and a passion for lifting others up. As project manager for the $85 million Village Residence Halls at Western Carolina University, she delivered the complex project on time and under budget – earning industry-wide recognition and setting a new benchmark for success. But Caitlin’s greatest legacy may be her mentorship. As head of Vannoy Construction’s internship program in Western North Carolina, she creates hands-on learning experiences that prepare young professionals – especially women – for thriving careers in construction through a thoughtfully structured program that emphasizes both leadership and technical skills. She collaborates closely with Western Carolina University’s Construction Management Department, offering guest lectures, site tours and student support that bridge the gap between education and industry. Her leadership, generosity, and dedication to empowering future professionals make her a standout recipient of the Mentor Award.
Trailblazer Award: Samantha Coffin, Matcha Nude
Samantha Coffin is a force of innovation, purpose and heart. As founder of Matcha Nude, Samm is redefining wellness – making it accessible, sustainable and community-centered. Fueled by her background in organic marketing and nonprofit work, Sam has built a brand that goes far beyond matcha. Her commitment to ethical sourcing, compostable packaging and transparent business practices has earned Matcha Nude two NC Idea grants and 200% revenue growth in the past year alone. Her thriving social media strategy keeps the brand fresh and engaging, while her commitment to personal education through the Elevate mentorship program ensures she’s always evolving as a leader and business owner.
But Sam’s impact extends well beyond the bottom line. She leads her all-women team with intention and gives back through quarterly service days and ongoing support for Bounty & Soul. She’s a dynamic leader who turns vision into action, inspiring those around her to grow, give, and lead with compassion. It’s an honor to recognize her with the Trailblazer Award.
PROpel Award: Zavier Webb, Forvis Mazars
Zavier exemplifies the spirit of the PROpel Award through his outstanding leadership, commitment to mentorship, and deep community involvement. As a CPA and consultant at Forvis Mazars, Zavier delivers high-impact results, leading ERP implementations, automating dashboards, and optimizing financial operations for clients nationwide. His technical expertise is matched by his leadership: he mentors junior team members, manages complex client relationships, and has independently sold and delivered major engagements.
Outside of work, Zavier empowers others by organizing workshops on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career development. His dedication to mentoring young professionals and volunteering with local organizations has strengthened Asheville’s professional community and supported small business growth. Ever forward-thinking, Zavier also championed the creation of a new internal toolkit and introduced automation tools to increase team efficiency. Whether driving innovation in the workplace or uplifting others in the community, Zavier sets a bold example of what it means to lead with purpose and impact.
PROpel Award: Aimee Aiken, Express Employment Professionals
Aimee exemplifies the essence of the PROpel AVL Award through her unwavering dedication to workforce development, mentorship, and community impact. As Community Relations Advisor at Express Employment Professionals, she bridges the gap between education and employment, helping students and job seekers across Western North Carolina find meaningful careers. Aimee partners with colleges, trade schools, and local businesses to create opportunities that strengthen both individuals and the broader economy.
Her leadership shines through innovative outreach, such as launching career-readiness workshops in high schools and advocating for new recruitment strategies to address today’s workforce challenges. After Hurricane Helene and the Canton Mill closure, Aimee stepped up to connect displaced workers with critical resources and job opportunities.
A passionate mentor and relationship-builder, Aimee uplifts everyone around her. Her work creates lasting impact, empowering young professionals, supporting local businesses, and building a resilient community. Aimee doesn’t just help people find jobs – she helps them find their future.
Building Empires Award: Lindsey Bnadad, Kudzu Brands
Leadership is not just about making decisions or holding a title—it’s about inspiring others, building trust, and creating a vision that motivates people to give their very best. Lindsey Bnadad embodies all those qualities and more. She holds many titles: business owner, marketing guru, Chamber Total Resource Committee member and PROpel AVL Committee Chair. Her confidence and passion for change are truly infectious, and the PROpel committee has grown stronger and more inspired because of it. She was instrumental in rebranding and creating this program. PROpel has become—and continues to evolve into a place for young professionals to connect, grow, and learn alongside others on a similar journey.