Meet the remarkable nominees for this year’s WomanUP Awards. These nominees exemplify excellence in their fields, from trailblazing entrepreneurs to impactful nonprofit leaders.
Join us November 20th for the WomanUP Celebration & Awards Ceremony to cheer them on, make meaningful connections and leave inspired.
Photo of 2024 WomanUP Nominees
Deborah Austin
Deborah Austin has spent her career in the arts creating joyful, memorable experiences. As Executive Director of the Community Arts Council (1975–1990), she helped revitalize Asheville through partnerships that brought festivals like Bele Chere and Sunday-in-the-Park to life. A highlight was presenting ballet legend Mikhail Baryshnikov in a sold-out 1980s performance. Deborah has worked as an actor, director, writer and costumer, including directing The Grapes of Wrath in Ukraine. Today, she works part-time at Asheville Community Theatre, volunteers with The Autumn Players, and continues sharing stories and poetry with schools and seniors – keeping the magic of the arts alive.
Betsy Archer
From napkin sketches to a thriving North Asheville studio, Betsy Archer built All Bodies Movement and Wellness on a simple belief: movement is for everyone. A former social worker turned trainer, Betsy created a safe, inclusive space where joy drives fitness – not judgement. Her gym welcomes all bodies and all abilities. She’s held tight to her vision of body liberation and community connection. Beyond fitness, Betsy models equitable leadership, paying living wages, fostering belonging and championing wellness as empowerment. Her work embodies resilience, authenticity and the freedom to move joyfully.
Jennifer Bennett
As Government and Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy, Jennifer Bennett is known for her integrity, collaboration and impact. She bridges business, government and community priorities to advance shared goals and strengthen Asheville’s economic future. In a traditionally male-dominated field, Jennifer leads with both poise and authenticity, creating space for women’s voices and mentoring emerging leaders. A dedicated volunteer, she uplifts others through mentorship, advocacy and example. Jennifer’s thoughtful, inclusive leadership has elevated Duke Energy’s partnerships and made her a trusted voice in the region.
Lauren Bennett
From her start as a sales representative to COO of Aeroflow Health, Lauren Bennett has built a career defined by vision, integrity and empowerment. Overseeing 200 employees in a company that’s 74% women, she champions professional development, culture and opportunity at every level. Her leadership helped Aeroflow earn Great Place to Work certification and grow to serve more than 1.4 million patients nationwide. Lauren models compassionate, results-driven leadership, mentoring women, creating jobs and aligning success with service. A true force for impact, she turns growth into empowerment and business into a vehicle for community well-being.
Katie Bledsoe
Katie Bledsoe has been at the heart of shaping Semper FI Custom Remodeling’s culture and operations. She built the HR department from the ground up, implementing systems, policies, software and benefits that prioritize employee satisfaction, growth and retention. Her efforts have helped transform a team of skilled craftsmen into a thriving, people-centered business while strengthening client relationships. Known for her hands-on approach and leadership, Katie continues to drive the company’s growth and foster a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered.
Elisabeth (EB) Bocklet
Elisabeth (EB) Bocklet has dedicated three decades to Asheville-based nonprofits and now serves as Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. Her dedication to community is rooted in gratitude for the teachers and caring adults who once guided her — the ones who saw her potential, challenged her and stood in her corner. Today, she carries that legacy forward, helping craft stories and strategies that invite people to champion our youth, build community resiliency, and ensure ours is a community where everyone belongs and everyone thrives.
Amanda Bryant
As Executive Director of the Asheville Museum of Science, Amanda Bryant is expanding access to STEM for thousands of students across Western North Carolina. Under her leadership, AMOS has grown field trips, afterschool clubs, summer camps and rural outreach, reaching more than 20,000 students a year. She launched the region’s Women in STEM initiative, pairing visibility with mentorship so girls can see themselves in science, engineering, climate work and tech. Amanda also helped stand up recovery support after Hurricane Helene, turning the museum into a family resource hub. Her work makes science feel possible, relevant and welcoming for everyone.
Kassi Butcher
Kassi Butcher is a communications professional and storyteller committed to amplifying the voices and successes of others. With a strong connection to her hometown of Asheville, she showcases the resilience, achievements, and spirit of the community through her work with UNC Asheville Athletics and beyond. A former student-athlete, Kassi brings leadership and passion to youth sports, mentoring the next generation through coaching and example. Known for her precision, determination and ability to connect people through meaningful stories, she is dedicated to advancing community impact through communication and collaboration.
Amy Cantrell
Amy Cantrell leads with fierce compassion, taking action for Asheville’s most vulnerable. As Co-Director of Beloved Asheville, she and her team have built micro-homes, maintained street pantries, distributed heaters, tents, and essentials, and shown up night after cold night to keep neighbors safe. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Amy organized immediate relief while advancing long-term solutions: a street medic team, community care networks and policy advocacy grounded in dignity, racial inclusion and economic justice. Amy meets crisis with coordination and hope, mobilizing a community that refuses to leave anyone behind.
Lisa Caughman Payne
An award-winning school nutrition leader and Stage IV colon cancer thriver, Lisa Caughman Payne founded Lee Lees Life Lessons™ and Joyful Collective Studios™ to bring play-based, trauma-informed healing to survivors. An ordained interfaith minister and positive psychology practitioner (MSc.), she created Let Us Play—Thriving With & Beyond Cancer™, a retreat and certification pathway serving survivors across Western North Carolina. Soon to retire as Buncombe County Schools’ Nutrition Director, Lisa continues her mission to elevate wellbeing through joy, equity and community.
Rachael Chestnut
Rachael Chestnut is the Founder and CEO of The Play Nice Agency, a full-service marketing and branding firm, that helps business leaders reimagine their brands, amplify their influence, and create lasting impact through human-centric marketing practices. Her career began in Washington, leading Congressional communications, and later at Deloitte, where she led global CEO messaging. Today, she brings that expertise to Asheville, working alongside local businesses and nonprofits to not only rebuild brands, but restore confidence and resilience within the community. When she’s not championing local businesses, you’ll find her in the woods foraging for rocks or (unofficially) lobbying for yoga pants to qualify as business casual.
Sonali Devesh
Sonali Devesh is a holistic aesthetician and fashion designer who blends ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern, non-invasive skincare using 100% certified organic ingredients. Inspired by her grandmother’s beauty rituals, Sonali’s passion began in childhood and evolved into a mission-driven practice. At Sonali Devesh Wellness Spa, she promotes skincare as a path to mental and emotional well-being. Her vision is to make high-quality treatments accessible to all women, regardless of income, creating a nurturing space where beauty, confidence and wellness go hand in hand. Sonali continues to honor her legacy by uplifting others through skin health and soulful care.
Lelia Duncan
A mentor to mentors, Lelia Duncan has redefined what leadership in the nonprofit world can look like. As President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC, she’s built resilient teams, strengthened regional collaboration, and amplified women’s leadership across the BBBS network. Her compassionate approach inspires trust, while her strategic foresight has guided thousands of youth and families through post-disaster recovery and growth. Lelia’s influence extends far beyond her organization—through coaching, peer leadership, and advocacy, she empowers others to lead with empathy and courage. Her work is a masterclass in vision, generosity, and transformation.
Jessie Edington
With 12 years of experience in event production and design, Jessie Edington serves as Event Manager for the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She leads signature programs such as the WNC Parade of Homes, Build & Remodel Expo, and Annual Awards Gala, creating platforms that strengthen Asheville’s building industry and foster community connections. Her work ensures high-quality experiences that elevate local builders and industry partners. Jessie also coaches at MADabolic Asheville, where she applies the same focus and discipline to mentoring others, building resilience and inspiring confidence through strength training.
Veronica Edwards
Veronica Edwards is the Owner and Founder of Balanced Virtually LLC, a cloud-based bookkeeping and accounting firm in Asheville with over 20 years of experience, currently helping small business owners. She facilitates the Financial Tools Series and serve as a Business Coach with MountainBizWorks, as well as for Mayland Community College. She also volunteers with WNC Nonprofit Pathways’ Ask A CPA program, created after Hurricane Helene. She also created a Financial Literacy Workshop for Hangar Hall Middle School and QuickBooks Workshops for A-B Tech and NCDOT. Veronica serves as Treasurer for the SPARC Foundation and hosts The Veronica Edwards Show.
Meredith Ellison
Meredith Ellison is the co-founder and Chief Well-Being Officer of Quility, where she hopes to champion the company’s commitment to creating an ecosystem where people can protect what matters most and live lives of significance. Raised in Athens, Alabama, Meredith earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Alabama and her Master’s in Community Counseling from Western Carolina University. She has devoted her career to cultivating organizational well-being through leadership development, cultural design, and systems that sustain growth. She is the architect of The Ripple Model™, Quility’s cultural framework that emphasizes amplification and belonging, personal well-being, and community impact. Beyond her role at Quility, Meredith co-founded the Beacon Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing parks and public spaces as vital assets for community resilience.
Caroline Edwards
Caroline Edwards has continuously surprised colleagues and clients with her technical skill, communication and unflinching dedication to her community. She has become the top salesperson at the Asheville location, repeatedly exceeding expectations and making a name for herself in a vastly male-dominated industry. Motivated to better serve her home, peers and company, she also organized a cookout for regional contractors, boosting local engagement and connections.
Dr. Maggie Fehrman
Dr. Maggie Fehrman is a visionary superintendent dedicated to equity, transparency, and student-centered leadership. Since joining Asheville City Schools in July 2023, she has focused on inclusive practices, strategic planning and fostering strong community relationships. She launched programs like the Cougar Academy of Leadership and Learning, the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, and recognition initiatives such as Clawsome Cougar Awards. Through events like “Muffins with Dr. Maggie,” she promotes open communication with families. Formerly superintendent in Decatur, Georgia, Dr. Fehrman holds advanced degrees from Georgia State University. Raised in Pennsylvania, she enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and their three pets.
Virginia Lawrence
With three decades in commercial banking, Virginia Lawrence pairs sharp financial expertise with service-driven leadership. Virginia spent 20 years in Charleston where she served on the boards of Women at Work, The Center for Women, Rotary and Goodwill. She also helped launch a Women’s Business Center and expand SBA lending opportunities. Virginia mentors women entrepreneurs, reviews business plans, and champions access to capital. Locally, she serves on the Western Carolina Medical Society board, leads Rotary initiatives, and supports WomanUP. Authentic, resilient and community-minded, Virginia strives to be a “super connector,” turning relationships into results for people and business.
Maria Figueroa Luna
Maria Figueroa Luna has spent over 15 years helping her community. She worked for ten years at MAHEC, caring for women in Western North Carolina. She is also an experienced interpreter, assisting the Latino community during Hurricane Helene. Before the hurricane, she and her husband ran a small auto repair shop in Swannanoa, a local staple, that has yet to reopen due to heavy flood damage from Helene. A month after the hurricane, Maria Elena started a new job at Catholic Charities as a Disaster Case Manager. In this role, she helps families rebuild their lives, find housing and recover from the hurricane’s damage. Maria Elena continues to support families affected by Helene. She shows strong dedication and resilience, making a positive difference in her community through her ongoing efforts.
Kate Frost
Kate Frost is the Executive Director of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center. She’s worked in the nonprofit sector for 19 years, fundraising for mental health, elder care, education and social services, with the past six years devoted to wildlife conservation. Under her leadership, Friends of the WNC Nature Center has expanded its role in conservation education, fundraising and community engagement. Kate also serves as Board President of the Western North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and as Membership Chair on the Board of the Friends of Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah, Georgia.
Ashley Garrison
Ashley Garrison is the co-owner and creative director of The Hop Ice Cream and Pop Bubble Tea in Asheville, NC. Since 2003, she has built a career centered on creativity, community, and connection through desserts. Since purchasing The Hop in 2008, she has continued to expand its presence with inventive flavors and collaborative events, while also launching Pop Bubble Tea. Her businesses strive to foster joy and belonging, and her work has been featured in Saveur, Domino, VegNews, HuffPost, Southern Living and on the Cooking Channel’s Unique Sweets.
Mariah Gunther
Mariah Gunther is a dynamic business leader and co-owner/CFO of IntelliSound, Inc., where she drives financial strategy, operational excellence and growth initiatives. She is known for her creativity and collaborative leadership, streamlining systems and developing innovative marketing strategies that boost client engagement. Beyond her work at IntelliSound, Mariah is an advocate for local business, hosting events, building partnerships, and supporting charitable causes in Asheville. Her commitment to empowering others and elevating women entrepreneurs reflects her passion for creating lasting impact in her hometown of Asheville.
Blair Hamel
Blair Hamel is a licensed psychologist and CEO leading a team of 70 therapists committed to making mental health care accessible. Under her leadership, the practice expanded significantly while staying rooted in its mission to provide inclusive, insurance-friendly therapy. Blair guided her team through the challenges of Hurricane Helene with resilience and clarity. Passionate about serving LGBTQ and neurodivergent communities, she brings a strong advocacy lens to her work. Blair also serves on the board of Youth OUTright, a nonprofit supporting LGBTQ youth in Asheville.
Kristy Kay
Kristy Kay is a powerhouse with Express Employment Professionals of Asheville, where she’s earned Top 50 recognition in the company eight of the last ten years. This year, she took the national stage at Express’s Sales Rally in Chicago, sharing her expertise on leadership and influence. Kristy is passionate about building strong company partnerships, inspiring her team to think like owners, and creating opportunities that change lives in Western North Carolina. Her drive, creativity and community focus make her a standout leader and a force for impact.
Jaclyn “Jackie” Kiger
Jackie Kiger leads Pisgah Legal Services with steadiness and urgency in moments when Western North Carolina needs it most. After stepping in as Executive Director in 2024, she immediately mobilized legal aid, FEMA support and disaster recovery clinics for thousands of residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. Over her 15-year tenure, she’s built programs that expanded access to healthcare, secured millions in economic benefits for low-income families, and advanced Medicaid expansion across the state. A trusted mentor to women in law and nonprofit leadership, Jackie models calm, deeply ethical, client-centered leadership rooted in justice and dignity.
Beth Lemmel
Beth Lemmel is a builder of companies, of leaders, of community. As Chief of Staff at ActionCOACH Business Growth Partners and co-founder of The Asheville Business Summit, she connects business owners, creates opportunities, and turns ideas into momentum. Beth is known for pairing vision with execution: growing jobs, elevating local leaders, and generating significant economic impact through high-level programming and partnerships. After Hurricane Helene, she mobilized support for affected businesses and helped secure recovery resources.
Christine Maiello
At Envision Eyecare, Christine Maiello is both culture-builder and growth strategist. Over ten years, she’s risen into the role of General Manager, where she leads with empathy, clarity, and vision. Christine mentors a predominantly women-led team, creating pathways for professional advancement and even building new roles to recognize individual strengths. She invests personally in people’s development through coaching, education support and trust. Beyond the walls of the practice, she forges community partnerships, supports local nonprofits, and helps provide access to care for patients who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
Amy Michaelson Kelly
Amy Michaelson Kelly is a real estate developer, hotelier, and community leader dedicated to shaping Asheville’s River Arts District into a vibrant, resilient neighborhood. As co-founder of Hatteras Sky, she has spearheaded award-winning projects including The Radical Hotel, Zelda Dearest, and the new RAD Rendezvous artist studios. Beyond her development work, Amy serves on multiple civic and arts boards, championing local businesses, flood recovery, and creative placemaking. Honored with the 2024 WomanUP “Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business” Award, she is committed to blending design, community and lasting impact.
Carrie Maresh
Carrie Maresh oversees the daily operations, coordinates teams, manages project workflows, and handles accounts payable to keep remodeling projects running smoothly at Semper Fi Custom Remodeling. She thrives on problem-solving and ensuring efficiency while delivering top-notch client service. Outside of work, she enjoys running with her dog, Sidney, spending time with her husband, Daniel, and pursuing endurance challenges, including a 100-mile race and a 12.5-mile open-water swim.
Jessica May
Jessica May is currently serving as Vice President of Philanthropy & Marketing at Verner Center for Early Learning, where she leads fundraising and marketing efforts to expand access to high-quality early care and education throughout Buncombe County. A proven nonprofit leader, she has exceeded fundraising goals, secured record-setting endowments and grants, and implemented innovative donor strategies across multiple organizations in Western North Carolina. Jessica is a Leadership Asheville alum (’20) and a graduate of Duke University’s Nonprofit Management Certificate Program. Most recently, she completed WNC Nonprofit Pathways’ Leadership program, strengthening her expertise in organizational growth and sustainability. Outside of her professional work, Jessica enjoys life in Waynesville with her husband, David, their five-year-old daughter, Abigail Jane, and their sweet cat, Nahla.
AnnMarie (Ann) Miller
AnnMarie Miller is transforming elder care in Western North Carolina. As the co-founder and CEO of SOS (Senior Oral-Health Services), she pioneered a preventive, mobile model that brings weekly oral health care directly to dependent seniors in long-term care communities. Under her leadership, SOS now serves dozens of facilities across the region and delivers measurable improvements in health, comfort, and dignity. Ann blends clinical knowledge with sharp operational strategy, building a sustainable model that benefits residents, families, and care partners. Compassionate, relentless and innovative, she is setting a new standard for how we care for aging adults.
Rebekah Morrisson
Rebekah Morrisson is a force for both ecological recovery and women’s leadership in conservation. As Program Director for Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards, she has led crews into damaged backcountry, secured complex recovery funding, and built systems that put women in the field and in charge. Rebekah pairs technical skill with policy fluency: drafting budgets and agreements, mentoring emerging leaders, and ensuring women have access to training, gear and advancement in a historically male-dominated space. After catastrophic regional storm damage, she helped create a blueprint for long-term recovery that centers resilience, equity and public land stewardship for Western North Carolina.
Mary Nation
As a Case Management Coordinator at Catholic Charities for over two years, Mary Nation works one-on-one with individuals to support their journey toward self-sufficiency. Her approach centers on meeting people where they are and developing personalized plans that reflect their unique goals and needs. In the months following Hurricane Helene, she pivoted to focus on disaster case management. She has over six years of experience in case management overall. In addition to case management, she facilitates Circle of Security Parenting classes, equipping caregivers with tools to build healthy, secure attachments with their children and strengthen family bonds within the community.
Melissa Murray
Melissa Murray launched Mosaix Group 24 years ago with a card table and a vision. Today, she leads an award-winning event and destination management firm that serves clients nationwide while staying rooted in Asheville. Melissa has guided her company through numerous challenges, proving again and again that calm logistics and human care can move mountains. She’s brought millions in visitor-spending to the region and mobilized large-scale support for community disaster response, often behind the scenes. Melissa leads with strategy, grit and genuine love for her team, her clients and her community.
Rita Nugent
As Executive Director of Our Voice, Rita Nugent leads with steadiness, clarity and deep compassion. She has guided the organization through crisis and change while protecting its mission: supporting survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking across Western North Carolina. Rita has strengthened staff culture, centered pay equity, deepened board engagement, and ensured 24/7 services continued even in the wake of disaster. She mentors a largely women-led team in one of the most emotionally demanding fields, modeling trauma-informed leadership that prioritizes both impact and humanity. Rita’s work is quiet, essential and transformative for survivors, staff and community.
Suzy Phillips
Suzy Phillips helped reshape Asheville’s food scene. More than a decade ago, she stood before Asheville City Council to advocate for food trucks in the city’s core, opening the door for an entire generation of mobile food entrepreneurs. She went on to build beloved brick-and-mortar restaurants, creating jobs and modeling inclusive, dignified workplaces that welcome people from every background. A survivor of the Lebanese Civil War, Suzy built her business on love, resilience and the flavors she learned in bomb shelters as a child. Her food nourishes Asheville.
Jessica Pienta
For the past two and a half years, Jessica Pienta served as the Direct Assistance Coordinator at Catholic Charities Western Regional Office, supporting programs for individuals and families in need. She manages their Food Pantry, coordinates Financial Assistance, organizes Holiday Assistance, and oversees their Burial and Cremation Program. She also represents their agency at community events and supported these programs and donor relations following Hurricane Helene. While working full time, she’s also pursuing a Master of Social Work, as her work has shown her the importance of assisting vulnerable populations in our communities.
Crystal Pressley
. As President of Xtreme Drywall Systems, Crystal Pressley oversees hiring, scheduling, accounts, estimating and on-site project support, earning trust in an industry where women are rarely at the helm. After the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene, she helped coordinate repairs for affected residents and supported local nonprofits, while also raising her grandson and running multiple businesses. Crystal also owns two local magazines that donate a portion of profits to flood relief. She is a hands-on leader, a community advocate and a powerful model of resilience for women in the trades.
Dr. Lisa Raleigh
Dr. Lisa Raleigh, a Montana native, spent 30 years in the mountains of Colorado before moving to Asheville in 2021 to become RiverLink’s third-ever Executive Director. A hydrologist with a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, she brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and communications experience. Lisa is honored to lead RiverLink’s work protecting the French Broad River, particularly post-Helene, a responsibility she shares with its staff, board and community. An avid hiker, cyclist and climber, she and her husband, Duane, are delighted to call the Asheville region home.
Marsha Ralls
Marsha Ralls founded The Phoenix Asheville to meet a modern need: healing-centered leadership. Blending neuroscience-based development, executive retreat work and holistic wellness, she created a destination for leaders and teams seeking real transformation not just time away from the office. Her model brings national clients to Western North Carolina while investing locally through partnerships, scholarships and sourcing. She is proof that business can be both high-impact and deeply human.
Eva-Michelle Spicer
As President of the Rotary Club of Asheville, Eva-Michelle Spicer led one of the region’s largest civic organizations through a year defined by service and urgency. After Hurricane Helene, she helped mobilize nearly $500,000 in relief, partnering with more than 35 local organizations to support housing, small businesses, food security and trauma care. She also elevated programs celebrating educators, first responders and students, making Rotary more visible, inclusive and community-centered. Leading while parenting a young child, she is also an outspoken champion for women’s leadership.
Kit Roberts
Kit Roberts is a passionate leader in creating recovery-friendly workplaces. As Director of Recovery Friendly Workplace Programs at WCI, Inc., she has equipped more than 30 organizations across Western North Carolina to build supportive, stigma-free environments where people and businesses thrive. A dynamic speaker at chambers, workforce boards, and statewide conferences, she highlights both the business and human impact of recovery. Kit also created Resilient Recovery, an online microlearning course that empowers individuals in recovery with essential workplace skills. Author of A Renovated Life, her passion is rooted in her own story of recovery, resilience and hope.
Dr. Samantha Sircey
Dr. Samantha Sircey, a lifelong Asheville resident and dedicated educator, serves as Campus President at South College. A Buncombe County Schools graduate, she holds degrees from UNCA and WCU, including an EdD in Leadership. With extensive experience in both K-12 and higher education, Dr. Sircey champions a student-first philosophy. Her leadership focuses on expanding academic programs, enhancing student support, and building community partnerships to foster success for students and faculty.
Andrea (Andie) Slivinski
Andrea (Andie) Slivinski is a nationally recognized doctorate-prepared Clinical Nurse Specialist whose leadership and scholarship have advanced emergency and trauma care across the U.S. for more than two decades. As a woman in STEM, she has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications, mentored countless nurses, and shaped international clinical guidelines. Her work bridges research and practice, elevating patient outcomes and clinical standards. In addition to clinical and scholarly contributions, she supports the next generation of nurses through university teaching. Dr. Slivinski exemplifies innovation, advocacy and excellence in healthcare and continues to make impactful contributions to the STEM field through research, education and leadership.
Ellen Stallings
Ellen Stallings founded Riverwave Broadband to close a critical gap: delivering resilient, affordable, 100% fiber internet to homes and small businesses across Western North Carolina. Her leadership proved vital after Hurricane Helene, when Riverwave helped reconnect displaced residents and local governments with emergency internet access. Ellen is both strategist and operator, guiding technical buildout, leading teams and making high-speed connectivity more equitable across the region. She is also actively building a culture of growth and recognition inside the company, especially for women in tech and infrastructure. Ellen is shaping digital access as essential community infrastructure.
Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp
Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp has served with the Asheville Police Department since 2005 and is the first female Deputy Chief. She has led nearly every division and is APD’s only certified female firearms and force-on-force instructor. Recognized for her community-focused approach, she builds strong relationships and fosters trust throughout Asheville. She recently implemented a Police Compensation Pay Plan, modernizing a 20-year-old system, and is leading the launch of a Technology & Intelligence Division, with a Real-Time Intelligence Center planned once funding is secured. Beyond APD, she serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC.
Jill Summers
Jill Summers has spent the last 16 years designing, building and running all of the Asheville Community Theatre’s mainstage productions. As the Director of Production and resident set designer, she has produced over 80 shows and designed 46 sets. Most recent designs include Grease, Into the Woods, The Play That Goes Wrong, Matilda, Flyin’ West, and Native Gardens. She has mentored many student designers and technicians, overseen multiple facility renovations, and raised production values with every show. She is most proud of creating ACT’s new rehearsal and dance studio, which has made a huge impact across all of their programming.
Ashley Tee
Growing up on a farm in Western North Carolina, Ashley Tee developed a lifelong commitment to food access and a deep love for our community. As Executive Director of Community Health for YMCA of WNC, she leads efforts to expand food access and support people managing chronic health conditions, ensuring all community members have the resources to live healthier lives. Ashley’s work has guided YMCAs nationwide through innovative strategies that strengthen food pantries, markets and food distribution systems. Ashley is honored to serve the community that raised her and strives to carry forward the strength and support this community instilled in her.
Megan Thorp
Since joining Tanger Outlet Asheville in December 2014, Megan Thorp has been passionate about creating experiences that go beyond shopping. She aims to make the center a vibrant community hub where guests can enjoy events, connect and shop top brands in a welcoming atmosphere. Originally from Cincinnati, Megan has lived in Asheville for 16 years with her husband Eric, a native, and their two children, Jack and Charlotte. Deeply committed to community involvement, she actively volunteers and partners with local nonprofits. Outside of work, Megan enjoys exploring Asheville with her family and staying engaged in the community she proudly calls home.
Jenny Tracy
Jenny Tracy is an experienced educational leader passionate about creating collaborative, mission-driven learning environments. She is in her fourth year as Executive Director of Horizons at Carolina Day School, serving 135 students from underserved communities in Asheville and Buncombe County. Jenny has strengthened the program’s growth, sustainability, and quality. Previously, she managed a women- and children-focused program at the YWCA of Asheville. Her background includes teaching in Kazakhstan with the Peace Corps, at an international school in Morocco, and in New York City public schools. She also worked internationally with Front Line Defenders, a human rights organization based in Ireland.
Phyllis Utley
Phyllis Utley, a Hurricane Hero and Indigenous Literary Word Artist, has shared her voice since childhood in schools, communities and faith-based spaces. Honoring her North, South, and Central American ancestry, she was named one of Asheville’s Hidden Influencers (2017) and worked with Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee at Columbia University (2018). A member of Alternate ROOTS, she leads The Remembrance Project, which earned a 2025 NADO Impact Award. Utley also received the 2025 Black Wall Street Outstanding Elder Award and is a former Tzedek Impact and CoThinkk Leadership Awardee, using art and activism to build a more just world.
Courtney van Dalen
Courtney van Dalen serves as the Assistant Farm Manager at Biltmore Farms, overseeing the legacy Jersey dairy herd while pursuing her master’s at NC State. She collaborates with leadership to streamline operations and promote sustainable farming practices. Beyond the farm, she engages local FFA students through hands-on experiences and educational tours. She was recently featured on local news for leading the farm’s first Kindergarten Farm Day, connecting young children to agriculture. Passionate about advocacy, she strives to empower young women in the agricultural industry and foster their involvement in this increasingly niche field through education and mentorship.
Patricia Wagner
With 30+ years of leadership across operations, finance and systems design, Patricia Wagner now applies her expertise to one of Western North Carolina’s most urgent health gaps: oral care for dependent seniors. As Co-Owner and Care Services Director at SOS, Senior Oral-Health Services, she helped build a compassionate, scalable model that delivers weekly in-place care to vulnerable elders, improving comfort, health and dignity. Throughout her career, Patricia has mentored women, championed inclusive leadership, and strengthened teams by investing in people first. Her legacy is part operational excellence, part radical care, and entirely community-centered.
Reilly Wilkes
Reilly Wilkes is helping shape the future of advanced manufacturing in Western North Carolina. As Director of Operations & Business Development at KRW Packaging Machinery, she leads day-to-day operations, engineering decisions, product development, and global customer relationships—work that sits squarely at the intersection of manufacturing and STEM. An Asheville native, Reilly returned home to help carry her family’s company into its next era and to keep high-skill, high-tech work rooted here. She mentors young women exploring STEM careers, opens KRW’s doors to students, and leads with both technical fluency and community heart.