Community members gathered Tuesday, March 24 for the 3rd Annual PROpel AVL Awards Celebration (presented by Duke Energy, First Bank and Western Carolina University), celebrating the exceptional young professionals making significant strides in Asheville and beyond.
As Jennifer Bennett from presenting sponsor Duke Energy put it addressing all the nominees, “You’re distinguishing yourselves through your work, advancing your industries through innovation, seeking out new opportunities to learn and lead, and investing your time in making this community stronger. Just as impressive is the impact your drive and leadership have on the people around you—you set the bar, and you inspire all of us.”
Trailblazer Award presented by A-B Tech: Megan Carroll, Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains
The Trailblazer Award celebrates a rising leader who is charting new territory in business or shaping the future of our business community.
Megan Carroll is Executive Officer of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Under her leadership, the association has grown from roughly 800 members to about 1,300, making it the 13th largest builders association in the nation. Her strong, consistent leadership played a key role leading to the organization’s work being recognized with five national Association Excellence Awards from the National Association of Home Builders, including Executive Officer of the Year.
Following Helene, Megan helped launch a regional Disaster Recovery Task Force that brought together experts across sectors to address rebuilding logistics, mental health, funding access, workforce challenges, and consumer protection. She also supported innovative outreach efforts, including regional housing forums and a comprehensive public education campaign designed to deter predatory practices during recovery.
Professionally, she has helped set a standard for how industry organizations can engage thoughtfully with public agencies, nonprofits, and residents.
Leadership Award presented by First Bank: Kavik Carter, Kavik’s Customs
The Leadership Award recognizes someone for making an impact through organizational leadership and dedication to community.
Kavik Carter is an Asheville-based entrepreneur, student leader and community builder at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Information Technology with an Artificial Intelligence concentration. Kavik chartered and rebuilt the Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate chapter at A-B Tech. As president of the FBLA Chapter, Kavik mentors students, strengthens campus engagement, and leads service projects that support the community—including fundraising for a local children’s home and organizing impactful guest speakers. Kavik also owns Kavik’s Customs LLC, blending creativity and business strategy through high-end automotive customization. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset, Kavik is preparing for the future of AI by exploring responsible, practical innovation that helps people and organizations thrive.
PROpel Award presented by Hunter Automotive Group: Kwadwo Som-Pimpong of Eaton Corporation and Crafted Glory
The PROpel Award recognizes young professionals for setting the standard for excellence in leadership, commitment to mentorship and passion for community service.
Kwadwo Som-Pimpong is the founder and creative director of Crafted Glory, a fine furniture company he established while maintaining a career in manufacturing leadership at Eaton Corporation.
Kwadwo represents the future of Asheville’s creative economy: a manufacturing leader who applies industrial excellence to elevate craft, and a maker who proves these worlds can not only coexist but strengthen each other. His approach combines manufacturing rigor with artistic vision, creating sustainable business models that honor craft traditions while building toward scalability. His work has been featured on NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in a 2024 Etsy Olympics commercial.
Kwadwo actively contributes to Western North Carolina’s cultural landscape. As a Ghanaian-American, Kwadwo expands the narrative of who belongs in craft. His apprenticeship program provides hands-on training for young people and creates pathways into skilled trades. His “Echoes of the Forest” bench project aligns with the Boosting the Block team’s gateway project near Asheville’s historic YMI building, bringing public art to the community. He also served on the Center for Craft’s advisory committee for the Hurricane Helene Craft Futures Fund.
Kwadwo’s journey—balancing manufacturing leadership, entrepreneurship, and fatherhood—demonstrates resilience and strategic thinking that young professionals across industries can learn from.
Innovation Award presented by Kearfott Corporation: Gwendolyn Hageman, Darë Vegan Cheese
The Innovation Award recognizes someone for creativity and innovation in business.
Gwendolyn Hageman is the founder of Darë Vegan Cheese. She launched Darë with a clear mission – to create exceptionally delicious vegan cheese using clean, wholesome ingredients while supporting community and environmental sustainability.
Gwendolyn has reimagined what vegan cheese can be, both as a product and as a brand. Through Darë Vegan Cheese, she has combined culinary craftsmanship with food science to develop cultured, dairy-free cheeses that deliver the flavor, texture, and experience traditionally associated with dairy. Her focus on live cultures, clean ingredients, and artisan techniques has helped set Darë apart in a highly competitive plant-based market.
Under her leadership, Darë has grown from concept to a nationally recognized artisan brand, earning placement in premium retail channels, including Whole Foods Market along with building a loyal direct-to-consumer following. Gwendolyn has intentionally built Darë Vegan Cheese as a locally rooted business that contributes to both the region’s economy and its creative ecosystem. She prioritizes local partnerships whenever possible and actively participates in Asheville’s entrepreneurship community.
Mentor Award presented by Western Carolina University: Amy Deter, YMCA of Western North Carolina
The Mentor Award honors an individual for nurturing growth and success of young professionals in our community.
Amy Dolendo Deter exemplifies what it means to invest in the next generation of leaders. As Executive Director for Youth Services at YMCA of Western North Carolina, Amy has dedicated her career to building leadership capacity in young people and ensuring they have the skills, confidence and civic awareness to lead their communities forward. She also serves as a role model to younger colleagues, supports employee resource groups and conducts leadership development trainings.
Amy is the visionary behind the Y Ambassadors Program. Through this program, young people learn foundational leadership skills, public speaking, and civic engagement at a formative age – long before most leadership programs typically begin. What makes Amy’s work especially impactful is its continuity: starting in elementary school, students are supported through a progression of leadership opportunities continuing through high school, creating a sustained pathway for growth rather than a one-time experience.
Truly, Amy has enriched the lives of thousands of young people in Buncombe County.
Community/Public Service Award presented by TruPoint Bank: Sarah Humphries, UNC Asheville
This award recognizes someone who is making an impact on the lives of others through tireless service to our community.
As Chief of Staff at UNC Asheville, Sarah Humphries advances strategic priorities and supports executive leadership. Sarah is deeply committed to strengthening UNC Asheville’s role as an economic and educational driver for Western North Carolina. She served on UNC Asheville’s Prison Education Program board and volunteered to teach at Avery Mitchell Correctional Institution. She currently sits on the North Carolina School of Science and Math Admissions Advisory Council.
Sarah was also recognized by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, for raising the most funds for the foundation supporting regional resources and national research. She later served on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s National Leadership Council.
A long-time Asheville resident, Sarah is a consistent patron of all things Asheville – be it food, festivals, pop-ups and the arts.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and to our sponsors for making the event possible: First Bank (presenting sponsor), Duke Energy (presenting sponsor), Western Carolina University (presenting sponsor), Hunter Automotive Group, Sierra Nevada Brewing, A-B Tech, Silver Moon Photography, Amplified Media, Realty ONE Group Pivot, TruPoint Bank, iHeartMedia, Kearfott, GE Aerospace, FASTSIGNS of Asheville, The Village Porch, ZimZoom Photo Booth, DJ Molly Parti and Craft HR.