The 2025 WomanUP Celebration recognized the outstanding achievements of women leaders in Asheville.
Here’s a look at this year’s WomanUP Award winners:
Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award – Deborah Austin
This award honors a woman who has distinguished herself over a lifetime by demonstrating excellence and leadership in business. Presented by First Bank
Deborah Austin has spent her career shaping Asheville’s identity as an arts destination. As Executive Director of the Community Arts Council from 1975 to 1990, she helped spark downtown revitalization through creative partnerships that launched programs like Sunday-in-the-Park and supported the founding of Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center.
A founding force behind Bele Chere, Deborah served as its first entertainment director and helped grow it into the Southeast’s largest free festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees during its 35-year run.
Deborah has worked with theatrical groups across Western North Carolina as an actor, director, writer and costume designer. She first got involved with Montford Park Players and Asheville Community Theatre in her youth and has since worn nearly every hat – from volunteer to managing director.
Deborah later co-founded Bittersweet Productions, producing special events at Biltmore and the Grove Park Inn and creating radio-style performances celebrating local history.
Today, Deborah remains active with The Autumn Players at Asheville Community Theatre and serves as Vice President of the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Advisory Committee. She continues to share stories and poetry with veterans and seniors – keeping the magic of the arts alive.
Impact Award – Phyllis Utley, Land of Sky Regional Council
This award recognizes a trailblazer who is making an impact through leadership and innovation. Presented by Kudzu Brands
Phyllis Utley has made a profound impact on our community through her work in bail reform, youth mentorship, reentry programs, and cultural preservation.
Her advocacy has reunited families, opened pathways to opportunity, and amplified Black voices.
A champion for racial and economic justice, Phyllis has provided leadership to BYP100, Black Wall Street AVL, and the Racial Justice Coalition, and advanced BYP100’s She Safe We Safe campaign to end violence against Black women, girls and gender non-conforming people.
The Remembrance Project she leads for Land of Sky Regional Council recently received national recognition for honoring unmarked ancestral burial grounds.
Named one of Asheville’s Hidden Influencers and honored with the Black Wall Street Outstanding Elder, Tzedek Impact, and CoThinkk Leadership awards, Phyllis is also an Indigenous Literary Word Artist who has shared her voice since childhood in school, community, tribal and faith-based venues.
As a member of Alternate Roots, Phyllis uses art and culture as tools for justice and community healing.
Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business Award – Rachael Chestnut, The Play Nice Agency
The Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business Award recognizes a woman who demonstrates the transformation of her dream into the reality of a product or service. Presented by Gratz Park Private Wealth Asheville.
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. Rachael’s 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 rebuild brands while also restoring confidence and resilience within the community. Recently, Rachael responded to community needs by partnering with other local businesses on a food drive. When Rachael’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.
Outstanding Woman in Nonprofit Leadership – Ashley Tee, YMCA of Western North Carolina
The Outstanding Woman in Nonprofit Leadership Award recognizes a woman who exhibits exceptional leadership in the nonprofit sector and demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing women in her organization and throughout the community. Presented by TD Bank
Ashley grew up on a farm in Western North Carolina, where she developed a lifelong commitment to food access and a deep love for community. Today, as Executive Director of Community Health for the YMCA of Western North Carolina, Ashley leads initiatives that expand food access and support individuals managing chronic health conditions—ensuring that all community members have the resources to live healthier lives.
Following Hurricane Helene, Ashley mobilized her national YMCA network to secure donated food and water, enabling the YMCA to deliver critical supplies to devastated areas and serve tens of thousands of people. Between October 2024 and July of this year, Ashley and her team distributed more than 170,000 pounds of fresh food to over 35,000 people—a 135% increase in demand year-over-year.
Ashley’s innovative strategies have become a model for YMCAs nationwide, strengthening food pantries, markets, and disaster response systems. Her work is a powerful example of leadership that creates lasting impact.
STEM Award – Amanda Bryant, Asheville Museum of Science
The STEM Award recognizes outstanding work in a STEM field or in advocacy for programs supporting careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.Presented by MAHEC
As Executive Director of the Asheville Museum of Science, Amanda Bryant is making sure that young people today have the access, mentors and opportunities they need to prepare them for STEM-powered futures. Under her leadership, Asheville Museum of Science has grown field trips, afterschool clubs and summer camps, reaching more than 20,000 students a year with new curriculum in space science, weather, climate, robotics and environmental studies.
Amanda helped launch the Buncombe County STEM Ecosystem – a collaboration that connects nonprofits, schools, universities and industries to strengthen pathways into STEM and give teachers new tools to bring STEM into classrooms.
She also launched the region’s Women in STEM initiative, pairing visibility with mentorship so girls can see themselves in science, engineering, climate work and tech.
Her work makes science feel possible, relevant and welcoming for everyone.
Rising Star Award – Courtney van Dalen, Biltmore Farms
The Rising Star Award recognizes a young woman under the age of 35 who has distinguished herself as a leader and role model to other young women. Presented by Western Carolina University
Courtney van Dalen serves as the Assistant Farm Manager at Biltmore Farms, overseeing the historic Vanderbilt Cecil Jersey dairy herd while pursuing her master’s at NC State.
Courtney collaborates with leadership to streamline operations and promote sustainable farming practices. Beyond the farm, Courtney is an ambassador for agriculture in the broader community. She engages local students through hands-on experiences and educational tours. One of her most visible roles is overseeing the Moo-ternity Ward at the Mountain State Fair, where she educates thousands of visitors each year about dairy farming and animal care.
By sharing her knowledge with warmth and enthusiasm, Courtney ensures that agriculture is preserved as a tradition while being understood and valued as a vital part of Western North Carolina’s future.
Woman Executive of the Year – Jennifer Bennett, Duke Energy
The Woman Executive of the Year award recognizes a woman who has distinguished herself in her workplace and her profession and who has demonstrated commitment to fostering growth and development of women by sharing guidance and professional skills. Presented by Realty ONE Group Pivot
Jennifer Bennett is one of those rare leaders who is both deeply smart and genuinely influential in our community.
In her role as Government and Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy, Jennifer has earned a reputation as a trusted leader, strategic thinker and collaborative problem-solver.
Her work across Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey and Avery Counties focuses on issue management, philanthropic investments, and building partnerships with local leaders and organizations.
She has helped secure grants and support for regional initiatives, and seeks opportunities to mentor and support fellow women professionals. Showing up with authenticity, warmth and purpose, Jennifer has a unique talent for bringing together business, government and community voices in ways that move important initiatives forward while balancing diverse perspectives.