Aimee Aiken – As Community Relations Advisor for Express Employment Professionals, Aimee is a powerhouse in workforce development, connecting students and job seekers with meaningful employment. Her innovative outreach to high schools and colleges has bridged critical gaps between education and employment, making her a mentor and advocate for countless young professionals.
Andrew Johnson – Assistant Director at Western Carolina University, Andrew blends higher education with community enrichment. From founding youth tennis tournaments to leading statewide education initiatives and PROpel AVL events, he’s a tireless connector and supporter of future leaders.
Ashley Haney – As Sales and Marketing Director for Givens Communities, Ashley is known for her compassion and leadership in healthcare. Her creative systems for admissions and ongoing mentorship of staff highlight her commitment to elder care and community wellness initiatives like Alzheimer’s awareness and local health events.
Ben Roland – Project Development Manager at Semper Fi Custom Remodeling, Ben helps oversee and manage products and sales for the organization, consistently delivering results on schedule. On a daily basis, Ben displays exceptional dedication, expertise and hard work. He is an amazing team player who cultivates an environment of mutual respect, empowering every team member to contribute their best. His meticulous planning, strategic foresight, and proactive communication ensures that each project is executed with precision and efficiency, surpassing both internal benchmarks and client expectations.
Caitlin Jones – Project Manager at Vannoy Construction, Caitlin is breaking barriers in the construction industry. She led the award-winning $85M Village Residence Halls project at WCU and oversees Vannoy’s WNC internship program. Her mentorship and advocacy for women in construction are helping redefine the industry’s future.
Carrie Prado – Owner of Overlook Coffee Collective and Retro Coffee, Carrie is a community builder through and through. Her shops uplift local artisans, pay living wages, and host inclusive events that bring joy and connection to Asheville’s neighborhoods.
Christy Wilson – Director at Cypress Creek Renewables, Christy is a fast-rising leader blending professional excellence with community impact. A dedicated board member of Junior League and an integral part of disaster recovery efforts, she leads with empathy and drive.
Daniel Murphy – Vice President of Hummingbird Insurance, Dan is known for his customer-first approach and mentorship. He’s trained numerous agents and developed a custom CRM system, keeping his agency at the forefront of innovation while giving back through cultural talks and pro bono efforts.
Dr. Henry Zaremba – Lead Clinician at Apex Brain Centers, Dr. Zaremba is pioneering neurological care. A fellow of the IACN, he combines cutting-edge therapies with community outreach through Rotary Club efforts and health education initiatives.
Erika Comeaux – As co-owner of Hatchworks Coworking, Erika is a driving force behind Asheville’s entrepreneurial and professional community. She’s transformed Hatchworks into the city’s largest coworking hub, revived Dale Carnegie Training after a 25-year absence, and leads 1 Million Cups Asheville to support local startups. Erika fosters inclusive spaces for connection and growth while championing professional development and community resilience.
Jake Bailey – Project Manager at Blum Construction, Jake is reshaping perceptions of the trades through mentorship and hands-on leadership. From senior living projects to post-Helene neighborhood cleanups, Jake exemplifies service and dedication.
Jeffrey Burroughs – President of River Arts District Artists, LLC, Jeffrey has been a champion for Asheville’s art community during its most difficult times. His leadership after Hurricane Helene, including launching RADFest, has helped restore vitality and hope to artists and businesses alike.
Jessica McLean – Co-Executive Director of Read 2 Succeed, Jess is a dynamic nonprofit leader and education advocate. From guiding R2S through the pandemic to organizing post-storm food distribution, her impact spans literacy, equity, and disaster response.
Joshua Wilson – A real estate broker with a background in mechanical engineering, Joshua blends technical skill with community spirit. Known for his humility, mentorship, and disaster response efforts, he’s a connector and problem-solver with a deep love for Asheville.
Julie Schneyer – As Project Access Manager at Western Carolina Medical Society, Julie Schneyer is a relentless advocate for health equity. In just months, she connected with over 1,000 individuals and providers, expanded program reach into rural communities, and delivered critical relief following Hurricane Helene.
Kayla Welch – As Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist at Givens Communities, Kayla is transforming hiring through inclusive practices and community partnerships—from Goodwill to recovery programs to launching an AI-powered hiring chatbot.
Kensley Hendrix – Director of Business Development at Christie’s Lighting Gallery, Kensley champions women in construction and leads with authenticity. She chairs the local Professional Women in Building chapter and plays a key role in Helene recovery efforts.
Matthew Giangrosso – An attorney with Allen Stahl + Kilbourne, Matt balances a robust litigation practice with pro bono work and civic engagement. A Rising Star honoree, he mentors young professionals and is helping shape the future of law and policy in WNC.
Megan Carroll – Executive Director of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Megan’s background in AmeriCorps and sustainability sets her apart. She mentors young professionals, leads disaster recovery efforts, and drives innovation in the building industry.
Megan Farley – Partner at Allen Stahl + Kilbourne, Megan is a legal and community powerhouse. From guiding nonprofits post-Helene to mentoring new attorneys and creating operational templates, she’s made a profound impact on Asheville’s nonprofit and legal landscapes.
Michelle Caudle – Owner of Silver Moon Photography, Michelle has made her mark as a business rooted in relationships. She documents key community moments, volunteers post-disaster, and models values-based entrepreneurship with heart and creativity.
Mitchell Blackmon – Founder of Town Mountain Maids, Mitchell brings systems thinking to home services. With tiered employee growth paths and quick pivots during crisis, he’s raised the bar for service, equity, and innovation in Asheville’s cleaning industry.
Morgan Avent – Lead Designer at Asheville Home Design Build, Morgan’s interior architecture skills have fueled business growth and inspired community connection. Her leadership has turned a home-based business into a thriving design hub with a focus on mentorship and resilience.
Nicholas Oyarzun – A MedServe Fellow at MAHEC, Nicholas splits time between direct patient care and public health advocacy. Their work spans clinical support, HIV prevention outreach, and healthcare access for marginalized groups. Nicholas has spearheaded community health innovations like a PrEP database, mentored underrepresented students through the Park Under-Resourced Assistance program, and played a vital role in disaster response after Hurricane Helene.
Niki Duff – Director of Development and Communications at Western Carolina Medical Society, Niki is a driven nonprofit leader who has guided the organization through a period of major transition, boosting fundraising, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting critical health initiatives like colorectal cancer screenings.
Noah Tittle – Billing Trainer at Aeroflow Health, Noah brings both technical brilliance and emotional intelligence to the workplace. From developing tools that demystify insurance denial codes to co-founding the NextGen Professionals ERG and leading DEI trainings, he uplifts team members and drives cultural change. Noah’s innovation and mentorship have profoundly shaped the Aeroflow community.
Pearl De’Bellott – A passionate community leader, Pearl wears many hats—as a Resource Officer with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, childcare provider, and Black Wall St GATE leader. She mentors youth, co-leads Stella Stellar (a culturally relevant childcare business), and advocates for underserved populations through Black Wall St AVL and BYP 100. Pearl’s story is one of resilience and transformation.
RJ Crai – Project Development Director at Semper Fi Custom Remodeling, RJ is known for his client-first approach and courageous leadership—especially after Hurricane Helene, when he physically rescued community members from floodwaters. A decorated industry professional, RJ exemplifies heart, bravery, and excellence in everything he does.
Robert Underwood – Health Services Director at Givens Estates, Robert has dedicated his career to aging services and wellness. Since returning to Givens in 2023, he’s improved staff retention, enhanced service quality, and led with transparency and humor. His leadership during Hurricane Helene, including navigating power outages in skilled nursing facilities, showed his deep care for both residents and staff.
Sabrina Hill – Founder of Spice Witch, Sabrina brings creativity, flavor, and community spirit to Asheville’s food scene. Her avocado-based oils and chili crisps have quickly become local favorites, while her leadership in the AVL Food Guild and Elevate program demonstrate her collaborative, inclusive approach to entrepreneurship.
Samantha Coffin – Founder of Matcha Nude, Samm blends clean energy with purpose-driven leadership. She’s scaling her business rapidly while mentoring others, spearheading service projects, and modeling values-based growth. Known for her infectious positivity and passion for wellness, Samm is building not just a brand, but a movement.
Samantha Thorpe – Registered Dietitian and Account Lead at Eat Well Global, Samantha Thorp blends strategy and heart in everything she does. She leads health-focused initiatives for global brands while serving as President-Elect of the Junior League of Asheville. Samantha has modernized nonprofit governance, mentored future leaders, and helped direct disaster recovery support following Hurricane Helene.
Sapphire DeBellott – Co-Director of Stella Stellar with Black Wall St AVL, Sapphire is a dedicated youth advocate, mother, and mentor. She’s received accolades from CoThinkk and Black Wall St AVL for her transformational childcare programs and her mentorship through Mt. Zion and the Multicultural Student Leadership Academy.
Sarah Figueroa – A Project Manager with Advent Health, Sarah is a connector and strategic thinker in healthcare administration. She’s involved with professional organizations like ACHE and NAHLE and leads events and volunteer initiatives that serve both professional and local communities, including Habitat for Humanity efforts in Asheville.
Seth Wilson – Seth stands out as a top-tier professional in Construction Management, recognized for his leadership, technical expertise and commitment to excellence. Known for consistently delivering projects on time, under budget, and with high client satisfaction, Seth has proven himself invaluable. His emotional intelligence allows him to navigate team dynamics with ease, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. Clients and Semper Fi teammates highly value Seth for his integrity, humor, and genuine rapport.
Sonali Davda – A Licensed Holistic Aesthetician and founder of Sonali Devesh, Sonali uses her practice to promote healing, self-care, and cultural understanding. Her work bridges aesthetics and wellness while offering an inclusive, affirming space for clients in Asheville’s holistic health community.
Stephen Abel – As Communications Director for the YMCA of Western North Carolina, Stephen Abel uses his background in journalism to elevate community voices and tell powerful stories. He’s led crisis communications, secured national media attention, and mentored young professionals in media and PR. Known for his calm, collaborative style, Stephen also gives back through volunteer projects and partnerships that strengthen Asheville
Tonya Johnston – Staff Manager at Western & Southern, Tonya Johnston leads with drive and compassion. In just a few years, she’s gone from financial rep to office leader, mentoring others along the way. She also gives back through community initiatives—from blood drives to fundraising for Helene recovery.
Veronica Wieland – Veronica’s community development work spans grassroots support, volunteer leadership, and youth mentorship. Her cross-sector knowledge and energy bring people together for meaningful change. She’s known as a bridge-builder and tireless advocate for inclusive opportunities.
Woody Taylor – Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at UNC Asheville, Woody is making a difference both on and off the court. He’s led the Bulldogs to conference championships while organizing youth clinics, school visits, and summer camps. His mentorship goes beyond basketball—Woody uses sports to teach perseverance, accountability, and community engagement.
Zavier Webb – A senior consultant at Forvis Mazars, Zavier is a standout innovator and mentor known for developing toolkits that boost team productivity and offering pro bono consulting to local startups. His workshops on financial literacy and career development empower others and reflect his strong belief in giving back to the Asheville community.
These are the faces of Asheville’s future – visionaries, mentors, and doers. We can’t wait to celebrate their accomplishments at this year’s PROpel AVL Awards Celebration. Join us for an evening of inspiration, great food, and community connection. Get your tickets here.