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African American Business Council (AABC)
African American Business Council (AABC)Rhonda Bellamy
Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover CountyBrenda Dixon
Dixon RealtyKenneth Weeden
Ken Weeden and Associates, Inc.Tufanna Bradley
New Hanover CountyApril Scott
Brunswick Community College, Director of Small Business CenterApril Scott is originally from Bristol, Pennsylvania; having relocated to Wilmington, NC in 1993. After graduating high school in Pennsylvania, she...Jane Birnbach
Good Shepherd CenterCassandra McNeil
Greene Resources, Inc.Sheri Shaw
University of North Carolina WilmingtonGirard Newkirk
Genesis BlockTracey Newkirk
Genesis BlockTracey Newkirk, is a Certified Personal Resilience Coach and the Founder of UNEXO, a boutique consultancy helping leaders build high-performance te...Clayton Hamerski
Intracoastal Realty Corp., Real Estate Broker / REALTORI’m a Wilmington native and this is where I hope to stay for the rest of my life. I am committed to our community and to my goal of building a be...Dianne Jinwright
The Women Encouragement Living and Learning Place, Inc. (The WELL Place), PresidentJamie Stokley
SCORE Cape Fear RegionAlvin White
The Carolina Healthy Vending Company, LLC, OwnerThe Carolina Healthy Vending Company provides businesses and public facilities personality designed healthy snack and beverage consumption using a ...Robert Campbell
H.O.P.E. CDC (Helping Ordinary People Excel)Alesha Edison Westbrook
Cape Fear Literacy Council, Director of CommunicationsAlesha Edison Westbrook is a nonprofit development and marketing pro who believes in the power of perseverance. For over 15 years, she has honed ...Alexis Hunter
Wilmington Health, Community LiaisonI serve as the Community Liaison for Wilmington Health. I spend my time building relationships throughout the community with employers, healthcare ...Cody Milewski
Cassian Films, CEOCassian Films is addressing the needs of small businesses by helping them forge stronger relationships with customers through visual storytelling...Kristina Milewski
Cassian Films, Director of OperationsHey there, my name is Kristina Marie. I am co-owner of Cassian Films Inc, a video production company based here in Wilmington, NC. Our team loves t...Chakema Clinton-Quintana
Live Oak Bank, VP- Inclusive Small BusinessChakema Clinton-Quintana is vice president of Inclusive Small Business at Live Oak Bank, where she leads the inclusive small business center. She f...Zedrick Applin
nCino OpCo, Inc., Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & CommunityI currently serve as the Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Community for nCino. In my role, I am in charge of our corporate DEI strategy & i...Patrice Faison
New Hanover County Schools, Chief Academic OfficerI am the Chief Academic Officer for New Hanover County Schools. My primary responsibilities include overseeing academic programs and policies. Be...Lynne Jones
LJ Design Studio, LLC, Lead Designer, OwnerLynne, owner and designer of LJ Design Studio, provides interior design and branding for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals to tell their...David Greenough
USUV CLEAN, LLC, CEOUSUV Clean, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Wilmington, NC. USUV Clean specializes in distributing and installing FAR UVC 222 nanom...Ben Morman
The Works Insurance, Agency OwnerBen Morman's career and experiences have spanned many industries and economic cycles. After being made redundant through another corporate syner...Nickie Jackson
D.R. HortonSady Escalante
Excel Roofing Company, Vice PresidentSady Escalante, a 2003 NC State Civil Engineering graduate and the founder of Excel Roofing Company since 2009. Beyond the business, I find joy in ...Jamir Jumoke
Leading Into New Communites, Inc.Elizabeth Forte
Novant Health, Manager of Community Health & Community Health Education
Rhonda Bellamy
Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County
Euran Daniels
Daniels Tours LLC, President
Brenda Dixon
Dixon Realty
Chrystal Fray
Chrystal Fray State Farm Agency, Agent
Cedric Harrison
Support The Port Foundation, Inc, Director
Sheri Shaw
University of North Carolina Wilmington, Assistant Dean for Student Success
Kenneth Weeden
Ken Weeden and Associates, Inc.
Katharine Barrack
PPD Development LLP, Senior Manager
Ronnie Highsmith
Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, Inc., Executive Director
Tufanna Bradley
New Hanover County
April Scott
Brunswick Community College, Director of Small Business Center
April Scott is originally from Bristol, Pennsylvania; having relocated to Wilmington, NC in 1993. After graduating high school in Pennsylvania, she decided to relocate to North Carolina, home of her parents. She currently holds the position of Director of the Small Business Center at Brunswick Community College. She enjoys trying new recipes, traveling, dancing, gardening, volunteering with the youth, and family time. She’s currently on the board of Going Beyond The Pink, State Employees Credit Union, North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and a member of WIN. One of her many favorite quotes is “Success isn’t about how much money you make it’s about the difference you make in in people’s lives”. Michelle Obama
Jerome Lee
JL's Husband and Wife Cleaning, Owner
Willie Lee
JL's Husband and Wife Cleaning, Owner
Jane Birnbach
Good Shepherd Center
Cassandra McNeil
Greene Resources, Inc.
Sue Meier
Copycat Print Shop, Inc., General Manager
Natalie English
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO
Sheri Shaw
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Alison Baringer
North Carolina Azalea Festival, Executive Director
Girard Newkirk
Genesis Block
Tracey Newkirk
Genesis Block
Tracey Newkirk, is a Certified Personal Resilience Coach and the Founder of UNEXO, a boutique consultancy helping leaders build high-performance teams. She and her husband Girard Newkirk co-founded Genesis Block, a coworking space in downtown Wilmington providing business development services, workspaces and building entrepreneurial communities. Genesis Block was created with the idea that each community needs a place to collaborate, create, discuss ideas and gather. Building the small business ecosystem and supporting community collaboration is our goal in each neighborhood.
Franchon Francees
Healing Your Almond, Founder
Clayton Hamerski
Intracoastal Realty Corp., Real Estate Broker / REALTOR
I’m a Wilmington native and this is where I hope to stay for the rest of my life. I am committed to our community and to my goal of building a better life for future generations in my hometown, and I do my best to reflect that in my actions and in my business.
I pride myself on making each transaction as smooth as possible, but my job doesn’t end at closing. I serve my clients as a real estate advisor, assisting them with everything from homeownership advice and investment opportunities, to helping navigate our community, local government, and school system. Being a Wilmington native with a lifetime of connections in the area means that my clients have access to the best professionals in the region.
Bruce Grant
StepUp Wilmington, Recruiting Manger
Myra McDuffie
MeMa's Chick 'n' & Ribs, Owner/Operator
Dianne Jinwright
The Women Encouragement Living and Learning Place, Inc. (The WELL Place), President
Jenene Seymour
Rodgers, Director of Diversity and Community Development
Jamie Stokley
SCORE Cape Fear Region
Stephania Bloodworth
Cape Fear Realtors, Chief Operations Officer
Shamonique "Sharm" Brantley
Level Up Strategies, LLC, Founder, CEO
Robert Flood
Creators' Print House, Co Owner
Tiffany Cripps
Health Begins From Within, Managing Director
Aurelio Gomes
Minuteman Press, Owner
Allie Weaver
Allie Weaver Productions, CEO/Creative Director
Jespert Powell
Wide Open Technologies LLC, CEO
Alvin White
The Carolina Healthy Vending Company, LLC, Owner
The Carolina Healthy Vending Company provides businesses and public facilities personality designed healthy snack and beverage consumption using a vending machine concept. Ask me how our easy to use "healthy choice process" can empower your business, employees, and customers make healthier snack decisions. "Carolina healthy, Carolina strong."
Kandra Romeo
Self-Help Credit Union, Director of Community Engagement
Caroline King
Bright Star Consulting, owner
Jamie Scarafino
nCino OpCo, Inc., Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant
Robert Campbell
H.O.P.E. CDC (Helping Ordinary People Excel)
Lauren McKenzie
Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity, Executive Director
Suzanne LaFollette-Black
AARP-North Carolina, Associate State
Dave Berkheimer
Healthy Green Solutions, Owner
Megan Mullins
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce NC, Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer
Alesha Edison Westbrook
Cape Fear Literacy Council, Director of Communications
Alesha Edison Westbrook is a nonprofit development and marketing pro who believes in the power of perseverance. For over 15 years, she has honed her skills to amplify the voices of those making a difference—turning captivating stories into community change. She is the current Communications Director at the Cape Fear Literacy Council (CFLC). A business owner, Edison Westbrook is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the African American Business Council. She is an executive board member of Queen Camp, Inc. and a member-at-large for the Superstar Academy Board of Directors.
Connect with Alesha: LinkedInSusana Crispin
My Way Wellness, Founder/ Health Coach
Alexis Hunter
Wilmington Health, Community Liaison
I serve as the Community Liaison for Wilmington Health. I spend my time building relationships throughout the community with employers, healthcare providers, and the general public. I communicate with the community to bring awareness to healthcare issues and the services that we provide at Wilmington Health.
Cody Milewski
Cassian Films, CEO
Cassian Films is addressing the needs of small businesses by helping them forge stronger relationships with customers through visual storytelling. We start by defining success, clarify the message, and deliver on consumable content. We then support them when it’s needed with personal insights. This saves the company hundreds of thousands of dollars over a two-year period.
Kristina Milewski
Cassian Films, Director of Operations
Hey there, my name is Kristina Marie. I am co-owner of Cassian Films Inc, a video production company based here in Wilmington, NC. Our team loves to site see so you will often see videos of us traveling. As we continue to grow our mission to strengthen relationships remains unchangeable. I look forward to meeting you and your team! If you have a story to tell, we would love to share it through visual storytelling. Something fun about me: I enjoy singing and playing ukulele, spending time with my husband Cody Scott reading The Bible, hiking and playing with our dog Loki, and traveling to new places. If you have any questions I'm usually available to chat Monday through Friday anytime after 11am. Talk with you then!
Karen McIntyre
Miller-Motte College, Medical Clinical Assistant Instructor
Bill Phipps
Columbus County Schools, Board Attorney
Chakema Clinton-Quintana
Live Oak Bank, VP- Inclusive Small Business
Chakema Clinton-Quintana is vice president of Inclusive Small Business at Live Oak Bank, where she leads the inclusive small business center. She focuses on strengthening and supporting inclusive small business growth in our communities and verticals through research, job creation programs, capital allocation, mentorship, and programming. Chakema has 19 years of banking experience and has a degree in business management from Strayer University in Herndon, Virginia. Her background includes foreclosure, real estate short sales, loss mitigation, relationship management, and compliance. Chakema currently serves on the board of directors for three non-profit organizations, including treasurer of Voyage Wilmington, treasurer of Red, Black, & Love, Inc., and board chair for The OOPS Foundation.
Zedrick Applin
nCino OpCo, Inc., Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community
I currently serve as the Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Community for nCino. In my role, I am in charge of our corporate DEI strategy & implementation, as well as all community service and philanthropy.
Samm Sawyer
SSM Creative Collective, Founder & Executive Brand Director
Lynda Barrow
Elderhaus, Inc., Marketing Coordinator
Dave Gerin
Graystone, Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Matthew Tulipani
Piedmont Service Group, Business Development
Patrice Faison
New Hanover County Schools, Chief Academic Officer
I am the Chief Academic Officer for New Hanover County Schools. My primary responsibilities include overseeing academic programs and policies. Before this role, I served as an Executive Leadership Coach for Wake County Schools. I am currently in my twenty-seventh year in education. Throughout my career, I have found pleasure in serving my community by enhancing students’ lives.
Janeé Folston
UNCW Career Center , Associate Director of Employer Development
Delano Davis
Movement Financial Group, Co-Owner and Principal
Dustin Haynes
REV Federal Credit Union, Public Relations Manager
Lynne Jones
LJ Design Studio, LLC, Lead Designer, Owner
Lynne, owner and designer of LJ Design Studio, provides interior design and branding for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals to tell their story. Since beginning her career in design in 2011, Lynne has been threading details, fresh ideas, and custom design for commercial interiors, residential interiors, weddings, non- profits and large-scale event. Lynne became notably known for her ability to tell a story with each of her clients. LJ Design Studio was behind Channel Powered By Live Oak Bank(2022), On Thyme Restaurant(2022), The Fete: Wilmington’s Exclusive Secret Dinner(2017-2018); Pretty in Pink Foundation's Fashion Walk & Gala(2015-2016); GreenLine Pizza & Steak(2016), and Operation Marry Me Military as the host planner for New Hanover County(2013-2014).
Aften Solomon
Green Thumb Floral Boutique, Member
David Greenough
USUV CLEAN, LLC, CEO
USUV Clean, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Wilmington,
NC. USUV Clean specializes in distributing and installing FAR UVC 222
nanometer (nm) lighting units throughout North Carolina and South Carolina
while expanding to Texas and Florida. The 222 nm lighting is a long-term
multifaceted unit that will work beyond this COVID pandemic and position
our clients to be prepared with future protections. While there are endless
possibilities with this technology, our initial focus has been our school
systems to protect our future which is our children.Susan Stein
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Development & Membership Director
Ben Morman
The Works Insurance, Agency Owner
Ben Morman's career and experiences have spanned many industries and economic cycles. After being made redundant through another corporate synergy exercise, Ben found founded The Works Insurance here in Wilmington, NC. Ben now owns and operates a portfolio of small businesses and brands invested in the Insurance, Pet Food, Financial Services, Hemp, and Real Estate Industries. These businesses are in varying stages of the business cycle and are all anchored around Ben’s passion for providing the best quality product and services supported by the best possible customer service.
Antrevonn Tate
Cranfill Sumner LLP, Office Services Assistant
Nickie Jackson
D.R. Horton
Sady Escalante
Excel Roofing Company, Vice President
Sady Escalante, a 2003 NC State Civil Engineering graduate and the founder of Excel Roofing Company since 2009. Beyond the business, I find joy in adventurous pursuits like kayaking, off-roading, skydiving, and motorcycle rides. Family is my cornerstone, and with my lovely wife Yani and three children, we embrace values of trust, integrity, and community responsibility. My academic background shapes my commitment to excellence, guiding both my personal and professional endeavors. Thank you for considering Excel Roofing – a reflection of my dedication to transforming roofing needs with durability, reliability, and satisfaction.
Jamir Jumoke
Leading Into New Communites, Inc.