In 2015, Joy walked away from a secure job to launch the nonprofit LEAD Girls of NC, a leadership workshop series that provides the tools and resources preteen girls need to become confident and active leaders in their communities. At the heart of the program: mentoring and peer support.

Social worker Kenya Thornton devotes her life to supporting families touched by domestic violence and sexual assault. It’s a stressful job that can take a toll. Fortunately for Kenya, she discovered the perfect place to go when she needs to decompress. A passionate equestrian, she heads to Cash Lovell Stables & Riding Academy for a dose of self-care.

Word spread quickly around town in 2016 when Shereen Gomaa began offering up her freshly cooked Egyptian and Middle Eastern creations for catered family meals and small group meetings.