Sara Fitzpatrick | Owner, The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery | Sara is a selfless boss, a truly fearless leader, and oh so kind. Sara chooses several charities to fundraise for during the year. The shop puts on coat and food drives, buys ads in local school papers, and donates sales from a day’s profits to different causes.” – Arlen M.
Sara Maria (Finley) Blanton | Founder and executive director, The Raleigh Music Collective | “Sara Maria has bootstrapped this organization together into a rigorous and expansive classical music program. She is empowering students from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds, many of whom from the refugee community. She brings people of all different backgrounds into a shared pursuit of beauty, excellence, and friendship.” – D.B.
Stacy Ahua | Owner, Usu Company Candles | “Stacy spreads the message of her family stories and Nigerian culture through her candles. She is spreading cultural awareness and encouraging people to tell and honor their family stories and values.” – Shay K.
Utica Cason | Executive director and founder, SOAR Outreach | “Utica addresses a much needed social economic issue in the community — hygiene insecurity. The organization has distributed over $14K in donated hygiene items in Wake County since the beginning of its Healthy Hygiene Habits program, which launched in 2018.” – Sophia B.
Winter Holbrook and Leah Ward | Co-owners, Barre-Up | “These two ladies own the most kick-ass studio in the Triangle. It is such an inclusive and welcoming environment — everyone truly feels like family when they walk in the door. They provide a safe place for physical and mental exercise.” – Katie W.
