Women to Watch Awards Finalists – Public Sector

This category recognizes women who work in the area’s public service sector – public safety agencies, local and state government, military, etc.

Jessica Baldwin 

Senior Historic Preservation Planner (former), City of Wilmington 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

Baldwin worked with the city from 2022 to July 2024. She recently moved to Georgia to work as the preservation officer for the city of Savannah.  

“As the senior planner for the city of Wilmington, I worked to update design standards that were easier to read and more user friendly as well as eliminated the bureaucratic process for paint color selection, removing the psychological barrier that preservationists are the paint police, and allowing staff the opportunities to focus on new projects and protecting landmarks outside the Local Historic Districts.  

I also worked directly with applicants to ease processes and help them achieve the projects they needed and wanted to make their homes more accessible and useable while also following the standards. I collaborated with internal city departments to see the continued preservation of the Local Historic Districts. I collaborated with external stakeholders including Historic Wilmington Foundation and the African American History Commission and the Burnett-Eaton Museum Foundation to understand the history of Wilmington’s Black community and develop efforts to ensure the recognition of the Black Wilmington story was told.” 

Why do you do public sector work? 

“I work as a civil servant for many reasons, I think the main thing that drives me to work in the public sector is my desire to create a better equal world. I have always had a passion for architecture and creating spaces that are thoughtful and useable for all; civil service has given me the chance to help shape and create spaces that tell the stories that have been underrepresented and showcase the people and places that deserve recognition.” 

Bernice Sanders Johnson 

Senior Project Manager, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“As a senior project manager in the engineering department of Cape Fear Public Utility Authority, my work varies from day to day. My primary function is to review commercial and residential subdivision plans submitted by engineers on behalf of developers. I also work with internal and external customers, developers, and engineers to determine if CFPUA water and sewer is available to their property.” 

What impact have you had on the community? 

“My hope is that I have had a positive impact on the community. I have mentored youth in the community by providing guidance and support that has helped them more effectively navigate their educational and career paths. My active volunteering in the community has inspired others to contribute their time and talents, creating a ripple effect of positive impact throughout the community.” 

Anything else you want us to know about you? 

“I’m excited about my recent appointment to the North Carolina Azalea Festival board of directors. I’m excited to serve on the Azalea Festival board because it allows me the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community. The festival is a significant event that brings people together and showcases the best of what our area has to offer. Serving on the board will enable me to support and enhance cultural initiatives, ensuring that the festival continues to be a vibrant and enriching experience for everyone.”

Stephanie Key 

Tourism Assistant, Pender County Tourism 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“I enjoy watching ideas and visions come into fruition. There is no better feeling than knowing I helped to better our communities or improve someone’s quality of life whether it be a temporary respite or a long-term resolution. It makes me feel like I am a part of a bigger purpose, and seeing that my help made something good happen is a valuable reward.” 

What impact have you had on the community? 

“I offer my assistance to our nonprofit organizations with their events and projects so they can give back to the community the way they imagine. I am a firm believer in environmentally friendly practices, and I work with other like-minded individuals to educate the public. I also support all aspects of the arts by creating opportunities for our residents and students to showcase their hidden talents in visual arts, music, and theater.” 

What’s a goal? 

“I would like to see more of the projects and programs our team has discussed be implemented. These goals would help strengthen our tourism economy and improve residents’ quality of life. I would also like to volunteer on more boards or planning committees. Eventually, I would like to have more of a leadership role within my career and the community. I enjoy making things happen.” 

Rebekah Thurston 

Public Information Officer, Wilmington Fire Department 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“As Wilmington Fire Department’s public information officer, I am responsible for updating the public and media when the department responds to an emergency, managing a communication strategy that reinforces the department’s mission, and creating engaging internal and external outreach that prioritizes safety, education, and inclusive community messaging. I also established and run the Junior Fire Academy, JFA 2.0, and Future Firefighters programming which exposes high school students to a career in the fire service.” 

What impact have you had on the community? 

“Through my work in the fire department, I’m responsible for ensuring the public understands the hard work and sacrifice that goes into being a first responder each and every day. I established a pipeline program for high school students interested in the fire service to learn about becoming a firefighter, aiding in recruitment to the profession. My work for Family Support Network highlights the meaningful services they offer to families.” 

Anything else you want us to know about you? 

“While I’ve only been here for four years, I am completely enamored with the area. I love all the music, culture, and arts here.” 

Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson 

Assistant District Attorney, Prosecutorial District 6 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“As an assistant district attorney, I prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state of North Carolina when a person – defendant – is charged with a crime. I handle all of the child sex cases, adult rape cases, and homicides in Pender County. I work closely with victims and advise law enforcement.” 

Why do you do public service work? 

“I do public service work because I am passionate about making a positive impact on my community. I believe in advocating for justice, equality, and safety for all. By serving the public, I can address pressing issues, support those in need, and help create a better, fairer society. Public service allows me to contribute to meaningful change and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.” 

What’s a goal? 

“My goal is to become the first woman district attorney in New Hanover and Pender counties. As a mother of two young girls, I want to show my girls that with determination and perseverance, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. This milestone would not only shatter glass ceilings but also serve as a powerful example for the next generation, proving that they too can make a significant impact in their communities.”

To view the Women to Watch Awards Finalists main page, click here.

To view more of photographer Madeline Gray’s work, go to madelinegrayphoto.com.

To view more of photographer Summer Lambert’s work, go to summerlambertphoto.com.

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