Women to Watch Awards Finalists – Rising Stars

This category is open to women under the age of thirty. 

Kristen Hole 

Innovative Electrification Specialist, Four County Electric Membership Corporation  

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“I empower members to transition from fossil fuels to electricity, focusing on solutions like electric vehicles, electric agriculture solutions, home solar, demand response, and energy efficiency.  

I provide guidance on adopting these technologies and collaborate with marketing to promote our initiatives through public relations events, including experiential marketing assets, festivals, and ribbon cuttings. My role ensures members can access cutting-edge energy solutions, fostering a sustainable future for our community.” 

What are some of your career highlights so far?  

“Career highlights include launching a hydroponic smart farm container with James Sprunt Community College, updating our electric vehicle charging rebate, and introducing an electric lawn equipment rebate. I also launched an experiential marketing trailer, a mobile tiny home showcasing innovative electrification. Additionally, I fine-tuned our solar interconnection process and was invited to join an advisory board for energy efficiency programs with a national industry partner.” 

Anything else you want us to know about you? 

“I am a wife, mom of one, and North Carolina native. I also co-founded a nonprofit, Coastal Cleanup of Topsail, in 2021. I invite my community to regular beach cleanups. Since our inception, we’ve welcomed over 250 volunteers and collected more than 380 5-gallon buckets – 1,917 gallons and counting – of litter from Topsail Island.”

ChyAnn Ketchum 

Public Information Officer, City of Southport 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“As a public information officer, my job is to get the right information to the right people at the right time. I keep residents, community members, and visitors informed and engaged with city of Southport news and updates.” 

What are some of your career highlights so far?  

“In my two years as Southport’s public information officer, I have helped Southport become an NWS Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, as well as an NWS Marine Weather-Ready Ambassador. I recently became a FEMA-certified advanced public information officer and have worked with city, county, state, and federal partners to create informative and engaging content to share with our community members.” 

What impact have you had on the community? 

“The project that I am the most proud of so far with Southport is our partnership with Recite Me, a digital accessibility partner that has helped me create a more accessible digital landscape for staff, residents, and visitors to our website.” 

What’s a goal? 

“One of my ongoing goals is to continue being a champion for younger female professionals and entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region.” 

Haven Lewis 

General Manger, Port City FC 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“As general manager, I oversee all operations within the club – from player recruitment/signing, team management, coordinations in all communications with staff/players; locking in training and game facilities; sponsorships; and budgeting to make decisions for the club’s best interest and longevity. My biggest job is to align the team’s objectives and set us up for success both on and off the pitch.” 

What are some of your career highlights so far? 

“Being able to be the general manager for Port City FC women’s program in our inaugural season and all of the opportunities that have come with it. Working and seeing everything behind the scenes finally come to fruition once the team played their first game was an electric feeling that has only continued. One of the best highlights within my management career thus far has been to see the women’s team finish out as second in their conference while having one of our players make the league’s (WPSL) player of the week.” 

What impact have you had on the community? 

“We have brought people together through the love of soccer while providing opportunities for talent to be showcased. The community’s support has helped us to succeed and continue to bring the excitement for all to enjoy. We partner with local youth club organizations and donate to local advocacy groups to show our reciprocated support of inclusivity.” 

Paige Marshall 

SRO K9 Handler, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office 

Describe your role and work that you do.  

“As a deputy with the sheriff’s office, I am a school resource officer and K9 handler to my K9 partner, Vera. Together, we are assigned to Hoggard High School during the school year. As an SRO, I work every day to build relationships with students and mentor them as they navigate their time in high school before entering into adulthood.  

I also help maintain safety within the school and protect the students and staff from any harmful factors that may disrupt the peaceful learning environment. …When schools are out, K9 Vera and I work normal patrol duties and respond to daily calls of service through 911.” 

What are some of your career highlights so far?  

“One of my career highlights is that I became the first-ever female K9 handler for the sheriff’s office. This was always a goal of mine once I started my career path. I was very honored to be able to be the one who opened up that path for women in my agency.  

After only two weeks with my K9 partner, we were able to successfully certify in narcotics detection. Another highlight is that I recently received a Life Saving Award for an event last October where I performed a direct action that resulted in the saving of a human life. This award is the fourth-highest award that a deputy can receive in their career.” 

Delaney O’Brien 

Founder, Sun Club Wilmington 

Describe your role and work that you do.  

“In my role at Sun Club, I create engaging events tailored to young women in their twenties. I develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations to collaborate on events, using platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and GroupMe for effective marketing and promotion.” 

What are some of your career highlights so far?  

“Since its start in January, Sun Club has planned and executed over forty successful events. … Sun Club aims to create a space where people feel comfortable to be themselves and put themselves out there, so seeing the same faces and new faces every week is a huge accomplishment in my book. I am incredibly proud of every girl that comes to any event.” 

What impact have you had on the community? 

“Sun Club has established a social hub for women in their twenties to connect and discover Wilmington and the surrounding areas. Addressing a nationwide scarcity of third spaces, our group provides a welcoming environment for relaxation and connection after work or school. Beyond fostering friendships, Sun Club actively supports local small businesses, particularly those owned by women in Wilmington. Through social media promotion, events, and word-of-mouth, we enhance community engagement and visibility.” 

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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