Passing the Torch

Five years after creating a networking group that connected Black professionals across Wilmington, Three Ladies in Wilmington (3LW) is winding down. For founders SHERI SHAW LEAVENS, assistant dean for student success and academic advising at the University of North of North Carolina Wilmington; CONSTANCE FOREMAN, a family medicine physician with Novant Health Primary Care Wilmington; and CRYSTAL PELLOM, national clinical trainer for Changent and founder of Minority Mental Health Professionals; the transition is bittersweet. 

What began with just fifteen attendees at an inaugural 2021 networking and games event into a community that, at its peak, attracted over 300 attendees and amassed nearly 1,000 social media followers. Now 3LW is passing the torch to a more resilient and confident community of Black professionals, the founders say. 

When 3LW launched, Leavens says Wilmington’s Black professional and business community was vibrant and talented but often disconnected.  

“Many, like all three of us, were transplants who relocated for career opportunities and found ourselves searching for community, mentorship and authentic connections,” she says. “There were successful Black professionals across industries, but there were fewer intentional spaces to gather, build relationships, share resources, and support one another.” 

Foreman believes that part of that challenge is rooted in history. “We can’t take away all of the history of the South,” she says. “Wilmington, especially, is healing from the wounds of the past. While we can’t reverse that, we can create spaces for all generations, not just for professionals, but more permanent spaces for the broader community.” 

Pellom notes that several groups attempted to fill that need before 3LW. “Wilmington has always needed spaces curated for Blacks that create a sense of belonging around both the culture and unique challenges of living here,” she says. “3LW came in, took the baton, and filled the gap. Then we just kept going.”  

Over the past five years, the founders have witnessed meaningful change. “There are more Black-owned businesses, more Black professionals in leadership positions, and more opportunities to network and collaborate,” says Leavens. “There is a stronger sense of belonging and a growing ecosystem of people who are committed to supporting one another’s success.” 

Foreman also points to changing demographics among the professional workforce. “Now we see professionals from companies like Trillium Health Resources, GE Aerospace Wilmington and Corning, along with UNCW educators, mental health professionals, public officials, and professionals who work from home,” she says. “People are coming and going, creating a challenge to keep up the pace and retain engagement.” 

At the same time, the lives of the 3LW leaders have evolved – marriages, children, increasing family responsibilities, and relocations outside of Wilmington. “It’s harder to plan and foster relationships with venues in the Wilmington hub when we don’t live here anymore, on top of juggling professional careers,” says Foreman. 

Despite the changes, the founders say that the leadership lessons they learned from 3LW are indelible.  

Leavens says that community does not happen by accident. “People crave connection, but someone must be willing to create the space, send the invitation, and consistently show up. Leadership is often less about having all the answers and more about bringing people together around a shared purpose.” 

Foreman agrees. “Leadership is about creating a spark, and we were able to do that,” she says. “Even though this chapter is coming to end, our mission does not change or end. There is space to restart or even do something different.” 

For Pellom, the lesson is simpler: “I’ve learned the value of staying connected.” 

While Foreman jokes that she will miss “a good party,” she will miss the opportunities to let her hair down, not be judged, and be together as a community member. “There are very few organizations that successfully blend casual with professional,” she says. 

Pellom adds, “I will miss seeing people connect and watching the web form.” 

Leavens will miss the relationships. “What began as an effort to help Black professionals connect became a true community,” she says. “We celebrated milestones, supported one another through challenges, welcomed newcomers, and created spaces where people could simply be themselves.” 

The founders are grateful for tremendous support along the way including advertising agencies, venues that offered space at no charge, and DJs who kept the vibe going. “While 3LW was founded by three women, radio personality BRANDON ‘BIGG G’ HICKMAN was there from the very beginning,” says Leavens. “He supported the vision, helped with the execution, and contributed to the creation and growth.” 

While winding down is poignant, looking ahead is promising. 

“What excites me most is the next generation of Black women leaders and entrepreneurs building businesses, serving in executive leadership roles, leading nonprofits, and creating opportunities for themselves and others,” says Leavens. “There is a growing confidence among Black women to take up space, share their expertise, and pursue leadership without waiting for permission. Women are choosing partnership over competition, sharing knowledge, opening doors, and creating pathways for those coming behind them. And that collective mindset will continue to strengthen Wilmington’s business community.” 

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