Women to Watch Awards Finalists – Business

Dori Bishara 

Community Engagement Coordinator, REV Federal Credit Union 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“I have the privilege of representing REV in the North Carolina market. My job is to build brand recognition through our community involvement which includes sponsorships, volunteerism, networking, and relationship building.” 

How did you reach this leadership position? 

“I was raised to think of myself as a leader, but I am also a dreamer, so my career path has been more twirly and less straight line. I have collected career experiences in multiple cities across the country including for-profit and nonprofit organizations and was a small business owner for six years. Confidence and consideration are two words that come to me as I answer this question. I am confident in myself and my abilities. I am considerate to the needs of my company, our team members, and our community partners. Every day, I work towards how I can best serve them authentically.” 

What have been some of your career highlights so far? 

“One of my career highlights has been to support Honor Flight of the Cape Fear Area with both financial and volunteer support. It is a priority for me to create a meaningful relationship with nonprofits.” 

Brittany Hall 

Partner & Attorney, Block, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed LLP 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“I represent people who are going through the legal process of separation, divorce, child custody, and child support. … While my first duty is to my client, my second duty is to my firm. I serve as a partner along with five others and we work together to make decisions for the team. We pride ourselves in having a culture that values professionalism, respect, and integrity. My role as a partner is to support my team, manage my cases, and collaborate with the other partners in making business decisions that will further our mission.” 

What have been some of your career highlights so far? 

“Rather than it be my personal achievements, it would have to be the small role I have played in protecting children from abusive/dangerous parents or caregivers. Every once in a while, I will receive a random card or email from an old client about the difference I have made in his/her life and the children’s lives. Those days make the hard days worth it.” 

What’s a future goal? 

“I want to write a book one day. I also want to teach the law that I am so passionate about.”

Shemeka Henderson-Kemp 

Store Director, Target 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“I locally direct over 250 employees. The goal is to create joy for the guests who walk through those Target doors and to aid in the success and development for each employee who works for me. I also serve as a community liaison to local nonprofits in the Cape Fear area, helping them receive the materials and supplies needed to better aid each organization. I’m also the Target diversity, equity, and inclusion advocate for the east coast of North Carolina. The Wilmington Target is one of the largest volume stores in North Carolina.” 

What have been some of your career highlights so far? 

“Being the wife of a Marine has allowed me to spend time in many areas and communities at Target. I’ve been the first executive of color in many of the districts that I’ve moved to. I’ve implemented recruitment at HBCUs as well as mentorships on those campuses. I’ve remodeled two Target stores. Most recently, I facilitated in the largest (Target) remodel in the U.S. I have worked with headquarters partners to pilot new initiatives at Target, and yearly, I’ve awarded numerous grants from the company to deserving nonprofits.” 

What advice would you give a young professional? 

“To live life with intention. To make sure that everything they do has some thought, work, and heart behind it.”

Bevin Prince 

CEO, Recess by Bevin Prince 

Describe your role and work that you do. 

“As CEO of Recess by Bevin Prince, I’ve crafted a safe, effective, and enjoyable workout that challenges both body and mind in a supportive community. My goal is to foster inclusivity, kindness, and personal growth, inspiring participants to dream bigger in their fitness and personal journeys.” 

How did you reach this leadership position? 

“My late husband, Will Friend, was pivotal in my journey from SoulCycle master instructor and developer to bringing my fitness vision to Wilmington with Recess. Encouraged by the community’s need for connection during the pandemic, we secured support from Live Oak Bank to launch with a tent and 25 bikes. After Will’s passing, I stepped into unfamiliar business roles, navigating financials and business growth. His belief in me continues to inspire my dedication to Recess’ success and community impact.” 

What have been some of your career highlights so far? 

“A few career highlights include relocating to our brick-and-mortar space at The Forum in August, expanding our team to over fifteen employees, and witnessing our riders extend their support beyond the studio.”

Brooke Skipper 

Vice President, Salt Air Heating & Cooling 

How did you reach this leadership position? 

“In 2011, my husband and I co-founded Salt Air Inc., driven by our shared vision and dedication. Over the past thirteen years, we’ve leveraged our complementary skills to grow the company significantly.” 

What have been some of your career highlights so far? 

“Throughout my career, I’ve achieved several key milestones. We’ve grown our business to forty employees, leading a team renowned for high-level service and expertise in the HVAC field. My position allows me to allocate time and resources to community support through nonprofits like WARM NC and Canines for Service. Additionally, we’ve launched an in-house apprentice program, furthering our commitment to professional development and industry excellence.” 

What’s a future goal? 

“… to continue growing our company and work toward our expansion plans outside of the tri-county area over the next three years. I also recently became a mom to a sweet baby girl, so I’m learning to say no to some opportunities for now to balance work and family life. This adjustment is helping me focus and prioritize my time more effectively.

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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