If you’ve spent any time in Union County, you know there are many incredible women actively working to make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. To celebrate their achievements, YOUR Chamber is proud to announce the 6 honorees for the Inaugural Women in Business Awards.
We had over 2 dozen nominations for the categories of Women to Watch and Women of Influence. An individual panel of judges selected 3 recipes from each category. Without further ado, here are the 2024 honorees:
Women to watch:
The Women of Influence awards are given to 3 deserving women between the ages of 21-39 with an impactful future ahead of them in their professional pursuits.
The 2024 honorees are:
Ellie Bragg – Leitner, Bragg & Griffin, PLLC
Ellie Bragg is a partner at Leitner, Bragg & Griffin PLLC. Ellie grew up in Monroe, and received her law degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is actively involved with multiple organizations serving as Past Board Chair for the American Red Cross Southern Piedmont chapter and as the Rhapsody in Red Ball chair. Ellie has also served on the board of directors for the Union County Education Foundation, and the Alliance for Children.
Dr. Taylor Dee Spencer – Wonder Academy
Dr. Taylor Dee Spencer is the founder and CEO of Wonder Academy in Lake Park. As a former elementary teacher, Dr. Taylor discovered her multiple talents within education. She has used those skills to start BEYOND Fit Kids and TUMBLEBUS focused on promoting music, movement, and literacy. She then pivoted to launch Right Now Works Education and Taylor Dee Kids TV Media before founding Wonder Academy, a preschool and after-care program serving over 100 students in Union County. Dr. Spencer is active in community service through her membership in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, as an E-Group Leader with Elevation Church, Winthrop University Black Alumni Council events and planning co-chair, and she is the founder of Charlotte Millennial Entrepreneurs, a volunteer organization dedicated to providing resources for young entrepreneurs.
Kristen Winchester – Charlotte Pipe and Foundry
Kristen Winchester is the Assistant HR Manager for Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Plastics Division. In that role, she serve as Educational Outreach partner for Union County Public Schools and the Plastics Division Community Donation Coordinator along with the Machinist Apprentice Coordinator through South Piedmont Community College. Kristen is instrumental in coordinating Charlotte Pipe’s participation in Make It In Union County, arranging tours of the factory for UCPS students and presenting to students about career opportunities in manufacturing. Kristen served her community as a board member with Hospice of Union County.
Women of Influence
The Women of Influence Awards recognize women who have made a significant impact on their place of business and community.
The 2024 honorees are:
Lesly Jaramillo – WOW Supermarket
As a key figure at WOW Supermarket, Lesly Jaramillo has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, both fiscally and in the community. Lesly was born in Ecuador and moved to the States in the 1980s before settling in North Carolina in 1994. She has served as the Administrative Manager at WOW for the past 10 years. Her community service includes working with victims of domestic violence. She also was a key organizer for the Inaugural Monroe Latin Festival in 2024 that brought over 5,000 people to downtown Monroe to celebrate Latin heritage. Lesly was instrumental in helping bring together municipal, business and community leaders to plan the event.
Jessie Lindberg – Turning Point
Jessie Lindberg is the Executive Director of Turning Point. Under her leadership at Turning Point, Jessie has launched innovative programs to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including outreach to incarcerated women and children impacted by abuse. Beyond her professional achievements, Jessie has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Union Symphony Orchestra and the Union County Human Services Board.
Zenitra Perry – Hundredfold Consulting
Zenitra Perry is a marketing consultant and executive coach with over 29 years of leadership experience, including her time managing a national team with diverse backgrounds. She currently runs Hundredfold Consulting where she utilizes her skills as a certified executive coach to help clients develop leaders. Zenitra is a dedicated community leader, working with organizations like United Way, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the Teen Initiative Program in Monroe.
All of the Women in Business recipients will be honored at the Women in Business Luncheon on October 9, 2024, at Rolling Hills Country Club. The event will also include a keynote address by Donna Y. Dunlap, President & Chief Executive Officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Crolinas.
Last modified: October 7, 2024
