Art direction and design of annual young professionals award.

1. 26 JULY 2017 CARY MAGAZINE 27
COMPILED BY NANCY PARDUE | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JONATHAN FREDIN
Clockwise from bottom left, 2017
Movers & Shakers honorees Kelly
and Brandon Trimyer, Jay Bond
and Alli Walton strike a pose at
the General Aviation Terminal at
RDU International Airport. Special
thanks to RDU staff for making the
facility available to Cary Magazine
as a backdrop to this third annual
feature.
&
Movers
Shakers
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are excerpts
from our honoree interviews. For more from
the 2017 Cary Magazine Movers & Shakers,
see carymagazine.com.
JAY BOND
TITLE: Co-owner, Bond Brothers Beer
Company
ON SUCCESS: Success very rarely comes
easily — and passion is key! You have to be
willing to give everything you have. And
when something doesn’t go your way, use
that experience as an opportunity to learn,
grow and to show those around you who
you really are.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Starting over. No
matter where you are in life, or how bad
things seem, never forget that tomorrow
brings opportunities. Staying positive and
always pushing forward, no matter what,
will inevitably help bring the right people
into your life.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: We
truly believe that each and every one of
our employees has something unique to
offer, whether it’s creativity, insight to the
industry, or suggestions to enhance the way
we run our business. We talk, we listen, and
we show our staff that we are all equals. You
are only as good as the people you surround
yourself with. Let them know that!
FUN FACT: I was a touring musician for
more than half my life.
BRANDON & KELLY TRIMYER
TITLE: Co-owners and operators, Duck
Donuts Cary and Raleigh
ON SUCCESS: Success at any cost feels
hollow. Could we improve financial perfor-
mance by paying lower wages, using fewer
premium products, and giving fewer dona-
tions to schools and community groups? Yes.
Could we sleep at night if we did that? No.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: As parents
to three young kids, we wanted to put our
family first, but it was tough when we were
constantly on call or on the road. Owning
continued on page 28
HERE’S THE BOOST
you’ve been looking for, the
impetus to keep going in
pursuit of your dreams.
Here are the 2017 CM
Movers & Shakers.
Passionate about what
they do, and willing to take
risks to move closer to their
goals, these 25 people are
impacting the “now” of
Western Wake even as they
shape its future.
And just for you, they’re
willing to share their hard-
earned advice on the true
meaning of success.

2. CARY MAGAZINE 2928 JULY 2017
&
our small business has given us flexibility
to set our own schedules and never miss an
important moment with the kids.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: By build-
ing a diverse team. We hire high school
kids, lifetime food service professionals,
retirees working part-time … Their differ-
ent life experiences and perspectives mirror
those of our customers and provide great
insight into improvements.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: As we add locations,
we can’t be everywhere and control every-
thing all the time. We’ve had to build trust
with the team, delegate more, and take a
deep breath before looking at YELP reviews.
ALLISON “ALLI” WALTON
TITLE: Senior manager, Datacenter
Engineering Customer Experience, Cisco
Systems; launched Rotary Club of Raleigh-
Parkside and its Snacks@Schools program
GREATEST STRENGTH OF WESTERN
WAKE: Collaboration to solve local prob-
lems. The desire to help our neighbors, and
to do so together, is amazing.
ON SUCCESS: You cannot do everything
yourself, and when you stop trying you learn
how to do more, because you aren’t alone.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Working with a few
peers to start women-specific programs. I
had to go to some senior people and ask
for time, money and investment of their
top people. The best part is that they are as
invested as I am, and keep telling me yes!
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: Get-
ting opinions from everyone matters, and
sometimes that’s easier out of a business
setting. For volunteer work, the downtime,
when we can talk about anything, tends to
be productive for building relationships and
sparking creative ideas.
JAMES AMATO
TITLE: Marketing strategy and business
development, Capitol Broadcasting Com-
pany; board member, Leadership Triangle;
president-elect, Research Triangle Park
Rotary Club; chair, Rotary District 7710
Hodges Ethics Initiative
ON SUCCESS: It makes its roots at home in
how we approach the ordinary events and
circumstances of our daily lives.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: I spent
over a decade in higher education, design-
ing environments and programs that helped
millennial students thrive. During this time
I lived in the residence halls engaging, learn-
ing and collaborating with my students.
The opportunity gave me the unique lens
through which I see things and solve prob-
lems. It helped me become a design thinker,
something I leverage every day.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: I tend to take myself
too seriously. My beautiful, hilarious 8-month-
old daughter is taking care of this quickly!
FUN FACT: In October 2015, my wife and
I were featured in an episode of HGTV’s
“House Hunters.”
SAMANTHA GODFREY
TITLE: President and CEO, United Drug
Supply; board member, Morrisville Cham-
ber of Commerce
WORK AND CORE VALUES: DIGA — Di-
versity, Innovation, Growth and Awareness
— are our core values at UDS. One of the
benefits of running your own company is
that you can set these values in place to cre-
ate the environment that you want.
Samantha Godfrey
and James Amato
BIGGEST CHALLENGES: Government
regulations. Forecasting and capital. Talent
and hiring. We started with one item on
our first government contract two years ago,
and are now up to 1,900 representing over
30 manufacturers. Transitioning our busi-
ness model to compete with larger distribu-
tors while keeping up with government
regulations has been arduous. We found a
law firm specializing in the exact field …
and hired someone smarter than myself
to take us to the next level in contracting
… we signed on with a fractional CFO, a
prime example of how the value of relation-
ships can help grow your business. And
while I am passionate about my business
as a sales-oriented CEO, I’m a terrible HR
manager. Hire what you’re not good at, a
major lesson I had to learn as I grew.
HOW TO GROW: Invest in talent, listen,
admit mistakes and don’t repeat them. I
take time to give back, whether through the
nonprofit we run, Operation Eagle Inc., or
by helping other entrepreneurs via Triangle
Angel Partners.
TERESA PORTER
TITLE: Owner and photographer, My
Friend Teresa Studios; Alumni Board, Cary
Academy; partner photographer, Heart Gal-
lery of America-NC
ON SUCCESS: Success happens when you
discover what makes you unique and how
to share it with others, and celebrate in
others what makes them unique so the cycle
can continue.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Moving away from
what every other photographer seemed to be
doing, which was taking pictures and putting
them on a CD, and instead learning how
artwork should be displayed in the home.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: Creativity
requires breathing room. We set ourselves
up for inspiration by meeting with clients,
and discover what makes them unique.
Then we wait for the creative idea to show
up. Sometimes that means I’m asking them
to bring clothes that can get wet, or rush-
ing an Amazon order of 25 colorful round
balloons.
Michael Young, Teresa Porter
and Paul Yokabitus
continued from page 26
&FUN FACTS: I had a bad car accident and
have a titanium rod in my leg. I learned to
walk again but enjoy feeling like an unstop-
pable bionic woman. Also, I was featured
several times on The Huffington Post for
a viral blog post I wrote called, “So You’re
Feeling Too Fat to be Photographed.”
PAUL YOKABITUS
TITLE: Estate planning attorney, NC Plan-
ning; board president, The Carying Place
GREATEST STRENGTH OF WESTERN
WAKE: A dedication to controlled and
constructive growth while maintaining a
small-town feel. The community is so warm
and welcoming, especially to newcomers.
ON SUCCESS: The money is not the bottom
line. It’s the desire to make a difference, and
the passion for your work, that creates success.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Leaving Michigan,
my family and professional network, to
pursue a career in law in North Carolina. I
learned that comfort can be a handcuff to
success; sometimes you’ve got to take a leap
of faith and put yourself out there, to reach
your full potential.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Finding enough
time in the day to be a great lawyer, but also
be a great husband to my wife, Alix, and
dad to my two boys, Conor and Mason.
Time management, planning ahead, and
(prioritizing technique) “eating the frog”
have all been valuable strategies to main-
taining work-life balance.
HOW TO GROW: Developing strong men-
tors and knowing when to ask for help.
FUN FACTS: I’m a huge true crime fan, and
an IPA enthusiast.
MICHAEL YOUNG, Ph.D.
TITLE: Director of performance and re-
search, Athletic Lab; head fitness coach for
N.C. Football Club and N.C. Courage pro-
fessional soccer teams; author and lecturer
ON SUCCESS: Success is about contented-
ness, being happy with what you’re doing
and where you are in life. In this regard, it
continued on page 30
“Money is not the
bottom line. It’s the
desire to make a
difference, and the
passion for your work,
that creates success.”
— Paul Yokabitus

3. CARY MAGAZINE 31
breakout quote
30 JULY 2017
&
Jeremy Bond and Lesley Richmond
is something we can have direct control over
with our actions and outlook.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: My biggest risk was
moving (from New York) to the Triangle
to start Athletic Lab. I slept on the floor
and ate every meal using a single bowl and
fork. But my family joined me, I found a
warehouse lease, and several elite athletes
moved to the area to train with me. I haven’t
looked back since.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: I introduce chil-
dren to healthy habits and a love of movement
that has lifelong benefits. I help adults get into
the best shape of their lives. I help athletes
pursue their passions and dreams … On a
larger scale, the health and fitness of a com-
munity has positive implications on workplace
and school productivity, safety and more.
JEREMY BOND
TITLE: Co-owner, Bond Brothers Beer
Company
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Success and risk go
hand and hand. Opening a brewery by far is
the biggest risk I’ve taken in my life. We put
in the time, energy and research to succeed,
but there are never any guarantees. Taking
nothing for granted and being willing to
make personal sacrifices is key.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: Growing up as
an artist, I’ve always looked at life a little
differently. When it comes to beer I think
that’s very important. Our slogan, “Old
school classics, new school originals” repre-
sents how we think as individuals and as a
company. We respect tradition, yet we are
passionate about innovation and always try
to bring something creative to the market.
FUN FACTS: I played “the grandson” in
a commercial promoting Major League
Baseball as a kid, and I studied as a sculp-
tor’s apprentice in the crypt of St. John the
Divine Cathedral in Manhattan.
LESLEY RICHMOND
TITLE: Owner, Mama Bird’s Cookies +
Cream
ON SUCCESS: The number one lesson I’ve
learned in my lifetime is that nothing beats
hard work. Hard work outweighs talent and
intelligence, and is necessary if you want to
succeed. This not only means working hard
when things are going well, but working
harder when things are not. It means taking
calculated risks and sticking to them, no
matter how challenging they are.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Opening our store-
front. Trusting that we’ve got a unique and
flavorful product and standing behind our
process has been worth the risk.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: I continue to work
a full-time job, run the ice cream shop and
support two active children, so finding time
for everything has been a challenge. I’m find-
ing that there’s not enough time in a day to
get everything done, so being open to ask for
help and trusting others to run the shop or
run my kids around has been challenging.
FUN FACTS: I’m adopted and grew up in the
Pittsburgh area, but I’m an avid Cleveland
sports fan.
AMANDA DISMUKES
TITLE: Owner, lead trainer and instructor at
Hustle Fitness Studio
ON SUCCESS: Never compare your success
to someone else’s. Be you. Let others’ success
motivate and inspire you, but never let it
defeat or discourage you.
continued on page 32
continued from page 29
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4. &
&
32 JULY 2017
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Leaving my full-time
job of 10 years to open my own fitness studio.
I did not have a location or any equipment;
I literally started with nothing. Doing what
you love is worth the risk. I have learned that
I can do anything I set my mind to — fear
and unknowns will not hold me back. And
whatever the outcome is, I will be OK.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: My work is
about treating others with kindness and re-
spect, sharing joy and making people laugh,
helping people meet their wellness goals and
giving them a safe place to disconnect from
life and stress.
HOW TO GROW: My focus is on my business
and growing that; it is my life, seven days
a week. I talk to other fitness professionals
and learn from them, what works and what
doesn’t. I never want to get too comfortable.
SARAH GASKILL
TITLE: President, Morrisville Chamber of
Commerce
ON SUCCESS: Success comes in many forms.
It’s important to celebrate not only the big
wins but the small successes along the way,
and with the team that made it happen!
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: My first job out of
college was for a new event facility. I had no
experience other than a few internships and
was hired for an executive director position.
The most valuable lesson learned was to
surround yourself with good people, because
they will help you grow.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: I consis-
tently ask for ideas and suggestions from my
team and from our members. For people to
feel ownership of their space, it is important
to encourage them to try new things, with
room to make mistakes. Given the ever-
changing landscape of business as well as the
robust growth here in the Triangle … being
creative and innovative in our approach will
be most important as we move forward.
FUN FACTS: I started my career as a wedding
planner. I also love canning fruits and veg-
etables; I’ve been told I make a mean pickle.
TETNIKA WILLIAMSON
TITLE: Instructional management coordi-
nator and assistant principal intern, Wake
County Public Schools; owner, party plan-
ner and stylist, Poise Boutique and Cutie
Pie Pampering
GREATEST STRENGTH OF WESTERN WAKE:
Its sense of community support, and the
revitalization of businesses.
ON SUCCESS: There’s not one set path-
way or one size fits all in success — there’s
enough success for everyone. However, you
can only define your own success.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Leaving my corporate
job in 2007 to pursue a career in education.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: Helping others;
providing a service through outreach and
education.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: Staying up
to date on the latest market trends.
HOW TO GROW: My love for learning — at-
tending continuing education courses, profes-
sional development, and trying new things.
FUN FACTS: I completed my first half-mar-
athon in November 2016, ran another in
June. Also, I am a self-taught artist and love
to paint abstract artwork.
ERICA ADAY
TITLE: Postpartum doula and baby sleep
expert, First Daze & Nightzzz
GREATEST STRENGTH OF WESTERN WAKE:
Our people. Our shared desire for love,
health and happiness in our family’s lives are
the common threads that connect us.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: Love, compas-
sion, caring, appreciation and belief in oth-
ers are core values that shape and guide me.
Although we may have differences, we need
to care for each other.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: Working
with a team of other skilled and intuitive
women really helps. We problem solve and
provide support to families as a team, with
access to each doula’s special skill sets and
experiences. Every family is unique, so our
collective methods of support are always
evolving.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Squeezing in time
for friends and fun can be challenging. I try
to practice what I preach to my clients — to
relish small moments and be thankful for
each day, instead of getting caught up in the
busyness of life.
FUN FACTS: I was a makeup artist for Glam-
our Shots in the 1990s, which has come in
handy for my daughter who sings and per-
forms in theater, and have worked as a sign
language interpreter at a school for the deaf.
BEARTA AL-CHACAR
TITLE: Owner, event planning firm NC
Vibes; director, annual International Festival
through nonprofit International Focus
ON SUCCESS: All experiences are successes
— failures are just successes in the works.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: I left my home
country, Lebanon, when I was 19, having
only seen the U.S. in movies. My father told
us, “Make sure you have good education so
that you can always rely on yourself.” My
parents died when I was 5, and this message
is about the only thing I have from them.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: I strive to
connect with positive people and projects,
and stay away from negativity. I care about
cultural integration and know how difficult
it is to learn to live in a new environment;
making connections makes one stronger
through transition.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: These events are a
celebration of accomplishments, traditions
and culture, and are enjoyed by thousands.
My biggest challenge is learning not be af-
fected by one negative comment.
FUN FACTS: I speak French, Arabic and a
little Spanish. I was given the 2010 Volun-
teer Award by President Obama, and was a
UNICEF and United Nations High Com-
missioner for Refugees ambassador.
JASON GRANTHAM
TITLE: Financial planner, MassMutual; board
member, Military Missions in Action; founder,
Veteran Owned Business Festival; co-chair,
Fuquay-Varina Young Professionals Network
GREATEST STRENGTH OF WESTERN WAKE:
The greatest strength of this area is business
opportunity … the people here embrace
growth while maintaining the small-town
kindness I grew up knowing.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: I volunteered and
was a part of the first year-long combat
deployment in the Air Force in 2006-2007.
I learned that training and teamwork are
essential to success. This applies not only
in a combat situation, but in the business
world as well.
Amanda
Dismukes,
Sarah Gaskill
and Tetnika
Williamson
Erica Aday, Jason Grantham
and Bearta Al-Chacar
continued on page 34
continued from page 30
CARY MAGAZINE 33
“Doing what you love
is worth the risk. I
have learned that I
can do anything I set
my mind to — fear
and unknowns will
not hold me back.”
— Amanda Dismukes

5. &
34 JULY 2017 CARY MAGAZINE 35
WORK AND CORE VALUES: It follows the
core values I learned in the Air Force: in-
tegrity first, service before self, excellence in
all we do. I follow these when working with
clients to help create the best and most rel-
evant financial plan for their specific needs.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: I’m always
looking for ways to show how much we care
within the communities that we serve. This
includes sponsoring a variety of community
events and helping military families.
TED BOYD
TITLE: Downtown development manager,
Town of Cary
GREATEST STRENGTH OF WESTERN WAKE:
Geography. Proximity to Raleigh, RTP,
Durham, Chapel Hill, RDU and major uni-
versities attracts great companies who need
great employees, who want to build great
communities by being engaged citizens.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Walking away from
a full scholarship for a master’s in divinity
two years into the program. Lesson learned
… most of life’s decisions are not between
good and bad, but between better and best.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: I am vision and
mission driven. I’ll do just about any type
of job so long as I believe in that vision —
picking up trash as I walk down the sidewalk,
working with a developer on plans for a new
building, or trying to scout the next new busi-
ness to open in downtown, I’ll give the energy
and time to make Downtown Cary happen.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Amazon. They are
changing the way we shop and the way we
understand retail, which could have a sig-
nificant impact on soft goods retail shops, a
key component of vibrant downtowns. I’ve
got a call into (Amazon founder) Jeff Bezos.
FUN FACT: “Ted” is a nickname and
is not derived from my legal name,
Wofford Ptolemy Boyd III.
ELLEN FRAZIER
TITLE: Marketing and volunteer manager,
Dorcas Ministries
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: My study abroad
experience in college. It cultivated my love
for travel and my appreciation for different
cultures, which makes me more open to the
different cultures around us in Cary.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: I was initially
drawn to work at Dorcas Ministries because
the work and mission directly align with
my beliefs and core values. As a Christian
organization, I am able to live out my faith
on a daily basis.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: Part of my
role at Dorcas Ministries is to help shape
how we are viewed within our community,
through our marketing. As I work to de-
velop our new marketing plan, I am foster-
ing conversations with my co-workers and
collaborating with them on new things we
can do to bring awareness to the organiza-
tion. I am also responsible for our volunteer
recognition events and, while we can never
say “Thank you” enough to the 450-plus
volunteers, I try to come up with a new
“treat” every year.
FUN FACTS: I’m a North Carolina native,
and I don’t eat barbecue. I have also always
wanted a teacup pig as a pet, which might
explain why I don’t eat barbecue.
TOM HAVRISH
TITLE: Owner and chef, Lugano Ristorante
and Academy Street Bistro
GREATEST STRENGTH OF WESTERN WAKE:
The continued growth in the community, as
well as the many different tastes that contin-
ue to be as diverse as any other city or town.
ON SUCCESS: Don’t be content with it. Al-
ways keep pushing and growing, and always
be careful how you define success.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: Buying out my former
partner. There were many sides to owning a
business that I was not aware of or good at.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: A simple rule
to follow: You’re never wrong doing the
right thing.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: In the
restaurant business, creativity is very impor-
tant. There also has to be structure. I try to
get input from all levels of staff, and nothing
is off limits. I find this promotes a sense of
ownership in what they do.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Running two restau-
rants by myself, and reminding myself I am
not Superman and cannot go at it alone.
FUN FACT: I’ve been a huge Star Wars fan
my whole life.
CHRISTIE MOSER
TITLE: Vice president Member Services,
Cary Chamber of Commerce
ON SUCCESS: Some things take time to
achieve. Have confidence in yourself, your
abilities, and for me, confidence in my
Lord that he will provide me with wisdom
and guidance.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: I recently took over
the Member Services position at the cham-
ber. After 10 years in my previous role, this
was a leap that I wanted to take. Risks can
reap many rewards!
HOW TO GROW: This year I joined my first
board of directors, for Note in the Pocket, so I
am trying to become more engaged and learn
from others. The leadership we have through
the Cary Chamber is tremendous, and I also
Tom Havrish, Christie Moser,
Ellen Frazier and Ted Boyd
value the opportunities to learn from those
around me.
FUN FACTS: I am a big foodie and “Top
Chef” follower and have met numerous
chefs from coast to coast. And I once won
a contest, where Keith Urban flew me and
my husband out to Nashville for his private
tour rehearsal.
NAYMA KOSE
TITLE: Community program organizer,
youth mentor and volunteer, Zakat Foun-
dation of America
ON SUCCESS: Success
is when you have
touched someone’s
life for the better.
BIGGEST RISK
TAKEN: Moving to
North Carolina from
Delaware two years
ago. I didn’t know anyone, but found out
that a bigger city has many more opportu-
nities for the whole family.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: As a Muslim, I
am taught that God will continue to help a
person as long as he is helping others. That
has been a driving force in much of my
volunteering, as I always need God’s help in
everything I do.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: I look for
a person’s talents when finding a volunteer
activity for him to do. For example, I had a
group of high school kids start an afterschool
basketball camp, and arts and craft camp, at
an elementary school. The school had neither
and both the high school and elementary
school kids loved what they were doing.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Managing my time.
Nayma Kose
continued from page 33
continued on page 36
“Success is when
you have touched
someone’s life for the
better.”
— Nayma Kose

6. &
36 JULY 2017
I have five precious kids and I have to
always find ways to use my time efficiently.
HOW TO GROW: I try to learn what prob-
lems members of our community face, and
then try to find others who have the talents
and means to help them.
TRACY CALLAHAN
TITLE: Founder and CEO, nonprofit Polka
Dot Mama Melanoma Foundation; board
member, Western Wake Farmer’s Market
ON SUCCESS: Success is not an end; it is
a launching point for the next adventure.
Success is also a team effort.
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: A friend offered a
decommissioned school bus for the founda-
tion. I worked to get it branded, tuned
up and road ready. I worked through the
endless bureaucracy of the DMV, insur-
ance companies, and the politics of other
states. When I finally picked up the “Shade
Shuttle” in New Jersey, it was the first time
I even saw the bus. In less than two months,
this mobile education unit has allowed us
to screen close to 100 people for skin cancer
and to raise awareness about melanoma.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: I am lucky
to work with some incredibly talented and
creative people, and think the best approach
is not to get in the way or micromanage
their work.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: We are growing so
quickly that it is hard to keep up with all
the opportunities that present themselves.
We are always looking for more community
supporters willing to join our group.
CORRIE ISMAILI
TITLE: Owner, president, CEO and COO,
Halie’s Boutique
ON SUCCESS: I have learned that success is
not quick or easy, but that’s what makes it
more satisfying.
HOW TO FOSTER INNOVATION: Our staff is
a group of diverse, intelligent and talented
women. My door is always open, and every
idea is a good idea. When we meet as a
group we feed off of each other and formu-
late fantastic plans!
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest chal-
lenge for every small business in its infancy
is establishing its brand. I have put a lot of
thought, effort and research into building
the Halie’s Boutique brand and making it
unique. … Customers either shop online
or want the unique boutique feel. We work
hard every day at establishing both.
FUN FACTS: I was originally going to be a
lawyer, and spent a few summers working in
the court system on domestic violence and
helping woman regain independence. And,
I was “best dressed” in high school.
MONTANA WAGNER-GILLESPIE
TITLE: Manager, WakeMed Mothers’ Milk
Bank; co-chair, WakeMed Breastfeeding
Council; member of strategic planning
committee, Human Milk Banking Associa-
tion of North America; graduate student at
N.C. State
BIGGEST RISK TAKEN: I was in a volunteer
position at the milk bank when the supervi-
sor position opened up; a nursing degree was
required to apply. I got
up enough nerve to
email the director and
explain what I could
offer, despite not being
a nurse. I learned that
you have to be your
own advocate for the
things you want. You
have to put yourself out there even if self-
promotion makes you uncomfortable.
WORK AND CORE VALUES: Making sure
everyone has the opportunity to succeed in
life is something I am passionate about. I
get to play a tiny role in making sure that
fragile infants get the best possible start with
the best possible source of nutrition, human
milk.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Unpredictability
is difficult in my position: Supply, equip-
ment, demand, etc. I have had to learn to
let go and realize that I can’t anticipate every
problem. Being a strong leader doesn’t mean
that you never face challenges. It’s how you
help your team navigate those challenges
that matters. t
continued from page 35
Montana
Wagner-Gillespie
Tracy Callahan and
Corrie Ismaili