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Empowered Women2025-02-06T18:11:30-05:00

Episode 10

Empowered Women

Featuring Interviews from the Inaugural Carolina Women’s Collective Summit 2024

Episode 10

Empowered Women

Featuring Interviews from the Inaugural Carolina Women’s Collective Summit 2024

For our final official episode of EPIC Carteret, we explore how empowered women create ripple effects that strengthen and uplift their communities.

Featuring insights from Carolina Women’s Collective founders Silvana Botta, Jillian Lister, and Booth Parker, along with Brandy Bell, director of the Carteret Community College Small Business Center, we uncover the transformative impact of fostering connections, supporting one another, and creating opportunities for growth. Through inspiring stories from conference attendees and local leaders, we celebrate the unique culture of collaboration in Carteret County and the women shaping its future.

Listen to Episode 10

Learn more about the Carolina Women’s Collective, the Small Business Center, and related topics mentioned in the episode.

Women-owned businesses mentioned in Episode 10

The Beaufort Hotel

On January 11, local literature lovers gathered at the charming historic train depot in downtown Morehead City to spend the long, moonless night sharing in the age old tradition of telling ghost stories together. The depot’s cozy space was perfect for the occasion, and afterwards, the central location made it easy for attendees to haunt local restaurants and bars to discuss the evening’s entertainment.

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This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with administration by the Craven Arts Council & Gallery.

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Epic-Carteret Episode 10:

How Empowered Women Power Epic Communities

Transcribed by Autumn Ware with the help of Hindenburg Pro

Intro

Autumn (narration): Welcome to EPIC Carteret. I’m your host Autumn Ware, and I washed ashore on the Crystal Coast with my family in December 2020. I arrived worn and weary, but within a year, I found myself converted from an exhausted traveler to an energized participant in this vibrant community.

I’m a reformed recluse in a place that knows the secret of transforming strangers into neighbors. For the last two years, I’ve been on a quest to uncover what makes Carteret County such an extraordinary place to call home.

[music swells and fades]

Autumn (narration): Over the last few months as I’ve been wrapping up the final episodes of EPIC Carteret, I found myself reflecting on the overall arc of the series. What themes have emerged over the course of my interviews? What stories have resonated the most? And — if I’m being honest — what had I missed?

It struck me that there was an unmistakable (and entirely unintentional) thread running through this series: women. The stories I’ve told have often centered on women who not only carry their communities forward but redefine what leadership looks like.

I’ll admit, I felt a little self-conscious when I first realized my bias. But the more I thought about it, the clearer it became that, while it may have been unintentional, it wasn’t an accident that so many of my guests were women; it was a reflection of the reality here in Carteret County. Women aren’t just participating in our community — they’re shaping it, driving it, and ensuring its success in ways that are both visible and quietly profound.

When local educator Amanda McCall saw children losing literacy skills during the summer, she had confidence that her community would rally to support her call for a book mobile to reach kids in the far corners of the county.

Amanda McCall: I had this idea, I don’t know where I’m gonna get it, but I don’t know where I’m going to do this. I don’t know who’s going to support. And things have just kind of, up to now, like kind of has fallen into place. It’s for a good cause. And I think most people, especially in this community, I think they get behind that, you know? Yeah, it’s like they can see a greater good in it and are super supportive.

 

Autumn (narration): When Barbara Garrity-Blake was studying the maritime culture of the region, she was inspired to action by the Women’s Auxilary committees that had taken on issues affecting local fishermen and their families.

Barbara Garrity-Blake: There was an ad in the paper: Calling all sisters, wives, friends of commercial fishing communities, meet at Atlantic School, such and such date and time!

These ladies’ auxiliaries grew out of a concern at the time that there were some federal regulations coming down that would affect the local fishermen. And they felt like, why didn’t these feds come in and talk to us about it? Let’s stand up and be counted here.

 

Autumn (narration): When Mayor Sharon Harker heard the call to leadership, she trusted her community to recognize her capabilities, and in doing so, she opened new doors for young women who might choose to follow in her footsteps.

Mayor Sharon Harker: When I ran for office as a woman, I ran for office because I knew my daughter was watching. I knew my daughter’s friends were watching; women were watching, in general, as to what I could do because I wanted to inspire other women to do the same thing, not necessarily run for office, but to do whatever you wanted to do. This was a statement of getting out there and breaking those barriers down.

 

Autumn (narration): That doesn’t happen everywhere. There are places where women can’t put their confidence in their community, where they don’t have the authority to take a stand on issues that affect themselves or their families, and where they aren’t trusted as leaders.

When women don’t have agency in a community, the entire community suffers. The UN Women’s Economic Empowerment series explores how restrictive norms lead to weaker economic growth, limited innovation, and cultural stagnation. Conversely, studies from the World Bank show correlations between gender equity and economic growth. Empowering women with equal access to education, healthcare, and employment can contribute to poverty reduction and improve GDP growth.

[music swells and fades]

That idea has stayed with me as I’ve worked on this episode, reflecting on the many women who shape Carteret County — business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators, and advocates. These are women who empower others, build networks of support, and create opportunities for growth. They show us that when women rise, entire communities thrive.

In this episode, we’ll hear from women who’ve built businesses from the ground up, like Kat Suralik of Tranquility Spa and Hope Peterson of Pause Wellness. We’ll also meet nonprofit leaders like Brandy Bell, who helps small businesses find their footing, and the founders of the Carolina Women’s Collective, who are creating even more spaces for women to connect and grow on the Crystal Coast.

In fact, the Carolina Women’s Collective, or CWC, is a great place to start since I gathered many of the stories and insights in this episode  while at the CWC Summit earlier this year. Held at the beautiful Beaufort Hotel, the event brought together women from all walks of life — entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers — for a day of connection, inspiration, and shared purpose.

The CWC was founded by three dynamic local businesswomen: Silvana Boda, Jillian Lester, and Booth Parker. Each of them brings unique skills and perspectives to the organization, but they’re united by a shared vision: to create opportunities for women to develop personally and professionally in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Let’s hear from Silvana, an interior designer by trade, about what inspired the group to start CWC and their mission to empower women across the Carolinas and beyond.

Silvana Botta

Silvana Botta: CWC is an organization formed out of passion from women to women to help us develop professionally and personally in a very inviting environment where every single question is more than welcome because here is to help us move forward and reach the next level with confidence.

[music swells and fades]

Autumn (narration): As Silvana shared, the foundation of the Carolina Women’s Collective is creating a space where women feel supported to ask questions, share ideas, and grow both personally and professionally. It’s a mission rooted in the belief that confidence and connection go hand in hand.

That spirit of cooperation is echoed by CWC co-founder and owner of Set Sail Marketing Jillian Lister, who highlights how Carteret County’s unique culture fosters a sense of mutual support among women.

Jillian Lister

Jillian Lister: I have found that the women that I’ve surrounded myself with and the women I’ve met through the CWC, they are more of collaboration over competition. They really like to pour into their community, and you get so much more out of it if you don’t see others as competition, and you’re willing to help. And I think that’s what we really found in Carteret County, is so many women want to pour into other women.

Autumn (narration): The CWC Summit reflected that spirit, offering a blend of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with an aim to share Carteret County’s unique culture of cooperation with women from across the state. CPA and CWC co-founder Booth Parker elaborates.

Booth Parker

Booth Parker: There is a need for support for women outside of Carteret County. Three of us just happened to live here and have founded the organization here, but we definitely know that there is a need across the Carolinas and beyond. And our our goal is, is to reach these people that are looking for this kind of support and network and development for themselves personally and professionally. That is one reason why for our inaugural summit, we had multiple speakers that were from other areas of the Carolinas just to go ahead and let everyone know we aren’t only focused on Carteret County, we are focused on supporting women across the Carolinas and beyond.

Autumn (narration): The summit’s success wasn’t just measured in attendance but also in its lasting impact. Silvana shares how the event empowered participants while giving back to the community in meaningful ways, including a donation of $5,000 to Carteret Community College.

Silvana Botta (again)

Silvana Botta: Absolutely. I think it was a very successful first inaugural conference. Right. We were able to bring a diverse group of women and to really satisfy both the leadership side and the entrepreneurial side. I left not only knowing more ladies, very empowered, and also when we formed this organization, it was very important to give back. And in this case, we’re giving back to our community through the community college. And that was a very huge impact that I know and fulfill all our hearts.

Autumn (narration): One of the most tangible outcomes of the summit is the creation of scholarships for women leaders through the Carteret Community College Foundation. Jillian explains how this initiative provides lasting opportunities for women.

Jillian Lister (again)

Jillian Lister: We’re creating scholarships for women leaders at the college, and we’re going to work with the college foundation to kind of put those parameters together. But with that donation, we’ll be able to help not just one, probably multiple women with their future.

[music swells and fades]

Autumn (narration): Scholarships like these are a powerful way to invest in the future, but they’re only one part of the equation. As Booth explains, the Carolina Women’s Collective is equally focused on breaking down barriers and building connections—fostering a network where women can share knowledge, open doors, and help each other move forward.

Booth Parker (again)

Sharon Harker: Networking is huge because people are how you find opportunities. And I think the fact that we have found in Carteret County and with what we’re trying to create, we we don’t want any gatekeepers here. We want people who are open and willing to share their knowledge, their experience. You know, they might not be able to help someone directly, but they may know someone in their professional network that could really help someone else and they put them in contact. And I think that having that network and meeting people that can show you opportunities, even if it’s just a little foot in the door somewhere, sometimes that’s all you need. And those kind of connections are what we are really trying to facilitate.

Autumn (narration): While I was mingling at the CWC Summit, I spoke with Lynn Minges, Executive Director of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, who was the first to second the value of connections.

Lynn Minges

(of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association)

Lynn Minges: For really anybody who’s trying to be successful in life, in business, in organizations, in community, it’s all about making connections and relying on other people. One of my younger staff people indicated to me the other notice the other day that I have some 8000 contacts and my contact, my electronic contact book. And I said, Yeah, in the old days, and even today, this is how we get things done, is building relationships with people who can give you advice, who you can rely on and say, Gosh, I remember a few years ago we talked about this. How did that work out for you? What are the talking points? What should I avoid? And it’s those people, those relationships that matter in business, in life, in community, in family. That’s really what it’s about.

Autumn (narration): Research supports Lynn, and a recent study from Leadership Circle, a global leadership development organization, shows that women leaders score significantly higher in their capability to connect and relate to others than their male counterparts. Lynn’s perspective highlights how these connections provide support and open doors, allowing us to share wisdom and grow together.

But Lynn is quick to point out, it’s not just about who you know; it’s also about the unique qualities women bring to the table. From balancing professional goals with family life to adapting to shifting priorities, women’s ability to multitask and persevere is a key driver of our success.

Lynn Minges: You know, I find that women just have a lot of determination drive. I think by design, we’re kind of multitaskers. I’ve had a career for about 40 years, a long time, and raised two children. Now I have four grandchildren. And you know, in raising those children, we had to be multitaskers. We’ve got to, you know, get the kids ready, get them to school, focus on open a happy home life work life balance, but also charging ahead during the eight or so hours. We have to get work done during the workday, come home, cook dinner, read books, get people to bed. And and that’s really what what makes women, I think so unique is that we are good multitaskers. Priorities change on the dime, and we’re pretty adept at doing that just because of the nature of of being a woman.

Autumn (narration): Alura Acosta, another event attendee I spoke with, is a perfect example of the way women multitask and the way we connect with others. She’s a woman veteran who served in the Marines, a mother of five, and she’s an entrepreneur with several impressive local businesses to her name, including Timberland Farms and The Neigh Bar. She’s also one of the founders of the Crystal Coast Wedding Expo coming up on January 18. Alura highlighted one of long-term benefits of a community in which women build relationships and help one another.

Alura Acosta

(of Timberland Farms)

Alura Acosta: I hear this all the time, is that women tear down each other. But it’s funny because we are also the first ones that want to help each other. So I would say that it takes it takes a village to raise a child. So be the other person’s village and help and give before they ask, because they’re not going to ask. And that is how you empower your village. That’s how you raise up. Because if you can help raise their children to be great, you’re going to create generational empowerment. So it’s not just about helping the mom, it’s about generational empowerment, because now you’re raising that child and when you can’t help anymore, it’s those children that you raise that are going to be taking care of you.

Autumn (narration): Alura’s thoughts on generational empowerment — about being each other’s village — are a powerful reminder of what happens when women lift one another up. It’s a sentiment that echoed throughout the summit, as women spoke about the strength and resilience that come from mutual support.

Taylor Holbrooke, a PRE radio reporter and recent graduate, who spoke about the ways women are conditioned to see each other as threats and how we can move past that.

Taylor Holbrooke

Taylor Holbrooke: I think there’s a lot of misconception about women’s roles and power, specifically being perceived as more demanding or ‘bitchy’ than men in similar positions. Confidence is key, but it has to come naturally to who you are, not who you think a powerful woman should be. Sometimes, when you feel like you’re at odds with another woman, it’s really because you’re not recognizing the same strength and confidence in yourself.

I’ve been trying to reframe that — seeing other women as friends and collaborators rather than competition. Recognizing someone else’s strengths and asking, ‘How can I uplift that?’ creates a win-win for everyone.”

Autumn (narration): Taylor’s perspective highlights a powerful shift: when we let go of unnecessary competition, we create space for genuine collaboration and mutual growth. By celebrating each other’s strengths, we foster a culture where women can thrive together rather than in opposition.

Hope Peterson, founder of Pause Wellness LLC, sees this firsthand in her work helping women over 40 prioritize self-care as they transition through perimenopause into menopause.

Hope Peterson

Hope Peterson: This community, Carteret County, there’s a lot of women here, and we are all in it together with running our small businesses and supporting one another. We’re here to cheer each other on.

LeAnn Paget

Autumn (narration): LeAnn Paget, a retired schoolteacher, embodies that spirit of support, and expresses how being supportive to others can contribute to your own inspiration. While helping her friend Sonja Lewis with her creative business venture Backshore Living in Morehead City, LeAnn found herself energized by the process and by the women she’s encountered along the way.

LeAnn Paget: In between doing like tutoring and other things, I’m helping one of my good friends that retired from the school system to open her shop. And it’s so much fun just meeting women in there, shopping, and just being inspired by my friend Sonja Lewis and her creativity and being in this magnetic crowd. I think, you know, it’s not one person out to be the best. It’s one person inspiring someone else to do something. And it’s just building upon that. It’s a great area to live in for sure.

Kat Suralik

Autumn (narration): That cycle of inspiration — of women lifting one another up through mutual care and shared energy — is a defining feature of this community. Kat Suralik, owner of Tranquility Spa in Morehead City, shared the pleasure she experiences in providing a space for women to unwind and the gratitude she feels having a community of women entrepreneurs to share her trials and triumphs with.

Kat Suralik: [Women] care for our families. We care for our staff. We care for, you know, the schools and the community, so when they come into the spa, it’s kind of nice because they get an hour or 90 minutes to themselves where they can just stop, and somebody is taking care of them.

It’s really wonderful being here because I’ve had so much support over the years in the community, and it’s nice to be able to give back and be a part of all of these women. I mean, we’re not afraid to stand up there and, you know, say, this is who I am and this is what I’m doing. A lot of that opens doors. If I’m doing it, it allows it for other people in the community to do it. It allows it for my daughter to see that, to be able to do it.

Sherrill Moraven

Autumn (narration): Empowerment can ripple outward. When women see others stepping up, breaking barriers, and building something meaningful, it creates a cycle of inspiration and opportunity.

Sherrill Moraven: My name is Sherrill Williams Moraven. I am a volunteer with the Carteret Community College Foundation. Dr. Tracy Manzini, who is the President? She is fabulous and she does an excellent job with the college and with outreach to the community. And when I was asked and invited to be a part of it, I was excited and honored that she thought that much of me to be a part of that community. And so I’ve enjoyed being able to see the impact that the community college has on the county and surrounding counties, and to see how I can have an impact on that and how I can benefit others and enrich them so that they can have the same opportunity as well.

Autumn (narration): Empowerment often begins with women creating opportunities for themselves and then extending those opportunities to other women in their community. As more women trust their instincts and step into roles of leadership, creativity, and service, they inspire others to do the same.

This cycle of action and inspiration strengthens communities and builds a culture where women feel supported to thrive, and it should never stop with the women already in the room. Expanding the circle of opportunity to include more women from more diverse backgrounds is a source of strength for our communities. Every new perspective we include enriches the whole, helping us all grow stronger, more innovative, and more connected.

When I asked Sherrill what she would prioritize to ensure more women were thriving she said:

Sherrill Moraven: To make sure there was diversity and that all women were included. And there wasn’t just a select few.

Autumn (narration): Sherrill’s words remind us that diversity is about more than representation. It’s about ensuring that every woman feels included and valued. It’s a commitment to creating spaces where voices from all backgrounds can contribute, collaborate, and thrive.

This sentiment was echoed by Dion Hill, a communications manager with First Flight Credit Union, who emphasized the importance of inclusion and the power of diverse perspectives to enrich not just the women involved, but the communities they serve.

Dion Hill

Dion Hill: I would want to make sure we have a diverse group of women, from different backgrounds, different cultures, different parts of the world to give different insights.

[music swells and fades]

Autumn (narration): Carteret County is home to an inspiring number of women leaders, and that’s no coincidence. Opportunities for growth and support are woven into the fabric of this community. One standout resource is the Small Business Center at Carteret Community College, which provides free counseling, weekly small business round tables, and regularly scheduled workshops to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality.

The SBC’s Women in Business conference, also held every October, is another example of the Center’s support in action. This locally-focused conference brings together the Crystal Coast’s most inspiring female business leaders to share insights and build connections. This blend of resources, opportunities, and encouragement makes Carteret County a rich ecosystem for women to thrive as leaders and entrepreneurs.

To explore how this network of support works, I spoke with Brandy Bell, the dynamic director of the Small Business Center, whose passion for fostering empowerment and connection is at the heart of the center’s success.

Brandy Bell

Brandy Bell: Every time you meet someone new, your sphere of influence grows because now that person knows about you, knows what you do, and there may be someone in their circle that like, Oh gosh, you’re doing this, or you need to speak to such and such. I mean, it just opens up so many doors and I love I love that. That’s something that Carteret County does really well like, oh, you should meet such and such. Let me introduce you. I love our community in that aspect.

Autumn (narration): Brandy’s enthusiasm is a perfect example of how Carteret County thrives on relationships. These introductions aren’t just casual gestures — they’re the foundation of a network that helps women move forward, whether they’re just starting out or growing established businesses.

Brandy Bell: We want to be seen and heard and valued and appreciated. And I feel females, we are caregivers, we are nurturers. And if we feel valued and appreciated, we tend to go above and beyond. I mean, we’re looking after our family, we’re looking after our community. And I think having a space where we are heard and empowered, it’s powerful.

And I mean, you have to give like a little bit of small credit to the men. Very, very limited and small credit to the men, because they’ve welcomed these women to the table and actually figured out, like, hey, they contribute. They know what they’re talking about. They are a force. They’re someone I want to partner with and empower. And not everyone, of course, is like that. But I do think that’s another way that Carteret County is unique.

Autumn (narration): The foundation of support in Carteret County is built on a shared understanding: when women succeed, they uplift the entire community. As Brandy explains, the spirit of collaboration and empowerment runs deep here.

Brandy Bell: Women are killing it. We’re crushing it. There’s so many of us. I love meeting new women that, I mean, they’re just starting out. We had several first-year businesses there. I meet with far more women than I do men. I think we’re paving the way. We’re bringing up others. So it takes a village. I mean, that’s very, very, very true. Yeah. And we Carteret County, we have a good village. We have a really good village.

[music swells and fades]

Conclusion

Autumn (narration): I began this odyssey with a simple question: What makes a community epic? Along the way, I’ve found lots of compelling answers — trusted leaders, enthusiastic volunteers, mutual support, and the unique spirit of collaboration that defines Carteret County.

Epic communities don’t happen by chance. They’re created by people who care deeply, who recognize the value of lifting others up, and who understand that progress is something we achieve together. Whether it’s through fostering connections, empowering vulnerable people, preserving culture, or nurturing the next generation, the threads of Carteret County’s story are woven together with purpose and care to create a safety net people can depend on.

I came to Carteret County in 20202 weary and worn down, and the generous people of the Crystal Coast offered more than a safe harbor. You offered a home and a new perspective on community. How? You listened. You connected. You trusted me. You cared. And you invested in the idea that by lifting one another up, we can achieve something extraordinary together.

[music swells and fades]

Autumn (narration): Speaking of investing, this year’s Winter Haunting event supports the Carteret Community Theatre’s rebuilding efforts and celebrates local writers who’ve poured their hearts into crafting haunting tales for our annual ghost story contest. By attending, you’re not just enjoying an evening of chills and thrills — you’re helping sustain the vibrant arts and storytelling traditions that make Carteret County special. Visit epic-carteret.com to sponsor the event, buy an ad in the souvenir program that doubles as a local literary journal, or to get your ticket before they sell out.

While you’re there, visit the show notes page for links to all the businesses, organizations, programs, and studies mentioned in this episode. Stay awhile and read essays and articles by talented local writers.

 

 

 

Autumn (narration): Before we wrap up, I’d like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to those who made this episode possible:

  1. Thank you, Jillian, Booth, and Silvana, for the generous invitation to attend the inaugural Carolina Women’s Collective Summit, and many thanks to the attendees who spoke with me while I was there.
  2. Thank you, Brandy, for talking with me about the state of women in Carteret County and all the services the Small Business Center offers to support women in business.
  3. Thank you, Jack, my EPIC sound engineer and supportive husband, for ten years of building my confidence and encouraging my ambitions.
  4. Last but by no means least, a big thank you to you, EPIC listeners, for celebrating this incredible county with us.

Thank you for tuning into EPIC Carteret, and remember, if you’re curious to know what it takes to create an epic community, the answer may be you.

Epic-Carteret Episode #:

A Conversation with [Name]:[something, something, something]

Transcribed by Autumn Ware with the help of Hindenburg Pro

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