NC Project Lead

?? Meet Our Panelist: Grayson Overholt!???? We are honored to welcome Grayson Overholt as a panelist at our upcoming Economic Policy Luncheon. Born in Greenville, North Carolina, and raised in Wrightsville Beach, Grayson brings a wealth of experience in public service and policy. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Marketing from East Carolina University, he began his career in Washington, DC, working for former U.S. Senator Richard Burr. Over five years, he played a key role in shaping financial services, agriculture, and small business legislation.?? While working full-time, Grayson pursued higher education and earned his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, specializing in International Business. Following Senator Burr’s retirement in 2022, Grayson returned to Wilmington and is now serving as the Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, covering 18 counties, including all military installations in North Carolina.?? Join us as Grayson shares his insights on policy, public service, and regional development. Stay tuned for more updates.?? #PublicPolicy #Leadership #GraysonOverholt #CommunityEngagement #NCLeadership

NC Project LEAD is honored to recognize The Honorable LeRon T. Montgomery as a recipient of our 2024 White Lotus Lifetime Achievement Honorees award. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, LeRon T. Montgomery is a notable individual whose life exemplifies service, education, and faith. At Duke University Medical Center, his experience is essential to improving patient care. LeRon has a strong commitment to community advocacy outside of his career. He promotes social justice, equality, and educational opportunity in his roles as president of the NAACP's New Hanover County Branch and vice president of the Fayetteville State University National Alumni Association. Serving as Chairman of the Deacons Ministry at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he also sings in the choir, demonstrates his spiritual leadership. LeRon is a dedicated member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and exemplifies the values of service and fraternity. His commitment to inspiring others is further demonstrated by his previous leadership positions in the MWPHGLNC. His love of music also comes through as a vocalist with the M&R Gospel Singers, who use their songs to inspire others. His wife, Alicia Denice Montgomery, and his daughter, Leah, who offer steadfast love and support, are at the center of his quest. LeRon T. Montgomery inspires others around him with his leadership, spirituality, and community service. For more information please visit:? https://lnkd.in/eNV39h5a #ncprojectlead?#LeRonTMontgomery #CommunityLeader #FaithInAction #wilmingtonnc? #EducationMatters? #DukeUniversity #northcarolina

NC Project LEAD extends our heartfelt gratitude to the Brunswick Community College (BCC) Small Business Center (SBC) for their generous sponsorship and unwavering support of our initiatives in Wilmington, NC. The BCC SBC is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small business growth in the community. Their comprehensive services include one-on-one confidential business counseling, business plan assistance, and educational resources such as seminars and workshops available both in-person and online. Additionally, they offer co-working spaces and business incubator opportunities to nurture emerging enterprises.? Thank you, Brunswick Community College Small Business Center, for your invaluable support and dedication to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering economic development in our community. For More Information Please visit: https://lnkd.in/dVy8FwNP #northcarolina #wilmingtonnc #economicdevelopment #ncprojectlead #brunwickcommunitycollege

NC Project LEAD is honored to recognize The Honorable Joselyn Hillmon as a recipient of our 2024 White Lotus Lifetime Achievement Honorees award. Joselyn Hillmon, the owner of Ally Bail Bonds, was born in Olongapo, Philippines, and grew up in Jacksonville, North Carolina. For more than 13 years, she has helped clients enroll in GED classes, find employment, and even provide transportation when necessary. Seeing a need for non-emergency medical transportation, she and her husband, Anthony, set up Pulse Transport and Logistics, a non-emergency medical transportation company that guarantees safe access to crucial appointments with drivers certified in CPR/First Aid. Her dedication to the community is demonstrated by her position as Secretary on the Sandy Run Missionary Baptist Church Apartments Board of Directors, where she plans community activities, conducts financial record audits, and works with organizations to supply necessary resources. She was instrumental in getting FEMA to help local families in need following Hurricane Floyd. Joselyn organizes back-to-school giveaways for residents, senior socials, and holiday activities as part of her extensive involvement in community engagement. Additionally, she collaborates with the Onslow County Health Department to support family and teen health initiatives. For more information please visit:? https://lnkd.in/eNV39h5a #ncprojectlead?#northcarolina #oselynHillmon #CommunityLeader #Entrepreneurship #MakingADifference #HelpingFamilies #Empowerment #Leadership

?? Moderator Announcement – Second Panel! ???? As we gear up for the 2025 Policy Luncheon Forum, we’re excited to announce that Emmy award-winning journalist Tim Boyum, Anchor at Spectrum News, will moderate the National Public Policy Agenda Perspective panel! ??? Tim is a well-respected journalist with over two decades of experience covering North Carolina politics. As the host of Capital Tonight on Spectrum News, he provides in-depth analysis, interviews key political figures, and offers comprehensive insights into both state and national issues. His commitment to journalism has earned him multiple awards, making him the perfect moderator for this crucial discussion.?? ?? Learn more & secure your spot: [https://lnkd.in/eWffkbpu]?? Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Tim Boyum and other influential voices! #EconomicLuncheon2025 #NCProjectLEAD #PublicPolicy #TimBoyum #SpectrumNews #Networking #Leadership

?Mark Your Calendars!??? Get ready for an unforgettable night on "Saturday, September 26, 2025", at the "Wilmington Convention Center!"?? ?? Awards Dinner – 5:00 PM?? ?? Live Concert – 7:45 PM?? ?? Black Tie Attire Required An evening of elegance, celebration, and live music awaits. Secure your spot and be part of this special event! ???? For more information please visit: https://lnkd.in/eCypAfdG #WhiteLotusGala #AwardsGala #LiveMusic #NCProjectLead #FormalEvent #WilmingtonEvents #NorthCarolina

NC Project LEAD extends our heartfelt gratitude to YWCA Lower Cape Fear for their generous sponsorship and unwavering support of our initiatives in Wilmington, NC. Established in 1914, YWCA Lower Cape Fear is committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Their comprehensive services include childcare programs, health and wellness initiatives, economic advancement programs, and advocacy efforts aimed at fostering social justice and strengthening communities. Thank you, YWCA Lower Cape Fear, for your invaluable support and dedication to empowering communities and fostering positive change. For more information please visit: https://lnkd.in/eWwtQjvE #ncprojectlead #wilmingtonnc #economicdevelopment #northcarolina #ywca

NC Project LEAD is honored to recognize The Honorable Curtis Hill as a recipient of our 2024 White Lotus Lifetime Achievement Honorees award. Curtis Hill, the son of the late Nancy Hill of Brunswick, North Carolina, is a devoted community leader and champion. After completing his studies at North Carolina State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, he proudly graduated from Whiteville High School (Class of 2000). ?Hill joined Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) in April 2019 to support disaster relief and emergency management initiatives. At first, he worked to help those with disabilities affected by Hurricane Florence by making sure they had access to necessary resources. His responsibilities were broadened in 2020 to assist North Carolinians with impairments impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic in overcoming financial and service obstacles. Having grown up in Columbus County, Hill has a strong passion for strengthening marginalized communities. In his roles as Executive Director of the Columbus County Forum Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to disaster preparedness and President of the Columbus County Branch of the NAACP, he continues to advocate for resilience, equity, and access for all. For more information please visit:? https://lnkd.in/eNV39h5a #CommunityLeader #CurtisHill #AdvocateForChange #DisabilityRights #EmergencyRelief #NCProjectLEAD #ColumbusCounty #NAACP #EmpoweringCommunities #LeadershipMatters

NC Project LEAD is honored to recognize The Honorable Judge Pauline Hankins as a recipient of our 2024 White Lotus Lifetime Achievement Honorees award. Judge Pauline Hankins, one of Lasalle and Elloise Hankins' fourteen children, was born and reared in Brunswick County. A trailblazer from the beginning, she attended North Carolina State University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering after graduating from South Brunswick High School. She obtained her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from North Carolina Central School of Law as a result of her dedication to justice. ?Judge Hankins made history in 2012 when she was elected District Court Judge for Brunswick, Bladen, and Columbus counties after returning to Brunswick County after law school and practicing law for 18 years. She presently handles matters involving dependent, abused, neglected, delinquent, and undisciplined kids in her capacity as Brunswick County's juvenile judge. Judge Hankins has a strong commitment to mentoring and educating the next generation outside of the courtroom. She has acted as a Teen and Peer Court Judge for middle and high school students, advises prospective law students, and actively leads legal workshops. In 2011, she received the esteemed NC Governor's Award for Volunteer Service in recognition of her commitment to community service. ?Judge Hankins is a cornerstone of her community, helping those in need and empowering others via legal education in the Piney Grove area. She recently became the first female deacon at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where she is an active member. ?A tremendous encouragement to everyone, Judge Pauline Hankins' life is one of leadership, service, and breaking down barriers. For more information please visit:? https://lnkd.in/eNV39h5a #JudgePaulineHankins #BreakingBarriers #northcarolina? #WomenInLaw #economicdevelopment? #NCJudiciary #CommunityLeader? #InspiringGenerations #ServiceAboveSelf? #NCProjectLEAD #LeadershipInAction

?? **Exciting Announcement!** ???? We are thrilled to have Rachel Keith, an esteemed Reporter and Host at WHQR in Wilmington, NC, join us as the Moderator for the First Panel at our upcoming event. With her deep expertise in journalism and public affairs, Rachel brings knowledge and insight to the discussion.?? She will be leading the conversation on "Statewide and Regional Public Policy Agenda Perspectives", guiding an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue on key issues shaping our communities. Her experience in reporting and storytelling ensures a dynamic and informative session for all attendees.?? Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from "Rachel Keith" as she navigates critical policy discussions with clarity and expertise! Stay tuned for more updates. ?#PublicPolicy #RachelKeith #ncprojectlead? #northcarolina #wilmingtonnc #economicdevelopment?#Leadership #CommunityVoices