Celebrating Women

Samantha Loy describes herself as being “in her plant era” and finding joy in growing things, whether it’s businesses, communities, or greenery. She obtained degrees from Alamance Community College in the transfer program and UNC-Greensboro in Business Administration. While at UNCG, she worked for Apple, closing sales of Apple products and providing sales services to the clients. Samantha says she learned to be adept at maintaining patience and understanding towards client complaints. She also says she would tell her younger self to “buy stock in Apple”!

Following graduation, Samantha began her career at Always Best Care Senior Services in May 2011 as an Agency Director. In this position, she worked staffing all In-Home cases for new admissions and carrying out the interview and orientation process for all employees. She also developed cooperative relationships with other agencies and with outside agencies for the exchange of information and services.

In June of 2017, Samantha acquired Always Best Care Burlington. She has strategically expanded operations into Chapel Hill-Durham (2019) and Greensboro (2023). She says that one of the most courageous steps she’s taken is expanding Always Best Care into the Charlotte market, thereby establishing one of the largest privately owned home care networks in North Carolina. Samantha currently leads a workforce of over 300 employees across multiple counties.

She has been described as a distinguished business leader and a steadfast advocate for Alamance County’s senior population. While serving as a mentor and guide to many, she frequently also acts as a coach to those around her, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Her agency regularly participates in holiday drives, emergency support efforts, and community partnerships. Of particular note is her involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association, particularly through fundraising for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which helps bring vital resources to families facing dementia-related illness.

Committed to advancing senior care, in addition to the Alzheimer’s Association, Samantha also serves on the Boards of Friendship Adult Day Services, Alamance Elder Care, and the Cone Health Philanthropy Board. She is also a proud graduate of Leadership Alamance. In 2024, she was named Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association as well as the Franchise of the Year from Always Best Care Senior Services corporate offices.

Beyond her professional and community leadership, Samantha enjoys life with her husband and their two energetic boys, ages 12 and 9. I love spending time at the lake. Her favorite quote is: “Protect your peace! Don’t give free rent in your mind to anyone or anything that doesn’t deserve it!”

Dr. Ruth Koester grew up in Rockville, Maryland, and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She later moved to Raleigh for graduate school at NC State University, where she received her PhD in Genetics. While at NC State, she married Dave Koester, and together they raised two daughters who are now married to wonderful partners. Ruth and Dave are proud grandparents to a delightful three-year-old grandson who brings them tremendous joy.

Dr. Koester’s professional career reflects more than 30 years of dedication to the field of clinical laboratory science. She began as a technical director in a relationship testing lab and, in 1995, joined Labcorp, where her work soon expanded to include a variety of clinical testing areas. Boarded with the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, Ruth became a certified laboratory director and went on to serve as CLIA Director for Labcorp’s DNA Identification Testing Division. She retired in August of 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, expertise, and integrity in the field of laboratory science.

Reflecting on her recent retirement, Ruth describes herself as “excited by the possibilities of a less scheduled life.” She looks forward to exploring her creative side, picking up watercolor painting, and spending more time with her grandson. She also remains an avid reader and enjoys traveling and gardening.

Ruth’s journey has not been without challenges that required courage. After decades of commitment to her work, she made the difficult decision to step away earlier than planned, prioritizing her family’s well-being and her own mental health. “I never imagined walking away from the position that I had worked so very hard to achieve,” she reflects. “But when I was honest with myself, early retirement was clearly the right path. Making that decision and acting on it felt courageous—even if it sometimes also felt like quitting.”

Looking back, Ruth says she would encourage her high school and college self to be more self-aware and thoughtful, and to trust her instincts. She would remind her younger self that “trying and failing is better than never trying” and that failure is often a powerful teacher.

Although she does not claim a personal mantra, Ruth is inspired by a favorite quote from poet Amanda Gorman: “There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” This message resonates deeply with Ruth’s outlook on life and leadership.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ruth has made a lasting impact through community service. She served two six-year terms on the Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors, including two terms as board president, and has been an active member of multiple committees, including Working Women’s Wednesday, Governance, Finance, and Leading the Way. Her favorite event, however, remains the annual Herb Festival. In addition, she has served on the Twin Lakes Community Board of Directors and chaired a number of professional organization committees.

Whether leading in the laboratory, serving on community boards, or investing in her family, Dr. Ruth Koester exemplifies a life of service, resilience, and gratitude. Her journey reminds us that courage sometimes means making difficult choices, and that leadership is as much about integrity and balance as it is about achievement.

This inspiring leader serves as Vice President of Education Programs at Impact Alamance, where she works to align resources and partnerships that strengthen early childhood readiness, teacher leadership, and parent engagement. A lifelong advocate for children, families, and educators, Tyronna is passionate about creating systems that move in the same direction—philanthropy, schools, nonprofits, and families all working together toward shared goals.

She says, “What excites me most right now is the work I am leading that brings together educators, families, and community leaders to create real change in Alamance County.” For Tyronna, the most rewarding moments are personal: watching an educator discover their leadership capacity or seeing a parent realize their voice can influence policy and practice. These experiences remind her that the work she does is not only about today’s progress but also about building a legacy that will benefit children and families for decades to come.

Courage has been an essential part of Tyronna’s leadership journey. She recently made the bold decision to restructure the Teacher Leadership Academy into a two-year cohort model. This change required her to challenge long-standing practices and invite educators, administrators, and community leaders to embrace a deeper, more sustainable approach to leadership development. “Courage is not the absence of fear,” she says, “it’s choosing to move forward with conviction even when fear is present.” By holding steady in the face of resistance, she demonstrated faith and boldness, assuring others that slowing down for deeper growth would ultimately lead to lasting impact.

When reflecting on her journey, Tyronna says the advice she would give her high school and college self is simple but powerful: “You are enough, and your voice matters.” She admits that in her younger years, she did not always recognize that the spaces she would later enter—classrooms, boardrooms, and even national platforms—were exactly where she was meant to be. Her message to her younger self would be to walk in confidence, focus on impact rather than fitting in, and understand that every challenge is a stepping stone toward purpose.

Grounding her life and leadership is a mantra that calls her to live in gratitude: “What if you only had today what you thanked God for on yesterday?” This reflection reminds her to never take blessings for granted and to see both opportunities and challenges as gifts. “When I operate from gratitude, I lead with humility, empathy, and hope,” she says. Gratitude sustains her resilience and shapes her leadership, allowing her to model thankfulness for those she mentors and works alongside.

Whether she is preparing young learners for success, empowering educators to discover their leadership potential, or encouraging parents to use their voices for change, Tyronna Hooker exemplifies what it means to lead with courage and gratitude. Her vision and dedication continue to strengthen the fabric of Alamance County, creating a brighter future for children, families, and the entire community.

In Alamance County, Mariam Lopez Rosales is leading with grit, grace, and a deep commitment to service. As the founder of Bellas Homes, a remodeling and painting company built on faith and resilience, Mariam is transforming not just homes—but lives.

Building with Purpose

Mariam’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a leap of faith. After four years in the remodeling industry, she left her full-time job to pursue her dream of starting her own business. Today, Bellas Homes offers high-quality painting and remodeling services, with plans to expand into full general contracting. Her work bridges the gap between real estate and renovation, thanks to her dual role as a licensed realtor and hands-on project manager.

But Bellas Homes is more than a business—it’s a platform for impact. Mariam offers reduced-cost services to nonprofits and low-income homeowners, volunteers on small business projects, and actively supports local schools through fundraising and event sponsorship.

Leadership Rooted in Service

Mariam’s leadership is grounded in her belief that success is about trusting the journey and giving back. She’s a proud Elon Academy Scholar, selected as part of the highly competitive Delta Class, and continues to champion the program’s mission of expanding access to higher education. Her long-standing commitment to mentoring and interpreting for Spanish-speaking families has made her a trusted voice and role model in the community.

She also serves through the Alamance Builders Association and the Alexander Wilson Elementary PTO, sharing her knowledge and building connections that strengthen the local business ecosystem.

Inspiration Through Action

As a woman thriving in the male-dominated construction industry, Mariam inspires others to pursue their goals fearlessly. Her nominators describe her as a “determined entrepreneur, a community advocate, and a role model” whose work reflects every facet of the Rising Star Award criteria—from mentoring and philanthropy to business leadership and community development.

Kim Black, proudly known as “Miss Kim” to hundreds of families in Alamance County, has been instilling confidence, sparking creativity, and teaching dance to children in the community since she was 16 years old. After teaching at many local schools and studios, she took her biggest leap in 2020 and opened her own studio – Miss Kim’s Dance and Arts – which continues to grow and thrive.  She and her staff work with children from 18 months to 18 years of age, giving them a positive environment to express themselves through movement.  Her class offerings include traditional tap, jazz, and ballet classes, but have grown to include art, Spanish, cheer, summer camp experiences, and competition dance teams for a variety of ages.

Kim deeply values mentorship, as she herself began apprenticing under her dance teacher at an early age.  She now provides those same opportunities to many of her students and is constantly investing in her staff. She regularly brings in guest dance teachers and industry trainers to provide high-quality professional development opportunities.  She has created a supportive and connected workplace environment by organizing staff luncheons and celebrations throughout the year, promoting collaboration and growth.  All of Miss Kim’s staff are encouraged to build positive relationships with their students and to embrace every dancer at their individual age, stage and ability level. 

 One of Kim’s most meaningful contributions to the community is as the founder of the non-profit, Our Time to Shine.  Our Time to Shine provides dance opportunities for children with disabilities.  Currently, they provide weekly classes at no charge to over 25 children for these super-powered dancers, blending movement therapy with tap, ballet, and jazz to promote coordination, balance, flexibility, and creative expression.  The program has grown tremendously over the years, and Kim has found opportunities in the community and across the United States to advocate for the inclusion of children of all abilities in arts programming.  Our Time to Shine has not only been showcased locally but has even performed twice on Broadway, as part of the annual Arts for Autism Gala.

One of Kim’s favorite sayings is, “There are people who watch things happen, and there are people who make things happen.”  Without a question, Miss Kim is someone who makes things happen.  She sees possibilities where others may not and brings those possibilities to life by creating opportunities and experiences for all.  She is a powerful example of what happens when someone dedicates themselves fully to their craft and their community, and the possibilities for the children she dedicates herself to are truly endless!

For nearly two decades, Heather LaGarde has been at the heart of revitalization in Saxaphaw.  With career roots in event design, strategic planning, and global leadership, she is now the founder and owner of the award-winning Haw River Ballroom, co-owner of Cup 22 Coffeehouse, and producer of Saturdays in Saxaphaw, a long-running music and farmers’ market series. Under her leadership, she has found creative ways to champion the preservation of historic spaces, support local artisans, create jobs for this rural area of Alamance County, and has been an integral part in making Saxaphaw a tourist destination, bringing in visitors from across the region. Through these efforts, she has successfully worked to transform the village into a vibrant cultural hub.

Heather also serves on numerous community boards, such as the Culture Mill, Paperhand Puppet Intervention, and the Saxaphaw Rivermill Community Association.  Through these roles, she has forged important partnerships that connect arts, businesses, environmental stewardship, and community life. She is also a long-standing partner of the Hawbridge School, demonstrating a deep commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community collaboration through her generosity and leadership. High school graduations, proms and other milestone school events are hosted at the Haw River Ballroom, providing unforgettable experiences for students and families. 

This past July, when Tropical Depression Chantal stalled out over Alamance County, it left the community of Saxaphaw with historic levels of flooding and tremendous amount of devastation, especially for local business owners.  Heather jumped in immediately, using her connections and masterful facilitation skills.  She hosted a meeting for the entire community in less than 24 hours after the storm and opened the Haw River Ballroom as a hub for donations and volunteer coordination. Under her leadership, teams worked to clean and salvage iconic Saxaphaw businesses and landmarks, such as Paperhand Puppet’s studio and Saxaphaw Island Park. She worked tirelessly to convert a disaster into a moment of resilience and community, which will serve the community well moving forward. Heather’s work has not only strengthened the cultural and economic fabric of Alamance County, but has inspired many others to lead, create, and give back.  We are so thankful to have her as a change agent in our community, and we are thrilled to honor her this year as a recipient of the Founder’s Award!