Celebrating Women
We are storytellers, highlighting local female leaders who have been tirelessly committed to the cause of advancing women, the next generation of emerging female leaders who are inspired to make a difference, and those women who have weathered their own life transitions while moving forward on their leadership path.Jewel Tillman, Bridging Gaps and Building Dreams
Jewel is the Community Engagement Manager for Impact Alamance. She is responsible for building relationships to bridge gaps and lift community voices. She oversees the Community Forward Grant Cycle and has been instrumental in assisting several Alamance County residents in applying for this grant.
Since her time at Elon University, as a student, it has been evident that she is authentic, community-focused, and committed to her passions. Jewel is held in high regard for her professionalism, organizational skills, leadership, and integrity. Additionally, Jewel has a creative side to her! She is a dance instructor who taught “soul line dance” for Burlington Parks & Recreation, where her energy was infectious. She created a warm environment that allowed the dance participants to move freely. Her skills as a dancer and teacher complement her other passions which make her an impactful leader in Alamance County.
Jewel can be found volunteering at such events as the Juneteenth event, which she helped coordinate, at Little Pink Houses, and at the Harwood Institute. Because of her service to the community, it isn’t unusual to see Jewel receiving hugs and appreciation for her support of others. She is making Alamance County a better place to live for everyone.
Bethany Capps, Committed to Inclusivity and Accessibility
Bethany has served in numerous roles since graduating from East Carolina University. However, there seems to be a trend of working with people and of helping people. She has demonstrated her ability to build community partnerships, starting with her time at Aymira Healthcare Technologies through her time with Family Abuse Services. While at Family Abuse Services, Bethany partnered with the Alamance Health Department and RHA Peer Support staff to create a new Harm Reduction Safety Plan for substance abuse survivors.
In reflection, Bethany said, “I believe that my social and moral courage has grown to be a personal strength.” This statement is evident in her work as an activist for women’s rights, people with disabilities, harm reduction, and LGBTQIA, to name a few.
She is a thoughtful problem-solver and an impactful leader in Alamance County. Although her resolve to help others is strong, Bethany is able to practice self-care, so she can face each day and the opportunities it brings with dedication. She has a can-do attitude and is extremely resourceful. Furthermore, she has ensured that protocol appendices that may be given to clients of Family Abuse Services have been translated into Spanish – just another example of Bethany thinking of the needs of others. Alamance County is better because of her.
Felicia Crawford, Achieving Success Through Education and Passion
Felicia Crawford has combined her education and passion to be able to make a difference by helping students find their way and realize that the possibility of their dreams about going to medical school can be achieved. Described as a mentor, a fierce advocate, and a friend, Felicia continues to volunteer her time in several ways. One of note is her efforts toward diversity, equity, and inclusion for people of color–not only in areas of academia but also in rural, underserved spaces in North Carolina where individuals seek medical providers who look like them and can best serve their needs as it relates to the consideration of overall health.
A North Carolina native, Felicia understands the value of education. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education with a concentration in Community College and University Leadership from Appalachian State University. Prior to receiving her master’s degree, Felicia obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, a Post Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate from Meredith College, and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace from the University of South Florida, Muma School of Business.
As Program Coordinator, Office of Rural Initiatives, at the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Felicia assists in facilitating pipeline programs at K-12 and undergraduate levels to medical school students and primary care providers. There she oversees programs such as RMSA (Rural Medicine Summer Academy), which creates opportunities for rising high school seniors in predominantly rural North Carolina to learn about various specialties across primary care. She also oversees the Rural Fellowship, which aids current providers in the state’s rural counties through preceptor development and community engagement through community needs assessments or initiatives. She conducts training and workshops across the state on DEI and advancing equity and inclusion. She works to promote the mission of the School of Medicine while focusing on diversity efforts for students across the state of North Carolina who reside in rural areas.
Holding a full-time job has not slowed down this go-getter. As one supporter stated, “Service is always close to Felicia’s heart and her work”. As a member of the Burlington Junior Women’s Club, Felicia chairs the Project Shoes Committee which raises funds and partners with the community to purchase shoes for children and their school-aged siblings in need. She has served on the Civic Engagement and Outreach Committee, the Health and Wellness Committee, the Arts and Culture Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee. She is currently serving in the role of First Vice President. Other projects for which she has been involved include the Woman-to-Woman Project (Feminine Hygiene drive and distribution), blanket collection for the unhoused, participated in the Tata Trot (Breast Cancer fundraiser), assisted with interviews for the Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship, and more.
Felicia’s membership in the Burlington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. offered her more opportunities to serve her local community. She has served in multiple leadership roles, including the Corresponding Secretary and Chair of the Delta Academy Program, a mentorship initiative focused on self-esteem and academics.
In 2022 Felicia partnered with other concerned members of the Alamance community to create and implement one of the county’s first mental health community resource fairs that focused on the needs and resources for Historically Marginalized peoples.
When asked how she would advise her younger self, Felicia responded, I would have said, “Don’t worry. There’s no need to stress yourself out and everything’s going to be okay, no matter how things may look at the current moment. Just know that all things are working together for your good and that there is a purpose for these circumstances. You are deserving and worthy of anything that is set before you. You’re beautiful and special. Make sure to remind yourself of that daily. You’re a wonderful person and others will recognize it in due time.”
Gessica Pierre, Impacting Others Through Service and Hope
Lieutenant (Lt.) Gessica Pierre is “not afraid to roll up her sleeves and ‘get dirty’ and does not expect anyone to do what she would not”. Lt. Gessica, the Executive Director and pastor at The Salvation Army of Alamance County does what it takes to serve others and impact the community. Whether it is driving and unloading trucks, distributing food to the community, planning events, or cleaning out a storage area, Lt. Gessica is always leading the way and setting an example for those around her. She is described by a nominator as someone who “is transparent, creates an atmosphere of trust, shares their knowledge, and makes a positive connection to every individual with whom she reacts”.
Lt. Gessica served with the Salvation Army of Wake County from 2015 to 2019 in varying capacities. In 2021, she became the Commanding Officer/ Executive Director at the Salvation Army of Alamance County. There Lt. Gessica is responsible for ensuring the Salvation Army achieves its mission and purpose. She oversees a multitude of resources such as the Food Bank, Seasonal Assistance programs, Emergency Financial Assistance, Boys Club and Girls Club, and the Salvation Army Thrift Store. She also provides support for The Salvation Army’s After-school programs, Camps 4 Youth, and the Music and Creative Arts program for NC. The services and programs that Lt. Gessica oversees move individuals and families away from crisis and vulnerability toward stability and ultimately self-sufficiency. She also works behind the scenes to obtain funding for the programs to serve the residents of Alamance County. Lt. Gessica is excited to be part of the planning committee for the inaugural Salvation Army Women Officers’ Retreat, the first of its kind for all women officers in the Southern Territory.
Lt. Gessica graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in International Public Relations from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from North Carolina State University. After a couple of years working in the government sector, The Lord called her into full-time ministry with The Salvation Army. She and her husband Lt. Jimmy Pierre both obtained their Bachelor’s degrees in Practical Christian Ministries from Evangeline Booth College School of Officer Training through the Salvation Army.
Lt Gessica is native to Haiti but grew up in the heart of North Carolina. She is mommy to Giselle Marie and Jakobe Justus. Lt. Gessica is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with those that she encounters and has devoted the rest of her life in the service of others. She is guided by a verse from the Old Testament of the Bible which says, “Take delight in The Lord and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust Him, and He will help you.” (Psalm 37:4-5).
A nominator writes “As a woman, wife, mother, friend, Pastor, and leader, she is a true reflection of Christ’s love”. Lt. Gessica is grateful for the impact that The Salvation Army had on her life and considers it to be a privilege to now be a part of impacting the lives of others under the shield of hope. In her free time, Lt. Gessica loves to sing, spend quality time with family and friends, and is a self-proclaimed foodie that loves to try new culinary experiences. She also mentors the youth leading a young woman’s monthly Bible study and leads a weekly singing company for children.
Patty Holmes, Leading with Respect, Love and Caring
Patty Holmes immigrated to The United States of America in 1999 while pregnant with her second daughter. Her hope was to better their lives. In the 23 years she has been in the US, she has bettered not only their lives but the lives of many others. One of Patty’s nominators wrote, “Patty is an exemplary woman who uses her passion for uplifting others to the best of her ability. She is always pursuing ways to elevate her community and develop those around her”. Between developing innovative and enriching programs, to working with other leaders in the community, Patty seeks to empower others in all that she does.
In 2019, Patty began her own online TV show “Mente y Actitud Positiva” (Positive Mind and Attitude) in her native Spanish language. This created a space for ideas and education to empower the Latino community and all those aspiring for personal growth and success. As a producer and host of her show, Patty’s reach has evolved towards other social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and podcasts. Currently, she is launching her show “Mente y Actitud Positiva” (Positive Mind and Attitude) through Radio APyT, an inspiring and positive online radio station. Recently, she has also been transmitting her positive message in English.
In 2020, Patty created her own editorial and entertainment company, Ascending333 LLC. She launched her company with her first book, “Un Sueño Sin Fronteras” (A Dream without Borders).
As an author, Patty created a group called Tour Literario Latino. Its goal is to position new writers in new cities, tour in groups with different book topics, and promote the habit of reading and writing in the Hispanic community.
Holmes founded the Alamance County non-profit organization, Empodera-Te Latina, a group where leadership is modeled, executed, and taught with respect, love, and caring. In May 2022, she and other leaders of Empodera-Te Latina developed La Escuela de Sexualidad para la Mujer (School of Sexuality for the Female) and received a grant for her group in Alamance County.
In August 2022, USA Campus, The Corporate University of the DD Corporation, LLC, in Florida awarded Patty with an Honorary Doctorate for her empathic, social, and professional performance, and altruistic work for the benefit of humanity. She was a nominee for the “Inspiración Hispana” from Inspiración Hispana Foundation. As she shared her story at the “Hispanic Inspiration 2023″ podcast, she was recognized for the first time at the “Women Who Build” World Summit, in Sarasota, Florida, in August 2023. In July 2023, Patty was recognized by the Mexican Consulate in Raleigh, North Carolina, for her dedication and commitment to promoting literature in the Hispanic community.
Patty finds it exciting to see other people, especially women, work on knowing themselves and their purpose. She does not hesitate to be courageous when it comes to empowering and building up others.
You can find Patty’s social media outlets and her projects at https://linktr.ee/inveteratedreamer.
Stephanie Copland, Caregiver and Community Volunteer
Stephanie’s pleasant disposition sends a calming sense of comfort and trust that our children at Burlington and Mebane Pediatrics are in great hands. As a Clinical Site Leader at the Mebane clinic, Stephanie provides leadership to the clinical team and operations. She’s loved by staff and families. Stephanie is known to make everyone’s days better. When doctors receive roadblocks in helping patients get great care, she always comes through. She is also the clinic’s Wellness Coordinator where she gets to plan activities and events focusing on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Making sure all the offices have healthy snacks for everyone, and coordinating team-building events that promote health like organizing the practice team to participate in local 5K races. More importantly, Stephanie leads the clinic’s community service initiatives, including its year-long fundraiser events to support Christmas Cheer, the back-to-school supply drive in partnership with Alamance Chamber, and community awareness projects like those around child abuse prevention month.
As a parent of a teenager coming to the clinic, you can rest assured that Stephanie will have your back. She tells our teens when they think they know more than their parents, that she speaks from experience when she says that one day they will be looking back and thinking, you know my mom was right, I should have listened to her years ago.
Outside of work, Stephanie has served as the President of the Ladies Auxiliary since 2020 at Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Department where her husband Ryan is the Deputy Chief. She organizes most of the community events that are geared towards the children as well as tending to the firemen’s needs whenever called upon.
She is heavily involved with Alamance County Farm Bureau as a family. Her husband grew up on the McPherson farms in Mabane. She has been a part of the Young Farmer’s and Rancher’s Committee since 2016, a part of the Women’s Committee since 2018, and currently serves as their co-chair. These committees work to promote agriculture within our community and advocate for our farmers.
Stephanie stays busy with work and volunteering. “Some days it can be overwhelming but when the child or family that you helped smiles at you or thanks you for your blessing, the long days and tireless efforts are all worth it”. Her life mantra is “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”-Albert Einstein
Stephanie was born and raised in Alamance County and currently resides in Mebane with her husband, Ryan and their 8-month-old daughter Stella. She is super excited about life right now. They are raising the daughter for whom they have so patiently waited for 5 years. She is grateful for her supportive husband.
Patience, dedication, and hard work are the qualities that Stephanie attributes to her success.
