The American Heart Association is proud to recognize Dr. Goldie Byrd, executive director of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, as a 2023 Triad Heart Walk co-chair. Together with a team of regional executives, Dr. Byrd is engaging diverse communities to take part in the Triad Heart Walk, with a specific focus on improving health equity. Dr. Byrd has also engaged the Triad Pastors Network, encouraging all faith leaders and their congregations to make heart health a priority, sharing health resources with the churches involved and inviting all the Triad Pastors Network churches to join in the Triad Heart Walk. She and Faith Leaders are also encouraging walking groups in the faith communities, leading up to the heart walk and encouraging sustained walking groups after the heart walk. “I walk to spread awareness that more than half of black adults have high blood pressure which leads to an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Walking side by side with persons across faiths and communities, we can help raise awareness and save the lives of so many,” said Dr. Byrd. With Live Fierce Life is Why Sponsor Novant Health, Be the Beat Sponsor Cone Health, and Healthy for Good Sponsors, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and MedCost, the Triad Heart Walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th at Triad Park in Kernersville. To support Dr. Byrd in her co-chair efforts, visit TriadHeartWalk.org. For event questions, contact TriadNC@heart.org.

Junelyn Floyd is a new small business owner with a deep passion for creating unforgettable events. “I am the proud founder of JAM&Co., a one-stop-shop company that aims to bring joy into people’s lives by turning events into unique and life-long experiences,” said Junelyn. “Born in the Philippines, I made the life-changing decision to move to the United States about 16 years ago, seeking new opportunities and adventures. My journey in events and design started in high school as a floral design student, which led me to becoming a certified florist and won in many local and state floral competitions. This newfound creative passion stirred something in me that brought me to what is now JAM&Co. My journey continued when I attended Baylor University, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in biology and minor in business administration, and later, I pursued a master’s in Public Health at UNC. These academic achievements provided me with a solid foundation and a well-rounded perspective in serving others. It was also during these years that I refined my skills and deep interest in planning and executing events, serving as Fundraising and Community Service and Engagement Chair. Now, with JAM&Co., I am excited to spread joy and create lifelong memories for my clients. Outside of the world of events, I’m staying active at OrangeTheory Fitness, indulging in my love for baking and cooking, serving in outreach programs, or doing outdoor activities with my loving husband, Adam, and sweet dog, Milo.

Evan Essick, a realtor and professional organizer with Essick Realty LLC, recently launched her creative organizing business on top of her already growing real estate career. As a graduate from The University of North Carolina Wilmington, she knew she wanted to have her own business. After several corporate marketing jobs, she made the leap – the leap into making a difference in people’s lives and where they live! While she focuses on home during the day, she reaches out to the community at night by coaching volleyball, cooking for her family and friends, and enjoying her evenings with her husband, Will, and beagle Josie. 

A native of Winston-Salem, Katherine Perry has dedicated most of her professional career to the non-profit sector across the state of North Carolina, including roles in public relations, development, volunteer management and event planning. Katherine was the Program Director for Leadership Winston-Salem from 2017-2021, and prior to that role she spent more than three years working for The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.  In 2021, she was promoted to be the Executive Director at Leadership Winston-Salem. In 2021, she was promoted to be the executive director at Leadership Winston-Salem. Katherine was also a force behind the creation of an official Arts and Entertainment district in Bristol, TN/VA as the Associate Director of Believe in Bristol. Working with a multitude of officials, educators and business owners from both states, she launched Believe in Bristol’s annual State of the Arts celebration along with numerous other events promoting both towns – Bristol, TN and Bristol, VA – and their creative communities. In 2020, Katherine was one of only two non-profit professionals to receive the Triad Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business Award. Her community involvement has included volunteering for Forsyth Humane Society, Senior Services Meals on Wheels Program, Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Volunteer Program, the Winston-Salem Portrait Project, and board service at Sawtooth School for Visual Art and LEAD Girls. Katherine earned her degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is the proud mother of three amazing sons.

Emily Davis, owner of Fleet Feet Winston-Salem and Clemmons, recently worked with Urban Strategies, the Winston Lake YMCA, H.O.P.E. and Project X to bring a fun run and Juneteenth celebration to the kids and families in the Cleveland Avenue Homes neighborhood. Emily has also coordinated to fit up to 100 children that reside in the community for new shoes to prepare them for the upcoming school year. For the past 17 years, Emily and her husband, Keith, have used their businesses as ministries to help those in need throughout our community. Emily says that her motivation is “simply to serve others.” Through their charity, Mission: Feet First, Emily and Keith are providing shoes to seven different YMCA locations for their Bright Beginnings back-to-school programs this August. They donate thousands of shoes annually to help our local homeless and sheltered adult population, in-need school children and local refugees.