Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Imilsy Rodriguez Cofresí is a dedicated educator, wife and proud mother whose passion for learning and family defines her journey. A graduate of Interamerican University of Puerto Rico with a degree in special education, Imilsy has devoted her life to helping students reach their fullest potential. As the owner and visionary behind Challenge Christian Academy (CCA), a unique private school in North Carolina, Imilsy has created a haven for individualized learning. CCA operates on the belief that students deserve to learn at their own pace, with a curriculum designed to strengthen skills and build confidence. Under her leadership, the academy fosters a nurturing environment where small class sizes and personalized attention empower students to excel academically and personally. Imilsy is a strong advocate for education equity, offering support to families regardless of financial circumstances. Her deep commitment to community and education stems from her belief that every child is capable of greatness when given the right tools and encouragement. Balancing her roles as an entrepreneur and a devoted wife and mother, Imilsy credits her family as her greatest cheerleaders and source of strength. Her faith, compassion and resilience inspire everyone around her, making her a true Woman on the Move.
Mallory Fobes is the COO of Cotton and Crate Designs as well as a professional golfer. Mallory is a 2024 graduate of UNCW with a bachelor’s degree in tourism, recreation and sport. As a member of the women’s golf team, Mallory earned the distinction of being an Academic All-American and set several school records. Mallory combines her passion for athletics with entrepreneurial drive. As a golfer, Mallory balances competing in tournaments with running a business alongside her mom. Together, they own Cotton and Crate, an online brand that focuses on quality pillow covers with lovely designs and uplifting messages that bring warmth and inspiration to homes. When Mallory isn’t working or on the golf course, she enjoys staying active by playing volleyball and pickleball. She credits much of her success to the support of her parents, family, coaches and a close-knit community of friends who have encouraged Mallory on her journey. Their belief in her has been instrumental in shaping both her personal and professional pathways. Mallory is passionate about sharing her love of golf with others and enjoys working with youth and women who are new to the game. She finds fulfillment in helping them build confidence, develop their skills and discover the joy of the sport.
Suzanne Hanna, Ed.S., ALPC, is a life coach for college and teen Girls and is a native of Forsyth County. She earned her B.A. in English literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her M.Ed. in secondary English education from Clemson University and her Ed.S. in administration and supervision from Clemson University. She also holds certification in affective liminal psychology. Suzanne truly “gets” teen girls, as she has 25 years of experience supporting and mentoring girls in our local schools. Serving as Assistant Principal at Reagan High School, Mt. Tabor High School, Lewisville Middle and Wiley Middle, as well as teaching English at Salem Academy, Suzanne has the unique ability to connect with girls because she’s actually been in the hallways and classrooms with them and understands the social and academic pressures. After witnessing girls who were suffering from anxiety, self-doubt and overwhelm, Suzanne decided to make a career pivot and open a life coaching business to provide teen and college girls with the space and support they so desperately need. As an added bonus, parents also love having trusted and professional mentoring for their daughters. Suzanne is a passionate advocate for supporting teen girls, so providing a safe, shame-free space for them to feel heard and understood is her mission. Suzanne lives in a historic 18th century farmhouse in Pfafftown with her husband, two kids, two Australian shepherds and lots of chickens. You can find Suzanne on Instagram @suzannehannacoaching.
Dr. Elisa Stein has been a dedicated healthcare professional in the Piedmont Triad area since 2011. Raised in Washington, D.C., she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania before earning her medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine. After completing a general surgery residency in Pennsylvania and a plastic surgery fellowship in Minnesota, Dr. Stein moved to Winston-Salem where she has built a reputation as a double board-certified surgeon in both plastic and general surgery. With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Stein has held leadership roles, including Medical Director, Chief of Surgical Services and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Wake Forest Health High Point Medical Center. In 2024, she opened her boutique private practice in Clemmons, focusing on personalized, patient-centered care. Dr. Stein is passionate about guiding patients through their transformative journeys, offering customized treatment plans for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. She continues to offer breast cancer reconstruction to women at the VA Hospital in Kernersville and Salisbury. In August 2025, Dr. Stein will graduate with an Executive Master’s in healthcare administration from the prestigious Gillings School of Public Health at UNC. With this advanced training, she aims to bridge the gap between providers and administration, enhancing patient satisfaction, safety and outcomes. Outside of her career, Dr. Stein enjoys skiing, hiking, traveling and spending time with her husband and children.
Samantha Hower is the owner of Samantha Hower Real Estate. “I am a four-year veteran of real estate here in the Triad and have been blessed to helped dozens of families during my first three years in the business! I recently launched Samantha Hower Real Estate. As your realtor, I’m here to help you through every step of the way. I’ll work with you to ensure the home buying process is seamless and successful.” Samantha has a degree in business administration from Catawba College. “Outside of my business, I have two fur babies I love, Nala the cat and my chocolate lab, Jax. I am also an aunt! I absolutely adore being an aunt to my three wonderful nephews and three beautiful nieces! They all keep me on my toes, but I can’t imagine life without them!” In her spare time, Samantha enjoys shopping, spending time with her family and going to the beach.