Jessica Aveyard is the Membership and Operations Manager of Sparq, the coworking space in the heart of the Innovation Quarter. Jessica began working with the Innovation Quarter in June of 2022 and quickly fell in love with the members and potential that Sparq holds. After 15 years in Minor League Baseball, most recently as the Vice President of Ballpark Experience and Branding for the Winston-Salem Dash, Jessica brings a vast array of knowledge about the Triad region and its many resources that can be offered to Sparq members. A recent graduate of Leadership Winston-Salem, Jessica capped off 2025 by helping Sparq obtain “Best Coworking Location” by WS Today, a community driven accomplishment that speaks to the historical space that Sparq is in and the ambiance created for members and the broader community. Originally from Dayton, OH, Jessica loves living in Winston-Salem with her dog, Emmitt. You can find her hanging out at local coffee shops and breweries with her crochet or cross stitch in hand or at any local sporting event. She also enjoys running in the many run clubs that Winston-Salem has to offer and has recently taken up CrossFit! Stop by Sparq to grab a coffee and connect with Jessica to learn more about the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Winston-Salem. 

Saya Hillman is a Boston College graduate, ex-Chicagoan and new Winston-Salem resident. In her five Winston-Salem months, she’s become a member of REACH, the West Salem Neighborhood Association, Greater Winston Salem Inc. and the Wake Forest Center for Private Business, including being a recipient of the Richard N. Davis Minority Business Scholarship and of the Opportunity Fund. She’s volunteered with the Humane Society, Bookmarks, Hot Mess Express, Ardmore Neighborhood Association and Our Lady of Salem Shelter, has donated blood, and has participated many activities around town. Saya owns a lifestyle business, Mac & Cheese Productions℠. Through events, courses, keynotes, workplace facilitation, products, consulting, writings and community, Mac & Cheese helps adults design their ideal lives. One of Chicago Magazine’s Top 20 Singles, Chicago Tribune’s Top 100 Innovators and Brazen Careerist’s Top 20 Professionals to Watch, she’s been featured in Forbes and The New York Times and is a TEDx speaker. She’s traveled to 21 countries and 50 states, fostered 18 puppies and is responsible for seven couples, including herself and her husband (they met at one of her events). Saya and her husband moved to Winston-Salem sight unseen. When she discovered Maya Angelou’s connection, she felt it was the universe validating their choice because Saya was named after Maya.

Brooke Carlson is the founder of @itsmebrookec on Instagram, where she supports women – especially those in postpartum and motherhood seasons – in reconnecting with their bodies, confidence and overall well-being. With a background as a fitness professional and a deep passion for women’s mental and physical health, Brooke’s work centers on strength training, intuitive eating and fostering a compassionate relationship with the body during life’s many transitions. Brooke holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise and wellness and is currently completing her master’s degree in mental health counseling. As a mother of three, Brooke understands firsthand the complexities of motherhood, postpartum recovery and balancing personal identity with family life. This lived experience deeply informs her work and fuels her commitment to creating inclusive, honest spaces where women feel seen and empowered. Brooke and her family relocated to Winston-Salem for her husband to complete his medical residency training through Atrium Health. Becoming part of a new community during a demanding season of life further deepened her understanding of transition, identity and the importance of supportive connection – values that strongly inform her work today.

Alie Brinegar is the assistant director of the lower school at Forsyth Country Day School. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in child studies from East Carolina University, as well as, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Southern Wesleyan University. She has completed the Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator coursework and earned a Thought Partnership (executive coaching) certification. Alie’s personal mission is to create a culture of compassion that inspires others to be their best selves. Most recently she started ABC: Alie Brinegar Coaching and Consulting, LLC. Her vision for this work is to cultivate meaningful partnerships rooted in compassion that empower educators, leaders and organizations to grow with purpose and deepen authentic connections. Alie envisions a future where compassion drives impact in learning communities, growth is continuous for both adults and students, purpose guides instructional and organizational decisions, and connection strengthens every individual, school and community she serves. In her spare time, Alie enjoys reading, working out, watching Clemson football, spending time with friends, family and her dachshunds, Daisy Mae and Rosie Rae.

Jennifer Whitt is a licensed and self employed falconer in Winston-Salem. She is a graduate of R.J. Reynolds High School. Falconry is the ancient art and sport of training birds of prey(raptors) to hunt wild game. “I work with first year Red Tail Hawk’s for a season,” she said. “We mainly pursue rabbit and squirrel. The season is September until February. I release the bird in March with a stronger chance of survival after being in my care. Falconry is a dedication, and I spend many hours with my bird to gain her trust and I am blessed to be supported by my family in doing so. I am passionate about birds of prey and conservation of them. I also volunteer for The Owls Roost Wildlife Education. We are a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to promoting respect and appreciation for North Carolina’s wildlife. I hope to pass my knowledge on to others and be an inspiration for women of all ages.” If anyone has any interest in falconry, visit northcarolinafalconersguild.org. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family including her husband, Keith, daughter, Sarah, and son, Beau.

United Way of Forsyth County has named Shinika M. McKiever, PhD to be chief development officer. McKiever formerly provided philanthropic support for NC A&T State University and UNC Greensboro. She also owned The McKiever Group Creative Company, based in High Point, where she served as chief creative officer. An accomplished development professional, McKiever has expertise in grants, budget and analysis; community and civic engagement; project management; facilitation and event planning; strategic capacity building; planning and convenings; and leadership and entrepreneurship. McKiever served as director of foundation relations for University Advancement at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro from 2019 until 2022 and as director of corporate and foundation relations for University Advancement at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro from 2016 until 2019. McKiever hold certificates in Cultural Intelligence from the Cultural Intelligence Center, Trauma Resilience Communities from the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of Southern Florida and Women in Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.