Merz Aesthetics WOTM

The NC Courage and our partners at Merz Aesthetics are excited to present a new award this season. At one home game per month, the “Woman of the Match” award will be given to a community leader who inspires confidence. The “Woman of the Match” award recognizes the commitment of our Triangle community leaders who are dedicated to empowering women to be their most authentic and confident selves.

Heather Dennis

Executive Director of Dress for Success Triangle

March 16, 2024

Heather Dennis and her team at Dress for Success Triangle empower women to achieve economic independence by providing the tools and resources they need to secure meaningful employment so they can thrive in their career and life. Since 2008, Dress for Success Triangle has served more than 22,000 women in the Triangle, providing a network of support, professional attire, development tools, career coaching, mentoring and much more.

For more information about Dress for Success Triangle, visit dfstrianglenc.org.

Meredith Rawls

Abstract Painter

April 13, 2024

Meredith serves as a chaplain at WakeMed Hospital and as an artist, she defines confidence as loving and trusting her inner creative. Her confidence shines through her work by trusting the process and leaning into her imagination as a piece takes shape and form. By viewing her work, she hopes people feel inspired to imagine, experience healing, feel hope, and find joy. Meredith loves cultivating community through her art, as her own journey as an artist has been sustained through being a part of one.

Meredith will be the First Friday Guest Artist at Raleigh Wine Shop on August 2nd. Be sure to sip some wine and check out her gallery!

Melisse Shaban

Founder & Advisor Virtue Labs, Executive Committee Member – Point Foundation

June 23, 2024

Melisse Shaban is a visionary leader in health and beauty. A seasoned CEO and board member, she’s led global consumer product companies, medical device diagnostics, and small retail ventures across multiple countries. Recognized by Forbes’ Over 50 list in 2021, she champions social impact through her work with nonprofits like Duke Raleigh Hospital and Point Foundation, which support hundreds of LGBTQIA+ students to access and succeed in higher education through providing financial support, leadership training and community.

Ms. Shaban has a passion for identifying advanced technologies and biotechnologies and adapting them into consumer facing products and services. She is the Founder of Virtue Labs, a global consumer products company built from a platform technology originally developed for wound healing. Over 10 years as CEO, she built the $50M+ Virtue® premium hair care brand. With more than 60 editorial and industry awards for its products to date, Virtue Labs was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies of 2022 by Fast Company.

Previously, she led companies like StriVectin and Frederic Fekkai, achieving significant growth through innovation and acquisitions.

Rachel findley

Assistant Professor and Didactic Program Director – Meredith College
registered dietitian nutritionist (rdn)

September 1, 2024

Rachel was the President of the Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels Wake County and is an Assistant Professor and Didactic Program Director at Meredith College with over 17 years of experience as a registered dietitian nutritionist. She is passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of nutrition and food service professionals and supporting her community. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), she has a strong background in food service management systems, menu development, and nutrition education, which she applies to her teaching and curriculum design.

Shakema McClean

Disabled Iraqi veteran
founder of the Khyiah T. Bryd International Foundation

September 13, 2024

Shakema is a disabled Iraqi veteran and founder of the Khyiah T. Bryd International Foundation which focus on providing simple, affordable and convenient hearing solutions.

She is additionally focused on helping special needs students within the community and serves on the Transportation and Community Access Chair within the Raleigh Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
She has ten years of extensive expertise in the management and supply chain spectrums within the public and private sectors and the United States Army, including philanthropy/community outreach, project management, and human resource/administration.

Pilar Rocha-Goldberg

President & CEO of El Centro Hispano, Inc.

October 5, 2024

Pilar Rocha-Goldberg is the President & CEO of El Centro Hispano, Inc. She represents the organization in the community and advocates for the Latina community. Pilar is focused on strengthening the organization for sustainability.

Pilar also serves on various boards, including Duke University’s Chancellor’s CEO Health Advisory Board, Durham Tech BOD of Trustees and is Chair of the Aging Well Durham Board. She owns and teaches at Takiri Folclor Latino Dance Group and loves spending time with her nine grandchildren.

Kaila’Shea A. Menendez

Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission

November 2, 2024

Kaila’Shea A. Menendez is currently the Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission since 2021. A transformative leader, Menendez has driven social and economic impact in local sports, earning awards like the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the NC Travel Industry Association’s Rising Star Award. She led the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, empowering women in sports and business, and played key roles in events like the Champion Durham Classic and 2024 National Fencing Championship. Menendez also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Association. A Raleigh native, former basketball student-athlete, and dedicated community leader, Menendez brings excellence to the triangle sports landscape!