July 1, 2022 | Jessica Shafer '25
One UNC Wilmington alum who plays a big role in the Wilmington community is Alison Baringer '04 (bottom right), Executive Director of the North Carolina Azalea Festival.
She double majored in English and communication studies and stays connected to the UNCW family by leading the UNCW Alumni Association Board.
“It’s a source of pride [being on the alumni board],” she said. “I came to the school from out of state and so I was, in some ways, an outsider. I was immediately welcomed by staff and friends who I made first at UNCW, and then into the greater community. It’s an honor being able to be a beacon and cheerleader for everything UNCW is doing. It’s truly amazing how much has changed since I’ve been here, all the good and telling that story."
"It’s an honor being able to be a beacon and cheerleader for everything UNCW is doing. It’s truly amazing how much has changed since I’ve been here, all the good and telling that story."
-Alison Baringer '04
It was working a part time job at Dance Express that she got her first opportunity to work at the Azalea Festival. The festival president of 2006 had two daughters who danced at the studio and her office manager had just left.
“She encouraged me to apply and I got it,” Baringer said. “The role was only managing the office for those first few years, but as I started to get more familiar with the inner workings of the festival, I wanted to get more involved. I took on more responsibilities and grew that into the career I have today.”
Baringer attributes much of her success to her time at UNCW.
“In my role as Executive Director of the Azalea Festival, I may be working with a member of the public, a small business, a sponsor, a volunteer, a board member or staff,” she said. "In each of those situations, you must go in communicating with them effectively to try and share a goal and get things accomplished. I think you learn those interpersonal skills with comm studies. You learn how to communicate effectively with a wide range.”
Her connections with faculty and staff have also strengthened the festival. For example, Dr. Alexia Franzidis, associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences, has helped provide Baringer with interns since 2012. Not to mention Dr. Stephen Meinhold, Festival President of 2020 and UNCW professor, who strengthened the internship program.
When she comes to UNCW to speak with students she, “always tries to stress that you never know where your next connection or job is going to come from,” encouraging students to act with professionalism and kindness during every encounter and with every professor.
There’s a lot to carry out when it comes to the Azalea Festival. Events like the Azalea Sweep which, Baringer says, is a huge beautification project picking up trash so it’s pristine when all our guests come. Or working with small businesses for sponsorships and general involvement.
"Throughout this whole community there are tons of people who have great hearts, who want to make things better for their community."
-Alison Baringer '04
In fact, Baringer says, “My favorite type of company is the one we get to work closely with to make our events better. There are organizations who actively come to our events. That’s super cool because we have a small staff. We have limited resources. But, throughout this whole community there are tons of people who have great hearts, who want to make things better for their community. Partnering with those people is inspirational, encouraging and makes you feel good about the community we live in. It’s really a source of pride to sit back at the event and watch guests interact with those sponsors and see how much joy they’re getting from that interaction.”
Out of all the events and people who are a part of the festival, her favorite time is those first five minutes before the parade begins because of the energy.
“All of Third Street is packed,” Baringer said. “On the other side are dance troops getting excited to perform, marching bands and floats from volunteers who have worked so hard. You hear the sirens of the police cars and ambulances. I feel like there is this positive tension.”
Baringer invites everyone to take part in what she’s coined “festival magic” and become a part of the Azalea Festival community. There’s a plethora of ways to engage from volunteering throughout the year to the day of or partnering and sponsoring.
One project she is excited about is the annual pin pal collection.
“We started our pin pal program during Covid,” Baringer said. “Each year we have a different design and people wear the pin to select businesses for a special discount that is free for businesses. Any business can do it, even non brick and mortar!”
All in all, Baringer wants to continue improving the community with the Azalea Festival as a conduit for unity.
“We want to open our arms wide enough so that all people can find something they love about the festival and be a part of it. So that all people who want to do better for the community get to be involved and take part.”
As planning for the next festival begins, Baringer continues to search for ways to improve the local community and grow. Simultaneously, Baringer looks to push UNCW forward within the community and keep a university like no other growing.