Sept. 17, 2025 | Emily Reier ’28
This year, 11 UNCW alumnae have been nominated across five of seven categories for the 2025 WILMA Women to Watch Awards.
Hosted annually by WILMA Magazine, the event honors leadership, innovation and community involvement. Finalists were recognized at an awards ceremony on Sept. 5.
From boardrooms to classrooms, studios to city hall, these Seahawks are soaring — and proving why they’re Women to Watch.
Arts Finalists:
- Cammeron Batanides ’25
Artist & Owner, Art by Cameron
"In my role as an artist, business owner, president of Veterans Creative Art Program and teaching artist through DREAMS Center for Arts Education, I create community within the classroom while empowering veterans, first responders, military personnel, neighbors, families, youth and teens through art.”
- Lorraine Perry ’95, ’05
Healing Arts Coordinator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
Business Finalists:
- Alison Baringer ’04
Executive Director, North Carolina Azalea Festival
“Professional highlights include serving on the World Board of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) and chairing both the IFEA Foundation and UNCW Alumni Board. As Alumni Chair, I proudly spoke at over ten commencement ceremonies, inspiring future leaders. Within the festival, I’m especially proud of surpassing $1 million in sponsorship sales in 2025 and creating our International Blooms program — an initiative that celebrates global culture and strengthens community connections.”
- Laura Brogdon-Primavera ’15
Vice President of Leadership Development, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Nonprofit Finalists:
- J’Vanete Becton Skiba ’03
Director, New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force
“I am most passionate about encouraging our community to employ functional compassion. Functional compassion is the act of engaging in public and personal practices that spur change on a systemic level out of direct concern for the suffering of others."
- Suzanne Rogers ’06
Director of Housing, Cape Fear Collective
Public Sector Finalist:
- Marissa Blackburn ’13
Schools in Parks Specialist, North Carolina State Parks
“Protecting the environment and expanding access to natural spaces drive my work. I especially love working with children, nurturing their innate curiosity and providing equitable environmental education experiences. My mission is to inspire and educate both children and adults, empowering others to become stewards of our shared environment.”
Rising Star Finalists:
- Alexis Delia ’22
Investment Advisor, Tilia Fiduciary Partners
“Earning my CFP marks at just twenty-three – making me the youngest CFP in Wilmington – has been my proudest achievement. As a young woman in a male-dominated industry, I’m proud to bring fresh perspective, empathy and excellence to a field where diverse voices are so needed.”
- Samoane Ikard ’19 ’21M
Grants Coordinator, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation
- Lilly Triolo ’21
Singer & Store Manager, Loud Music Company
Each year, WILMA opens the nominations process for the Women to Watch Awards in the spring. Finalists for each category were chosen by a panel of judges, made up of WILMA Leadership advisory board members and outside guests.
Learn more about the WILMA Women to Watch Awards.