Sandra studied Business Administration at Mount Olive College and vocal performance and theater arts at Shaw University.  She serves as an Opportunity Culture Reach Associate with Greene County Schools and is the Corporate Organizer for Media Xpressions, LLC and One Voice Productions. 

In 2025, she was awarded The Carolyn R. Newcomb Award in her honor and memory for her dedication to education and student development. She is also a multi-honoree of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Keepers of the Dream as presented by Young Women of Promise, Inc. as well as having the privilege serving as its Mistress of Ceremonies.

She also served at the facilitator for the ENC Nonprofit Partners, Inc. “Black Girl Joy Challenge." which is an initiative of the Southern Black Girls and Women Consortium.

Sandra has served numerous community service events.  She has performed
throughout the south and worked with various national recording artists including
Weekend Excursion. She was honored to perform for the retirement ceremony of
Colonel Spann Watson, an Original Tuskegee Airman.

For 2 consecutive years, she was selected to perform at the Miss North Carolina Pageant.

For more than 35 years, she has served numerous committees, earned awards and
titles in various local, state, and national pageants. She was Mrs. Black North Carolina 2009.  She is an accredited judge for Miss North Carolina & Miss America preliminaries having earned the distinction of Chief Judge and has judged preliminaries in South Carolina, Florida, Virginia and Kentucky.

For 2 consecutive years, she was selected to perform at the Miss North Carolina Pageant. Sandra resides in Kinston, NC with her husband, Samuel. They have five children and six grandchildren.

Best wishes to all of the honorees who have elected to serve as an extension of Young Women of Promise, Inc. Your recognition of service to your community is well deserved.

Angela Jones is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and servant leader whose life reflects faith, love, and commitment to family and community. She has been married to her husband, Dennis Jones, for 32 years and is the proud mother of four children and grandmother of three. Known for her cheerful, giving and positive spirit, Angela is often described as the anchor, a constant source of love, strength and encouragement for her family. 

Grounded in strong values, she believes in building bridges, not tearing them down, and strives to make kindness a daily lifestyle and encourages others to do the same.. Angela uses humor as both ministry and medicine bringing light, joy, and encouragement to others and lifting the atmosphere when it feels heavy.

With over 23 years of ministry experience, Angela holds an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from North Carolina College of Theology and has served in many roles, including Interim Pastor, Youth Pastor, Executive Assistant to the Pastor, Women’s Fellowship Coordinator, Choir Director,  and Sunday School Teacher. She currently serves as an ordained Elder at Antioch Church Ministries under the leadership of Apostle Charles and Lisa Lewis, where she also serves as a Ministry Team Leader and New Members Teacher.

Angela has 27 years of experience in public education and currently works as the Administrative Assistant for the Curriculum and Instruction Department of  Lenoir County Public Schools. She holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and Early Childhood Education. 
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Outside of work and ministry, she treasures time with her grandchildren, enjoys reading, playing competitive games with family and friends, spontaneous trips with her husband, and proudly cheers on the Dallas Cowboys. Whether at home, in ministry, or in the community, Angela Jones shows that a life led with faith, joy, and kindness can transform lives. 

Watsi M. Sutton is an attorney and nonprofit executive whose life’s work reflects a steadfast commitment to justice, service, and strengthening communities.

With more than 25 years of legal experience, Watsi has dedicated her career to ensuring that the law serves as a tool for fairness, dignity, and opportunity. Her legal service includes work as a Managing Attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina, Assistant District Attorney, Town Attorney, and long-time solo practitioner. Across criminal, juvenile, family, small claims, and civil courts, she has represented individuals and families navigating some of life’s most challenging moments—always with an eye toward equity and accountability.

Watsi currently serves as Executive Director of Koinonia Community Solutions (KCS), where her nonprofit leadership represents a natural extension of her justice-centered legal career. Under her leadership, KCS has expanded its reach to more than 15 schools across two counties, strengthened family and youth support services, and broadened its mission to include economic empowerment and housing stability. She has led organizational growth grounded in sound
governance, strategic partnerships, and sustainable community impact.

In addition to direct service, Watsi has played a key role in developing recovery court and reentry initiatives, supporting individuals returning to their communities and working to interrupt cycles of harm through accountability and restoration. Her work reflects a belief that justice is not only about rules and outcomes, but about people, opportunity, and the conditions that allow communities to thrive.

Watsi holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics, summa cum laude, from North Carolina A&T State University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She has served on numerous boards and community organizations dedicated to education, economic development, and social justice. Watsi currently serves as an appointed Trustee of Martin Community College, a board member of the InJoy Thrift Shop, and is a member of the Greenville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Pitt County North
Carolina A&T Alumni Chapter.

She has been an active and committed member of Koinonia Christian Center Church for 19 years.
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Watsi is a 2026 candidate for Pitt County District Court Judge.

​Kevin Faison is a father of two beautiful daughters and is married to an amazing wife. He is native of Eastern North Carolina born and raised in Seven Springs NC a small rural community in Wayne County.

He faced tragic losses at an early age with the murder of his mother and a year and a half later the loss of his adopted father to undiagnosed diabetes. He was cared for by a loving couple that nurtured and raised him as their own alongside their children. This blended family fostered his since of community and taught him lifelong lessons.

He recalls memories of helping neighbors after tornados and hurricanes
by cleaning their yards and sharing the family home because his family was the only one with power. Though he grew up poor he was taught “If there is any, there is enough to share.” He recalls early memories of activism in the sixth grade marching alongside Rev. William Barber to fight for equal education funding from the Wayne County School board.

Mr. Faison attended college at East Carolina University where he earned bachelor’s degrees In Psychology, and Inter Cultural Communications. While at ECU he was a very active student involved in BSU, NAACP, SGA, Thespians, ECU Gospel Choir and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., while at the university participate and chaired several community service and fundraising opportunities. His time at ECU helped
developed his leadership skills and passion to serve the community. His Fraternity Motto “Culture for Service, Service for Humanity.” Inspires him to use his voice for the voiceless and strength to stand up for those that can advocate for themselves.

Mr. Faison has spent the last 21yrs working as a Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Professional. He has an extraordinary reputation in the industry for increasing the productivity of the agency he is with and providing exceptional care to his consumers. He is Certified Peer Support Specialist and SACOT Instructor.

Outside of work Mr. Faison is an accomplished Event Coordinator and Promoter. He has 20yrs of experience and has privately funded ECU’s Black Alumni Homecoming functions for 20 consecutive years. He has also planned and assisted with the planning and execution of several festivals, concerts, food truck rodeos along with basketball and soccer tournaments.

He expressed that his greatest joy is seeing people gather for a joyous celebration.

The City of Greenville has benefited from Mr. Faison’s service on the Greenville Board of Adjustment for 6yrs, Pitt County Horizon Community for 2yrs., and the Hwy 43 project. He is completed his 6 years on the Pitt County Planning and Zoning Commission, where he was unanimously voted as chair in September of 2022-2024. Mr. Faison entered city government on the board level to effect/impact change for his immediate community. Mr. Faison expressed he noticed a lack of diversity in city
government. Mr. Faison chose to serve on the board level to avoid the politics as he identifies himself as a Social Activist and feels that his voice and views have to be considered at this level of city government. His most recent initiative is to provide transitional housing options for the unhoused population in Pitt and Lenior Counties that suffer from Mental Health and Substance Abuse challenges. He along with one
of his co-workers founded Transitional Support Services in 2024 and in 2025 the agency achieved Incorporated status.

Elder Patricia Moore Cox is a minister at Antioch Church Ministries, Inc. She has been a member since 1996 and has held many roles. She serves as the church’s Financial Secretary and Coordinator of the Shelter Ministry, under the leadership of Apostle Charles and Pastor Lisa Lewis.

She holds a Bachelors Degree in Management Accounts from East Carolina University,a Master's Degree in Christian Education from Apex School of Theology, and a Master's Degree in Accounting with a concentration in Audit and Financial Reporting.

Elder Cox has worked for Pitt County Schools for over 17 years. She is a member of the Local, State, and National Association of Education Office Professionals. Her membership in PCAEOP and NCAEOP has had a profound impact on both her professional work and personal growth.  Through these organizations, she has gained valuable opportunities for professional development, leadership, and networking with colleagues who share the same commitment to excellence in educational office professions.  The training sessions, conferences, and shared best
practices have strengthened my skills, enhanced my confidence, and inspired me to serve with greater purpose and professionalism.  Beyond career growth, the encouragement and friendships,

Elder Cox shared, "I strive to trust and believe in the Power of Jesus Christ more. I found that the love of Christ has enriched my life and reinforced the importance of spiritual growth, teamwork, service, and lifelong serving."

The Word of God tells us in Hebrews 11:1 (ESV), “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Elder Cox was married to the late Deacon Anthony Cox, and they have been blessed with two outstanding children and five beautiful grandchildren.

La'Neika Benbow - Bruinton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist with over 25 plus years of experience. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, business owner and much more to all who know her. She is the founder and owner of Faith Based Counseling Services, LLC which assists in mental health support; LBE Doula Care and Pregnancy Services, supporting the journey for healthy pregnancy experiences and education and the newly formed non-profit La’Neika B. Enterprise which her legacy that focuses on mentoring, entrepreneurship and strong community service & support. La’Neika is also the author of Sasha’s story, which is her journey of surviving domestic violence, former radio hostess of Therapy Corner on 106.9 Awesome Radio, and former co-host and owner of Faith Radio NC which was an online station that she hosted with her husband.
 
La’Neika is extremely proud of her non-profit which is already off to a great start. Since its inception in July of 2025 La’Neika B. Enterprise has awarded two $500
Scholarships to their Survivors Empowerment recipients, which focuses on Domestic Violence Advocacy and honors her own journey as a survivor. They have also provided over 150 toys to the Ronald McDonald house and as of a week ago, they have given over 250 bouquets of flowers to facilities and individuals in the community during their Spread Joy campaign”. La’Neika is a phenomenal therapist, inspirational speaker and educator wearing many hats. As a result, with all her efforts and community focus, she was recognized and awarded with the 2025 Eastern North Carolina Remarkable Women award; which is a national honor.
 
La’Neika aspires to be a staple in her community, seeking cultural changes as it relates to mental health, education and overall growth. She remains committed to healing, empowerment, and breaking generational cycles. Through the various platforms, she has already made a great and lasting impact on many and continues to do so.