The Winner Is…We Celebrate Accomplishments of the Genesis Block Community
Genesis Block was founded on the principle that entrepreneurship is an effective pathway to prosperity. Community, collaboration and creativity are the pillars of this principle and working together as a harmonious community will elevate neighborhoods block by block.
We have over 80 organizations that are members and partners at Genesis Block. These leaders are doing amazing work to help their community and provide ladders of upward mobility for others to climb. We are proud to recognize these pillars in the community for their awards and accomplishments in August.
Franchon Francees is the founder of Healing Your Almond, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Trauma Practitioner and Trainer. Franchon, was recognized by the New Hanover County Office of Diversity and Equity for her efforts to help companies and organizations address employee stress and team efficiency. She was awarded the 2021 Equity Award in the Community Equity Category.
Parker Wilson is the Founder and Chief Strategist for Sparks Consulting. She is also the Senior Vice President at BLDG25 is an experience design firm. Parker was recognized by the Star News and Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and named to the prestigious 40 under 40.
Devin Skipper is the CEO and President of Salt Air Heating & Cooling, a full range of heating and air services company headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina. Devin was recognized by the Star News and Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and named to the prestigious 40 under 40 and along with his wife Brooke Skipper, are launching a new business this year.
Myra and James McDuffie are the owners of MeMa’s Chick’ N Ribs located in Burgaw, North Carolina. The restaurant is a local favorite and proudly boast the #8 Best Barbeque in North Carolina according to USA Today. MeMa’s Chick’ N Ribs is the 2021 Coastal Entrepreneur Award Winner in the Minority Business Category.
Albert Steed is the Cofounder and President of Hybrid AF, a global leader in 24/7 gym access management systems. Hybrid AF is committed to providing solutions that leverage technology to solve gym industry problems. Albert is the 2021 Coastal Entrepreneur Award Winner in the Internet Related Business Category.
Wayne Hippo is Managing Partner of PS Solutions a software development firm headquartered in Altoona, Pennsylvania with offices in Pittsburgh, PA and Wilmington, North Carolina. PS Solutions, was recently recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the Fastest Growing Companies in the United States. This is a tremendous achievement for the PS Solutions team.
Girard and Tracey Newkirk the Cofounders of Genesis Block are the 2021 Coastal Entrepreneur Award winners in the Professional Services Category.
Erika Edwards and Kristi Ray Cofounders of Honey Head Films, were selected as a finalist for the Wilma Women to Watch Awards. Honey Head Films is a full service, female production company. A Song For Imogene, the company’s feature film, was one of eleven recipients of the 2021 grant for the Filmed in NC Fund in conjunction with the Cucalorus Film Foundation.
Tiffany Machler, owner of Art by Nugget, a boutique art gallery located in Wilmington, NC. Tiffany was selected as a finalist for the Wilma Women to Watch Awards. Tiffany was also commissioned by Lowe’s to paint a mural that commemorates the 100th anniversary of Lowe’s.
Dr. Sabrina Cherry is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is also a speaker, writer and community leader as it relates to health equity. Dr. Cherry was featured in a documentary title “Vaccination from the Misinformation Virus.” The documentary is now available on the NMPBS video portal and also through the PBS Video app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast and Samsung Smart TV.
Join us in celebrating the achievement of our Genesis Block community.
