BEACON VOICES
Empowering Voices, Inspiring Action
At Beacon Media, our team of dedicated professionals and community advocates work to amplify the stories that matter most to North Carolina. Each voice brings a unique perspective, rooted in a deep commitment to social justice, equity, and community empowerment. Together, we strive to inform, inspire, and drive meaningful change across the state. Discover the individuals behind our mission and learn how their expertise and passion shape the work we do every day.
Rev. C.J. Brinson
Pastor, Umoja Church
Rev. C.J. Brinson is the Pastor of Umoja Church and is a clergy organizer in Greensboro, NC. Follow him on Instagram.
STEVIE BROOKS
Community Organizer
Stevie Brooks was born and raised in Western North Carolina. As a community organizer in Cleveland County, she is an advocate for rural voices and ensuring that the stories of her neighbors reflect their lived experiences.
Dawn Daly-Mack
Registered Nurse & ACO Care Coordinator, Piedmont Health Care
Dawn Daly-Mack is committed to addressing complex healthcare challenges as a Registered Nurse and ACO Care Coordinator at Piedmont Health Care. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she emphasizes advocacy, community outreach, and policy development to drive meaningful change for the underrepresented.
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton
Writer and organizer focused on race, class, gender, and Southern politics
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton is a longtime writer, organizer and advocate. The former Communications Director at Down Home North Carolina, she advocates for working-class voices in rural communities. With a passion for racial justice and economic equality, Gwen focuses on amplifying multiracial power through organizing and storytelling.
Dalton George
Mayor Pro-Tem of Boone, NC
Dalton George serves as the Mayor Pro-Tem of the Town of Boone and is one of the youngest officeholders in the state. He has spent the better part of the past decade organizing in rural North Carolina around housing, environmental issues, and voting rights. Follow him on Instagram, @DaltonforBoone.
Elizabeth Herrera
Co-Founder And Director of Community Advancement OF Casa Azul de Wilson
Elizabeth Herrera is a passionate advocate for Latino education and empowerment as the Co-Founder and Director of Community Advancement for Casa Azul de Wilson. Through Casa Azul, Elizabeth empowers Latino families to thrive academically and beyond.
Flor Herrera-Picasso
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Casa Azul de Wilson
Flor Herrera-Picasso is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Casa Azul de Wilson, a community-focused organization that champions social justice and education equity. Alongside her sister Elizabeth, Flor has built Casa Azul into a beacon of empowerment, dedicated to the advancement and success of their community.
Rose Hoban
N.C. Health News
Rose Hoban, the founder and editor of N.C. Health News, is a registered nurse and journalist who’s been reporting on health care in North Carolina for two decades.
Kimberly Jones
Educator
Kimberly Jones, the 2023 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Teacher of the Year, is an English and Humanities teacher in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, where she has taught since 2006. Specializing in high school World Literature, Holocaust, and Human Rights education, Kim serves as a Regional Site Director for TOLI and an education consultant for PBS, helping educators create culturally relevant lessons.
Jeremy Markovich
NC Rabbit Hole
Jeremy Markovich is a journalist and communications expert with deep knowledge of all things North Carolina. As the Director of Communications for the Program for Leadership and Character at Wake Forest University, he brings his experience as an award-winning reporter, producer, and writer. Jeremy’s commitment to uncovering the state’s hidden narratives make him a leading voice in local media.
Graig Meyer
Founder, Beacon Media
Graig Meyer’s dedication to public service stems from his deep commitment to social justice and equity. With over a decade of experience in the NC General Assembly, Graig has consistently fought for fair wages, quality healthcare, and access to strong public education. His experience as a social worker and in public schools has shaped his understanding of systemic challenges.
Weyling White
Mayor of Ahoskie, N.C.
Weyling White is the Mayor of Ahoskie, N.C. His proudest accomplishment has been returning to his hometown to make an impact in his community and his greatest joy is being a father.