2026 Top 10 Nominees

Anne-Marie Pumphrey was nominated for her extraordinary leadership, service, and commitment to helping others. An Army combat veteran, entrepreneur, veteran advocate, and self-described “professional get-it-done person,” Anne-Marie has spent her life serving both her country and her community. In 2012, she co-founded Blue Collar Reloading and helped grow it into a successful storefront and e-commerce business before selling it in 2022. Today, she channels that same energy into supporting veterans, organizing community initiatives, and helping neighbors in need throughout the Lake Norman area. Her nominator described her as someone who “embodies courage, service, perseverance, and leadership” and noted that she consistently puts others first. Fueled by grit, determination, and a servant’s heart, Anne-Marie believes leadership means showing up, speaking up, and making a difference. Her continued dedication to serving others exemplifies the spirit of the Lake Norman Woman of the Year award.

Annie Hanson was nominated by both Gracie Queen, her employee and friend, and Samantha Reid, her sister, for her leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others. As Founder and CEO of The Closet Niche, Annie built a thriving custom closet and home organization company from the garage of her Mooresville home through faith, perseverance, and hard work. Beyond her role as a business owner, Annie is a devoted wife to her husband, Jon, proud mother to her sons Jacob and Colton, stepmother to Taylor, and a new grandmother. She is passionate about giving back, donating a portion of monthly proceeds to local nonprofits, supporting community organizations, and creating opportunities for young women through her scholarship program. Gracie shared that Annie “believes in giving others opportunities, even when others may overlook them,” while Samantha wrote, “What truly makes her extraordinary is the way she continues to show up for everyone despite the pressure.”

Dr. Ashley Collins was nominated by Cindy Harrell, her employee, friend, and mentor, for her extraordinary compassion, leadership, and commitment to serving others. Ashley is first and foremost a follower of Christ, wife to Andrew, and mother to Zander, Zane, and Zoe. As an adoptive parent, she is a passionate advocate for foster care and adoption. Ashley is the owner of Collins Family Dentistry and Dreams Dental Sleep Center, where she is known for treating patients like family. In 2024, she donated a kidney to save the life of one of her patients and later founded #OneBeanClub to support and encourage living organ donors. Through Donate Life NC, her foundation, church ministry, 4:12 Student Ministries, recreation cheerleading, and service at The Corner Table soup kitchen, Ashley continues to make a lasting impact. Cindy shared, “There are very few people who can say they truly change lives every day, but Dr. Ashley Collins absolutely does.”

Dana Degan was nominated by Julia Franklin, a friend, community member, and fellow school mom, for her extraordinary generosity, leadership, and commitment to building community. A registered dietitian, co-founder of Green Jeans Consignment Sale, and devoted mother of two, Dana has spent years creating meaningful connections and serving others throughout Lake Norman. Her impact can be felt through organizations including Community School of Davidson, Camp LUCK, Clothed with Care, Access to Success, and countless neighborhood and community initiatives. Julia shared, “Dana does not seek recognition—which is exactly why she deserves to be recognized,” describing her as someone who has made Lake Norman “a more generous, more connected, and more joyful place to live, lead, serve, and grow.” Whether she’s organizing events, supporting local nonprofits, opening her home to friends, or simply showing up for others, Dana leads with kindness, humility, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Jennifer Szakaly was nominated by colleague Jen Lafontaine for her extraordinary leadership and service in the field of aging life care. As founder and CEO of Caregiving Corner, a 20-person care management firm she launched in 2005, Jennifer has spent two decades helping families navigate aging, caregiving, and life’s most complex transitions with confidence and clarity. An Aging Life Care Manager, National Master Guardian, and national leader in her profession, Jennifer serves on the National Board of the Aging Life Care Association and the Board of Trustees for the Center for Guardianship Certification. She is also a sought-after speaker, trainer, podcast host, and advocate for caregivers. Jen wrote, “Jennifer Szakaly leads, serves, and inspires in the truest sense of each word.” Through her work, Jennifer continues to provide guidance, compassion, and peace of mind to families throughout the Lake Norman and Charlotte regions.

Katy Law was nominated by her husband and business partner, Greg Law, for her unwavering commitment to serving others through her business, faith, and community. As co-owner of Sweet Dreams Furniture & Mattress, Katy has helped families create homes they love while building lasting relationships throughout Lake Norman. A devoted wife, mother, and community leader, she serves through Williamson’s Chapel Women’s Bible Study, National Charity League, local schools, and numerous charitable organizations. Guided by her personal motto, “Work Hard, Play Hard, Serve Others, and Grow,” Katy believes life’s greatest blessings are found in relationships and serving others. Greg shared that Katy “serves this community professionally, personally, and charitably with vibrancy,” adding that her kindness, generosity, and genuine care for people make her an inspiration to everyone around her. Her life reflects the heart of servant leadership and the spirit of the Lake Norman Woman of the Year award.

Kelly Goddard was nominated by her husband, Liam Goddard, for her extraordinary compassion, resilience, and dedication to helping families facing pediatric cancer. A registered nurse and Health Navigator with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Kelly transformed her family’s own pediatric cancer journey into a mission of service after her daughter Riley was diagnosed with stage IV brain cancer as an infant. Today, she has helped more than 250 families across the country navigate diagnoses, treatment options, clinical trials, and critical resources. Kelly is a national advocate, speaker, podcast host, and contributor to pediatric cancer education initiatives, including presenting at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. She also serves organizations such as Cool Kids Clubhouse and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Liam shared that Kelly “turned one of the most difficult experiences a mother can face into a mission to help other families feel less alone.”

Natalie Storment was nominated by Alicia Gibson, the 2025 Lake Norman Woman of the Year, for her extraordinary servant leadership and lifelong commitment to helping others. Twenty years ago, Natalie and her husband, Jeff, opened their home to young men in need of guidance, support, and a sense of family. What began as a calling to serve has grown into Power Cross, a ministry that now impacts more than 400 young men each year through Christian discipleship, academic support, athletics, mentorship, career development, transportation services, and more than 65,000 free hot meals annually. Since 2016, Power Cross alumni have earned more than $12 million in athletic scholarships, creating life-changing opportunities for future generations. Alicia described Natalie as “a humble, servant leader” who “embodies every aspect of the spirit of Lake Norman Woman of the Year.” Through faith, compassion, and unwavering dedication, Natalie continues to transform lives throughout our community.

Rashel Limper was nominated by Lauren, a customer at Rio 150, for her leadership, generosity, and commitment to giving back. As owner of five Rio 150 locations and creator of the Dine for Dollars program, Rashel has built successful businesses while making a lasting impact on schools, nonprofits, and families throughout the Lake Norman community. A devoted mother of three and entrepreneur, she has created jobs, mentored employees, and helped countless organizations raise much-needed funds. Lauren shared that Rashel “embodies leadership, resilience, generosity, and community impact,” and praised her servant leadership and dedication to strengthening the community she proudly calls home.

Rhonda Olivera was nominated by her friend, Diane Hall, for her compassionate leadership, selfless service, and unwavering faith. Rhonda describes her heart as belonging to “Faith, Family, and Service.” She is a devoted wife to John, proud mother of Brock and Hunter, and grandmother to Ryker, Brynn, Luke, Landis, and Jackson. As Director of Customer Relations at Sunshine Automotive, she has used her career as a platform to serve the community through organizations including the YMCA, FeedNC, the American Heart Association Executive Leadership Team, and The Feather Project, which helps individuals experiencing homelessness find restoration, hope, and dignity. Diane shared that Rhonda “leads with kindness, faith, humility, and a servant’s heart” and added, “If there is such a thing as an angel on earth, it would absolutely be her.” Rhonda’s dedication to lifting others up embodies the spirit of the Lake Norman Woman of the Year award.