2024 WomanUP Awards Celebrate Local Women in Business
Nov 07, 2024 10:37AM ● By Randee Brown
On November 5, 2024, about 700 members of the Asheville business community gathered at the Crowne Plaza Resort to celebrate the ninth annual WomanUP Awards.
A program of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, WomanUP was created in 2016 with the help of Webb Investment Services President and Founder Laura Webb and her passion for supporting women in business, particularly those in male-dominated fields.

From the record number of nominees, this year’s winners include:
- Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business: Amy Michaelson Kelly, Founding Principal at Hatteras Sky
- Outstanding Woman in Nonprofit Leadership: Zurilma Anuel, Director at Western Women’s Business Center
- STEM Award: Candie Sellers, Elementary Coordinator at Western Region Education Service Alliance
- Impact Award: Jessica Edwards, Team Leader at Eaton
- Woman Executive of the Year: Dr. Jennifer Reed, Associate Superintendent at Buncombe County Schools
- Rising Star Award: Katie Thomas, Associate Dean of Nursing at South College
- Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award: Janice Brumit, Owner of Brumit Development Company
- WomanUP Pioneer Award: Laura Webb, Founder of Webb Investment Services and Associate at Gratz Park Private Wealth
Amy Michaelson Kelly, recipient of the Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business Award, transitioned a career in law to a career in the hospitality industry. She launched and manages multiple ventures including The Radical, Zelda Dearest, Table restaurant, and more. Under Kelly’s leadership, these ventures help support various community organizations including River Arts District Artists, Black Wall Street, and Riverlink.
Zurilma Anuel, recipient of the Outstanding Woman in Nonprofit Leadership Award, is a leader for her team at the Western Women’s Business Center as well as for the entrepreneurs who participate in the WWBC’s programs. She has grown resource partners and organizations to serve more women entrepreneurs, coaches, and access to capital. In addition to her work with the WWBC, Anuel serves on the Invest Appalachia Board and provides advice on initiatives carried out by the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Dogwood Health Trust, and Appalachian Community Capital. She has also started a nonprofit relief box to provide humanitarian aid to families in her native Venezuela.
Candie Sellers, recipient of the STEM Award, is an educator whose contributions to STEM education have had a transformative impact on the Western North Carolina community. Her work with the Cherokee Preservation Grant has helped ensure remote schools have access to essential STEM supplies, programs, and clubs. Her initiatives have provided professional development for K-12 educators and career exploration opportunities for high school students.
Jessica Edwards, recipient of the Impact Award, is a leader delivering consistent outstanding customer service and facilitating professional development sessions for leaders and employees at Eaton. She leads Eaton’s Inclusion and Diversity Council and promotes community outreach and cross-cultural collaboration. In addition, Edwards serves as a Board member for Safelight Women’s Center and actively supports Manna Food Bank and United Way’s efforts to support the Asheville community.
Dr. Jennifer Reed, recipient of the Woman Executive of the Year Award, works to prepare students for future success through professional guidance and community partnerships. Her work in advocating partnerships between the school system and the business community has advanced opportunities for workforce development through creating student internships that lead directly to employment following graduation. She also serves on the Boards of YMCA of WNC and United Way, further supporting her community.
Dr. Katie Thomas, recipient of the Rising Star Award, is involved in initiatives improving healthcare outcomes in Asheville and have been instrumental in shaping the future of nursing education. Her mentorship led to a pass rate of 100% for graduates on the NCLEX exam. Engaging in strong partnerships with Asheville clinics, her students receive interactive and engaging placements upon graduation.
Janice Brumit, recipient of the Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award, has impacted the Asheville community through active involvement in various initiatives supporting education, healthcare, and economic development. She was the first woman to chair the Asheville Chamber’s Board, and is the founding mother of Women for Women, a philanthropic group that has donated over $5 million, and served as the Chair of UNC Asheville Board of Trustees. Brumit served on various additional Boards and committees. Her mentorship, particularly in empowering women, and her extensive community involvement have left a lasting impact on the WNC region.
Laura Webb, recipient of the inaugural WomanUP Pioneer Award, is a champion and long-standing sponsor of the WomanUP program. Web served on the Chamber’s Board and helped begin the first diversity initiative for women. An advocate for women in business, Webb is dedicated to the empowerment of many business women in the Asheville community. Her advocacy has paved the way for future leaders to pursue their passion, elevate their careers, and take control of their financial lives.