Join us as we flip the script and chat with our own podcast coordinator, Taylor Bass. Taylor co-created and produces the show, and also leads several other programs at UPLIFT. In this episode, we talk through the behind the scenes of podcasting, share tips and practical advice for anyone thinking about starting their own, and look at how podcasts can be a powerful way to tell your story. We’ve also linked a few helpful videos below if you’re looking for some guidance. Thanks for tuning in!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEWJpxq6HVI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXSkDeLdKr4&t=104s

Join us as we talk to Simone Adams! Simone is the Founder and Executive Director of Color My Outdoors, a regional nonprofit changing the outdoor narrative to celebrate People of Color. Under her leadership, Color My Outdoors has become a driving force in shaping a more inclusive outdoor industry—cultivating Leaders of Color, building confidence through family-based outdoor education, and amplifying stories that shift perceptions across the South. With two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, Simone bridges culture, community, and career access to ensure that People of Color are represented not only in outdoor recreation but also in the environmental and economic sectors that sustain it. Her work is laying the groundwork for future generations to see themselves reflected, respected, and leading in every corner of the outdoors.

Be sure to stay connected with Simone and Color My Outdoors

Instagram: @colormyoutdoors

Website: www.colormyoutdoors.org

We are so excited to talk with Vicki Vitiello! Vicky is the Deputy Director for the North Carolina Arts Council! Vicki takes on this role with more than 25 years of leadership and senior program experience with the agency. In her 10-year tenure as Director of Operations, she oversaw pandemic recovery efforts and the distribution of $25 million in federal funding to our state’s hard-hit nonprofit arts sector. Vicki helped manage the growth of the N.C. Arts Council’s annual grants portfolio to more than 1,000 awards annually, and established the North Carolina Creative Forces Initiative, which brings arts to military-connected audiences for healing and resiliency.

A lifelong advocate and supporter of the arts, Vicki has also held leadership roles at the Durham Arts Council and the Arts Council of Wilson, and served as Executive Director of the Arts and Humanities Assembly of Boulder, Colorado. A hallmark of Vicki’s approach to arts administration is building initiatives to invest in artist professional development, arts in education, and community engagement and outreach programming.

Be sure to stay up to date on the NC Arts Council

Website: ncarts.org

Directory: www.ncarts.org/grants-resources/resources/directory-local-arts-agencies

Instagram: @ncartscouncil

Join us as we talk to Paige Burns! Paige has served as Horticulture agent for Richmond County since 2007, and in addition as County Extension Director since 2019. Her work has covered multiple areas related to plants, natural resources, and economic development. Paige works with specialty crop farmers in the areas of production, pest management, farm food safety and developing marketing outlets. She also helps homeowners with lawn and garden care, pest management, and educating the public on native plants and the unique longleaf pine ecosystem. She supports the Richmond County Beekeepers Association and runs the Richmond Roots Garden Club, a monthly meet-up with programs and field trips for people passionate about plants which she started in 2023.

Be sure to stay up to date on what Richmond County Extension is doing at www.richmond.ces.ncsu.edu/ and be sure to sign up for their newsletter and take a look at their calendar of events!

Join us for a conversation with a panel of experts from the NC Main Street Program! Today, we’re excited to welcome Amy Suggs, Naomi Riley, Charles Halsall, Sherry Adams, and Joy Almond.

Amy Suggs is a Main Street Specialist with the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center. She works closely with local Main Street programs, facilitating strategic planning and providing technical assistance. Amy is a frequent presenter at the NC Main Street Conference, other statewide trainings, and has shared her expertise at the National Main Street Conference, Main Street Now.

Naomi Riley is the NC Main Street Education Coordinator with the NC Department of Commerce. With over 16 years of experience revitalizing communities across North Carolina, she’s known for her strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and dedication to small businesses.

Charles Halsall is a native of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Regional Planning. He has been with the NC Department of Commerce since 2006, serving in roles from community planner to economic development planner, and joined the NC Main Street team in 2017 as a Main Street Program Specialist.

Sherry Adams brings over 35 years of experience in downtown revitalization across North Carolina and beyond. For the past 17+ years, she has served on the NC Main Street team at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, helping communities transform their downtowns into thriving economic and cultural centers. Her career spans leadership roles including Main Street Director for Rutherfordton and Burlington, Downtown Development lead in Davidson, and Vice President of Downtown Greensboro Inc. Sherry is passionate about partnerships and collaboration to build vibrant, creative downtown communities.

Joy Almond served as the Main Street Manager for the City of Albemarle for eight years. During that time, she implemented the Downtown Albemarle social district, played a key role in developing the Downtown Albemarle Catalyst Grant, and led numerous community-driven events. In December 2024, Joy joined the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center as a Main Street Program Specialist, supporting local Main Street directors to foster community engagement and economic growth.

Tune in as they share insights on revitalizing downtowns, supporting local directors, building strategic plans, and turning downtowns into hubs of community, collaboration, and economic vitality.

Also be sure to stay tuned for more information on the 2026 North Carolina Main Street Conference happening from March 10-12. Registration opens January 9th!

Join us as we get to talk with Jamie Karolich! Jamie is a printmaker, educator, and community builder based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. She serves as Program Director of Craft Your Commerce, an entrepreneurial learning initiative of Mountain BizWorks that supports artists and creative entrepreneurs across the 26 most western counties of North Carolina. With a background in printmaking and small business ownership through Small Batch Studio & Press, Jamie brings a hands-on understanding of the creative economy to her work, designing programs that bridge artistic practice with business strategy. Her work centers on building resilient creative ecosystems through education, financial literacy, peer connection, and economic development.

Learn more and stay updated with Craft Your Commerce:

Website: www.mountainbizworks.org/craft-your-commerce/

Instagram: @craftyourcommerce

Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, we sit down with four experts from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center to explore how rural communities across the state are building stronger, more resilient economies.

Karen Smith, AICP - As the Rural Planning Program Manager, Karen brings over 30 years of experience in public-sector community and economic development planning in North Carolina, including the last 20 with the Department of Commerce.

Grace Lawrence –-Serving as the South Central (Sandhills) Prosperity Zone’s Community Economic Development Planner, Grace works directly with local governments and stakeholders to provide technical assistance and implement community strategies. She’s spent 20 years preserving natural resources and advancing community development across the state.

Samantha Darlington - As Community Economic Development Planner for the Southeast Region, Samantha helps rural communities turn ideas into action. She works closely with local governments and partners on strategic planning, project implementation, and stakeholder engagement.

Sharon Smith - Covering North Carolina’s Northeast Region, Sharon works with community leaders to identify economic development strategies that will help move them toward their goals. Sharon lives on the Pamlico River in Little Washington with her husband and two black labs.

Thanks for tuning in!

Join us as we talk with Corrina Ruffieux! Corrina is the Executive Director at Haywood County Tourism Development Authority and brings over 25 years of tourism leadership to her role. In her 2.5 years in Haywood County, she has led the creation of the county’s first Destination Master Plan, launched a full destination rebrand, and guided recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene—earning her the Haywood County Leader of the Year award. Her approach blends strategic vision with community collaboration, helping position Haywood as a model for sustainable tourism and destination stewardship.

Join us as we talk with Larry VanHoose! Larry is the Executive Director of the Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With more than 30 years of experience as a writer, creative director, photographer, and publisher, Larry has built his career around storytelling and community connection. Before joining the Chamber, he co-owned and was the Executive Editor of Surry Living Magazine, where he spent seven years celebrating local people and places across the region.

Today, Larry brings that same creative spirit to promoting Alleghany County—helping visitors and businesses discover all that the area has to offer. He and his wife, Trina, live on a small farm just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, Virginia, and are the proud parents of four grown children.

Thanks for tuning in!

Join us as we talk with Vivianette Ortiz! As the Executive Director of Latinos Aventureros, she leads the organization in creating meaningful outdoor experiences for Latinos and communities of color, breaking barriers and fostering deep connections with nature. Through shared adventures, Latinos Aventureros builds community, encourages learning, and inspires personal growth.

Under her leadership, the organization also promotes environmental awareness and sustainable practices to protect natural spaces, often collaborating with partners and community members across the Carolinas. This work reflects Ortiz’s ongoing commitment to community enrichment, inclusion, and empowerment.

A native of Puerto Rico, she treasures time with her family, enjoys hiking, and has a passion for plant care. Her volunteer work within the local Latinx community highlights her holistic approach to advocacy and community development, blending her professional pursuits with her personal passions and values.

Stay up to date on Vivianette and Latinos Aventureros:

Facebook: Latinos Aventureros en las Carolinas (https://www.facebook.com/latinosaventureros/)

Instagram: @latinosaventureros

Thanks for tuning in!