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.

Gwen Frisbie-Fulton

Writer and organizer focused on race, class, gender, and Southern politics

Gwen Frisbie-Fulton is a longtime writer, organizer and advocate. She is the former Communications Director at Down Home North Carolina, where 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. Her work emphasizes addressing systemic inequities and advocating for the rights of poor and working-class people in the rural South. Gwen leverages her extensive experience in grassroots organizing to challenge barriers and ensure dignity for marginalized communities.

Jeremy Markovich

NC Rabbit Hole

Jeremy Markovich is a seasoned 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, Jeremy brings his experience as an award-winning reporter, producer, and writer. His career spans television, magazines, and digital media, where he uncovers overlooked stories across North Carolina. Whether through his work at North Carolina Rabbit Hole or his widely read newsletter, Jeremy’s passion for storytelling and his commitment to uncovering the state’s hidden narratives make him a leading voice in local media.

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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. A graduate of Wake Forest University, she holds a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Education.

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. She has received multiple awards, including recognition from Governor Roy Cooper and the NC Attorney General’s Dogwood Award.

Passionate about public education, Kim inspires students to build empowered futures for themselves and their communities.

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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.

Dalton George, a young man with light brown hair, green eyes, and a mustache, smiles slightly at the camera. He is wearing a blue and white striped button-up shirt. The background is softly blurred, showing an indoor setting with warm lighting.

Dalton George

Mayor Pro-Tem of Boone, North Carolina

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.

Elizabeth Herrera

Co-Founder and Director of Community Advancement for 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. Raised as a first-generation Mexican-American in Wilson, NC, Elizabeth experienced the struggles immigrant families face, inspiring her to promote educational equity and civic engagement. Since graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2019, she has worked to assist underrepresented students in overcoming language barriers and accessing higher education. 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. After years in the fashion industry, Flor became disillusioned with its superficiality and global inequalities. This shift inspired her to return to her hometown, where she now applies her industry-honed organizational and leadership skills to create an inclusive space for Latinx families. Alongside her sister Elizabeth, Flor has built Casa Azul into a beacon of empowerment, dedicated to the advancement and success of their community.

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 North Carolina 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. Graig is also a leading advocate for cannabis reform and criminal justice, driven by his desire to ensure that every North Carolinian has access to resources and opportunities for success.

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. She focuses on bridging healthcare gaps, advancing equitable care, and advocating for marginalized communities. Dawn is celebrated for her leadership in designing healthcare solutions that meet the needs of rural and Black communities, with a particular focus on maternal and child health. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she emphasizes advocacy, community outreach, and policy development to drive meaningful change for the underrepresented.

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Weyling White

Civic Leader

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.

Our Stories

Jan 21, 2025 / By

The unheralded heroes of Hurricane Helene

First responders deserve praise for their efforts, but what about others who have made it possible to recover? By Dalton George  In the weeks and months after Hurricane Helene, I've seen many good stories about the police and fire departments that sent employees to...

Dec 3, 2024 / By

The fight for public education

The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools.

Our Stories

Jan 21, 2025 / By

The unheralded heroes of Hurricane Helene

First responders deserve praise for their efforts, but what about others who have made it possible to recover? By Dalton George  In the weeks and months after Hurricane Helene, I've seen many good stories about the police and fire departments that sent employees to...

Dec 3, 2024 / By

The fight for public education

The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools.