On behalf of the Women in the NAACP (W.I.N.) Committee, it is with heartfelt gratitude that we extend our thanks to our NAACP Onslow County Branch President, Mr. M. Kenyetta Euring Sr., and the Executive Committee for your steadfast leadership and support in making the 2025 Woman of the Year Celebration possible.
We proudly honor our Trailblazers, Ms. Lillie Smith and Ms. Helen Thompson, for the powerful legacy they have built and the paths they have paved for future generations. To their families and friends, we thank you for standing beside them and sharing their remarkable journeys. We also celebrate those who are now making a difference and blazing the trail in their own right: Major Candice Hunt, Kandyce Quintero, and Laquesha Fulcher-Cadwallader. Your work and commitment continue to inspire and uplift our community. To our reigning pageant queens, Ms. Gwendolyn Maddox and Ms. Nataisha Ramirez, we thank you for gracing this celebration with elegance and pride. A special thank you goes to your families and community of support, whose encouragement allows you to shine so brightly.
We are grateful to the vendors who participated in the “Her Moment” Day Expo, adding value, beauty, and opportunity to this celebration. A special word of appreciation goes to our sponsors. Your generosity and investment made this celebration possible and ensured that we could honor and uplift the women of our community in a meaningful way. We are deeply thankful for your partnership and support. A heartfelt thank you is extended to the W.I.N. Committee and the Woman of the Year Planning Committee for your tireless work and commitment in bringing this vision to life. This event could not have been accomplished without your dedication and teamwork. Finally, I would like to give a special thank you to our Second Vice President, Ms. Gloria Goodwin, for her unwavering encouragement and support throughout this journey.
To our community, we say thank you for it is with your presence, support, and belief in our mission that this event was made possible. Together, we celebrate women, honor and continue to blaze new trails for the future.
D'Aja Fulmore is a writer, director, and producer from Pollocksville, North Carolina. Ms. Fulmore attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she received her Bachelor of Social Work degree with honors, followed by receiving her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Georgia. Ms. Fulmore states that she would often work behind the scenes on film sets while in college. Many times, she would work as an extra. Ms. Fulmore has always had an interest in writing films and later developed a short film entitled Crossover, which was released on YouTube before now becoming a feature film. In 2020, Ms. Fulmore released Crossover on YouTube where she was later offered a deal to write a series for a network in Los Angeles. Upon not taking the offer, Ms. Fulmore decided to reshoot the project as a feature film.
The project features actors Cherrie McRae, Jamal Woolard, Cliff Powell, Mendeecees Harris, Dennis LA White, Yesse Rodriguez and more. The project is currently on Tubi. It remained in the Most Popular category for approximately 2 weeks and returned to Most Popular in the 4” week. In March 2023, Ms. Fulmore filmed Crossover: The Revenge as the sequel of her first project. The project features many returning actors and includes Hollywood icon, Clifton Powell.
Additionally, Ms. Fulmore's film has been executive produced by Hollywood stars, Bobby Brown, Shondrella Avery, Alicia EtheredgeBrown, and Chris Brown. The project was released on TUBI in October 2023, where it went to Most Popular in its first week. Ms. Fulmore currently holds a three-picture deal with Glass Slipper Pictures of Los Angeles.
The project is currently on Tubi. It remained in the Most Popular category for approximately 2 weeks and returned to Most Popular in the 4” week. In March 2023, Ms. Fulmore filmed Crossover: The Revenge as the sequel of her first project. The project features many returning actors and includes Hollywood icon, Clifton Powell. Additionally, Ms. Fulmore's film has been executive produced by Hollywood stars, Bobby Brown, Shondrella Avery, Alicia EtheredgeBrown, and Chris Brown. The project was released on TUBI in October 2023, where it went to Most Popular in its first week. Ms. Fulmore currently holds a three-picture deal with Glass Slipper Pictures of Los Angeles.
Mrs. Lillie B. Mattocks Smith, a lifelong resident of Onslow County, is a proud mother of three, grandmother of five, and the widow of Freddie L. Smith Sr. As the sixth of fourteen children born to Woodrow and Hepsie Mattocks, she has lived a life marked by resilience, service, and leadership. In 1966, Lillie made history as the first African American to graduate near the top of her class from the then all-white White Oak High School. She went on to earn an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies, certifications in teaching, nursing assistance, and as a notary public, and completed the Dale Carnegie Course on Effective Speaking and Human Relations.
Her professional journey has been as diverse as it is impactful: from serving as a Navy Relief receptionist at Camp Lejeune, to working in health care, to owning and operating the Belgrade Thrift Shop (1989-1994). In 1974, she traveled abroad on behalf of St. Stephens AME Zion Church, deepening her cultural and community connections.
Beyond her career, Lillie's heart for service has shaped her community. She co-founded the Belgrade Senior Citizen Nutritional Center, served as a poll worker and precinct chair, worked on the MLK Committee, delivered Meals on Wheels, and helped secure $750,000 in grant funding to improve housing in Belgrade.
In 1995, she made the ultimate act of love by donating a kidney to her brother. Today, Mrs. Smith embraces her role as a community activist, tirelessly seeking resources and confronting inequality to uplift others. Her lifelong dedication and trailblazing spirit make her a truly deserving recipient of the NAACP Onslow County Branch 2025 Woman of the Year Award.
Helen D. Thompson, affectionately known to family and close friends, as “Hecky” is the daughter of Mr. Joe L. and the late Lonnie M. Thompson. Helen was born and raised in Jacksonville, NC. As for her education, she attended Onslow County Public Schools and is a 1981 honors graduate of Jacksonville Senior High School. She continued her education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a secondary minor in Psychology.
After graduating from UNC-CH, Helen returned to her hometown and began her career.
In 1985, Helen began her career at Jacksonville Police Department (JPD) as a Telecommunicator. She later attended Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) in 1986 at Coastal Carolina Community College (CCCC) and became a Police Officer. At JPD, Helen rose through the ranks quickly and held many titles, most notably Police Captain.
In 1996, Helen became the first African American female to ever achieve the rank of Captain. And since that time, there has never been another African American to achieve this rank in the last 29 years.
While employed at the Police Department, Helen taught BLET at both CCCC and James Sprunt Community College in Kenansville, NC. In 1999 Helen was separated from service at JPD, after an incident with a suspect; however, after a ten-month hiatus, she returned to the City of Jacksonville’s Human Resources Department. During this time, Helen earned a Master of Science degree from Central Michigan University (1999). Presently, she is a Senior Human Resources Generalist and has held numerous positions and obtained various professional certifications. Most recently, she celebrated 40 years of service with the City of Jacksonville. During her tenure, Helen has worked under eight different City Managers and held 14 different job titles.
Community Involvement: Helen is a 45-year member of St. Julia African Methodist Episcopal Zion church, our city, where she has also served on various Boards and Clubs. From 2015-2022, she served as the Preacher’s Steward to the Rev. Dr. Amy S. Ciceron. Additionally, Helen has been an active and financial member of the Jacksonville (NC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Sorority, Incorporated for the last 25 years. During this time, Helen has been able to participate in Community Service projects, such as the following: Coats and Hoodies for Kids; Point in Time Drives for the Homeless population; Scholarship Pageants for youth in our city; Christmas Cheer and Salute the Troops volunteer; Elder Cheer; CHEW Program to feed students over the weekend and various other projects. Most recently, Helen coordinated, alongside of a few other co-workers, the City of Jacksonville’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive which collected the largest number of units of blood for the Onslow County area.
Political Involvement: Helen’s first interaction in politics was serving as the Secretary for the Committee to Elect Kever Clark for Senator (2002). Later, as a means of “giving back to the community” as a thank you for their support during the time of her termination, Helen ran for City Councilwoman at Large in 2017 and 2022. Both campaigns were unsuccessful, but Helen vows to continue to be a voice for the voiceless and help the community in any ways she can do so.
Community Honors and Accolades: Most honors were for Community Involvement and Service in Local Government to include the following: Intriguing African American Woman Award by Northeast Community Development Corporation (2005); Woman of Onslow (WOO) Award by Daily News (2017); and International Woman’s Award by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s International Awareness Committee (2024).
LaQuesha Cadwallader is a dedicated and innovative Recreation Division Manager with Onslow County Parks and Recreation, bringing over two decades of experience in youth development, event coordination, and community engagement. Known for her passion for creating inclusive, enriching recreational experiences, LaQuesha has a proven record of success in leading dynamic teams, managing large-scale events and building strong community partnerships.
LaQuesha began her career in early childhood education, operating her own licensed childcare center, Little Miracles in Motion, for over a decade with her aunt Leona Revels. This foundation in youth care and development laid the groundwork for her transition into public service, where she has since held numerous leadership roles rising from Summer Camp Director and Remote Learning Site Director to Recreation Coordinator and now Division Manager.
She has led and managed some of Onslow County’s most well- loved events and programs, including summer camps, senior games, youth athletics, and county-wide festivals. LaQuesha is also a grant writer whose successful proposals have expanded access to arts and entertainment within the community.
Her leadership is marked by a strong commitment to safety, inclusivity, and excellence in service. With an eye for innovation and a heart for service, LaQuesha continues to elevate recreational programming to new heights. She holds an Associate of Arts degree, an Associates in Theology, and is a Certified Festival and Event Associate through the International Festivals & Events Association.
LaQuesha is the proud wife of Richard Cadwallader, and together they have shared 18 years of marriage and are raising three beautiful daughters: Giana Yael, Skyler Monroe, and Kinsley Drue. She was called to ministry as a teenager and has since dedicated her life to preaching the unadulterated Word of God. Living each day to fulfill the call on her life, she is committed to sharing God’s love and goodness with all, preaching the good news until every ear has heard, every heart is soften, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. Raised in a home rooted in faith, love, and true guidance, she attributes her success to God, her supportive parents Gwendolyn and Ronnie Fulcher, and the unwavering encouragement of her husband Richard.
Kandyce Quintero is more than a visual artist and community leader she is a believer in the transformative power of creativity. Based in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Kandyce serves as Executive Director of the Council for the Arts, where she dedicates her work to opening doors, building connections, and ensuring the arts are a meaningful part of everyday life.
With roots in both traditional painting and digital art, Kandyce has always seen creativity as a bridge one that connects people, heals communities, and sparks new possibilities. Her leadership is driven by a simple but powerful belief: that art is not a luxury, but a vital force that belongs to everyone.
Through her programs, collaborations, and personal practice, she continues to champion local artists, amplify diverse voices, and create spaces where creativity thrives. Her vision reaches beyond her own artistry it is about inspiring others to see the beauty in their own stories and the strength in their shared community. Kandyce’s journey is one of passion and purpose, guided by the conviction that when art is accessible, it has the power to change lives and shape a brighter future for all.
Regimental Communications Officer, 2d Marine Regiment
Camp Lejeune, NC
Major Hunt is a proud mother and Marine with over 19 years of enlisted and commissioned service. She has deployed twice to the Middle East and held leadership roles across the Marine Expeditionary Force, Special Operations, and multinational coalitions. Her career highlights include serving as Executive Officer of 8th Communication Battalion, Company Commander for Bravo Company, and most recently as Regimental Communications Officer for 2d Marine Regiment.
Blending technical expertise with empathy and mission focus, she has led, trained, and mentored thousands of Marines and Sailors, integrating advanced communications systems to enable global command and control. Her academic pursuits including an MBA in Information Management and advanced studies in cybersecurity complement her operational leadership and ensure she remains at the forefront of innovation. Major Hunt’s greatest accomplishment is being a mother.
She finds purpose in mentorship, volunteer work, and community service.
(Con’t-Assignments)
• May 2017 – April 2018: Communications Officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 with collateral duties as Sexual Assault Response Program Representative for Lieutenant Colonel William Nash.
• April 2015 – May 2017: Communications Officer Assistant, Combat Logistics Battalion 3 with collateral duties as Sexual Assault Response Program Representative for Colonel Nate Nathanson.
• September 2013 – March 2015: Attended Officer Candidate School, The Basic School, and Communication School.
• 2013: Served as Recruiting Assistant as a Sergeant for Major Brian Evovito (now Colonel) while awaiting Officer Candidate School.
• 2011 – 2012: Served in the Marine Corps Reserve as a Training Noncommissioned Officer while completing undergraduate studies.
• May 2010 – June 2011: Activated for deployment to Afghanistan with Landing Support Company.
• 2006 – 2009: Reserve Marine (Military Occupational Specialty 0481 –Landing Support Specialist) while attending college full time. Traveled to Morocco, Greece, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
Awards and Decorations
• National Defense Service Medal (1 award)
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1 award)
• Navy Unit Commendation (1 award)
• Joint Meritorious Unit Award (1 award)
• Armed Forces Reserve Medal (1 award)
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal
International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan (1 award)
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (1 award)
• Korea Defense Service Medal (1 award)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal (1 award)
• Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal (2 awards)
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (1 award)
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 award)
• Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (1 award)
• Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (5 awards)
Expanded Assignment Descriptions
Nataisha Ramirez – Certified Wellness Coach & Speaker "Wellness beyond the weight” Nataisha Ramirez is the Owner and Founder of Size Healthy Fitness, a women-only fitness studio dedicated to creating a safe and empowering space for women to transform their health from the inside out.
She is also the visionary behind ReClaim HER, a movement and coaching community designed to help women break free from cycles of weight regain, self-sabotage, and unhealthy quick fixes by embracing a holistic path to wellness. She holds a Master of Science in Human Services with a specialization in Counseling Studies and is the author of four empowering books: Healthy Fit and Sexy, Mind Over Fat, ReClaim Your Health, and ReClaim HER. She holds certification in Fitness and Nutrition as well as Behavior Modification. Recognized as the Juneteenth Queen 2023, she is a sought-after speaker, deeply active in her community, and has received numerous awards for her dedication to helping women heal, grow, and become healthier inside and out.
With her blend of expertise, faith, and compassionate accountability, Nataisha equips women to master their mindset, restore balance, and walk boldly in their God-given confidence.
Beyond her professional impact, Nataisha treasures her family. She is a devoted wife of 27 years, a proud mother of two boys, the oldest of three siblings, and the beloved daughter of Bobby and Mary Jones. Her journey of faith, resilience, and leadership continues to inspire women everywhere to pursue “Wellness beyond the weight.”
Gwendolyn Maddox was born in the sunny state of Florida and moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina, 45 years ago, a place she proudly calls home. She is the devoted parent of one son, Michael Slaughter II, and the loving grandmother of three grandchildren. Gwendolyn also fosters a 15-year-old girl with autism, who has been part of her family since the age of six. She retired from MCCS Camp Lejeune two years ago after 40 years of dedicated service to military families.
Gwendolyn currently serves as President of the MPMA Chapter 10 Auxiliary, leading initiatives that raise funds to support deserving students and provide meaningful community service.
A faithful member of Excelsior Chapter #305 of The Order of the Eastern Star for twenty years, she has served two terms as Worthy Matron and is also a member of the Golden Circle. She is active in the DOI, currently serving as Commandress. Through her involvement in these organizations, Gwendolyn demonstrates her passion for community service, including visiting nursing homes and supporting local initiatives that strengthen her community.
Above all, Gwendolyn is guided by her faith in the Lord, which she considers the foundation of her life and service. Her motto remains, “To God be the glory.”
