We’re a bold, brilliant group of women lifting each other up. Meet the minds behind the mission.

Founding Members

A woman in an elegant blue gown standing in front of a white door with glass panels, flanked by lush green plants, with a brick wall background.

PRESIDENT

Sheena Gabbard

Sheena, a Western NC native now living in Rutherford County, discovered her leadership skills while studying Interior Design at the University of Kentucky. She’s passionate about building community among women and draws inspiration from her faith and involvement in Community Bible Study. As a certified etiquette expert, she believes kindness and grace are essential for fostering meaningful relationships. Sheena, a mother of two energetic boys, also enjoys preserving historic homes and empowering others to make the world more beautiful through their actions.

Read a letter from Sheena here >

A woman in a fuchsia satin gown standing on a porch with a column, smiling at the camera.

VICE PRESIDENT

Megan Brandle

Megan , a Rutherford County native, built a career in fashion marketing, styling, and event planning before founding Creekside Farm Venue in Bostic, NC, where she hosts 30–40 events annually. She became a NC REALTOR in 2018, helping clients navigate the local market with ease. A devoted mother and lover of farm life, Megan blends her passions for gardening, cooking, and community into her work. Through her roles as venue owner, wedding planner, and real estate agent, she brings elegance and warmth to every project while inspiring others to pursue their dreams.

A woman with long dark hair in a purple sequined dress and earrings, smiling and standing outside a building with brick walls and white columns.

Shelly Harris

Shelly, Treasurer of the Foothills Women’s Society, holds a Business Administration degree from Liberty University and a digital marketing certification from UNC Chapel Hill. She owns a marketing business, co-owns rental properties with her husband, and is part owner of a cleaning company, with over 20 years of experience across service, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. Passionate about social issues, she enjoys diving into statistics and laws, and aims to uplift others daily. When not working or volunteering, Shelly enjoys lake days, DIY projects, reading, and time with her family and pets.

TREASURER

A woman in a royal blue evening gown standing on a brick porch outside, smiling at the camera, with trees and sunlight in the background.

SECRETARY

Cassie Hobson

Cassie, a Cleveland County native, spent 12 years as an operating room nurse before transitioning into the aesthetics industry. In 2021, she and her husband Doug co-founded Invigorate Skincare Solutions, a medical spa in Rutherfordton, NC. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family, her pets, and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and fly fishing. A member of Double Springs Baptist Church, Cassie’s faith and love for community guide her personal and professional life.

A woman in a shiny silver side slit evening gown with short sleeves, standing outdoors on a brick patio with white pillars and rocking chairs, smiling at the camera during sunset.

FOUNDING MEMBER

Alicia Brady

Alicia, known as “Dr. Dolly” for her bubbly personality and Southern charm, is a chiropractor at AlignPro Chiropractic and a homeschooling mother passionate about whole-body wellness and community connection. Originally from Georgia, she moved to Rutherford County in 2019 and quickly embraced its charm and people. She and her husband Jamie are raising two energetic boys, Hollis and Holden, and enjoy making memories through sports, concerts, and weekend adventures. As a founding member of the Foothills Women’s Society, Alicia leads with kindness and purpose, believing strong communities are built when women unite to support and serve one another.

A woman with long, wavy blonde hair wearing a dark green, sequined dress, standing outside near a white pillar, smiling at the camera.

FOUNDING MEMBER

Nicole Taylor

Nicole is a Program Manager at Duke Energy with degrees in Business and Law from Western Carolina University and a Master’s in Human Resource Development from Clemson. She’s passionate about supporting operations across Duke’s multi-state territory and brings that same energy to her role as a founding member of the Foothills Women’s Society. A proud mom of two young boys, Nicole enjoys traveling, cooking, and staying active with her family—balancing career, community, and motherhood with warmth and purpose.

A woman in a royal blue dress with a large bow detail on the shoulder, smiling outdoors during sunset.

FOUNDING MEMBER

Laura Wittwer

Dr. Laura Wittwer is a board-certified General Surgeon committed to whole-body healing—mind, body, and spirit. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three sons, having relocated from Texas in 2019. Known for her compassionate cancer care, she’s received numerous accolades for her patient-centered approach. Her work has brought clarity and comfort to families during life’s most difficult moments. Laura has served on medical missions to Rwanda and Honduras, blending clinical care with spiritual support. She continues to give back through mentorship, advocacy, and community service. In her free time, she enjoys running, biking, and hiking with her family, and connecting with women who lead and serve.

Ready to walk with us? Join the Women’s Foothills Society and be part of something powerful.


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