Kim Roney is a re-elected Asheville City Council member, community advocate, and artist deeply rooted in her community. Since moving to Asheville in 2006, she has been actively involved in various roles, from launching AshevilleFM to teaching music and serving on multiple committees and organizations. As Asheville's first openly queer council member, she is known for her dedication to community issues, accessible transportation, and environmental justice. A local business owner and music educator who teaches 34 students from across Buncombe County, Kim serves on numerous committees including the Public Safety Committee, Urban Forestry Commission, and Multimodal Transportation Commission. When not advocating for her community, she finds joy in playing music, solving puzzles, and sharing meals with friends and neighbors—embodying her belief that a stronger community is one where everyone belongs and thrives.

Nicole Townsend is a dedicated community organizer with deep roots in social justice work. Recognized with the Blue Ridge Pride Leadership Award, CoThinkk Leadership Award, and Tzedek Brilliance Award, Townsend describes herself as most proud of her personal journey "deeply rooted in healing." A descendant of Mississippi Freedom Fighters who has lived "at the intersections of being Black and queer," Townsend has called Asheville home for over twenty years, serving on the boards of the Human Relations Council of Asheville, Bountiful Cities, and Asheville Writers in Schools & Communities. She is passionate about addressing systemic inequities through community-driven solutions, particularly in housing justice, public safety, and creating economic opportunities that allow everyone to thrive "regardless of which neighborhood they live in." Townsend's approach centers on transformative justice and community empowerment, emphasizing that "we can't police away poverty and suffering—we can invest in neighborhoods and create economic mobility."

Reggie Headen is a vocal virtuoso with a magnetic, approachable personality who has become a beloved figure in the Asheville music scene since moving to the area in 2018. With roots in North Carolina and church music, Reggie discovered his musical destiny at age ten when he spontaneously sang during a church rehearsal, leading to his first solo performance. After studying at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC, Reggie found his true calling in jazz music, which he describes as connecting him to his ancestors and providing "the joy of being part of Black America in art form." As an openly gay Black artist, he blazes trails for others while bringing his remarkable vocal range—from tender nuanced notes to powerful emotional expressions—to every performance. Described as both vulnerable and charismatic, Reggie creates space for authenticity that allows others to be themselves. His dedication to making a difference through music reflects his life philosophy: "Jazz always asks me, 'who are you now?' and I find freedom in that."

Cayla Clark is an Asheville-based playwright, comedian, content creator, and producer. She studied playwriting at UCLA and still carries a deep love for theater, even as her creative work has branched into sketch comedy and live performance. Cayla is the creator, producer, and co-host of Blind Date Live, a blind dating show with its next event taking place at The Orange Peel on June 20th. Since moving to Asheville, she has produced and hosted a variety of local shows, including several original plays, and has found inspiration in the city’s vibrant and supportive comedy scene. When she’s not writing, performing, or producing shows, Cayla is just a hungry pregnant person trying to figure out what to eat next. Spoiler alert: It's Mexican food. Catch her at El Que Pasa.