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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
EVENTS CALENDAR
Etta Carter
Providing Welcoming Remarks
Etta Carter believes education has the power to change the world. She is the director of adult education for Horry County Schools and a fierce advocate for students young and old, believing that all are deserving of a well-rounded education, regardless of their background.
Carter has more than two decades experience as an educator.
Etta gave an “elevator speech” that won her a $20,000 grant at an adult education conference. With this money Etta was able to launch a free after-school program for families in Horry County. This program is enjoyed by 75 students and is fully funded through grants that Etta works tirelessly to secure throughout the year.
She tells stories of how her program helps parents as well, allowing them to work their full shifts knowing their kids are safe and in good hands. Giving them enough money to pay their rent and put food on the table. Carter also owns In My Father’s Housing LLC which helps residents looking for affordable or workforce housing in Horry and Georgetown counties.
Hailey Evans
Keynote Speaker
Hailey Evans knows the power of a well-told story because hers changed everything. Years ago, she was a single mom on food stamps, sitting at her kitchen table, trying to figure out how to make a future out of what felt like a mess. With nothing but grit and a pen, she wrote a scholarship essay that led to $52,000 in awards and three degrees earned debt-free. That moment didn’t just change her life. It sparked a mission.
Today, Hailey is a national speaker, award-winning storyteller, and marketing strategist who helps mission-driven leaders turn their message into a movement. As the creator of the EPIC Communication Framework™, she teaches entrepreneurs, nonprofit teams, and content creators how to engage hearts, inspire action, and communicate with clarity. Her book EPIC Impact™: Transform Your Message Into a Movement and hands-on training experiences have helped organizations increase donor engagement, boost revenue, and create connection-driven content that cuts through the noise.
Hailey blends real-life resilience with research-backed strategy, bringing humor, heart, and hard-earned insight to every stage she steps on. Whether she’s keynoting a women’s conference, training nonprofit teams, or hosting an AI-powered storytelling session, she equips people to lead with their story, not just with their stats. Offstage, you’ll find her geeking out over marketing tools, coaching changemakers, or chasing creative sparks with Sour Patch Kids and late-night writing sessions.
She lives in South Carolina with her husband and is endlessly proud of her two sons. Despite surviving their teenage years filled with high-speed police chases and the occasional gas station beer heist, they turned out alright—thanks to the grace of God and a lot of prayer. Today, Andrew is a commercial construction superintendent, and Alex serves as a lieutenant and pilot in the United States Air Force.
The story you’re afraid to tell is often the one that sets you free—because when you find the courage to share it, you unlock the power to change everything.
Antoinette M Finizio
Morning Speaker
Antoinette M. Finizio is chief administrative officer for Riccobene Family Associates Dentistry. Originally from New Jersey, she joined the practice in North Carolina in 2017.
With nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, business development, and practice building, Antoinette previously worked with multiple specialty orthopedic groups. At Riccobene Associates, she established the procurement department and introduced training programs to enhance clinical skills and patient access to care. Antoinette plays a vital role in multi-practice acquisitions and team integration, embodying the Riccobene Way.
Antoinette is passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation of women leaders. Her leadership style centers on empowerment, confidence-building, and creating clear pathways for success. She finds deep fulfillment in guiding and supporting young women—helping them grow both personally and professionally.
Antoinette earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Business and Marketing from Stockton University in New Jersey. She is a member of AADOM (American Association of Dental Office Management) and Women in DSO.
Antoinette is married to her husband John of 30 years, where they reside in Cary, North Carolina. Their son Gianni is in his fourth year at the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, and their son Giuliano recently moved to Dallas to pursue a career in ministry after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill. In her free time, Antoinette enjoys cooking, audio books, traveling, volunteering in community outreach and spending time making memories with family. Fun Fact: Antoinette is an adrenaline junkie and went sky diving with her son, Gianni last year.
Tabitha D. James
Afternoon Speaker
Tabitha D. James is a strategic powerhouse, entrepreneur, marketing and business consultant, transformational speaker and community advocate. She is the owner and lead strategist of SHEAM Strategic Consulting Group, interim Executive Director of SHE Is Me Mentoring Program and deeply involved in several professional and civic organizations. Known for her ability to blend strategy with storytelling, Tabitha helps individuals and organizations clarify their vision, amplify their voice, and execute with excellence. Her work has impacted communities across the country, and she is dedicated to helping women navigate life’s transitions with grace, resilience and purpose. With a career rooted in service, leadership and results, Tabitha brings an engaging, relatable and inspiring voice to every stage she graces.
