Emma Baltezore is the Founder and Executive Director of One Christian Network, where she has been connecting Christian leaders and community members with resources since 2014. She was recognized by Governor Cooper for her volunteer work during Hurricane Florence in 2019, and was awarded the 40 Under 40 award by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and Star News in 2020 in recognition of her work in the community. Emma was integral in the foundation of New Hanover Disaster Coalition and currently serves on the board as co-chair. She is also involved in the Cape Fear Continuum of Care which supports housing insecure people, Cape Fear Housing Coalition, and New Hanover Resiliency Task Force. Emma holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UNCW and taught in New Hanover County Schools for 12 years. Emma lives in Wilmington with her husband Allen and their two children.
Carrissa Henry is the Administrator and Executive Assistant for OCN in addition to being the founder of Journeying Zion. Journeying Zion is a ministry for women who need authentic friendships, want to deepen their understanding of Biblical truth, and have freedom in Christ. God has called her to teach and disciple other women. She is also passionate about helping people receive freedom through Jesus. In addition, she leads adventure trips for Christian women. She moved to Wilmington with her husband in 2022. Carrissa graduated from Southeastern University with a B.S. degree in Psychology with minors in business and religion.
Board Members
Lynn Daniell and his wife Sarah moved from Raleigh NC to Wilmington in 2017. Lynn retired from the Raleigh Rescue Mission where was the Executive Director and served the Raleigh homeless community for 25 years. He truly believes the homeless can find their way home. Lynn served on many committees and Boards which included the city, nonprofits, and churches. He is a graduate of NC State University from the School of Textiles and worked in several industries for 20+ years. Lynn and Sarah have 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. They attend Port City Community Church.
Shinita Williams is a native of Wilmington NC and the middle child of five. Shinita is an avid volunteer and has served the following nonprofits over the years: Meals on Wheels, Good Shepherd, Philippians 3 Ministries and Auxiliary at New Hanover Hospital. She has produced Christian shows since 2007. She is the founder of So Does Your Church Have Talent?, Faith Ignited, and Give Back, Get Back, in addition to producing shows, Shinita is also a motivational speaker and believes her greatest gift is uniting people through the power of music.
Shawn Friend is the founder of A Prodigal Project. A non-profit focused on uniting and empowering fathers to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, becoming godly men who are intentional in guiding their children and demonstrating Christ’s love in their hearts, churches, and communities. Previous to this, Shawn completed his education at Rhema Bible Training College with a focus in Pastoral Studies.
Shawn is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Port City Labs, a boutique executive search firm specializing in building high-impact leadership teams for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.
He has had the privilege of partnering with some of the industry’s most respected Life Science organizations as well as mission-driven nonprofits, expanding his impact on healthcare innovation across the globe. Currently serving as a Mentor for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship CIE through UNC Wilmington. Most recently, invited to be an Advisor for KickStart Venture Services through Innovate UNC Chapel Hill.
As a devoted father of 3 girls, a long-time soccer coach, and leader in the community, Shawn is passionate about his ‘Why’ and looks forward to hearing more about yours.
Advisory Board
Biz Zeller is a follower of Jesus who brings the wisdom of two unique careers into her work of walking alongside city network leaders, nonprofit directors, and those leading kingdom-minded businesses and organizations. She counts it a privilege to listen, pray, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for leaders to process their journeys with the Lord and those they serve daily.
Married for 42 years, Biz and her husband enjoy life with their three adult children and four beautiful granddaughters. Whether traveling, hosting leaders, boating, or sharing good food, she loves growing in community with those around her.
Alisa Newber is CEO of Stand Against Trafficking USA (StATUSA), a faith-based nonprofit combating human trafficking and supporting survivors through advocacy, safe housing, and community training. With over a decade of experience in community advocacy and nonprofit leadership, she is passionate about building partnerships, developing housing initiatives, and creating sustainable solutions that help people heal and thrive. Alisa lives in Wilmington with her husband, John, and their three adult children.
Rev. Jermaine B. Armour has served in pastoral ministry since 1999 and is currently the Senior Pastor of Saint Luke AME Zion Church in Wilmington, NC. A native of Buffalo, NY, he holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from the Interdenominational Theology Center and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Livingstone College.
Known for his practical and dynamic teaching style, Rev. Armour has spoken at schools, conferences, and media platforms, equipping people to apply biblical truths to everyday life. He is also the founder of Armour Up Consulting, which specializes in leadership development and community engagement.
An advocate for public service, he serves on multiple boards and committees, including WARM, Kids Making It, and Wilmington’s Faith Leaders United. He and his wife, Tanya, have been married since 2000 and are the proud parents of two young adults, Jadah Alana and Jermaine Elijah.