Heather Madden
Urban Design Partners
Current job: Civil Designer at Urban Design Partners & Owner of Heather Marie Studios
Summary of your role in the company: As a Civil Designer with Urban Design Partners, I work on a range of site development projects across the Charlotte region — from residential neighborhoods to commercial and mixed-use sites. My role combines technical design with creative problem-solving to help bring community-centered projects to life. I’m also the owner of Heather Marie Studios, a small art business where I create architectural-inspired artwork, take custom commissions, and teach art workshops around Charlotte.
How I chose my occupation: I’ve always loved both art and math, and civil engineering allows me to use both sides of my brain every day. My work in design and art both revolve around the same idea, shaping how people experience spaces and helping them feel connected to a place.
Years in the business: 5 years
My specialization is: Site design, and early-stage land planning that integrates urban design principles and creative thinking.
A good lead for me is: Developers, architects, or planners looking for thoughtful, collaborative engineering support or anyone seeking a custom art piece or creative workshop that celebrates architecture and place.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Seeing a project evolve from an idea on paper to a real, livable space.
Best leadership advice I have been given: “You don’t know what you’re capable of until you do it.” It’s a reminder to lean into challenges, trust your abilities, and keep growing beyond what feels comfortable.
Greatest professional achievement: Becoming a licensed Professional Engineer while growing my art business into a platform that connects creativity, community, and place.
Number of years with CREW: 2 years CREW Charlotte, 2 years CREW Richmond
Most significant CREW connection: Meeting other women who are equally passionate about shaping Charlotte’s future!
Place of birth/hometown: Greenwood, SC
Number of years in Charlotte: 2 years
Family: Coming from an entrepreneur and leadership coach mother and a banker as a father, I’ve carried both creativity and problem solving from them both.
My ideal vacation spot: Somewhere with beautiful scenery, local art, and good coffee like Colorado, Jackson Hole Wyoming, or a cozy coastal town.
Hobbies/Interests: Painting, teaching art workshops, exploring Charlotte’s creative scene, and spending weekends at local markets or live music events.
Other professional organizations I belong to:
I wish I could: Design a public art installation that merges art and engineering, something interactive that inspires people to see infrastructure as art.
Kimberly Mobley
Touchpoint Architects
Current job: Architect
Summary of your role in the company: Firm Owner
How I chose my occupation: My love for design and construction
Years in the business: 30+years
My specialization is: Full architectural services for clients with vision and a need for immediate solutions- typically commercial but not limited to.
A good lead for me is: A client with a need for dynamic change and practical solutions that enhance quality of function and experience of existing space or a vision for new.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Ushering the client from vision to fruition. Witnessing the vision unfold during construction.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Authenticity, Commitment, Integrity, and Humility are key characteristics to nurture and implement
Greatest professional achievement: The design and construction of a K-8 school facility in a historic area (Charleston, SC) for an underserved community. It became one of the district’s flagship educational facilities.
Number of years with CREW: 15 + years
Most significant CREW connection: My tenure has afforded so much value; but my connection with Nancy Olah to provide professional services to legally establish my architecture firm is the most significant.
Place of birth/hometown: Born on Fort Polk, La/ Call Blythewood and Columbia, SC hometown
Number of years in Charlotte: 30
Family: Husband-John Mobley, Jr. and son John Mobley, III ‘Trey’
My ideal vacation spot: The Beach!
Hobbies/Interests: Hand sketching/ foodie related activities
Other professional organizations I belong to: NOMA- National Organization for Minority Architects; AIA American Institute of Architects
I wish I could: Practice in the service aspect of Architecture and facilitate the transformation of underserved communities in manner that will be the key to dynamic change in our society.
Stephanie Jenson
JLL
Name/Organization: Stephanie Jenson, JLL
Current job: PMO Director
Summary of your role in the company:
Establishes project standards, oversees schedules/budgets/risks, and transforms data into strategic insights. Maintains client communication, delivers performance reporting, and connects tactical management with strategic objectives through data-driven guidance.
How I chose my occupation:
My operations and project management background naturally led me to commercial real estate, where I drive strategy and process efficiencies while building meaningful client relationships. My key motivation is creating impactful connections through dedicated service, while working with a company that shares my values through active community involvement.
Years in the business: 10
My specialization is: An individualistic approach to building strong teams that drive strategies.
The most satisfying part of my job is: Helping others crush their goals.
Best leadership advice I have been given: “Always assume positive intent.” In our digital age, it’s common to misinterpret the inflection behind the text. Assuming the other party has positive intent keeps conversations on track and teams unified.
Greatest professional achievement: Obtaining my BSBA at the age of 44. Five years of online college while working full-time and running a household (with 2 kiddos in travel volleyball) was not for the faint of heart.
Number of years with CREW: Member – 1, Involved – 4
Most significant CREW connection:
The most transformative professional relationship I’ve cultivated is with Marie McLucas through the CREW Mentorship program. What began as a formal mentorship has evolved into a profound connection that exemplifies the power of intentional leadership development. Marie’s approach, combining grace with wisdom, creates an environment where vulnerability becomes a catalyst for growth. Her ability to provide clear, actionable feedback while fostering meaningful goal setting has been instrumental in my professional evolution.
Perhaps most remarkably, Marie’s extensive network of driven professionals has expanded my own circle of trusted advisors and confidantes, demonstrating how one exceptional mentor can multiply opportunities for meaningful connections and career advancement.
Place of birth/hometown: Charleston, SC / Matthews, NC
Number of years in Charlotte: 28
Family: Husband: Lee; Daughters: Amanda, Rebecca, Samantha; Stepsons: Jake, Connor; Dogs: Zoe, Winston; Cat: Hazel
My ideal vacation spot: Anywhere I can snorkel, but favorite spot so far is Turks & Caicos
Hobbies/Interests: I love being outside in nature hiking or kayaking; playing volleyball; crossfitting; traveling; enjoying a nice cocktail
Other professional organizations I belong to: My current focus is solely on CREW Charlotte, community outreach work, and internal JLL committees
Ginger Rolfes
Nelson Mullins
Current job: Lawyer
Summary of your role in the company: Partner
How I chose my occupation: When I was a high school student, I did not want to be a lawyer but I participated in Mock Trial for fun. A local attorney watched one of my trials and told me, “Don’t forget, you can major in anything you want and still go to law school!”. Fast forward 6 years later when I had a master’s degree in art history with zero job prospects but found I scored pretty good on the LSAT.
Years in the business: 21
My specialization is: representing lenders in real estate finance transactions and representing landlords and tenants in leasing matters
A good lead for me is: a lender in need of legal assistance
The most satisfying part of my job is: Honestly? I love a good checklist.
Best leadership advice I have been given: Stay in the game. It seems like a no-brainer but as a woman (and mother) in a management position in an industry dominated by men, it’s important that we stay in the game and be visible both for our career growth and for the young women that are advancing in their own careers.
Greatest professional achievement: It’s been 21 years and I’m still in the game.
Number of years with CREW: 17 (I think?)
Most significant CREW connection: I was 4 years into my career when a senior mortgage broker and CREW Houston member told a lender client “I go where Ginger goes.” She showed me what it means to support other women in a professional environment.
Place of birth/hometown: Charlotte, NC (Presbyterian Hospital!)
Number of years in Charlotte: 18 + 22 = 40
Family: Bobby (husband), Geneva (13), Anne Marie (10) and Copeland (10)
My ideal vacation spot: Saluda, NC
Hobbies/Interests: Granny Crafts (mostly needlepoint and cross stitch)
Other professional organizations I belong to: CREFC
I wish I could: Have more time to do my Granny Crafts.
