BOLD Companies is a dynamic enterprise with a strong presence in commercial and residential real estate, development, luxury home building, and philanthropy. At its heart is a team of fearless women whose determination has reshaped their respective industries. Grounded in experience and guided by integrity, they challenge norms, break barriers, and redefine what it means to lead boldly. This feature highlights the inspiring women behind BOLD Companies—and what makes them, and our company, truly BOLD.
Liz Carpenter Bayer – Finance Manager | BOLD CONSTRUCTION
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Training our Trade Partners and staff on our processes. We’ve streamlined our purchasing and payables system to be more accurate and efficient. Our Trade Partners appreciate learning our workflow, which has improved communication and interaction with our team.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I follow the CANEI (Constant And Never-Ending Improvement) principle, continuously refining our processes to save time and money. This allows me to focus more on the enjoyable aspects of my role while strengthening my skill set.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
Dancing—I’ve been dancing for as long as I can remember. It’s a fantastic stress reliever, and my family has always used music to stay inspired and happy. Growing up, we would take long trips to our grandparents’ house and have sing-alongs the entire way.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Women often feel pressured to suppress their emotions and passions, but true peace comes from self-acceptance. The people who judge you the most will likely be the ones who matter the least in the long run.
Jessie Quinones – Selections Coordinator | BOLD CONSTRUCTION
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Integrating QR codes for onsite communication, allowing smoother collaboration between trade partners from various backgrounds.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I am always learning—studying the history of design, staying on top of upcoming trends, and finding the perfect balance between different styles to create timeless, beautiful spaces.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
Embroidery, gardening, and enjoying a classic margarita on the weekends!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Keep pushing boundaries, trust your intuition, and always hold your head high!
Christine Weise – Director of Sales and Client Relations | BOLD CONSTRUCTION
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Having a strong female voice on the leadership team and playing a key role in coaching our team as they grow in their roles.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I am unafraid of having difficult or challenging conversations. I focus on finding solutions and pushing our team to be their best, ensuring we work with purpose, intention, and directness.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I am passionate about all things related to fitness, health, wellness, and longevity—especially for women over the age of 40.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Be firm, intentional, chase discomfort, and learn from your failures.
Jana Ehrenfeld – Bookkeeper | BOLD Companies
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
I take great pride in keeping our books highly accurate for our numerous development and holding companies.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I like to have fun while working! Bringing a positive energy to the job makes a difference.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
There’s nothing I love more than spending time with my family, especially playing sports on the beach, hiking, or gardening.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Prioritize your well-being and make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of work.
Claire Rose – Marketing Director | BOLD COMPANIES
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Elevating BOLD Companies’ brand presence and seeing our messaging resonate with clients, ultimately driving real impact.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I constantly push for fresh, strategic, and creative ways to connect with our audience. Being bold means staying ahead of trends and always looking for the next big opportunity.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I’m passionate about health and wellness and love exploring ways to improve overall well-being. Whether it’s trying alternative therapies or incorporating small daily habits for a better lifestyle, I’m always learning. I also love experimenting in the kitchen, creating meals that are both delicious and nutritious.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Success isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being hardworking, adaptable, willing to learn, and confident in your ability to figure things out.
Mel Bartosik – Executive Assistant | bOLD COMPANIES
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Maintaining a mindset of “How can I help?” and an attitude of “Yes, I’ll give it a try.” This approach has allowed me to work across the various BOLD companies and take on exciting new opportunities.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I approach each day with enthusiasm because no day is ever the same at BOLD! I thrive on the variety and the chance to work on interesting projects.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I love learning new skills that challenge and stretch me—welding, machining, cabinet-making, woodworking—anything that sparks my curiosity or is useful to know.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Stay curious, be authentic, work with integrity, express gratitude, and support others in their success.
Andrea Enns – Designer & Selections Coordinator | BOLD CONSTRUCTION
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
I received Rookie of the Year at BOLD in my first year, despite being a 30-year veteran in the interior design and construction management industry. I started at BOLD in April 2024, and receiving this recognition was especially meaningful because my experience in interior design began in Vancouver, British Columbia—a city known for its long-standing embrace of modern architecture.
BOLD pursued me for my extensive experience and strong vendor and trade connections within the Triangle. However, it was purely coincidental that I also had significant familiarity with modern-style homes, making this role a natural fit.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
My ability to combine decades of experience with fresh innovation, bringing a strong design perspective to every project while maintaining deep industry relationships.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
Outside of work, I love hosting family gatherings filled with crazy, made-up games! I also enjoy spending time at the beach, boating, traveling, and hiking the many beautiful trails of our blue-sky state. Most importantly, I’m now embracing my newest role—being a Grammy!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Embrace every stage of your career. Whether you’re new in your field or a seasoned professional stepping into a fresh opportunity, your experience and passion will always be valuable.
Cindy Harper Covington – Commercial Property Manager | BOLD COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Stepping into commercial property management—a completely new industry for me—and thriving.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I listen, build rapport, and hold people accountable in a compassionate way.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I play competitive basketball with an amazing group of women, and we regularly medal in events.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Before making suggestions, understand why something is an issue, not just that it is one.
Chela Tu – CCIM, Senior Associate | BOLD Commercial Real Estate
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Earning my CCIM designation while pregnant with my second child—balancing coursework, client demands, and closing deals.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I lead with energy, excitement, and passion, making colleagues and clients want to be part of what I’m building.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I love traveling and giving my kids as many experiences as possible. I also earned my black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and aim to win an international tournament.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Your journey is unique and perfectly imperfect—embrace it! Invest in yourself and others, and never stop growing.
Jenny Mathena – Broker | BOLD REAL ESTATE
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Helping an 85-year-old woman find her dream home after living in the same house for over 60 years.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
Authenticity and heart.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
Books and travel.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Don’t be afraid—just start. Whether it’s taking a class, beginning a workout program, or making a big decision, take the leap.
Ferris Chavez – Realtor | BOLD Real Estate
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Winning the Chatham Chamber’s 2025 Young Professional of the Year award.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
Being BOLD means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. We always tell the truth and do our best to ensure our clients are happy.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
Trying new pizza recipes! During COVID, my husband Jose and I bought a pizza oven, and we love experimenting with different toppings. We often invite friends and neighbors over for pizza-making parties. Our dog, Isaac, is always happy to eat the scraps!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
If you’re new, ask a woman you admire to mentor you. Learning from someone you aspire to be like is empowering and benefits everyone.
Jill Ehrenfeld – BROKER | bOLD REAL ESTATE
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Selling the second-highest-priced home in Chapel Hill last year.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
My boldness comes from my team. I bring boldness to my clients by helping them make informed decisions based on my experience with hundreds of sales.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
My lifelong desire to learn keeps me inspired and ready to take on new challenges.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
As women, we multitask throughout our lives. Be in the moment.
Rose Farrales – Broker | BOLD REAL ESTATE
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Being voted Best of Chapel Hill is an incredible honor, but what means the most to me is the trust my clients place in me. Every transaction is unique, but the most rewarding part is the relationships built along the way.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
My positive spirit and go-getter attitude. I believe that attitude determines altitude, and I live by that every day.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I assist in coaching kids’ Jiu-Jitsu at my husband’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Academy. I love helping young athletes build confidence and skills for their future.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Don’t fear setbacks—they are often the launching pad for something greater. Embrace challenges, and trust that they are setting you up for something bigger.
Jasmine Lubbad – Broker | Homes for Heroes Specialist | bold real estate
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Winning the Orange Chatham Association of Realtors Rising Star Award, recognizing professionalism and success in real estate professionals with three years or less in the industry.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I champion heroes in homeownership by providing exclusive savings through the Homes for Heroes program, ensuring that first responders, law enforcement, military personnel, healthcare professionals, and educators receive the benefits they deserve.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I am passionate about veteran entrepreneurship and personal development, cultivating a strong support network through veteran organizations to empower fellow veterans.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Pursue purpose-driven work that aligns with your values. When challenges arise, staying true to your mission will keep you moving forward with fulfillment and resilience.
Kristine Holm – Director of Operations | BOLD REAL ESTATE
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Co-founding the BOLD Foundation.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
With years of experience in the real estate and mortgage industries, I bring confidence and expertise to every decision. This allows our agents, clients, and team members to trust and rely on my knowledge.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
Beyond the BOLD Foundation, my biggest passion project is instilling grit in my two kids.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi
Elizabeth Sullivan – Administration Specialist | Bold real estate
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
One of my proudest achievements at BOLD Real Estate is my ability to take the team’s visions and ideas and transform them into reality with efficiency, creativity, and strategic execution. Whether it’s streamlining processes, enhancing marketing initiatives, or organizing key projects, I thrive on delivering quick turnarounds and cost-effective solutions that make a tangible impact. Seeing a concept evolve from a brainstorming session into a fully realized, successful outcome is incredibly rewarding. I love knowing that my work helps bring the BOLD team’s goals to life.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I bring boldness to my work by daring to embrace joy—because sometimes, the boldest thing you can do is be unapologetically happy in the process. I love what I do, and that enthusiasm is something I share with everyone, whether it’s a team member, a longtime client, or someone walking through our doors for the first time. Joy is contagious, and I believe it creates a welcoming, high-energy environment that reflects the heart of BOLD Real Estate.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I find inspiration in a mix of movement, music, and mission. I love figure skating and paddleboarding, which challenge me in different ways and keep me feeling energized. For my soul, I travel to see Dave Matthews Band concerts—I’ve been to over 50 shows and counting! And for purpose, I immerse myself in blockchain education and storytelling, making complex technology more understandable, including writing children’s books that simplify blockchain concepts.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Dare to pursue what lights you up and create something you’re truly proud of. If the table where you want to be has no open seats, build your own. The world needs what only you can offer, so trust yourself, take bold steps, and make it happen.
Desiree Goldman – Broker | Bold Real Estate
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Successfully advocating for the Blue Hill District in Chapel Hill for over two and a half years, bringing economic development and multi-family housing to the area.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I say it like it is—100% of the time, no filter (for better or worse). People know that when I give my word, it’s gold. I’ve fiercely advocated for workforce housing long before most people even realized it was a problem. I’m willing to be the one who speaks up, even when it’s unpopular.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I love traveling and immersing myself in different cultures, especially in Mexico. Since the pandemic, I’ve also discovered a new passion for gardening.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Create your own path, with your own set of guardrails. Don’t compare yourself to others—measure yourself against your own standards. Also, find a mentor. They don’t have to be in your industry, just someone you admire and are willing to listen to. And don’t underestimate the power of face-to-face conversations—those connections will always be more valuable than anything AI can generate.
Dana Harshaw – Broker | Bold real estate
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Opening barre3 Chapel Hill in 2017—it was a dream of mine to bring this workout to Chapel Hill and became a true passion project. The challenges of running a business, especially during the pandemic, were greater than I expected. But with an amazing team and a strong community of clients, we came out stronger than ever. The studio continued to thrive despite setbacks from 2020-2022. Though I have since sold the studio, it fills my heart with pride to see it continue to grow and serve the community.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I am persistent, compassionate, and unafraid to pivot.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
Fitness—I love yoga, barre3, and walking my dog.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Be adaptable. The ability to embrace change and keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned, is what leads to success.
Kimberly Lovegrove – Broker | BOLD REAL ESTATE
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Being the #1 agent in sales for 2024, after only five years in the business. I was named Rookie of the Year in my first year, and I’ve worked hard to continually grow and improve.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I push people beyond their comfort zones, encouraging them to think outside the box when it comes to real estate and their overall lifestyle goals. This approach takes confidence and a strong creative vision, both from a business and personal perspective. My impact is helping sellers get the best return on their investment and helping buyers move forward into their dream homes.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
Making each day count—whatever I’m doing, I try to make it fun and extraordinary. Life is busy with three kids, including a teenage daughter and twin boys, so making the most of my personal moments is my biggest goal.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Be true to yourself. People quickly recognize when you aren’t being authentic, and that will create doubt. Not everyone will choose you, and that’s okay. Focus on delivering incredible service, and the next opportunity will come. The positive impression you leave will bring more referrals and long-term success.
Cathy Twigg – Realtor | BOLD Real Estate
What’s one achievement in your role that you’re most proud of?
Becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). This volunteer role required extensive training and commitment to advocating for children in difficult circumstances. As a mother of four, balancing this responsibility was a challenge, but I knew the work was important. Writing reports for judges and testifying in court, knowing my words could impact a child’s future, was both humbling and powerful.
What makes you BOLD in your work?
I may not be bold in the traditional sense, but I bring confidence and patience to my work. Buying a home is a major decision, and I ensure my clients feel supported, heard, and completely confident in their choices.
What’s a personal passion or hobby that fuels you outside of work?
I have a deep love for travel and home design. As a former airline employee, I’ve had the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and unique living spaces around the world. That exposure now translates into helping clients find homes that truly resonate with them. If I can’t travel, I indulge my passion by visiting Furnitureland South to see the latest design trends.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other women striving for success?
Be YOU. It’s natural to admire and learn from others, but true success comes from embracing your own strengths, values, and goals. When you stay true to yourself, you build genuine connections and long-term fulfillment in both your personal and professional life.