Our mission
With our unique and unapologetically rose-colored perspective, we share life-filled stories that celebrate our city, cultivate a sense of pride, and empower those who are changing our city for good. We are High Point’s storytellers, and we tell the stories that help people fall in love with High Point.
Our WHY
A Note from our Founder
As a lifelong resident of High Point, I have witnessed the evolution of this city I call home. Yet many people in High Point often overlook the growth and progress taking place right before our eyes. I used to be baffled by this, until one night around my family’s kitchen table during dinner, all of that changed. My husband and our two children began asking ourselves, “What if people could see High Point through our eyes? What if they could see the hardworking small businesses, the growing university, the generous changemakers, the global High Point Market, the thriving artists and creatives? What if they could see High Point through a rose-colored lens?”
That night an idea was born. Our community is filled with artists, makers, families, entrepreneurs, educators, and places worth discovering. Maybe we just needed to bridge the gap between what needed to be discovered and the community of High Point.
Today we embrace and celebrate the fact that High Point Discovered is indeed transforming the way people see High Point. Our vision is becoming our reality as we continue to empower people by elevating the voices of our community through thoughtful storytelling and beautiful imagery. We connect people and serve as an economic catalyst for our city. We partner in the launch of countless ideas that improve lives and bring happiness, all from a place called High Point. So what are you waiting for? Let’s discover High Point together.
Read the StoryOur Team
Christi Barbour Founder & Chairman
Christi Barbour, Founder & Chairman
Christi was inspired by the city that she calls home to both her family and her interior design business, Christi Barbour set out to write a “love letter” to the city of High Point through grass roots social media start up, High Point Discovered. Using her talents as a visionary leader, creative eye, and innovative storyteller, Christi guides the team and mission to continue building High Point Discovered into the flourishing organization it is today.
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Hannah RayContent Strategist
Hannah Ray, Content Strategist
A storyteller at heart, High Point-native Hannah always wanted to find a way to tell the everyday stories of people all around her. At High Point Discovered, she is motivated by the idea that her writing and creative decision-making can elevate voices in the city and empower people to recognize their value through their own stories.
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Maria WestPhotographer
Maria West, Photographer
Through her lens, Maria of Maria West Photography adds depth, dimension, and life to each High Point Discovered story. With an eye for beauty and a passion for people, Maria captures the beautiful individuals and sites that make up our city, as well as the authentic story behind our subjects.
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Dawn BrinsonMarketing Consultant
Dawn Brinson, Marketing Consultant
The greatest sparks for change are seeing the good, speaking the good and living the good. Where there’s an opportunity to shine a light on creativity, innovation, leadership, compassion, and positivity, we all learn and grow. That’s why Dawn, Vice President of strategic marketing for The Media Matters, loves supporting the High Point Discovered movement through her marketing and media expertise.
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McKenzie PenningerFundraising Coordinator
While studying non-profit management at High Point University, McKenzie developed a deep appreciation and love for the High Point community and the people who call it home. Energized by their generosity and hospitality, McKenzie brings the same eagerness to share the impact of High Point Discovered with visitors, friends, and donors.
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Christi SpangleCommunity Connector & Vice Chairman
Christi Spangle, Community Connector & Vice Chairman
As co-owner of Barbour Spangle Design, HPD’s founding organization, Christi understands the heart and mission of the organization in a unique way. A board member of Visit High Point, an active voice in the business community, and a local force for fighting for food security, Christi constantly connects High Point Discovered and the greater High Point community.
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Cabell WestSocial Media Manager
Cabell West, Social Media Manager
A savvy social media manager with a mind for creative marketing, Cabell of Spark & Gather makes sure every element of High Point Discovered’s social media presence is curated and coordinated. Cabell translates our city’s stories into posts that engage with our audiences and invite them to connect with our community in real-time.
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Board of directors
Christi Barbour Chairman
Christi Barbour, HPD Founder and Chairman is a partner at HPD’s founding organization, Barbour Spangle Design. As an Executive Committee member, she leverages her deep understanding of High Point’s business community and a belief in the City’s future to craft and execute HPD‘s long term strategy.
Christi Spangle Vice Chairman
As a partner at HPD’s founding organization, Barbour Spangle Design, Christi Spangle serves as Vice Chairman on the Executive Committee. She provides expertise in business management and leadership, as well as knowledge of the High Point business sector.
Jack Hendrix Treasurer
Managing partner of High Point CPA firm, Hendrix Barney & Co. CPAs, Jack Hendrix brings 40 years of accounting and finance industry experience to High Point Discovered. As treasurer on the Executive Committee, he ensures HPD is tax compliant and on-budget.
Megan Oglesby Secretary
Executive Director of High Point’s Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation, Megan Oglesby is our Secretary on our Executive Committee. She also provides HPD with non-profit expertise and fundraising development to increase our reach.
Brian Kuppleweiser
As a business attorney at High Point law firm, Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler LLP, Brian Kuppelweiser serves on the board with legal insight and a mind for decision-making.
Cyril Jefferson
Business owner, consultant, and city councilman, Cyril Jefferson, brings a wealth of insight to our Board alongside deep-seeded care for our city’s students, educators, entrepreneurs and city leaders.
Ryan Ferguson
High Point City Marketing Manager, Ryan Ferguson, heads High Point Discovered’s Marketing Committee, providing city-driven insight and marketing know-how to grow the power behind our voice.
Tommy Walls, Jr.
Executive Director at Communities In Schools, Tommy Walls, Jr., brings a holistic perspective to High Point Discovered of how to serve educational sectors and community participants alike.
Contact Us
Want to make sure you never miss an HPD story? Have a story idea to submit? Need to ask a question?
Complete the form, and we will be in touch, or reach out to us directly to start a conversation at hello@highpointdiscovered.org.