About The Team
Fan Con NC
We are grateful for the hard work of countless individuals who have been instrumental in turning this dream into reality; from the leadership of Caroline Stephenson to the generous grant from the Ahoskie Tourism Development Authority and the Town of Ahoskie.
The Team
“Fan Con NC is more than just a gathering for fans of all fandoms—it’s a celebration of creativity, diversity, and connection; all of which contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of our community.”
-The Fan Con NC 2024 Team
Vision
Supporting community mental health through:
Sense of belonging
Fan Con NC is a welcoming environment where attendees feel accepted, included, and valued.
Social interaction
Attendees have the opportunity to form friendships that combat loneliness.
Self-Expression
Self-expression through costumes, art, and discussions, allow attendees to showcase their creativity and feel confident in their identities.
Stress relief
The excitement, fun, and enjoyment derived from participating in Fan Con helps reduce stress.
Mental Health resources
We will offer resources focused on mental health, providing attendees with information, support, and strategies to manage their mental well-being.
Building Community
All who participate in Fan Con NC 2024 form a solid community where each person is valued for what they can bring to the event.
Caroline Stephenson
Founder of Fan Con NC
Caroline Stephenson attended film school at Boston University and graduated from Columbia College Chicago. She is a writer, director, and assistant director. She started her career in Hollywood at Roger Corman’s studio in Venice, CA. Caroline has been a member of the Director’s Guild of America since 2001. She is a native and resident of Northeastern North Carolina. In 2016, she founded Cultivator, Inc. a literacy and food non-profit, in her hometown of Murfreesboro. Since 2020, Caroline has served as a North Carolina Ambassador for the United State of Women. Caroline is married to fellow filmmaker Jochen Kunstler and they are the parents of two children.
Marlon Kunstler
Cosplayer and Fan Con NC Co-Producer
Marlon grew up surrounded by film and pop culture thanks to his parents and began in community theater at a young age. He is an avid fan of Manga as well as The Percy Jackson Series and is a soon-to-be co-producer currently studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design to become a screenwriter.
Justice Barnes
Fan Con NC Artist and Co-Producer
Justice Barnes is on a mission to inspire creators to pursue their passion and skills. He is an aspiring animation artist, entrepreneur, comic book author and illustrator. Justice created the character represented in the Fan Con NC 2024 logo.
Troy E Fitzhugh Jr
Fan Con NC Event Networking Specialist & DJ
Troy is a Community Advocate, Small Business Entrepreneur, and Event Networking Specialist. Although these descriptions describe his actions of profession, he strongly invests in the advancement of people, places and their processes. His vision for small community revitalization is to include like-minded individuals and organizations to come together, plan together and take action with one mission in mind, “Networking Forward”.
Anyia Holley
Cosplayer, Fan Con NC Host & Co-Creator
Anyia Holley is a future Graduate of Norfolk State University. She was born in Ahoskie North Carolina. She started her cosplaying Journey in 2017 and has been pursuing it since. She strives to become a voice actor and still will pursue cosplaying on the side as well as other acting opportunities. Reading manga and watching anime will always be her number one passion. One of her many goals is to be more involved in her community.
Taylor Pettitt
Cosplayer. VA/NC based concert photographer. Social media manager.
Taylor Pettitt is a photographer and cosplayer based in North Carolina. She grew up in Northern Virginia and often travels along the East Coast for various photography and cosplay opportunities. Taylor began her professional photography journey in late 2018 when she started working for the online publication Concert Crap as a concert photographer. But now she covers a wide range of photography including weddings and portraits. Taylor started cosplaying in late 2022 and immediately dove into making her own cosplays from scratch! She made her Scarlet Witch cosplay, which won Best Individual Novice at her first craftsmanship competition at GalaxyCon Richmond this past March, and has also handcrafted cosplays for characters such as Barbie, Black Widow, Captain Marvel, and Princess Peach, as well as added various DIY touches to other store bought costumes!
Allison Dye
Fan Con NC Digital Communications
Allison Dye is a digital communications professional who excels in helping organizations and small businesses enhance their communication strategies both online and off, to make tangible impact in the real world.
Tickets are available now!