Hiawatha Jones is a Mount Olive native. She received her associate of science from Mount Olive College, a bachelor of science in History Research and Education from North Carolina A&T State University in 1975. She received a Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Bellwether University in 2017.

Jones worked as an educational specialist, teacher and quality assurance coordinator at O'Berry Neuro-Medical Treatment Center from 1978 to 2011.

Jones has been an active member of her community, dedicating a considerable amount of time serving with several civic and church organizations. In addition, she is a member of the Wayne County Museum Board, Wayne County Friends of the Library Board member, and president of the Goldsboro Chapter of the Continental Societies, Inc., just to name a few.

Brandi N. Matthews is a Goldsboro resident. She was reared & educated in both city and county schools. Brandi graduated from Spring Creek High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Elizabeth City State University & a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Counseling: Crisis Response & Trauma from Liberty University. In May of 2021, Brandi received her Diploma in Funeral Service from Fayetteville Technical Community College. She has been employed by Wayne Community College for the past 11 years as a Human Resources Development Instructor teaching Employability & Life Skills.

In November 2019 Brandi was elected as the first African American woman to serve on the Goldsboro City Council. She is the Founder of The Blessing Box, GOLDsboro, Founder of Perfectly Imperfect, Inc. (Organization for Teen Girls aged 12-18). Creator of The Association of Black Women In Politics, 10 year Adopt-A-Highway participant, (Royal & Spruce Avenue to Royal Ave & William Street), member of the Goldsboro Wayne Branch of NAACP. Brandi has attended rallies to advocate against racial profiling, ending poverty & to advocate for economic justice. She organized a local “Where is Justice?” Rally & helped organize Million Youth Peace March in Washington, DC. She is a Stop The Funeral Initiative participant, Tween Star Award & Goldsboro Alumna Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Community Service Award recipient. She sits on the Wayne Forward Affordable Housing Committee, Homeless Coalition for Wayne County Committee Member, Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, Mayor’s Council for People With Disabilities, Faculty Senate committee and Co-Chair of the Wayne-Goldsboro Racial Ethic Disparity and Disproportionate Minority Contact committee. Brandi is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, CPR Certified, Notary, & a Lunch Buddy at Carver Heights Elementary. She is also a PROUD member of the Delta Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Some of Brandi’s ongoing efforts include ENERGIZING & ENGAGING (diversify downtown, create inclusive environments for all people) our communities. EDUCATING (survey & canvass ALL communities) our City Officials on the needs of our people while making the commUNITY aware of Governmental Policy, Procedures, & Ordinances! She says, "Let's CHALLENGE old ways & old thinking and CREATE new progressive systems that benefit ALL people."