Fun fact: Jess’ first business was inspired by her experience interning for Walt Disney World. | Photo via Jess Ekstrom
We often hear the saying, “jack of all trades, master of none,” but rarely do we hear the follow-up: “but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
Raleighite Jess Ekstrom has embodied the latter, building a multi-hyphenate career. She’s a motivational speaker, author, entrepreneur, and, as of recent, a teacher through Mic Drop Club. Believe it or not, much of her journey began during her junior year at NC State.
“I grew up with the belief to create what you wish existed,” Ekstrom told RALtoday.
Ekstrom has dedicated her career to supporting women and girls, whether it’s through speaking at the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce’s recent Women’s Leadership Conference or creating programs tailored to support their growth.
Archaeology at Mordecai | 1-2 p.m. | Mordecai Historic Park | Free | Learn about the recent excavations at the park and what they revealed about the many people whose lives have intersected there.
Museum Park Tour | NC Museum of Art | Free | Tour this massive park filled with thought-provoking art and rolling hills.
Sunday, March 30
A Film at Fletcher Park: “A League of their Own” | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Fred Fletcher Park | Free | Watch this iconic movie starring Geena Davis and Tom Hanks to celebrate the start of the baseball season.
Ghost and Urban Legend Walk | 8-9 p.m. | Williams Courtyard | $10 | This spooky tour shares some of Raleigh’s scariest true crime and ghost stories.
Sculptra is a dermal filler that uses polylactic acid (PLLA) to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. This process works gradually over time, leading to long-lasting, natural-looking results.
RF Microneedling
This non-invasive treatment uses radiofrequency energy and microneedles to penetrate deep into the skin, triggering the production of collagen and elastin, another essential protein.
Sofwave
Sofwave harnesses ultrasound technology to precisely heat the mid-dermal tissue at just the right depth and temperature, rejuvenating collagen fibers with zero downtime.
At the State of the City, Mayor Janet Cowell outlined Raleigh’s commitment to housing, public safety, transportation, and quality of life. Read more about the addressand see Cowell’s shirt touting women’s basketball. (The News & Observer)
Sports
All three Triangle women’s basketball teams are playing for their spot in the Elite Eight today — No. 2 seed NC State takes on No. 3 seed LSU at 7:30 p.m., and the No. 2 Blue Devils and No. 3 Tar Heels will duke it out at 2:30 p.m. (ESPN)
The Word
Kaizen. That’s the Japanese phrase that has guided Duke men’s basketball this season, and it translates to “improvement.” Head coach Jon Scheyer shared it with the No. 1-ranked squad, and it’s guided them through the tournament. Check ESPN to see if the Blue Devils triumphed over Arizona last night. (The News & Observer)
Community
Three libraries will house free one-of-a-kind exhibitions through the end of the year and will spotlight works exploring identity, memory, resilience, and creativity. Oberlin, Southeast, and East Regional Libraries will host up to two exhibitions through 2025, from pointillism to athletic prowess.
Cause
A group of NC musicians have recorded a cover of “Blue Skies” to promote NC’s economic possibilities, six months after Hurricane Helene. The song features MJ Lenderman, Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso, Iron & Wine, and more who collectively donated $100,000 to the North Carolina Community Foundation.
Travel
Punta Cana is calling our name. American Airlines has launched another RDU flight to the tropical Dominican Republic destination after Avelo adopted the same route last month. In 2024, Punta Cana was RDU’s top underserved international city. (Triangle Business Journal)
Biz
Calling all business owners. For a limited time, we’re offering 15% off your first advertising purchase on our self-service ad portal. No long-term contract required — simply use the code NEW15 at checkout to redeem the discount.
We have a paw-some announcement: Jami T. is the official winner of our Go Wild Giveaway in partnership with Coastal Credit Union. We hope you have a wildin’ time at the NC Zoo, and thank you to everyone who entered.*
Travel
The opposite of sticker shock? Going’s free travel membership, which alerts you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. You’re welcome.*
Job
Your business’s hiring ad could be here reaching thousands of our daily readers. Ready to find your ideal candidate? Post your first listing on our community job board for free + level it up with a Featured Job Post.
Category
Outdoors
⛳️ Tee it up
Lonnie Poole is an 18-hole public golf course. | Photo by RALtoday
The Masters starts next Sunday, April 7. If seeing the best-of-the-best has you itching to hit the links, we’ve got plenty of golf courses in the Triangle — indoor and outdoor.
Public courses
Lonnie Poole Golf Course, 1509 Main Campus Dr., Raleigh | Home to the NC State men’s and women’s golf teams, this collegiate course is designed by Arnold Palmer... so you know it’s in good shape.
Wildwood Green Golf Club, 3000 Ballybunion Way, Raleigh | Established in 1986, the greens offer seven different sets of tees to choose from, perfect for beginners and pros alike.
Take it indoors
Dogwood Country Club, 2431 Crabtree Blvd. Ste. #101, Raleigh | This golf instruction center is powered by Trackman Radar Technology and offers PGA Instruction.
Drive Shack, 6901 Play Golf Way, Raleigh | Don’t take yourself so seriously — join a social league to win prizes and or reserve a bay to play driving range games like monster hunt and darts.
At least this year isn’t like the 2019 Pollenpocalyse. | Photo by @jeremygilchristphotos
I might regret saying this, but has this year’s pollen season been fairly tame for anyone else? Of course, my car still has a slight yellow dusting, but it seems like not every outdoor surface is coated.
Fun fact: According to a college professor of mine, the yellow pollen (aka pine pollen) isn’t the same pollen that makes you sneeze, for most people. That pollen is from other trees, like cedar, elm, and, of course, oak trees.
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