Board of Directors

A native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Laura was born and raised in Tar Heel country. When she wasn’t on the tennis court, Laura was mastering other sports and developing a genuine love for the game. The middle child between her fun loving brother, Bryan, and creative mastermind sister, Katie, Laura was always the consensus builder. She received a Bachelors of Business from Elon University and set her sights on Charlotte. Soon after she met Brick and the adventures began. They married in 2004. Hosting a Christmas Vacation themed holiday party, organizing karaoke all over town and entertaining friends on Bald Head kept them busy. Laura began working in real estate and her already keen eye for interior design and fashion blossomed.

In July of 2008, Laura and Brick welcomed Bryant, weeks earlier than expected, and Laura launched into motherhood with dedication and tenacity. Bryant’s brother and biggest admirer, Simmons, was welcomed two years later. Her dedication shows in many ways through countless hours volunteering at her boy’s schools, making treats for their coaches and teachers to show them extra love and organizing front yard football for the neighborhood. But the highest form of dedication to her boys can be heard through these amazing words “Would your children like to go with us to the Carowind’s water park on the hottest day of the year?”.

Ask Laura what she’s doing this weekend and you are sure to hear about a busy schedule of youth sports followed by a college or pro team game. Her Tarheel blue family got a splash of Duke blue when her mom, Yvonne, began dating a Duke football coach, Jim, in 2013. In what can only be described as an adolescent moment of foolish youthfulness, Bryant became a full fledged Duke fan for several years. “Did Laura and Brick genuinely have a love for the game and team camaraderie or did they just love anyone but Duke?” became the family joke.

On the rare occasion Laura isn’t concentrating on her family, you can find her running, popping into a yoga class or hunting down the perfect dress. It isn’t lost on any of Laura’s friends that Bryant’s consummate love of jerseys and athleticwear was the yang to Laura’s fashion forward ying.

Laura's first priority has always been her boys. She is eager to create a foundation to help others know and love Bryant and to continue to remember the impact he made. She wants people to know that Bryant lived everyday to the fullest with laughter and a smile. She looks forward to continuing his legacy and helping others “Live Like Bryant”!

Brick Bryant McDermott Sr is a Charlotte Native. Brick graduated from West Charlotte High Scholl in 1994 and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Appalachian State University in 1999. Brick majored in English with a minor in Communications. After graduation, Brick moved back home to Charlotte. Shortly thereafter Brick started his mortgage career, and was lucky enough to meet Laura, whom he married in October of 2004.

On July 29th, 2008, Brick Bryant McDermott Jr was born. Exactly two years later, on July 29th, 2010, the family welcomed Simmons Waddell McDermott into this world. As a very proud father, you will often see Brick on the football field or basketball court watching his sons compete, or at different Catholic School events. In his spare time, when not with his family and great friends, Brick is tinkering/grilling on his Green Egg, on the golf course, or watching his beloved Orioles, Panthers, Hornets or Tarheels play.

Regardless of whether it was sunny or rainy, hot, or cold, hard, or easy, Bryant lived each day to its absolute fullest. Bryant’s zest for life, laugh, kindness, heart, & constant optimism were unique and unmatched. He was often the “glue” that continues to bring friends, classmates, teammates, teachers, coaches, competitors, and family members together. Live Like Bryant, as even though his time on earth was cut way too short, the way he embraced life equals that of many lifetimes stacked on top of each other. Bryant’s Legacy will be forever, and Brick is lucky and humbled to be able to call Bryant his son.

Emily grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and graduated from Denison University with a BA in English. Following stints in New York and Washington DC, Emily and her husband, Andrews, moved to Charlotte in 2007. Emily teaches preschool, loves to play tennis and travel with friends and family. She enjoys volunteering at her children's schools, at her church, with the Mint Museum Auxiliary and Wayfinders as well as helping children improve their reading and math skills through tutoring. Emily lives in Charlotte with her husband and two daughters, Lilly and Anna and their adored black lab, Oscar.

Emily and Laura began their friendship as new mother’s following the births of Bryant and Lilly. Emily has wonderful memories with the McDermotts: Santa parties, Memorial Day cookouts, July 4th at the beach and many family dinners with the McDermotts. During these events, Bryant was ever-present and engaged, forever smiling, and always with a pack of boys playing sports and never sitting down! He loved talking to Andrews about the latest UVA game and his favorite hot sauce. He was fun loving, happy and so kind to everyone including our girls. Emily looks forward to honoring Bryant and creating opportunities for children in our community through this wonderful foundation.