Leadership Winston-Salem

10/23/2026

Join Leadership Winston-Salem for Community Conversation: The State of Our Youth, a breakfast and panel discussion bringing our community leaders together for an important conversation about the challenges facing our young people and how we, as community leaders, can support their future.

Tickets are on sale now! Register today and join the conversation! https://bit.ly/3T3yI0m

Friday, October 30, 2026
Robert L. Strickland Center at Forsyth Technical Community College

🚪 Doors open at 7:45 a.m. Open to the public. All are welcome!
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$35 General Admission
$40 Day of Admission
Student Tickets are Free
Admission includes a hot, buffet breakfast.

Your ticket is more than a seat at the table—it’s an opportunity to listen, learn, and be part of a meaningful conversation about how we can collectively build a stronger, brighter future for Winston-Salem’s youth.

Every purchase helps support the Leadership Winston-Salem Scholarship Fund, making tuition assistance possible for emerging community leaders to participate in LWS programs.

All sales are final and nonrefundable.

Join Leadership Winston-Salem for Community Conversation: The State of Our Youth on Friday, October 30 at the Robert L. Strickland Center, for an important and timely conversation about the challenges facing our youth—and, more importantly, what our community can do about them.

10/21/2026

After walking across the country since September to raise awareness about the impacts of chronic loneliness, Lucy Rose, INSIGHT 2026 alum, is walking her way through Winston-Salem tomorrow! 👟

Through The Cost of Loneliness Project, Lucy and her team are working to educate the public about the health impacts of chronic loneliness and build a culture of connection. Now, it’s our turn to show up, walk alongside them, and welcome them home! 🫶

📍 Join us Thursday, October 22!
🕜 1:30 p.m. | Bailey Park
🚶‍♀️ Take a short community walk to East of Texas, where snacks and drinks will be waiting!

Let’s give Lucy and the team a warm Winston-Salem welcome and remind them that connection starts right here in our community.

👉 RSVP and join the walk: https://www.thecostofloneliness.org/winstonwalk

10/19/2026

At Leadership Winston-Salem, we believe strong communities are built through understanding, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making a difference!

Our Flagship Class of 2027 recently participated in Our Community Day, an opportunity to explore the rich history of Winston-Salem, examine the barriers that have historically hindered progress, reflect on the challenges we have overcome, and confront the obstacles our community continues to face today.

Through meaningful conversations and shared perspectives, class members gained a deeper understanding of how our past has shaped our present and the important role leadership plays in creating a stronger, more connected, and inclusive community.

Because effective leadership isn't just about knowing our community—it's about understanding its history, acknowledging its challenges, celebrating its progress, and recognizing our responsibility to help move it forward.

A special thank you to our sponsors, Reynolds American Inc. and Siemens Energy, for their generous support and continued commitment to developing informed, engaged, and impactful community leaders! We were also delighted to welcome Walter Farabee, representing Reynolds American, and Kris Ritter, representing Siemens Energy, who shared remarks with our class. We sincerely appreciate their participation and the meaningful partnerships that make experiences like Our Community Day possible!

We extend our gratitude to St. Paul's Episcopal Church for graciously hosting us and providing a welcoming space for a day of learning, reflection, and meaningful dialogue.

And to our dedicated Our Community Day Committee, thank you for the time, thoughtfulness, and hard work invested in planning and coordinating such an engaging and impactful experience. Your commitment to creating opportunities for learning and connection truly brought the day's purpose to life!

❤️ Understanding where we've been helps us recognize where we are—and inspires us to lead our community toward where we can go together!

10/15/2026

🇺🇸 FORSYTH COUNTY, IT'S TIME TO VOTE!
Early voting officially begins TODAY, October 15!

Your voice matters, your vote matters, and your participation matters! Whether you're voting for the first time or have been casting your ballot for decades, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of our community.

✅ Early Voting: October 15–31, 2026
📍 14 Convenient Locations throughout Forsyth County

🗳️ Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
With multiple locations, extended weekday hours, and weekend voting opportunities, there are plenty of ways to make your voice heard!

📢 Don't wait until Election Day! Make a plan, encourage your family and friends, and most importantly, GET OUT AND VOTE!

Remember, local elections matter just as much as national elections. The decisions made right here in Forsyth County directly impact our schools, neighborhoods, public safety, and quality of life.

Our Community. Our Voice. Our Future.

10/14/2026

Leadership Winston-Salem proudly congratulates Mayor Allen Joines and Dr. Laura Gerald on their induction into the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Josh Stein!

One of North Carolina’s highest honors, this recognition celebrates individuals whose exceptional leadership, dedication, and service have made a lasting impact on our state and its communities.

We are especially proud to celebrate two members of our LWS alumni family whose commitment to service and community leadership continues to exemplify our mission to educate, connect, and energize leaders to serve and improve our community.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Your leadership and legacy of service continue to inspire us all.

Governor Josh Stein honors Triad leaders with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, recognizing their service and contributions to North Carolina.

10/13/2026

It’s time to get your LWS crew back together! Those Flagship friends, your old Action Learning Project team, and the alumni you keep meaning to catch up with?

Join us for Thursdays Downtown on October 22, from 5-8 p.m. with Cocktail's at Capone’s Bar inside Robert Hall. Think vintage vibes, craft cocktails, and great company—all in one unforgettable downtown spot.

Enjoy a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and unwind after work.

Not an LWS alum? You're invited, too! Bring a friend or coworker and come connect with the Winston-Salem community.

Ready to reunite? Text or tag in the comments your LWS crew. The more, the merrier!

👉 Let us know you're coming: https://app.dvforms.net/api/dv/lqzz7x

We’ll see you downtown!

10/13/2026

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Check out our 2026 voting guide to learn who's running at the federal, state, and local level!

10/13/2026

Leadership Winston-Salem is excited to celebrate Northwestern Mutual's recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the reintroduction of its Winston-Salem office to our community!

We also extend a special congratulations to Gabe Irby, Flagship 2025 on his well-deserved promotion to Managing Director!

It's always exciting to see businesses investing in our community and local leaders advancing in their careers. We wish Gabe and the entire Northwestern Mutual team continued growth and success!

Congratulations on these exciting milestones!

10/12/2026

Drop off a coat and help someone in need!

The season for giving back is here!

We need your help collecting winter items for the FCSO Coat Drive on November 5th. We are looking for new and slightly worn items such as coats, hats, socks, and gloves. Items can be brought to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office at 301 N Church St, Winston-Salem, NC. Start sharing the love this year and help us keep our community warm this winter! Every donation makes a difference. ❤️

10/09/2026

What a wonderful way to start our Friday morning! We enjoyed another fantastic Community Coffee at West Salem Public House with Leadership Winston-Salem alumni and friends coming together to connect, catch up, and build relationships.

Whether reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting someone new, mornings like these remind us that meaningful connections are at the heart of what we do.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning! We love seeing our LWS community continue to grow, engage, and strengthen the relationships that make Winston-Salem such a special place.

Until our next cup!