WINSTON-SALEM-BASED LEAD GIRLS OF NC RECEIVES SPIRIT OF NC AWARD FROM UNITED WAY OF NORTH CAROLINA 

Photo Information: Pictured L-R: Brittany Pruitt Fletcher (President/CEO, United Way of North Carolina), Charlie Ross (Dir of Donor Relations, United Way of Forsyth County), Joy Thomas (Founder & Exec Dir, LEAD Girls of NC), David Barksdale (CEO, Piedmont Federal Bank), Nailah Calamese (Events Mgr, United Way of Forsyth County), Dr. Antonia Monk Richburg (CEO, United Way of Forsyth County), and Derrick Remer (Govt and Community Relations, Duke Energy).

WINSTON-SALEM-BASED LEAD GIRLS OF NC RECEIVES SPIRIT OF NC AWARD FROM UNITED WAY OF NORTH CAROLINA 

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (April 29, 2024) – LEAD Girls of NC, a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem, was recently honored with The Spirit of North Carolina Award from the United Way of North Carolina in the category of Leading Through The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lens. LEAD Girls was nominated for the award by the United Way of Forsyth County. 

This annual award recognizes organizations and individuals from across North Carolina for community impact, outstanding leadership, creative team building, and volunteer efforts. In statewide celebrations during the month of April, the United Way of North Carolina honored 88 awardees. 

“LEAD Girls of NC has been intentional in our efforts to develop programming, staff development and community outreach around the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Joy Thomas, founder and executive director of LEAD Girls. “Through this important work, we’ve become a stronger, more purposeful organization, and we’re continuing to expand our reach and community impact in new and exciting ways.”

LEAD Girls of NC serves more than 400 middle school-age girls in Forsyth County. Since the start of the 2023/2024 school year, LEAD has added four additional locations to its in-school programming. LEAD’s school-based programs are led by trained facilitators using evidence-based curriculum to help girls build their confidence, establish and work toward life goals, and develop leadership skills. 

In addition to its school-based programs, LEAD runs weekend community programs along with summer camps and activities. Offerings include its popular Fashion Entrepreneurship Summer Camp and a new year-round STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) intensive program. Information and registration details for LEAD programs are available at www.leadgirls.org. 

ABOUT LEAD Girls of NC

Founded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 2015, LEAD Girls of NC focuses on serving girls whose resources do not match their limitless potential as they work toward becoming productive citizens and active leaders in their communities. LEAD (Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams) uses an evidence-based curriculum in partnership with Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and through community-based programs to encourage and mentor girls to aspire and achieve greatness academically, emotionally and creatively. LEAD envisions a world where every girl has the confidence, social skills and leadership ability she needs to become an independent, financially stable woman. Change a girl. Change a community. Change the world.    Leadgirls.org