Build. Learn. Inspire. Igniting Community Leadership.  

OUR MISSION

The mission of Leadership Winston-Salem – educating, connecting, and energizing leaders to serve and improve the community – guides everything we do. Our programs are about building solid and lasting relationships with other leaders, learning more about our community, and being inspired to make a difference.

Leadership Winston-Salem is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization that was founded in 1984 by Thomas K. Hearn, Jr., Julius H. Corpening, and C. Edward Pleasants to increase understanding and commitment to the city’s future during a time of significant change.

OUR PROGRAMS

Leadership Winston-Salem executes two programs each year with a range of goals and objectives to educate participants about the evolution and community needs.

Our LWS Flagship Program is designed to incorporate interactive group activities, adult learning principles, and best practices in experiential learning. Since its inception in 1984, 2,500 community leaders representing the rich diversity of Winston-Salem’s business and community sectors have been inducted into community stewardship through the program.

INSIGHT Winston-Salem for senior-level executives was added in 2012 by key community leaders who serve as trustees for this seven-session evening forum. Objectives for this invitation-only offering are to:

  • Connect established local community leaders
  • Facilitate leadership conversations about our community
  • Foster engagement and collaboration for community improvement

OUR WORK

As a donor, you provide support for our organization to complete our mission and the opportunity to energize others to serve our community. Through your gifts, lives are improved. The results of your support are evident through our ability to connect community leaders through our programs so they are energized to work collaboratively to make a difference across Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and beyond. Please consider a gift today. No matter the amount of the gift, you can make a difference.

DONATE
I have encouraged others to enter the program. I learned so much about myself, the community, and how to better serve on boards and contribute on a higher level. I have applied for a city commission and have met with two non-profits about board membership. Thank you LWS!
Cindy Strine -  Winston-Salem State University
To really see the needs in a very personal way through the different LWS days. It really opened my eyes to the food deserts and the number of children who face hunger.
Maria Burke -  Hanesbrands
This community welcomed me with open arms and opportunities. In return, I am delighted to serve on two community boards. The more involved I become the more “at home” I feel at Winston Salem!
Gloria Laureano -  Winston-Salem State University
Each of the full-day programs has been well structured and packed with information about the City and County which has given me a more comprehensive knowledge of the complexity of challenges faced by citizens, service providers and government at every level. The greatest benefit of Leadership Winston-Salem was the rich resource of people with whom we made personal contact, from our classmates to the presenters and the Leadership Winston-Salem team. Thank you!
Bill Womble Jr. - Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge & Rice, PLLC, Partner
By meeting passionate people who want to serve our great community! It made me better understand that together we can make a difference.
Daisy Rodriguez -  Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina

CORPORATE SUSTAINERS

SOCIAL FEED
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Leadership Winston-Salem
1 week ago
Leadership Winston-Salem

Attention all Leadership Winston-Salem alums!

As we celebrate our 40-year legacy, we are eager to build upon the foundation laid by our founding members. In doing so, we invite you to join us on our mission to educate, connect, and energize leaders to serve and improve the community.

Introducing Mission Possible 2025 - This is an exciting, fun-filled opportunity for our LWS alums from 1986 to the present to reconnect, reminisce, and make new memories while giving back to help us continue our mission and support our endeavors. Let's be honest: Who doesn't enjoy a little competition?

GET READY; more details to come! ... See MoreSee Less

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Warrenetta Mann Kenyetta Richmond I am participating .... PROMISE

Leadership Winston-Salem
1 week ago
Leadership Winston-Salem

C. Edward Pleasants is a dedicated leader and visionary whose impact on Winston-Salem and beyond is truly inspiring. Ed Pleasants was born on November 21, 1940, in N.C. Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem has deep roots in this community. His commitment to education began early, as he graduated from Wiley School and R.J. Reynolds High School before earning a B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served our nation as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps.

Ed's professional journey is nothing short of extraordinary. For 35 years, he led Pleasants Hardware Company, transforming it from a small operation into the most enormous architectural door and hardware distributor in the United States. Under his leadership, the company grew from $2 million in annual revenues to nearly $90 million, eventually becoming the Cook and Boardman Group, a national leader with over $750 million in revenue.

Ed has been very successful in his professional career and has also shown exceptional dedication to community service. Ed's leadership has played a crucial role in fundraising campaigns for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, and the Winston-Salem Symphony. He has also been involved in various boards and committees, including the Winston-Salem Foundation, the Rotary Club of Winston-Salem, and Leadership Winston-Salem, which he co-founded with Thomas Hearn and Julius Corpening.

As the only surviving founder of Leadership Winston-Salem, Ed remains dedicated to preserving the organization's legacy by consistently demonstrating his unwavering commitment to serving the community. In addition to his tireless efforts and steadfast leadership, Ed has also made significant financial contributions to ensure the organization's continued success and impact. His contributions both in terms of time and resources have been invaluable to the organization's ability to serve the community effectively.

Ed's influence extends to educational and cultural institutions as well. He has held significant roles at Winston-Salem State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and the Winston-Salem Arts Council. His efforts have consistently aimed at improving the quality of life in our community through civic engagement and philanthropic support.

His family life is equally impressive. He has been married for 60 years to Nancy Wood Thompson, with whom he shares two daughters and five grandchildren. Together, they have fostered a legacy of service and community involvement. Ed Pleasants lifetime of achievements embodies the spirit of leadership and dedication. His work has shaped the business landscape and enriched our community's social and cultural fabric. ... See MoreSee Less

C. Edward Pleasants is a dedicated leader and visionary whose impact on Winston-Salem and beyond is truly inspiring. Ed Pleasants was born on November 21, 1940, in N.C. Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem has deep roots in this community. His commitment to education began early, as he graduated from Wiley School and R.J. Reynolds High School before earning a B.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served our nation as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Supply Corps. Eds professional journey is nothing short of extraordinary. For 35 years, he led Pleasants Hardware Company, transforming it from a small operation into the most enormous architectural door and hardware distributor in the United States. Under his leadership, the company grew from $2 million in annual revenues to nearly $90 million, eventually becoming the Cook and Boardman Group, a national leader with over $750 million in revenue. Ed has been very successful in his professional career and has also shown exceptional dedication to community service. Eds leadership has played a crucial role in fundraising campaigns for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, and the Winston-Salem Symphony. He has also been involved in various boards and committees, including the Winston-Salem Foundation, the Rotary Club of Winston-Salem, and Leadership Winston-Salem, which he co-founded with Thomas Hearn and Julius Corpening. As the only surviving founder of Leadership Winston-Salem, Ed remains dedicated to preserving the organizations legacy by consistently demonstrating his unwavering commitment to serving the community. In addition to his tireless efforts and steadfast leadership, Ed has also made significant financial contributions to ensure the organizations continued success and impact. His contributions both in terms of time and resources have been invaluable to the organizations ability to serve the community effectively. Eds influence extends to educational and cultural institutions as well. He has held significant roles at Winston-Salem State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and the Winston-Salem Arts Council. His efforts have consistently aimed at improving the quality of life in our community through civic engagement and philanthropic support. His family life is equally impressive. He has been married for 60 years to Nancy Wood Thompson, with whom he shares two daughters and five grandchildren. Together, they have fostered a legacy of service and community involvement. Ed Pleasants lifetime of achievements embodies the spirit of leadership and dedication. His work has shaped the business landscape and enriched our communitys social and cultural fabric.
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Respect! He is definitely one of the good guys who built Winston Salem.

Thank you for sharing these details. Mr. & Mrs. Pleasants are wonderful assets to Winston Salem and the people in it.