Build. Learn. Inspire. Igniting Community Leadership.  

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

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

Our LWS Flagship Program retained the same format from 1984 until 2004 when it was taken offline to undergo a redesign to incorporate adult learning principles and best practices in experiential learning. The reformulated program, which began in 2005, reflects the results of that effort. From its inception in 1984, over 1,500 individuals representing the rich diversity of our community have graduated from the program.

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

  • Connecting leaders with each other and established local community leaders;
  • Facilitating leadership conversations about our community; and
  • Fostering engagement and collaboration for community improvement.

As a donor, you provide the opportunity to energize others to serve our community. Through your gifts, lives are improved. The results of your support are evident in projects implemented by our Flagship Classes – projects serving organizations such as the Clemmons Food Pantry and The Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem. Please consider a gift today. You can make a difference.

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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
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
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
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
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

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Leadership Winston-Salem
2 weeks ago
Leadership Winston-Salem

SAY IT AIN'T SO!

Our Riley is packing up and moving south. Riley will be leaving Winston-Salem and returning to her hometown of Greenville, SC where her husband has accepted a new career opportunity. Our Director of Philanthropy has moved mountains since her arrival in May of 2023, and she has done so with energy, enthusiasm and passion that will be hard to replace. Please join us in thanking Riley for her time and dedication, for jumping in with both feet and for bringing 100% each and every day! In lieu of going away presents, Riley has requested a gift be made in honor of LWS's 40th anniversary at leadershipws.networkforgood.com/projects/214486-40th-anniversary
If you are interested in learning more about the Director of Philanthropy position, please go to our website at leadershipws.org/employment/ . We are accepting applications for this position until April 30, 2024. Questions should be directed to Katherine Perry at kp@leadershipws.org ... See MoreSee Less

SAY IT AINT SO! Our Riley is packing up and moving south. Riley will be leaving Winston-Salem and returning to her hometown of Greenville, SC where her husband has accepted a new career opportunity. Our Director of Philanthropy has moved mountains since her arrival in May of 2023, and she has done so with energy, enthusiasm and passion that will be hard to replace. Please join us in thanking Riley for her time and dedication, for jumping in with both feet and for bringing 100% each and every day! In lieu of going away presents, Riley has requested a gift be made in honor of LWSs 40th anniversary at https://leadershipws.networkforgood.com/projects/214486-40th-anniversary If you are interested in learning more about the Director of Philanthropy position, please go to our website at https://leadershipws.org/employment/ . We are accepting applications for this position until April 30, 2024. Questions should be directed to Katherine Perry at kp@leadershipws.org
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7 CommentsComment on Facebook

Riley, we will miss you! Thanks for all your hard work!

Best wishes on your new journey!!

You will be missed! Blessings on your new journey 🥰

You will be missed. Congratulations on your next big adventure!!

Riley, you will be so missed! Please stay in touch with your friends in the Triad!

Hope you'll enjoy the next chapter! You'll be missed.

Greenville SC is awesome. Enjoy

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Leadership Winston-Salem
2 weeks ago
Leadership Winston-Salem

Leadership Winston-Salem is seeking a full-time Director of Philanthropy to plan and execute annual fundraising strategies. If you would like to join the powerhouse team at Leadership Winston-Salem, please visit our website at leadershipws.org/employment/ for more information about this opportunity. ... See MoreSee Less

Leadership Winston-Salem is seeking a full-time Director of Philanthropy to plan and execute annual fundraising strategies. If you would like to join the powerhouse team at Leadership Winston-Salem, please visit our website at https://leadershipws.org/employment/ for more information about this opportunity.
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Leadership Winston-Salem
2 weeks ago
Leadership Winston-Salem

Congratulations are in order for our current LWS Board Chair, Audrey Johnson '17 , on her nomination for the 2024 Forsyth County Governor's Volunteer Service Award! Audrey exemplifies servant leadership volunteering for many organizations within our community and we are grateful to her for sharing her time, talents and expertise continuously since her graduation.

#gvsa2024 #GlobalVolunteerMonth #servantleadership #VolunteerOur first 2024 Forsyth County Governor's Volunteer Service Awards Nominee is Audrey Johnson!

Audrey has been very active in the Winston-Salem community by nurturing and being a role model for other leaders. Audrey has volunteered on many committees and has worked with organizations such as REACH Women’s Network. Volunteering about 145 hours a year, Audrey has solidified her position within her community as one dedicated to service.

#gvsa2024 #GlobalVolunteerMonth ... See MoreSee Less

Congratulations are in order for our current LWS Board Chair, Audrey Johnson 17 , on her nomination for the 2024 Forsyth County Governors Volunteer Service Award! Audrey exemplifies servant leadership volunteering for many organizations within our community and we are grateful to her for sharing her time, talents and expertise continuously since her graduation. #gvsa2024 #GlobalVolunteerMonth #servantleadership #volunteer
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3 CommentsComment on Facebook

Congratulations 👏

Excellent! Congratulations!

I second that nomination!