Alumni
Leadership Winston-Salem Alumni are a diverse group of accomplished individuals who have completed either the Leadership Winston-Salem Flagship program or INSIGHT Winston-Salem. These programs are designed to develop and connect leaders within the Winston-Salem community, and include professionals from various sectors such as business, education, government, nonprofit organizations, and more. Graduates of the program are demonstrated community-minded individuals who have a desire to deepen their commitment to community minded leadership and to making a positive impact in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. They are leaders in their respective fields and contribute to the community through volunteer work, advocacy, and collaborative projects. The alumni network, which includes over 2500 alums spanning 40 years, are all past participants who continue to engage with the program and each other, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
Upcoming Events
Alumni Spotlight
Darlene Carpenter
I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, with deep roots in the community. Growing up in Lakeside Apartments in East Winston, I fondly remember riding the Safe Bus downtown with my mother and shopping at Thalhimers Department Store. One of my favorite memories is visiting WG White (now Ronnie’s) during the holidays, where we’d buy country ham, and the owner would prepare biscuits for customers while we waited.
Alumni Action Learning
Alumni Action Learning Projects (ALPs) further engage Leadership Winston-Salem graduates in teams to tackle challenges or opportunities for nonprofit organizations. These teams will apply fresh perspectives and use of the LWS network of fellow graduates to achieve goals that enhance the organization’s community impact and the impact of ALPs on our Community as a whole. Projects will:
- Derive from those submitted to the Flagship program through the annual application process.
- Complete in a shorter time frame than the typical ALP project timeline
- Using their previous ALP experience, teams will focus on deliverables for greater community impact.
- Teams will be self guided with available assistance from a LWS Coach Mentor who can help connect them to other LWS alums for wider area of expertise.
Click on the button below to let our Alumni Engagement Director know you are interested in helping with an Alumni Action Learning Project.
Alumni Council
The Alumni Council of Leadership Winston-Salem is a small but mighty group of alumni, dedicated to strengthening the connections between LWS alumni and advancing the community’s growth. The Council acts as a crucial link between the organization and its alumni. Through a range of initiatives—such as networking opportunities designed for connections, education programming on timely community issues, and energizing our alumni base to stay involved—the Alumni Council supports both the ongoing mission of Leadership Winston-Salem and the professional and personal growth of its members. By harnessing the diverse skills and experiences of its alumni, the Council not only enriches the relationship between past and present participants but also plays a key role in the continued success and impact of the Leadership Winston-Salem program.
The Alumni Council consists of three subcommittees:
- Educator Committee - Responsible for Leaders and Lunch Series, LWS Book Club and Community Conversation.
- Connector Committee - Responsible for connecting with other alumni through hosting events such as Community Coffee or one-on-one meetings, gathering valuable feedback and information regarding the strategic mission of LWS. Each graduating class elects multiple Class Connectors and these individuals serve on this committee for their 2-year term.
- Energizer Committee - Responsible for offering high energy, dynamic, and fun events for Alumni to connect.
Alum 2 Alum
This group, Leadership Winston-Salem Alum 2 Alum, exists to allow LWS alumni to freely communicate and share information with each other. Membership will be limited to LWS program participants (from Flagship, Insight or Leadership Connections programs) along with LWS staff and board members. Use this space to invite your former classmates and others to a special event, recruit volunteers for a community service project, etc.
Store
Get ready to show off your Leadership Winston-Salem pride! Whether you're looking for the signature T-Shirt, accessories, or gifts for a graduate, we’ve got something for everyone. Explore the options, treat yourself, and represent your LWS family in style. Check it out today—you never know what goodies you'll find!
Alumni Lists
View the alumni lists below for a comprehensive look at the accomplished and diverse individuals who have completed the Leadership Winston-Salem Programs. These lists showcase leaders from various sectors—business, education, healthcare, nonprofits, government, and more—who are committed to making a positive impact in the Winston-Salem community and beyond.