About Us

The mission of Leadership Winston-Salem--educating, connecting and energizing leaders to serve and improve the community--guides everything we do. This program is all about building strong, lasting relationships with other leaders, learning more about our community than you ever thought you could, and being inspired to make a difference in our community.

Leadership Winston-Salem, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, was started in 1984 by a group of local leaders to increase the understanding and commitment to the city’s future during a time of significant change. The flagship program ran for 20 years and then was taken offline to undergo a redesign effort using adult learning principles and best practices in experiential learning. The current program, re-started in 2005, reflects the results of that effort. Over 1500 individuals, representing the rich diversity of our community, have graduated from the program.

In 2010, Leadership Winston-Salem unveiled a bold new brand logo with the tagline, Igniting Community Leadership. This design and call to action fully align with the ongoing mission of the organization, while representing the energy, interconnection and fluidity required from leaders today.

"When you see an awakening in yourself and others with this broader understanding, you want to share that. In one year....I know more about this town than I know about [the town] where I lived for 20 years. You can't help but invest your heart more into the place. Knowledge is power in that way."