LEAD GIRLS OF NC ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF ITS PROGRAM FACILITATION TEAM ALONGSIDE WORK ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION PRINCIPLES

WINSTON-SALEM, NC (June 1, 2023) – LEAD Girls of NC, a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem that works collaboratively with local schools to support at-risk girls, is growing program facilitation team alongside important work to develop guiding principles around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

LEAD announces that Jasmynn Blackshear has been hired as a Program Facilitator. In her role, Blackshear will be responsible for the LEAD programs offered through local middle and high schools as well as LEAD’s community-based initiatives. More than 300 girls participate in LEAD programs each year. Blackshear will oversee the implementation of activities using the LEAD Girls curriculum to deliver programming that provides encouragement and fosters leadership.

“Jasmynn is an outstanding addition to our growing LEAD team as we expand our community footprint,” said LEAD Executive Director Joy Thomas. “She brings a vibrant fresh perspective and energy to our organization as well as experience having served as a LEAD intern during her senior year at Winston-Salem State University. As a recent graduate, Jasmynn is building strong rapport with our LEAD girls while also demonstrating inspiring leadership and professionalism.”

Blackshear is a 2023 graduate of Winston-Salem State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is pursuing a master’s degree in Public Affairs with a concentration in Nonprofit Management.

“Each of us has the voice to change the nation,” said Blackshear, reflecting her passion to impact and change the lives of youth. “We should never sit back in fear but instead believe firmly that we possess the power to make a difference. We have youth full of dreams, and we need to fight so their dreams can be their reality.”

In support of its expanding team and footprint of service in Forsyth County, LEAD received a grant from The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust to foster conversation and professional development around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for its professional staff.

“This grant has made it possible for our team to embark on important internal and community conversations around our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion principles,” said Thomas. “We want to reflect an organization that is fearless and empowered to take on difficult topics as some of the very same qualities we seek to instill in our LEAD girls.”

As its school-based programs finish for the summer, LEAD will host several community-based camps and activities, including its popular Fashion Entrepreneurship Camp. Information and registration details for LEAD’s summer programs are available at www.leadgirls.org. Scholarships for camp attendees are made possible by LEAD donors and other generous partners.