LEAD Girls of NC, a non-profit organization based in Winston-Salem for girls in grades 6-8, will honor five LEAD participants at its 9th Annual Anniversary Soiree fundraiser for their exceptional commitment and service.
The event, which will be held March 16 at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts in Winston-Salem, is a major fundraiser for the organization, supporting LEAD’s school and community-based programs. During the 2024-2025 school year, LEAD will serve more than 355 girls. The LEAD Soiree event is open to the public and tickets are available on the LEAD Girls website, www.leadgirls.org/annual-soiree.
“The Soiree is a special time for the girls, their families, our donors and the broader community,” said LEAD Founder and Executive Director Joy Thomas. “Our honorees truly exemplify LEAD’s mantra of ‘rooted in strength and grounded for growth’ as they develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to build a stronger world for themselves as well as all girls.”
Khamya Foy, a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools fifth grader, is the 2025 Aspiring LEAD Girl of the Year. She is recognized as a young leader who is helpful, thoughtful, and inspiring, and motivates others to be empathetic, dedicated, and hard-working.
A’Layla Little, a WS/FCS seventh grader, is the 2025 LEAD Girl of the Year. She distinguishes herself as a charismatic leader who is resilient, respectful and reflective. She leads academically, socially, and athletically.
A’lani Gaither, a WS/FCS 7th grader, will receive the 2025 Community LEAD Girl of the Year award. She is recognized as friendly, hard-working, and perceptive. A’lani stands up for what she believes and exudes leadership qualities in her interactions with peers and adults.
Sariah Taylor, a WS/FCS 7th grader, will receive the 2025 STEAM LEAD Girl of the Year award. She participates in LEAD’s new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math program. An aspiring entrepreneur between real estate and photography, Sariah wants to continue leading to help make positive change.
Dominique Smith, a WS/FCS 9th grader, will receive the 2025 LEAD Girls Trailblazer of the Year award, which goes to one of LEAD’s high school ambassadors who started with the program in middle school and has continued to be a role model and example to younger students.
ABOUT LEAD Girls of NC
Founded in Winston-Salem in 2015, LEAD Girls of NC is dedicated to providing the tools and resources that girls must have to become productive citizens and active leaders in their communities. LEAD (Learning Every day, Accomplishing Dreams) uses an evidence-based curriculum in partnership with WS/FCS and through community-based programs to encourage and mentor girls to aspire and achieve greatness academically, emotionally, and creatively. LEAD envisions a world where every girl has the confidence, social skills, and leadership ability she needs to become an independent, financially stable woman. Change a girl. Change a community. Change the world. www.leadgirls.org.
Submitted by Joy Thomas, Executive Director of LEAD Girls NC
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