This month, we are so proud to feature LEAD Girls of NC on the cover — a nonprofit that has been near and dear to my heart for quite some time. LEAD Girls of NC is dedicated to providing the tools and resources that low-income and at-risk pre-teen girls need to become active leaders in their communities. They dream of a world where every girl has the confidence, social skills, and leadership ability she needs to grow into an independent, financially stable woman.

I truly can’t think of a more important mission. These girls are our future, and setting them up for success isn’t optional, it’s essential.

This year, I’m honored to be serving on the board of directors for LEAD Girls after nearly a four-year hiatus from any board or committee work. When Joy asked if I would consider getting involved, I couldn’t say no. I believe deeply in giving back to the community that has given so much to me — and if you’re in your 20s (or 30s or 40s or 50s!), consider this your sign to get involved with a nonprofit you love.

I share this story often, but when I was fresh out of college, I was terrified of networking meetings. They were so far outside my comfort zone. As an introvert, I dreaded the small talk and worried I wouldn’t measure up. So what did I do? I threw myself into leadership. I joined committees. I stepped onto boards. At 26, I became president of Professional Women of Winston-Salem, and a few years later, I served as president of the Lewisville Clemmons Chamber of Commerce.

Those roles shaped my professional career — but more importantly, they shaped me. I went from being terrified of public speaking to confidently standing on stage at our annual conference in front of 200+ women. I don’t share this to brag; I share it to remind you that growth lives on the other side of discomfort. The very things that scare you are often the exact things that will stretch you into who you’re meant to become.

And speaking of growth… our 5th Annual Women on the Move Conference is HERE! On March 19th, my team and I will host what is truly one of my favorite days of the year. I’m not sure if tickets will be sold out by the time this issue hits stands, but scan the QR code on this page and see if you can snag a spot. It’s a day of connection, inspiration, and real conversations you won’t forget… I promise.

This issue also kicks off our annual Camp Section! From March through May, we’ll be featuring camp editorials to help you plan the perfect summer for your kids. I know it feels early, but trust me, now is the time to start making those plans. We are so lucky to have incredible camp opportunities right here in Winston-Salem, and we’re excited to highlight them over the next few months.

As always, thank you for reading, supporting local, and being part of this community with us.

And don’t forget to follow along on social media @forsythmags — we can’t wait to connect with you there!

All my best, 

Brooke