Spotlighting successful and stand-out women in the community is important to Forsyth Woman. With the help of LEAD Girls of NC, the Exceptional Young Women in the Community column helps spread the word about local youth and their positive impact on the world around them.
Jonovia Riley is the 2025 Community LEAD Girl of the Year at just 14 years old. Throughout her time spent learning about herself and her community in LEAD, she has gained confidence in her personality and abilities. LEAD has taught her that being authentic and staying true to yourself is nothing to be ashamed of. Outside of LEAD, she is involved in Crosby Scholars, specifically the SHE Program (Show, Help, Employ), which aids in inspiring young women not to shy away from pursuing interests in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, where women have historically been underrepresented. In fact, Jonovia’s favorite school subjects are science and Spanish, and she frequently volunteers to assist her Spanish teacher during and after class.
Out of all the memories to choose from, Jonovia looks most fondly upon making bracelets, which is one of the activities in the evidence-based curriculum that encourages girls to connect with each other despite differences. As an aspiring STEM woman, she hopes to one day become a marine biologist but also has a passion for designing clothes which she can be found doing in her spare time when she isn’t busy with LEAD, Crosby Scholars and making art. In addition to her career aspirations, she would love to eventually take a trip to Greece or Jamaica but can be found dining at Young Cardinal Café in Winston-Salem or browsing her favorite stores at the mall in the meantime.
When asked about what advice she would give fellow young women, Jonovia reiterates the importance of not backing down when it comes to your beliefs and standards, and to not fear being yourself. She looks forward to what her future holds, with her friends and LEAD team members expecting a promising path ahead for her.
Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams (LEAD) Girls of NC is Winston-Salem’s beacon of hope for local young women as a nonprofit organization supported by dozens of sponsors and grant making organizations, including The Women’s Fund, Winston-Salem Foundation, J.H. Walker Legacy Foundation and others. LEAD supports girls in order to propel them to succeed academically, professionally and personally through its numerous programs available. Young women involved with LEAD grow in confidence, social skills and leadership skills, setting them up to become successful entrepreneurs and fulfilled members of their community.
LEAD offers school-based programs at partner middle schools as well as community-based programs that are attended in person in downtown Winston-Salem, available for any middle school girl. Topics covered through LEAD’s evidence-based curriculum include The Importance of Empathy, Dealing with Authority Figures, Exploring my Goals and Dreams, and Connecting with Each Other. These sessions encompass awareness, communication, leadership and perspective – which LEAD touts as its four core fundamentals. According to the LEAD Girls of NC website, “After one semester with LEAD, 90% of participants recognize their good qualities, 87% feel confident about their future and 100% believe they can be entrepreneurs.”
Each year, LEAD hosts numerous events to support the community and is always looking for new volunteers, welcoming all support from the community. Read more about LEAD’s mission and the programs the organization offers at leadgirls.org.
