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 spreads the word about local youth and their positive impact on the world around them.

This month’s exceptional young woman, A’lani Gaither, has been involved with LEAD Girls of NC since the 6th grade, after she began attending a Saturday community program that served as a safe space for her to learn new skills and meet new friends. Her involvement with LEAD has helped prepare her mindset to take on the world as an 8th grader.

Like many of her peers, A’lani says LEAD has been a game-changer in her academic and personal life. According to her:

“One of the most valuable lessons LEAD has taught me is how to present myself with confidence. I’ve learned skills like making eye contact, speaking clearly, and using positive body language. Public speaking was something that used to make me nervous, but now I feel more comfortable sharing my ideas in front of others. These lessons help me every day at school, whether I’m answering a question in class, giving a presentation, or just introducing myself to someone new.”

In addition, LEAD has shaped A’lani’s positive body image, prepared her to handle bullying, and given her the chance to practice what she’s learned by treating others with kindness in her daily life. She now feels more confident standing up for herself and her friends while uplifting and encouraging others. Her involvement with LEAD has inspired her to be a role model—modeling confidence and respect to create a safe, supportive environment among her classmates.

One of her favorite LEAD memories is the annual LEAD Girls Expo, hosted each fall, where she had the chance to try beatboxing and rapping. A’lani recalls:

“We had different stations where we made musical instruments out of random items like rice, sprinkles, rubber bands, cups, and plates. And of course, like at all LEAD events, they made sure we were well fed too!”

A’lani hopes to become a LEAD Ambassador this year after she finishes middle school. She welcomes the chance to take on additional responsibilities and meet new people. As for her advice to her peers? A’lani encourages other young women to “just keep going.” She urges them to believe in themselves, keep their heads up, and not let challenges stop them from reaching their goals.

A’lani’s favorite school subjects are social studies and math. After college, she dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist and unwinding by vacationing in Cancun, Jamaica, or anywhere tropical. When she’s not busy with LEAD or school, you can find her shopping at Uptown Cheapskate, volunteering at Winston-Salem First Assembly of God, listening to her favorite artist SZA, or playing volleyball and running flag football drills with her friends.

About LEAD Girls of NC
Learning Everyday, Accomplishing Dreams (LEAD) Girls of NC is Winston-Salem’s beacon of hope for local young women. The nonprofit is 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 helps girls succeed academically, professionally, and personally through its many programs. Young women involved with LEAD grow in confidence, social skills, and leadership abilities—setting them up to become successful entrepreneurs and fulfilled members of their communities.

LEAD offers school-based programs at partner middle schools as well as community-based programs in downtown Winston-Salem, open to any middle school girl. Topics covered in 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 focus on awareness, communication, leadership, and perspective—LEAD’s 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 community events and is currently planning its 2025 LEAD Girls Rising Expo on October 25, 2025.

LEAD is always looking for new volunteers and welcomes support from the community. Learn more about its mission and programs at www.leadgirls.org.