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.
This month’s exceptional young woman, A’Laya Little, has been involved with LEAD Girls of NC since 2024. Her involvement with LEAD has better prepared her mindset to take on the world as an upcoming 8th grader in today’s social media-filled society.
One of A’Laya’s most memorable experiences with LEAD was having the opportunity to support the community in need and help others both emotionally and physically. Last year, LEAD girls supported victims of devastating Hurricane Helene by packing and sending necessities and supplies. Outside of coming to the community’s rescue, socializing with her peers, taking photos and building her confidence are what inspire her to continue her path as a LEAD girl and continue improving within the program.
A’Laya is an avid athlete who loves playing softball and soccer in her spare time. When she is not busy with LEAD or focusing on academics, she enjoys drawing, making art and dedicating time to volunteering at her Kingdom Hall. If she had to choose a local spot for dinner, she would keep it simple, yet tasty, at Chick-fil-A or McDonald’s. She also frequents stores like Rainbow, Rack Room Shoes or Walmart to pass the time and shop for clothing and shoes that catch her eye.
Her career aspirations include attending college and becoming a fashion designer, hoping to one day create jewelry of her own. Her dream vacation would be traveling to any island in Hawaii, where she could listen to her favorite artist, Rod Wave, while relaxing on the beach. Ahead of her time as only a teenager, her favorite movie, “My Girl,” is a classic to many who grew up in the early 1990s.
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 currently planning its 2025 LEAD Girls Rising Expo – set for October 25, 2025.
LEAD is always looking for new volunteers and welcomes all support from the community. Read more about LEAD’s mission and the programs the organization offers at leadgirls.org.
