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, Aleyan Hayes, has been involved with LEAD Girls of NC since 2023. Her participation in LEAD has allowed her to gain confidence in herself and practice self-love—both of which are crucial for any 14-year-old in today’s social media-driven society.
One of Aleyan’s most memorable experiences with LEAD was the opportunity to support the community in need following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. She and her peers assisted those affected by the hurricane by packing and sending necessities and supplies. She also holds fond memories of catching a T-shirt while attending an NC Courage women’s professional soccer game in Cary with her fellow LEAD friends. Due to her love for LEAD, she applied to become a LEAD Ambassador, and since being selected, she has made valuable connections and contributions.
Aleyan is a math whiz who loves listening to music by her favorite artist, Yebba. When she is not busy with LEAD or Crosby Scholars, she enjoys playing basketball and is well-versed in liturgical dancing. If she had to choose a local spot for dinner, she would take her family and friends to Arigato Japanese Steak & Seafood House or Olive Garden for a delicious meal. She also frequents stores like Forever 21, Aeropostale, Foot Locker, and Bath & Body Works while taking a spin around Hanes Mall in her spare time.
Her career aspirations include becoming a software engineer or computer scientist after majoring in engineering at her dream college, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. She hopes to one day vacation in Dubai but is content volunteering at football concession stands and serving as a mentor to young women in the meantime. In fact, she urges her peers to always stay true to themselves, stand up for themselves, and love themselves first before loving someone else.
About LEAD Girls of NC
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, the Winston-Salem Foundation, the J.H. Walker Legacy Foundation, and others—LEAD equips girls with the tools to succeed academically, professionally, and personally through its numerous 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 community.
LEAD offers school-based programs at partner middle schools, as well as community-based programs available to any middle school students from local schools, held in person in downtown Winston-Salem. 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 emphasize awareness, communication, leadership, and perspective—LEAD’s four core fundamentals.
Each year, LEAD hosts numerous events to support the community and is currently planning its 2025 LEAD Girls Rising Expo, scheduled for October 25, 2025. 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.”
LEAD is always looking for new volunteers and welcomes support from the community. Learn more about LEAD’s mission and programs at www.leadgirls.org.
