photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
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, we’re focusing on 13-year-old D’Khariyah Patterson-Stevenson. Named the 2025 LEAD Girl of the Year, D’Khariyah was chosen by her principal to join the organization in the 7th grade. Throughout her time in LEAD, she has learned to take accountability for her actions, speak up for herself and encourage other young women to use their voices as well. LEAD has also inspired her to not follow the crowd and to make wise choices. Outside of LEAD, she is involved in the Crosby Scholars and Habitat for Humanity’s Youth Empowerment Program (YEP!). She enjoys dancing, volunteering with her church’s food bank and has aspirations of styling hair and pursuing her dream career in nursing.
Although it was tough for D’Khariyah to narrow them down, one of her favorite memories in LEAD thus far has been visiting the photography studio of the inspirational Jodie Brim, who never ceases to make those around her feel energized and uplifted. D’Khariyah hopes to one day vacation in the crystal clear waters of Turks & Caicos, while relaxing on the beach and listening to her favorite musical artist, Rod Wave. She enjoys meals at Kickback Jack’s and Wingstop, browsing Target in her free time and watching movies like A Madea Family Funeral.
When asked about what advice she would give fellow young women, D’Khariyah believes her peers can stand up for themselves and be their own leaders. She would like to encourage her peers to never let anyone get them down and to keep pushing through tough times. 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 grantmaking 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.
