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On Wednesday, November 12, hundreds of community members—from long-time Winston-Salem neighbors to students and emerging leaders—gathered at the Benton Convention Center for a milestone moment: the 20th Annual Luncheon hosted by The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem. This year marked not only two decades of collective giving but also a renewed commitment to shaping a more equitable future for women and girls in Forsyth County. Piedmont Triad Living founder Jessica Sapp attended the luncheon, taking in a powerful afternoon of storytelling, celebration, and community impact.  A Community Built on Collective PowerSince its founding in 2005 as an initiative of The Winston-Salem Foundation, the Women’s Fund has remained rooted in a simple idea: that when women pool their resources, their voices, and their choices, lasting change follows. The Fund’s mission is clear and deeply felt: Build economic security for women and girls in Forsyth County—together. Over twenty years, that mission has translated into:
It’s a model of philanthropy that feels personal, intentional, and deeply local—very much in step with the heart of the Piedmont Triad. Celebrating the 2025 Grant RecipientsOne of the most anticipated moments of the luncheon each year is the announcement of the grant recipients—organizations working directly with women and girls on economic security, advocacy, healing, and opportunity. This year’s recipients reflect a wide range of services, from grief support to aviation education to culturally centered community work. Each one offers a needed path forward for women and girls across Forsyth County. 2025 Grant Recipients Bee Geek Inc. Workshops, internships, and leadership programs connecting students with technology and communication skills. B.O.N.D. Cares Inc. A youth sports enrichment program building leadership and character through athletic engagement. Into the Wild Outdoor and leadership programming Jim Shaw Ace Academy Opening doors to aviation and aerospace careers for middle and high school students. LetsNspire, Inc. Empowering teen mothers through mentorship, education, and support. Mi Casa Meeting the needs of the Spanish-speaking community through advocacy, education, and outreach. Mothers of Angels A grief support network guiding bereaved mothers through healing. Shalom Project Programs aimed at breaking cycles of poverty through compassion, justice, and community care. Sunnyside Ministry Providing hope and resources through service, education, and empowerment. The Well Center Inc. for Women in Transition A bridge of support for women reentering the community after incarceration. Triad Cultural Arts Preserving and sharing the heritage of Black Americans through programs accessible to all. Each of these organizations received a $15,000 grant, advancing the Fund’s mission to support those who are actively building economic security for women and girls.  Why This Work MattersEven today, less than 7% of all philanthropic dollars in the U.S. go to programs directly supporting women and girls. The Women’s Fund is working to change that—locally and intentionally. Their grantmaking prioritizes:
This focus fills gaps in traditional funding and amplifies voices that are too often overlooked.  A Keynote That Moved the RoomThis year’s keynote speaker, Chevara Orrin, brought the room to a thoughtful hush. A diversity strategist, filmmaker, author, and lifelong activist, her story is one of resilience and radical hope. Chevara shared her lived experiences—surviving childhood poverty, violence, and systemic barriers—and how those early hardships fueled her life of advocacy. Her parents’ legacies also anchor her work:
A Milestone Year for a Community-Focused MovementTwenty years in, The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem continues to demonstrate just how powerful local, collective giving can be. Their democratic process, data-guided advocacy, and focus on organizations rooted in community all contribute to long-term, measurable change. And like many of the local stories we share at Piedmont Triad Living, this one reminds us that community impact doesn’t always come from big moments—it comes from people showing up, contributing what they can, and believing in the potential of their neighbors.  How to Get InvolvedWhether you’re looking to donate, attend events, or become a voting member, the Women’s Fund welcomes community involvement from women across Forsyth County and the greater Piedmont Triad. More information is available at: womensfundws.org Piedmont Triad Living: Your Guide to Local LifeFree concerts, festivals, pop-ups & more. Discover Local. Discover Free.
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