THE

CHALLENGE

The emerging innovation culture of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County region is thriving. Having invested heavily with public and private capital to develop the physical infrastructure and entrepreneurial pipeline, community leadership wish to excel the creation of new businesses and jobs. The challenge our city faces is how to do this in a way that provides equitable opportunities for all citizens and enriches the totality of the city.

OUR

INSPIRATION

HUSTLE Winston-Salem exists to facilitate and promote a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by working with both entrepreneurs and community stakeholders. We focus on and advocate for those that are most at-risk for systematic exclusion or marginalization in the local innovation economy:

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People of Color including but not limited to Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, Asians, Native Americans, and immigrant

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Women of all races, ages, classes, backgrounds, and education levels

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​Marginalized Neighborhoods for whom entrepreneurial development can serve as a catalyst for needed economic growth or that at risk for gentrification

THE

RESPONSE

For this to happen, the emerging ecosystem must build inclusive thinking and strategies into its foundation. We must support entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and create a genuinely level playing field. This involves understanding, and then, addressing the barriers faced by different people groups. It is about unleashing the potential to create a more sustainable future with no entrepreneur left behind.

Magalie Yacinthe

Board Chairwoman, Interim Executive Director
 

YES Strategies & Solutions, CEO

SO-IN Forsyth, Owner

Kellie Easton

Board Vice Chairwoman
 

Easton Reid Strategy Group, CEO Action4Equity, Executive Director

Lea Metz

 Board Treasurer
 

Independent Nonprofit Consultant, Owner

Kellie Easton

Toni Barnes

Board Secretary
 

Tony & Toni Productions, Owner

VCCNC, Founder

Allan Younger

Small Business Center at Forsyth Technical Community College, Director

Daryl Shaw

Royalty Marketing, Owner & Chief Creative Strategist

Janet Carlson

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Center for Leadership and Organizational Excellence, 

North Carolina A&T State University, Interim Director

Kellie Easton

J. Matthew Williams

Hudson River Trading,

Chief Diversity Officer

Woke & Well Studios, Owner

Santiago Ramos 

 Community Organizer, Love Out Loud

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Philms, Owner