The Golden LEAF Foundation

Golden LEAF Director of Programs Marilyn Chism is presenting today at Appalachian State University for the Rural Community Capacity (RC2) program, an initiative from the North Carolina Department of Commerce that also involves Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business and East Carolina University’s Master of Public Administration program. She is talking to attendees from 12 rural counties about Golden LEAF and its programs.

#NCAgLeads Update > The #NCChamberFoundation, in partnership with the Golden LEAF Foundation and supported by North Carolina Farm Bureau and Google, completed phase one of the NC Ag Leads strategic planning process and has been approved to proceed to phase two. In a new update, the NC Ag Leads teams shares an update on the progress and next steps in the strategic planning initiative. Click to read more: #FutureOfFarming #NCAgriculture https://lnkd.in/exErPdaH

Today is the last day for our 2024 cohort of The Golden LEAF Foundation Rural Internship Initiative participants! The Rural Internship Initiative offers Golden LEAF Scholars the #opportunity to gain valuable work experience related to their #careers. This summer, 60 Golden LEAF Scholars participated in the third cohort of the Rural Internship Initiative. Summer 2024 interns were spread throughout 35 different rural counties working within fields such as health care, human services, government, engineering, and education. They've conquered the summer, gaining invaluable experience and fresh perspectives. Their rural roots are a source of strength, not limitation. We are so proud of our scholars and look forward to their bright futures and the growth of our internship program. To learn more about the Rural Internship Initiative, check out this article on Lyric Locklear of Robeson County---- a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lyric is majoring in #Psychology, and planning to continue her education in osteopathic medicine. This summer, Lyric participated for a third year in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative, helping to fill a need at Locklear’s Behavioral Health Services, PLLC, while solidifying that she wants to continue her pathway forward to living, working, and serving rural communities in the future. Locklear Behavior Health Services, PLLC, located in Lumberton, is owned and operated by Golden LEAF Scholar alumna, Jana-Rae Locklear. #summerinternship #ruralcareers #scholarship https://lnkd.in/gQrKkQhM

The Golden LEAF Foundation's Administrative Assistant for Operations & External Affairs, Blythe Evans, joined Golden LEAF in May 2023. Learn more about Blythe below: https://lnkd.in/gBaWzuvq

The Golden LEAF Foundation's Scholarship Program Intern, Tessa Stovall, is a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill rising senior. She is a Economics major with a minor in Business Administration. Learn more about Tessa in this spotlight! https://lnkd.in/gckVhxyM

The Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors awarded a total of $18.9 million in funding across two Golden LEAF Programs and an $8 million for a special initiative, today. The Board awarded $1,300,000 to support four projects through the Open Grants Program and $9,614,500 in funding for seven projects through the Shell Building Pilot Program. #workforce #jobs #ruralNC https://lnkd.in/grUFniGc

Emilly Hernandez-Rivera has been an integral part of the Golden LEAF team as an External Affairs Intern this summer. She attends Western Governors University and is a Nash County native. Emilly has an associate degree from Nash Community College , where she attended Nash Rocky Mount Early College High School. Learn more about Emilly at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gQpyid3q

In May of 2024, The Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Caty Gray Urquhart as our new Operations Manager. Caty Gray's primary responsibilities include managing information technology, daily office operations and facility maintenance. Help us welcome Caty Gray to the Golden LEAF team! https://lnkd.in/gCanMTHs

On Monday, my colleague Savannah Russell, and I enjoyed a very informative meeting with Dr. Jack N. Bagwell and members of his team at College of The Albemarle. I am pleased to report no realistic patient simulators perished on me during this visit! That maybe because I did not get near them this time. The Golden LEAF Foundation @ncLEAFchief

In June of 2024, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Evan B. as our new Director of Grants Administration. He serves as the primary administrator for Golden LEAF's grant management system. Help us welcome Evan! https://lnkd.in/gCanMTHs