Ladies Who Lead: Women’s History Month in High Point
At High Point Discovered, we don’t need much of an excuse to celebrate the women who make High Point, NC great. (Considering we are a woman-founded, woman-led non-profit, every day is International Women’s Day at High Point Discovered!) But for this year’s National Women’s History Month, we wanted to take our celebration one step further, by recognizing all of the phenomenal women who serve as leaders of our city.
Because did you know – there are women in leadership positions at some of the biggest organizations, non-profits, and civic entities in our city? From our city manager to our library director to our museums to our city council, to our chamber of commerce, to our visitor’s center, to our High Point Market – ladies are leading the way in almost every facet of our city’s success.
And when it comes to what makes this kind of female leadership so special – you have to meet the women behind the titles, positions, initiatives, and organizations. We got to share a space with some of the most powerful girl bosses in High Point and ask them what their story of leadership has been. Get to know some of the ladies who lead in High Point below!
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a leadership role at your organizations?
A: It just happened organically. My peers and our Visit High Point team already recognized me as a leader within our organization. When our former president retired, our board named me as the interim. We did not have a succession plan in place as the transition happened unexpectedly. They knew that I would be an easy fit from my longevity with the organization, the destination, and the leadership that I demonstrated during challenging times. I was encouraged to apply for the role 13 years prior. I was expecting my daughter at the time and wanted to direct my energy into balancing a new role as a working mother. I had no regrets as more learning and growth happened within those seven years that prepared me for the role today.
After solidifying our 10-year long-range strategic destination plan in 2019 in addition to being named president, the pandemic resulted in the next chapter of challenges five months later. With my experience mitigating the negative economic impacts of the September 11th attacks, the 2008-2010 housing crisis, and HB2, I was able to draw upon that history to put together an immediate plan of action to get us through this difficult time that would have a negative effect on the visitor economy.
Today, I am laser-focused on strategic collaboration, and sustainable destination planning, resulting in High Point becoming an easy choice for visitors, event planners, developers, businesses, and residents to connect with High Point. (Melody Burnett, President of Visit High Point)
A: After many years of foundational work for High Point Market Authority, I thought long and hard about whether I wanted to pursue the President/CEO role. After much soul searching, I found solace in the realization that I had something to offer and it was my job to communicate that to those making the decision. I trusted them. If they thought I was the right fit, at the right time, for the right position, I would whole heartedly accept. Fortunately, they had confidence that I was the one for the job! I am elated to lead this organization where I have found my passion. (Tammy Nagem, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority)
A: I am a trained opera singer and when I graduated from University of Delaware with my degree, I knew I wanted to pursue my masters. I taught in a nonprofit elementary school and worked in parks and recreation for 10 years. While I was doing that, I saw a lot of great leadership, but even more so, a lot of needs and ways that I thought I could help teams and communities. This led me to get my masters in nonprofit management as well as parks and recreation management. I knew from that moment I wanted to combine all my skills and lead an arts council. I’m just honored to do it in my community! (Allie Arpajian, Executive Director of the High Point Arts Council)
A: My personal values and beliefs aligned with the mission of the Center for Community Engagement at High Point University. Initially I accepted a role to manage the Bonner Leader Program. The program provides scholarships to mainly minority, first-generation college students who may otherwise not have the financial resources to receive a college education.
As the Executive Director of the Center for Community Engagement, I have the opportunity to expand support and impact to the High Point community by providing strategic leadership to the Volunteer Center, as well as the Service Learning and VISTA AmeriCorps Programs. (Kimberly Drye-Dancy, Executive Director for the Center for Community Engagement at HPU)
A: I believe that true advancement happens when opportunity and preparedness converge. I was at a place in my career where I was ready for change and had proven to myself and others the scope of my abilities. I knew it was time to take the next step in my professional achievement. When the opportunity was presented to me to be in a leadership role at my current organization it was an easy decision because the timing was right. It boiled down to being in the right place at the right time and possessing the right skills for the role. (Ayesha Oglesby, VP of Operations at Business High Point)
A: I became director of the High Point Museum at the time it was transitioning its operational oversight from the nonprofit High Point Historical Society to the City of High Point. I had been serving as the curator of education for the Museum for nine years at that point. In that capacity I had developed relationships with founders and supporters of the Museum and formed partnerships with a number of other community organizations. I believed I was uniquely qualified to lead the Museum through that transition. I had a very clear sense of what the Museum meant to its supporters and how that vision could be expanded as the Museum became part of the city. Transitioning operational control from one organization to another is always challenging, but I had a sense that the Historical Society would trust me not to abandon its vision for the Museum even as aspects of how we functioned would change. (Edith Brady, Museum Director of High Point Museum)
A: Rather than actively seeking out Women in Motion, the organization found me during a time in my career when I felt unfulfilled as a small business owner. Despite my best efforts to push forward, I continually encountered obstacles. Then, on New Year's Day of 2021, Martha Yarborough reached out to me and inquired if I would be interested in applying for the role of Women in Motion director. The mission and values of Women in Motion aligned perfectly with my own beliefs, making my decision to apply and later accept the position an easy one. Women in Motion practices what they preach. They helped me elevate in my career, which is something that we strive to do within our community. It's inspiring to work with such passionate and driven women who truly embody the values of the organization. I'm grateful to be part of a team that not only talks the talk, but also walks the walk when it comes to supporting and empowering women. (Pam Baldwin, Director of Women in Motion of High Point)
A: Growing High Point is the perfect organization for me in terms of alignment of interest. I've always worked for nature-based organizations. At Greater Yellowstone Coalition we were focused on environmental protection in and around Yellowstone National Park. At Appalachian Voices we were combating the practice of mountaintop removal coal mining and resulting water pollution. At the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, we worked to preserve and protect the Parkway. I'm thrilled that at Growing High Point we are more about people, social justice, and economic mobility using urban agriculture as a means to help people thrive in community. (Willa Mays, Executive Director of Growing High Point)
Q: What do you know now about female leadership that you wish you would have known at the start of your career?
A: Through the years I have learned that women are each other’s best cheerleaders! I encourage all woman growing their career to connect with other women in leadership. Learn from each other, build each other up. We all prosper when we are in it together. (Karla Jones, Executive Director of Bienenstock Furniture Library)
A: I wish I had known how willing most women leaders are to help you succeed. In my experience women like to see other women making a difference and will lend their expertise to see that happen. (Ayesha Oglesby, VP of Operations at Business High Point)
A: I wish I had stopped to say "thank you" more. Thank you to those that let me ride their coat tails. Thank you to those that extended their hand when I stumbled. I wish I had been more intentional in the journey. (Tammy Nagem, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority)
A: Everyone stereotypes female leaders as catty, when that is not the case. I have found that women work so much better together than the stereotype gives them credit for. (Rebekah McGee, President and CEO of Forward High Point)
A: Looking back on my career, one of the things I wish I had known about female leadership is the power of having a supportive community of women cheering you on. It wasn't until I joined Women in Motion that I truly saw and understood the impact of networking and building connections. Having a community of like-minded women around you can help you elevate beyond what you could achieve alone. By building a network and fostering a supportive community, you can gain access to opportunities and resources that can propel your career to new heights. (Pam Baldwin, Director of Women in Motion of High Point)
A: It’s okay to lead from the forefront and, more importantly, to show up as your authentic self. It is only from a place of authenticity that your leadership deeply and positively impacts those you serve. Early in my career, it was hard to be myself which prevented me from being confident in myself and understanding the real value that I have to offer. (Kimberly Drye-Dancy, Executive Director for the Center for Community Engagement at HPU)
A: Don't be afraid to ask for what you need and to be your own biggest advocate. Everyone means well, but at the end of the day if you can't be your own advocate then the road will be harder than it needs to be. (Megan Oglesby, Executive Director of the Congdon Family Foundation)
A: I wish that I had the network early on in my career of other female leaders to mentor me. At the time, there were a handful or maybe two female leaders that had positions on influential boards in the community. I wish that I approached them early on and asked them for their guidance. Luckily now, we have a great network of Women in Motion programming, YWCA resources, and Young Professional opportunities, just to name a few that can connect volunteer talent quickly to leadership roles on boards and committees. I am thankful for the unique position that my leadership role allows me to network. I never underestimate those legacy male leaders whom I was able to learn from early on in my journey and still learning from today. (Melody Burnett, President of Visit High Point)
Q: What are some ways that our city can grow in supporting female leaders and businesswomen?
A: As our city is transforming, we need to think about the influence women have on our overall economy. We decide on household purchases, where our children go to school, where we want to live, where we vacation, where we go for healthcare, etc. Women control over 60% of private wealth. Women are 60% of college graduates. We make 83% of retail buying choices. We have to create a city where women want to live and work if we want a thriving economy. Focusing on health, balance, safety, equity, and amenities, in a welcoming environment is a great foundation to build upon. (Melody Burnett, President of Visit High Point)
A: Being open to new ways of doing things. Sometimes I think people – men and women – can be dismissive of women leaders who don’t demonstrate the exact behaviors we typically associate with strong leadership. There isn’t a one-size-fits all leadership style. Women often lead differently from men, but it doesn’t necessarily make them less effective. (Edith Brady, Museum Director of High Point Museum)
A: One way our city can better support female leaders is by fostering and supporting mentorship programs. When more women are given the opportunity to mentor and support others, the greater the growth and development of female leaders in our community. We are fortunate to have a significant number of female leaders, and it's important to capitalize on this by empowering and supporting women on their journeys. By pouring into others and fostering a supportive environment, we can create a ripple effect of success and empowerment for generations to come. (Pam Baldwin, Director of Women in Motion of High Point)
A: Our city, in every aspect, needs to be more inclusive about who is invited to be around the table and in the decision-making process. There is a difference between being "welcomed" and being "invited" and all voices, backgrounds, and gender need to have a seat at the table and a voice. Other female leaders have a huge role to play in supporting other female leaders but, our non-female allies also play a huge role. We are all better, together. (Megan Oglesby, Executive Director of the Congdon Family Foundation)
A: I am so proud of our City and how it recognizes women leaders. This maybe hasn't always been the case but you can't look at the leadership landscape today and not applaud where we are. I would say High Point as a whole can continue to give us space and the tools to succeed. We won't disappoint! (Tammy Nagem, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority)
A: Support of female leaders can grow in our city by providing opportunities for woman in leadership roles to mentor, encourage and network with each other. It is very important to have a career support group. (Karla Jones, Executive Director of Bienenstock Furniture Library)
Q: What defines a successful leader?
A: A successful leader is one who inspires other to work together towards a common vision while using their input to help shape that vision. (Edith Brady, Museum Director of High Point Museum)
A: A successful leader leads with their heart and their head. They lead in ways that nourish the individualism and growth of those they are leading. Successful leaders are quick to walk side by side or even behind the team if needed. (Tammy Nagem, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority)
A: One of the most effective attributes of a successful leader is their ability to communicate their ideas with influence. If you can do that one thing well, then you will build a strong foundation for growth. (Melody Burnett, President of Visit High Point)
A: A successful leader knows their strengths while understanding their limitations. A successful leader works as a team player and shares successes equally with the team. (Karla Jones, Executive Director of Bienenstock Furniture Library)
A: A successful leader is someone who has a drive and a passion for their field. They work alongside employees and peers to get the job done. Credit doesn’t matter to them as long as it betters the city. (Rebekah McGee, President and CEO of Forward High Point)
A: For me a successful leader is someone who is able to inspire, motivate, and empower their team or organization to achieve the established goals while acting with integrity and empathy. (Ayesha Oglesby, VP of Operations at Business High Point)
A: A successful leader is dependable. This means that they are reliable, consistent, and can be counted on to follow through on their commitments. They take ownership of their responsibilities and are willing to put in the effort required to achieve success. They lead by example and are the first to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, no matter how small or mundane the task may seem. Successful leaders are also humble and have a deep appreciation for the contributions of others. They recognize that no one person can achieve success alone. (Pam Baldwin, Director of Women in Motion of High Point)
A: A successful leader recognizes that ultimate success is never accomplished independently. We depend on others for inspiration, help, support and knowledge to move our organizations forward. Everyone wants to be heard and recognized for their contributions and sharing success is really important. Having a strong strategic vision for the organization is critical as is the courage to rethink systems that aren't working well. Leaders also have to be lifelong learners and willing to change. (Willa Mays, Executive Director of Growing High Point)
A: A successful leader embodies these qualities: trustworthiness, consistency, level-headedness. They are a visionary yet a grounded team player. (Megan Oglesby, Executive Director of the Congdon Family Foundation)
A: A successful leader is someone who embodies servant leadership. Everyone on the team has a voice, everyone belongs, and no decision is made alone or in a silo. Success means admitting your wrongs, and asking for help when needed. A nonprofit leader should always be striving to understand the community needs, gaps to address, and how their nonprofit stays mission-driven and while addressing these needs. (Allie Arpajian, Executive Director of the High Point Arts Council)
A: One who is deeply committed to and passionate about the work they do as well as the people that they lead. When commitment and passion collide, a leader does what is necessary to ensure that the organization or program's mission and goals are obtained and that the people they lead reach their maximum potential. (Kimberly Drye-Dancy, Executive Director for the Center for Community Engagement at HPU)
Discover our High Points,
The HPD Team
Photography by Traci Lester
Photography by Maria West Photography
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