The North Carolina Leadership Forum brings together 37 diverse leaders from northeastern North Carolina to tackle a big question: How can the region prepare workers for jobs in a changing economy? Over five months, this bipartisan group includes college presidents, business owners, county commissioners, pastors, and community organizers. They represent rural counties facing economic challenges as industries change.
The program focuses on workforce development - helping people get the skills they need for good jobs. Participants include leaders from healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing, and community development. They work together despite different political views to find solutions that help people in their communities.
The region faces unique challenges like population loss, limited job opportunities, and the need to train workers for new industries. This leadership program shows how bringing diverse voices together can help solve complex problems. The forum is run by Duke University and focuses on creating meaningful dialogue between people who can make real changes in their communities.
By working across party lines and different sectors, these leaders hope to create better economic opportunities for families in northeastern North Carolina.