Networking Groups in Winston-Salem

Jacob Gauthier

August 12, 2024

Looking to broaden your network? Winston-Salem is home to many groups designed to help you network with other young professionals while also impacting the community.

Keep reading to discover networking groups in Winston-Salem!

Updated August 2025

Winston Under 40

What: Winston Under 40 promotes talent recruitment and development for young professionals through:

Networking socials
Professional development lectures and workshops
Volunteer and fundraising opportunities with the annual nonprofit community partner organization
Leadership Awards – Annual celebration recognizing outstanding young professionals

Becoming a Member: Free to join, though Winston Under 40 encourages the member’s employer to be a member of Greater Winston-Salem Inc. Individuals can sign up for Greater Winston-Salem Inc.’s newsletter to stay up-to-date with upcoming events.

Requirements: None

The Junior League of Winston-Salem

What: Junior League is a women’s organization impacting the community through volunteering, collaboration, and training. Programs include:

Backpack Program – Packs and distributes food to students at Cook Literacy Model School who don’t have access to free school food during weekends and holidays
Kids in the Kitchen – Teaches children about nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals/snacks
BookWORM – Distributes donated books to local children
Strong Women, Strong Families – Hosts health and wellness fairs at various Title I schools

Becoming a Member: New members participate in a training program from September to May. New member fees are $75 and new member dues are $150. Applications are due August 15, 2025.

Requirements: Members must attend general membership meetings, participate in their placement, contribute to fundraisers, and attend trainings.

Winston-Salem Urban League: Young Professionals

What: Members of WSUL Young Professionals support the Urban League movement through volunteerism, philanthropy, and membership development. The Urban League’s community programs include:

Summer Youth Employment Program – Provides low-income teenagers with leadership development, life skills training, and career & college exploration
Youth Worx – Provides educational support, soft skills training, and post-secondary education preparation for teens in 10th and 11th grade
Senior Community Service Employment Program – Provides unemployed, low-income senior citizens with hands-on job training

Becoming a Member: Annual membership dues are $40.

Requirements: Members must be ages 21-40.

Winston-Salem Ambassadors

What: Ambassadors recruit and retain people by sharing their knowledge of Winston-Salem and making them feel welcome in the city. Responsibilities include:

Conducting Welcome to WS Orientations
Grabbing coffee and/or lunch with newcomers
Leading tours of Winston-Salem

Becoming an Ambassador: Attend orientation.

Requirements: Live or work in Winston-Salem, attend quarterly meetings, and contribute $25 per quarter ($100 per year).

Emerging Leaders United

What: As part of United Way of Forsyth County, Emerging Leaders United engages young professionals through:

Leadership development
Social networking opportunities
Participation in volunteer events

Becoming a Member: Fill out the form to receive more information.

Requirements: Contribute $250 and complete 24 hours of volunteer service annually.

Young Samaritans

What: Young Samaritans is a group of young professionals committed to caring for the hungry and unhoused population of Greater Winston-Salem. Attendees can expect to:

Help prepare and serve dinner for unhoused men receiving emergency shelter on the first Monday of every month
Help Samaritan Ministries with fundraising efforts
Organize community socials

Getting Involved: Contact Arianna Moore at [email protected].

Requirements: None

REACH Women’s Network

What: REACH Women’s Network is a nonprofit focused on advancing economic development and promoting gender equity in the workplace. Programs and resources include:

REACH Women’s Conference – The annual conference features keynote speakers and breakout sessions
Pink Couch Panel Events – Members learn about leadership, nonprofits, innovation, and more from experts
What She Said: Community Survey of Women in the Workplace – Members have access to research from the community about women’s experiences related to job satisfaction and personal and professional barriers impacting their career growth

Becoming a Member: Enrollment opens each spring following the REACH Women’s Conference.

Requirements: Attend general membership meetings, participate in programming, and pay annual dues of $250.

Looking to meet new people in more casual settings? Check out our guide to making new friends in Winston-Salem!