June 2, 2023

The Winston-Salem YWCA held the 43rd annual Women of Vision Awards ceremony yesterday at 5:30 p.m., where Dr. Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech, was recognized as the Education Trailblazer recipient.

Dr. Spriggs has served as the President of Forsyth Tech since January 2019, and has nearly 30 years of experience working in higher education. As a proud former community college student, Dr. Spriggs believes in the power of education to transform lives – and she is on a mission to end poverty through education.

Examples of her work to remove barriers to students’ academic success abound, but one of the most impactful includes starting the Forsyth Tech Cares Program, which provides highly individualized care to students and helps with everything from rental assistance to childcare to free legal aid. The ripple effects of this program, which are proven to positively impact student success, will be felt for years to come.

She sees our community in Forsyth Tech’s diverse student body, and tirelessly works to provide everyone with the tools they need to succeed – not just while at school, but later in life, as well.

Dr. Spriggs champions programs that will advance equity of all kinds – economic, social and racial – and is dedicated to making sure that Forsyth Tech’s campuses throughout Forsyth and Stokes Counties are places that everyone feels they belong.

“I was honored and humbled to be recognized in this way,” said Dr. Spriggs. “I applaud the YWCA and the work that they do to empower and uplift women, and am proud to be in such good company among my fellow 2023 Women of Vision award recipients.”

The YWCA Women of Vision awards recognize extraordinary women who have harnessed their knowledge, creativity and leadership for the betterment of the community. The other 2023 recipients were: Michelle Butt, People’s Champion Award; Dr. Goldie Smith Byrd, Lifetime Health Equity Champion; Carol Polk, Women’s Empowerment Award; and Amatullah Saleem, Community Enrichment Champion.