2026 Annual Community Transformation Luncheon:
A Network of Hope, Connection & Possibility
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Since 2020, Love Out Loud’s Transformation Luncheon has brought together business, civic, and community leaders- people like you who care about building a stronger, more connected community. Each year, around 300 leaders from across various sectors come together to build trust, form meaningful connections, and mobilize people to drive meaningful change.
On February 24, 2026, 280 community partners filled the room for Love Out Loud's seventh annual Community Transformation Luncheon — and the energy in that space reflected exactly what we believe is possible for Winston-Salem. We're grateful so many of you were part of it.
Anchored by a panel with Arleatha Patterson, Josefina Acosta-Herrera, and Mark Owens, the program explored how Partnership for Prosperity, Healthy Forsyth, and Greater Winston-Salem are weaving community feedback across macro, mezzo, and micro spheres — a conversation that was both inspiring and deeply practical.
Thanks to the Millennium Center production team, you can now watch (or listen on your next drive):
2026 Panel Speakers
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Josefina Acosta was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, where she earned a Doctorate in Law. She moved to the United States in 1998 and worked in New York City with the nonprofit Graham Windham, supporting children with special needs and families—experiences that shaped her lifelong commitment to social work and community advocacy.
In 2010, Josefina joined the Forsyth County Department of Public Health and currently serves as Program Manager for the Healthy Forsyth Program in Winston-Salem. In this role, she leads community-based initiatives addressing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol—particularly within minority communities—through partnerships that promote health education, physical activity, and healthy eating.
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Mark Owens has over fourteen years of experience in building communities through economic development. He was named President and CEO of the Winston-Salem Chamber, now
Greater Winston-Salem Inc., in 2017 and previously served as the President and CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber in South Carolina.
Owens is actively involved in the community in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County, serving on the Board of Directors at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center and the Piedmont Triad Partnership, among others. Nationally, he serves on the board of directors for ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.
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Arleatha Patterson is a community organizer and advocate rooted in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, whose lived experience informs her commitment to equity, dignity, and opportunity for families and neighborhoods.
She currently serves as a Director for the Partnership for Prosperity at Action 4 Equity, leading resident-driven initiatives through the Moving Families Forward (MFF) framework across Castle Heights, Salem Gardens, and Eastgate. Her work centers community voice, Asset-Based Community Development, and the Social Determinants of Health to drive sustainable, place-based change. She is also a member of Our Opportunity 2 Love and heal coalition.
Sponsorship
We invite you to invest in the positive transformation of our community by becoming a sponsor for the Love Out Loud Community Transformation Luncheon.
By supporting this event, you contribute to:
Celebrating the remarkable work of local community leaders.
Fostering partnerships and collaboration across the community.
Amplifying the impact of Love Out Loud's role in strengthening relationships and connectivity.
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Headlining recognition in all printed and online materials and advertising for the event. Prominent recognition and thank you from the stage at the event.
3 - Tables of Eight at the luncheon.
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Prominent recognition and company logo in all printed and online materials and advertising for event. Prominent recognition at the event.
2 - Tables of Eight at the luncheon.
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Significant recognition and company logo in all printed and online materials and advertising for event. Recognition at the event.
2 - Tables of Eight at the luncheon.
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Recognition and company logo in all printed and online materials and advertising for the event.
1 - Table of Eight at the luncheon.
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Recognition in all printed and online materials and advertising for the event.
1 - Table of Eight at the luncheon.
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Includes lunch and dessert
Purchase an individual ticket HERE
For more information about sponsoring a table, please email our Operations Director, Elizabeth Edwards, eedwards@loveoutloudws.com
