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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Lead for North Carolina

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Imagine yourself in public service

Lead for North Carolina is a premier local government fellowship for recent college graduates.

Lead for North Carolina connects promising young leaders with our state’s local governments. This innovative fellowship program supports communities and strengthens public institutions, while creating a new generation of extraordinary public servants.

Fellowship applications are now CLOSED for the 2026-27 cohort year! Please complete check again in February 2027.

News

August 24, 2026
Meet the Western Carolina University Grads Leading North Carolina

This July four Western Carolina University graduates were chosen to serve communities across the state as Lead for North Carolina fellows. Lead for NC is a government fellowship program started…

News

August 24, 2026
Maggie Valley Welcomes Lead for North Carolina Fellow as Statewide Program Launches Its Eighth Cohort

This July, the eighth cohort of Lead for North Carolina Fellows arrived at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to begin their journey into public sector careers. After…

News

August 21, 2026
Morehead City Welcomes Lead for NC Fellow

Morehead City Welcomes Lead for North Carolina Fellow as Statewide Program Launches Its Eighth CohortThis July, the eighth cohort of Lead for North Carolina Fellows arrived at the University of…

Meet the fellows

Jia Emaus
Jia Emaus, Cohort 7
Jurisdiction: City of Greensboro
 
Working in Greensboro’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Department has reinforced my belief that lasting change comes from people-centered, community-rooted solutions. By engaging directly with residents, local partners, and consultants, I’ve seen the value of connecting policy to real-world needs and the importance of building trust through transparency. This role has deepened my commitment to public service and inspired me to continue creating spaces where local communities can thrive.

Jia Li Emaus the Lead for North Carolina Fellow with the City of Greensboro, working in the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department to advance housing policy, data transparency, and community outreach. She maintains and improves public dashboards for the Affordable Housing and Road to 10,000 Homes initiatives, ensuring information is accurate, cohesive, and accessible to residents. Jia also supports the Lead-Safe Housing and Housing Repair programs by managing grants, tracking data, coordinating neighborhood outreach, and guiding residents through application processes. Her work strengthens housing programs, promotes equitable neighborhood development, and fosters transparency between the city and its communities.

Kristy Nguyen
Kristy Nguyen, Cohort 6
Jurisdiction: Town of Apex
 
I am grateful for the opportunity that Lead for North Carolina has given me to make a meaningful impact on the community. It is incredibly rewarding to see residents from all backgrounds attend and participate in town events and access essential services without language barriers.

As the Language Access and Community Coordinator for the Town of Apex, Kristy Nguyen is leading the implementation of the Town’s Language Access Plan to make resources and services more accessible to all residents. She collaborates with each department to identify and translate vital documents, ensuring key information is available to everyone, including Limited English Proficiency residents. She also coordinates interpretation services for town meetings and community events and works to ensure that all town programs, activities, and resources are accessible to all. These efforts break down language barriers and foster a more inclusive community where residents can actively engage with town programs, services, and local government.

Meet the Fellows
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