A day-and-a-half conference brings nonprofit, government, Cooperative Extension/N.C. A&T, and community leaders together for practical training and regional collaboration
TRENTON, N.C. – Community leaders, nonprofit representatives, government personnel, and Cooperative Extension staff gathered March 19-20 at the Jones County Civic Center for the 2026 Spring Grassroots Leadership Academy Conference, a day-and-a-half event designed to strengthen local leadership capacity and build stronger connections across eastern North Carolina. The conference was hosted by The Filling Station, Intentional Excellence, Jones County Government, and Cooperative Extension/ N.C. A&T.
“We are honored to partner with Jones County Government, Intentional Excellence, and Cooperative Extension/N.C. A&T in connecting public, nonprofit, faith, and community-based leaders in one setting. The event reinforced the value of cross-sector collaboration in addressing local challenges and expanding opportunity in rural communities,” said Mary Ann LeRay, Executive Director of The Filling Station
Held at the Jones County Civic Center in Trenton, NC, the conference featured interactive workshops, plenary sessions, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and two focused learning tracks to help both emerging and established leaders create meaningful change in their communities.
The conference format opened on March 19 with welcome remarks, followed by a morning plenary session on grassroots leadership impact, breakout workshops, a networking lunch, and an afternoon panel discussion highlighting leadership in action. Day two continued with coffee and networking, a grassroots lightning-round session showcasing former academy graduates, breakout sessions, and closing remarks.
Lauren Wargo, District Manager of Government & Community Relations for Duke Energy, said, "In Jones County, leadership is found in the way we honor local heritage, welcome every voice to the table, and build a more resilient future together. The Spring Grassroots Leadership Academy Conference did just that—empowering and connecting emerging and established leaders to guide Jones County into the future. We strengthen Jones County when we work together to support vibrant communities focused on genuine care for our neighbors and future generations."
One workshop track focused on facilitating community leadership development at the local level through the Community Voices model, while the second offered special-topic sessions on partnerships, branding, conflict resolution, and defining moments.
“The Spring Grassroots Leadership Conference in Jones County was both refreshing and empowering. To see the community represented in so many ways, sitting in a room full of hope for the future while building essential skills and increasing their networks for community impact was truly inspiring,” said Tharesa Lee, Intentional Excellence Consulting.
Dr. Michelle Eley, N.C. A&T remarked, “This conference brought together individuals passionate about building stronger communities—whether they were seeking new ideas, meaningful partnerships, or simply the energy that comes from connecting and collaborating with others.”
For more information about The Filling Station and its programs, visit fillingstation1075.com.
Media Contact:
Jeremy LeRay
NBWD Media | PR
newbernwebdesign.com
252-349-0270
jeremy@newbernwebdesign.com
Organization Contact:
The Filling Station
PO Box 222
221 Main Street
Pollocksville, NC 28573
252-224-1127
fsdirector@fillingstation1075.com
Permission granted for reprint and redistribution.
Photo Credit: New Bern Web Design/The Filling Station
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#GrassrootsLeadership #LeadershipAcademy #JonesCountyNC #TheFillingStation #CommunityLeadership #EasternNorthCarolina #NonprofitLeadership
Partners:
The Filling Station; Intentional Excellence; Jones County Government; Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T.