Name: Yulonda Griffin
Leadership Charlotte (LC) Class: 43
Title/Company: Director of Community Resources Department/Mecklenburg County
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Education: BS from Fayetteville State University & MS from Troy State University
Current personal or leadership goals:
My current leadership goals center on cultivating a workplace where staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. As department director, it’s important to me that my team knows I am invested in both their personal and professional growth. I am focused on providing individualized development opportunities, strengthening mentoring and coaching practices, and ensuring our staff have the training, resources, and tools they need to be successful.
Why should someone take the leap into Leadership Charlotte, and what’s your best advice for making the most of the experience once they’re in?
Leadership Charlotte offers an unparalleled opportunity to understand the history, complexities, and lived experiences that have shaped the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community we know today. It also challenges participants to reflect deeply on the influences that have shaped their own perspectives as leaders while building a diverse network across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
My best advice for getting the most out of the experience is to show up with openness – allow yourself to let your guard down, participate fully, and trust the process. Throughout the program, you will be stretched in ways that invite vulnerability, reflection, and a willingness to consider perspectives different from your own. Embrace the moments.
Leadership Charlotte introduced me to remarkable leaders who remain part of my network today, and it helped clarify the values and beliefs that guide me as a leader committed to serving the community.
Complete the sentence: Leadership Charlotte shaped my journey by…
…by building lasting relationships with people who share a passion for service, growth, and lasting impact.
What do you hope your support of Leadership Charlotte helps make possible for future participants?
I hope my support helps future participants grow as leaders, broaden their perspectives, and feel inspired to answer the “call to action” to create lasting, positive change within our community.
In what ways do you stay engaged in the Charlotte community, and how could fellow alumni join you?
I stay engaged by serving on boards that positively impact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community, supporting initiatives that promote civic participation, and showing up for community-focused events, including those led or supported by Leadership Charotte alumni. I encourage alumni to bring their knowledge, talents, and passion to organizations and causes where they can serve with purpose and help strengthen and uplift our most vulnerable communities.
What’s your favorite way to recharge or connect with Charlotte on the weekend?
As a true lover of music, I enjoy exploring the many opportunities Charlotte offers to experience live performances. Whether it’s catching a show at Middle C Jazz, attending a concert at the Spectrum Center, or enjoying a musical at the Blumenthal Arts Center, one of my favorite ways to connect with the city always includes great music.
Shout out a local nonprofit or initiative making a difference — what do they do, and why does their mission speak to you?
In my current role, I have the privilege of collaborating with many nonprofits that are creating real impact in our community. As a board member of the Muggsy Bogues Family Foundation (MBFF), I am deeply aligned with its mission to empower underserved youth and families by increasing access to food security, education, and workforce development opportunities. From trade-focused scholarships for young people to providing food and essential resources through the “Labor of Love” events, MBFF is addressing critical community needs.
I am also inspired by Communities In Schools (CIS) – Charlotte-Mecklenburg. CIS – Charlotte surrounds students with a community of support—connecting them with caring adults and vital resources so they can stay in school, overcome barriers, and reach their full potential. Whether meeting basic needs, offering academic and mentoring support, and even opening doors to cultural and career experiences, CIS-Charlotte is there to fill the gaps that help students thrive.