Keisha Samara Horton is an alumna of the 2023 class of the Boards and Commissions Fellowship with the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation.

Keisha works for Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools as a Mental Health Clinician. She serves on the board of a youth after-school program, and is also thinking of someday running for school board. She is the mother of three graduates in the school system, so her commitment to it runs deep.

Through the fellowship, Keisha was able to broaden her circle and become more confident networking with people and going outside her comfort zone. She had the chance to connect with leaders from all over the state, and especially enjoyed meeting a former school board member who is now serving as a county commissioner. She also liked learning more about how the government works and the importance of being involved.

One of the best parts of the fellowship for Keisha was her mentor, who currently serves as a commissioner in a nearby county. He was able to give her lots of insight into how boards and commissions function.

“He had a wealth of information, and I enjoyed getting to pick his brain. He was always able to answer my questions, and if he didn’t know, he would direct me to someone,” said Keisha.

“I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, but when I grew up, I didn’t think about how decisions are made and who serves on boards and commissions. Being part of the fellowship is a way to be part of something bigger than myself, and to learn about my leaders and the decisions they make,” Keisha reflected.

Her one regret is that, with everything else she’s involved in within her community, she hasn’t been able to dive into commission service the way some of her fellow alums have. “One of my classmates actually ran for mayor! My only regret is that I wasn’t able to join them right away serving on a board or commission.”

Though she has not yet been appointed to a board or commission, she has some specific ones in mind given her passion for addressing substance abuse.

“The Triad Municipal ABC Board governs the liquor stores in North Carolina, so that might be a good fit, or something with youth might make sense too,” said Keisha.

Keisha is already serving on many nonprofit boards, but being part of an appointed public commission will be a new adventure that she is looking forward to.

Learn more about LCVEF’s Boards and Commissions Fellowship program with our state leagues and read more articles in our blog series.