ABOUT US

In 2012, our journey began with Founding Board Chair, Teresa Carter, conducting a Needs Assessment during the PRIDE Winston-Salem march. This assessment aimed to determine if the Triad area required an LGBTQ Community Center. At that time, the absence of such centers in the Triad was evident, especially when Raleigh and Charlotte had already established their own. Determined to make a difference, Ms. Carter visited these centers to learn about starting and funding a new one. The results of the Needs Assessment were overwhelmingly positive, with over 93% of participants expressing a strong need for an LGBTQ Center in Winston-Salem.

This crucial support motivated Ms. Carter to begin organizing a Board for the Center in 2012. In a significant step forward, Winston-Salem Equality, another local nonprofit, has agreed to merge with us, enabling a unified effort. The name “North Star Community Center” was chosen, inspired by the first gay comic strip hero, North Star, as well as the navigational importance of the North Star itself.

After navigating the intricacies of completing our 501(c)(3) non-profit status, we set out to find a suitable location in 2013. Our first home was a lovely house located at 704 Brookstown Ave. in downtown Winston-Salem, which has since become a part of the Positive Wellness Alliance. Due to various challenges, we later moved to our current location at 930 Burke Street. During our early days, North Star also served as an umbrella organization for “Out at the Movies” until they secured their own 501(c)(3) status.

Thanks to the generous support from foundations such as the Adams Foundation, Winston-Salem Foundation, Smith Reynolds Foundation, Arcus Foundation, and Reynolds Foundation, we were able to hire our first Center Manager. A special moment for us was the establishment of our library, made possible by a private donation from Kevin Jennings in honor of his mother, with additional furniture donated by Keith Preston Phillips.

Our fundraising efforts have also been a highlight, particularly with the launch of “In Good Company,” an event that recognizes local businesses for their equality policies. Hosted at the Embassy Suites Banquet Room, this annual event has successfully raised over $20,000 each year, attracting around 250 guests. The inaugural event featured the inspiring invocation by Bishop Gene Robinson and included numerous guest speakers who shared their insights. The annual fundraiser has since transformed into a month-long campaign, Give Out Days, and a yearly kick-off event, “Cocktails for a Cause,” featuring our amateur Rising Mx. North Star Drag Competition.

As the founder of North Star, I am immensely proud of our Board members, volunteers, donors, and staff who work tirelessly to provide a safe space for everyone. With a variety of support groups and activities, we strive to make a difference in our community. I eagerly look forward to the next 10 years and all that we can achieve together!

— Teresa Carter

Board of Directors

Interested in joining the Board? Click here for more info.

Spencer Foster

Interim Board Chair

Spencer joined the North Star board in September 2021. He graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Public Relations, and currently works in digital strategy. Spencer has a passion for public health and has helped to expand accessible STI testing at North Star. In his free time, he and his partner enjoy spending time with their pets and binging any city of the Real Housewives.

Brent Bruin

Treasurer

Joining the team in May 2025, with over a decade of experience managing the Costume Department at the Center Theater Group in Los Angeles, I have developed extensive skills in nonprofit management and administrative operations. This experience has equipped me with the tools to foster creativity and collaboration in every project I undertake.

Alongside my husband, Steven Bruin, we are dedicated to making a positive difference in our community. We believe that art and creativity can inspire change, and we are excited to contribute our talents to meaningful initiatives.

DeeAnna Kearns

Secretary

DeeAnna became a member of the North Star Board of Directors in the fall of 2022. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and double minored Sociology and Gender Studies. She is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte. She has served members of the mental health and I/DD population since 2006 and has a passion for helping others. In her free time, DeeAnna loves going to the beach, shopping, and spending time with her nieces and her two dogs, Kali James and Finnley Kade.

Rhys Chambers

Development Chair

Rhys Chambers joined the board in the spring of 2025. They graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a major in Political Science and moved to North Carolina in 2022 to take a job with the Human Rights Campaign, currently as the Associate Director of State and Regional Campaigns.
They are dedicated to building and deepening both their personal and North Star's ties with the LGBTQ+ community across Forsyth and the surrounding counties. They love reading, playing guitar, thrifting, and supporting local LGBTQ+ and allied businesses. With their work as the development committee chair, they look forward to bringing new events and programming that will not only help the community connect with one another, showcase their talents, but also contribute to creating a long-term and sustainable future for the center.

Tobi Sparks

Member

Tobias joined North Star Board of Directors in the fall of 2022. He holds a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. He previously was involved with The Coming Out Monologues before moving to Winston-Salem in 2021. In his spare time, he enjoys video games, writing, cooking, and binge-watching various docu-series.

Tiffany Rook

Volunteer Chair

Tiffany Rook joined the board in November 2023. Tiffany is originally from Eastern NC by way of a little town called Roanoke Rapids. She graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology in 2005 and received a Masters of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2007. Tiffany is currently the owner of Rooks Nest, LLC, which offers guidance and case management to LGBTQ+ young adults after aging out of foster care and plans to offer housing in the near future. Tiffany is excited about being a part of North Star's mission and creating more programs, inclusiveness, diversity, and awareness to our community.

Dezi Velez

Member

My name is Dezi, I love reading, and learning. I am a firm believer in always staying a student. There is so much knowledge in the world, the only thing I can keep doing, is learning.
I grew up with a very open and supportive family and group of friends. I hope to be the person that provides love and support to whomever needs it.
I have 2 degrees and I use my knowledge to try and help the environments around me. Whether it be work, home, or a beautiful, welcoming community center.

Michelle Burrnett

Member

Michelle Burnett joined the board in May 2025, following a long tenure as a volunteer. She grew up just north of Albany, NY, and moved here in 2013. Michelle has an associate's degree in Early Childhood Development from Forsyth Tech in 2020.
Her passions include creating a love of learning in children and teaching them to handle their emotions. Her primary motivation for joining the board is to make a difference and establish connections within the local LGBTQIA community.

Hours & Directions

North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center

930 Burke St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 893-9053 | info@northstarwsnc.org

center hours

Sunday	OPEN	11:00 AM	3:00 PM
Saturday	OPEN	11:00 AM	3:00 PM
Friday	OPEN	11:00 AM	3:00 PM

North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center