WS Chronicle

For the first time since its founding, Triad Cultural Arts, Inc. has named a new executive director, Winston-Salem native, Abrea Armstrong. 

Armstrong brings over a decade of business, marketing, and philanthropic experience, including playing a key role in communications for Innovation Quarter during COVID-19 pandemic and the social uprising of 2020. She is a former president of the Winston-Salem Urban League Young Professionals.

“My family has attended the Juneteenth Festival for as long as I can remember. As the proud seed and bloom of Winston-Salem, I can marry my lived experience as a Black woman with my business and philanthropic acumen to advance an organization that formed core memories.”

Armstrong has received several accolades including being named as part of the inaugural class of the 20 in their 20s and in Outstanding Voice in Diversity by the Triad Business Journal, 40 Under 40 Most Influential African-Americans in the Triad by Black Business Ink magazine, and was a 2019 recipient of the Leadership Award by the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce, and most recently, the 2022 City of Winston-Salem MLK Young Dreamer Award and the 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Triad Cultural Arts, Inc. (TCA) was founded in 2007 as a nonprofit, community-based, multi-disciplinary cultural arts organization. A leader in bringing recognition to Black American history and culture, TCA is dedicated to presenting programming that contributes to a culturally competent community so that significant and lasting improvements can be made in our society.

Triad Cultural Arts’ founder and former executive director will continue on as program manager to focus on the organization’s programming, tours, and research. “We are thrilled to welcome Abrea as our new Executive Director. Her extensive experience and dedication to our mission make her the ideal leader to guide Triad Cultural Arts, Inc. into a new era of growth and community engagement. Her vibrancy and demonstrated passion for promoting cultural awareness and appreciation will make a tremendous impact in our region.” 

“Abrea’s experience makes her an excellent choice to lead the organization. It’s so important that we have leadership opportunities for young professionals that keep them in Winston-Salem,” said Carol Davis, chair of the Triad Cultural Arts, Inc. board.

Armstrong has also served on board and advisory board positions with A/perture Cinemas, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., and Winston-Salem Urban League, currently serves on a Salem Academy task force, and is a graduate of the National Urban League’s Emerging Leaders program.

“So many people my age have left to gain education and experience. It’ll be boomerangers and millennials like me, who will usher our city into the future because we know what’s true to our city and we know what’s possible for our city,” says Armstrong. “Winston is home. It has given me so much and now it’s time to return the favor.”

Armstrong is a St. John’s University graduate with a bachelor’s in Spanish language and literature, with minors in African-American studies and political science. She has also received her master’s in management from Wake Forest University. 

Armstrong is a writer, traveler, and entrepreneur with works published in the Winston-Salem Journal, City Beat and XXL Magazine. Her first day at Triad Cultural Arts was December 4.