Representation Matters.
Storytelling Drives Diversity in the Innovation Quarter
We believe that diversity drives innovation, and that’s why we are committed to providing a platform for storytelling to those who are underserved or underrepresented in our community.
Diverse ideas, voices and perspectives bring new ideas into the world.
Storytelling—a universal human experience—allows us to look through new lenses and uplift diverse and underrepresented voices. In the Innovation Quarter, we strive to harness the power of storytelling to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Through visual media, art and traditional storytelling, we highlight the stories of those historically oppressed and underserved—especially people of color, women and the LGBTQ+ community—to lift up their voices and renew our commitment to ensuring that our community is one where all feel welcome and valued.
Delve in below to learn about the people and organizations that make the Innovation Quarter a place for all to live, work and play.
Visual Media
Explore the videos that highlight diverse voices and forgotten histories.
Continuum of Black Entrepreneurship
Where there is struggle, there is strength—and we are committed to helping Black entrepreneurs thrive.
From partnerships with organizations like Small Business Center at Forsyth Tech, HUSTLE Winston-Salem and Access Center to support from Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. to advance our business ecosystem, discover how we uplift Black business owners in this video.
Health Equity in the Innovation Quarter
Winston-Salem has some of the largest health and economic disparities in the country—and our community is helping lead the charge for change.
Preserving Local History through Art: Depot Street Renaissance
What happens when Black history meets the present and the future? Watch this compilation of our Depot Street Renaissance mural video series to discover how a foundation of local Black entrepreneurship and enterprise in the area that in now the Innovation Quarter moves and inspires where we head next.
Business Resources for Entrepreneurs of Color
Wilson Lester on business resources available to Black and Brown entrepreneurs at ACCESS Center for Equity + Success.
Public Art
Explore the art ecosystem that gives voice to our community.
Aspire to Inspire
by Georgie Nakima
Georgie Nakima uses spray paint to put a woman’s mark on a male-dominated field—bringing together the forces of innovation and creativity through art to create a design that captures cultural diversity and optimism for our community’s future.
Learn more about Aspire to Inspire.
Depot Street Renaissance
by Leo Rucker
Within our community’s boundaries is a long history of thriving Black life. Local artist Leo Rucker finished this mural in early 2021, depicting just a few of the many individuals, businesses and institutions that created this neighborhood’s rich heritage.
Check out the full story here.
Stories
Explore the stories that aim to elevate people and organizations in and around the Innovation Quarter.
Resources
No matter your interests and needs, there’s a community here for you.
Within the iQ’s inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem are organizations that offer networking and community-building activities, such as the Small Business Center, HUSTLE Winston-Salem, ACCESS Center for Equity + Success, Sqarq, Winston Starts and MIXXER.
