Salem College Announces LaTida Smith as 2026 Commencement Keynote Speaker
Winston-Salem, N.C. – Thursday, May 7, 2026 — Salem College is pleased to announce that LaTida Smith, President of The Winston-Salem Foundation, will serve as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Commencement ceremony.
Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 10 a.m. in the historic May Dell on the Salem Academy and College campus.
A respected leader in philanthropy and community impact, Smith brings more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to her role as the fifth President of The Winston-Salem Foundation. The Foundation, now in its 106th year, oversees more than $700 million in assets and works to connect resources with purposeful action to strengthen the Forsyth County community.
Throughout her career, Smith has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing health, equity, and opportunity. Her previous leadership roles include guiding the development of the Moses Taylor Foundation in Northeast Pennsylvania, directing grantmaking and evaluation for Saint Luke’s Foundation in Cleveland, and managing the HIV/AIDS Unit for the Cleveland Department of Public Health.
“LaTida’s wisdom and experience make her an influential leader in our local community and beyond. Her story is an inspiring one. And the work that she and the Winston Salem Foundation do means that our community is healthier and more prosperous than it would be without them. Salem College and its students have benefitted from the generosity of the Winston Salem Foundation. We are grateful that LaTida would join us as the keynote speaker for our 2026 Commencement Ceremony,” said Dr. Gary Daynes, Interim President of Salem Academy and College.
Smith currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Effective Philanthropy and Crosby Scholars, further reflecting her dedication to strengthening communities through collaboration and strategic leadership.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and holds master’s degrees in English and Women’s Studies from The Ohio State University.
Salem College’s Commencement ceremony celebrates the achievements of its graduating class and reflects the institution’s mission to educate women who understand the complexity of health, lead with purpose, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
About Salem College
Salem College provides women a liberal arts education with a distinctive focus on health and leadership ensuring our graduates understand the power, importance, and complexity of health in our society. Salem College prepares students for a range of career paths to lead in making the world a better, healthier, more equitable place. Salem College is the only national liberal arts college exclusively focused on developing the health leaders of tomorrow.