Pamela Williams
Founder of Leading Ladies of Harnett County
Why Leading Ladies of Harnett County was started:
Leading Ladies of Harnett County was born from our hearts and a deep need we saw among women of color in our community. We built our own table to ensure that no woman with ties to Harnett County is left out of a Sisterhood if she wants to be part of one. We wanted to create more than an organization— we believed that if we built a strong sisterhood, the business side would take care of itself because the business was never the goal—the goal was Sisterhood. We wanted to create a true, affordable Sisterhood for women of all ages—because we believe that diversity in age strengthens the Sisterhood. Our Sisterhood is specifically for women who live in, are native to, or work in Harnett County. This local connection matters deeply to us, which is why it’s a requirement. We wanted to create something that doesn’t just look good on paper or on a website, but a space that truly feels safe, welcoming, and real for every member. We envisioned a place where women could show up as themselves without fear of judgment, gossip, or drama. A place where collaboration replaces competition and where support is genuine. When a Sista walks into any Leading Ladies meeting or event, she will feel peace, not pressure—community, not conflict. This sisterhood is not meant to be exclusive or based on personal preferences. It was created to be open to all women of color, regardless of background, differences or if we know the person. The intention for this sisterhood is to be a place where women are not voted on for membership. Every woman of color is welcome to join and contribute to the sisterhood who displays (1) Leadership, (2) Character (3) Community Involvement (4) Commitment and committed to honoring our Sisters Code of Conduct and that will determine if a Sista will remain in the Sisterhood. Our blueprint has always been on inclusion, support, and building genuine connections, not on judging or selecting who belongs. Our Focus is: Platform for Women of Color to Come Together, Opportunity to Make a Difference on a Larger Scale, and Vehicle to Unify Voices to Speak for Those Less Visible. Leading Ladies is a space where women are not divided into cliques or sides, but united through respect, understanding, and shared purpose. The goal has always been connection, not comparison. We wanted to challenge the negative stereotypes about women of color and show the world who we really are—leaders, we work together, talented, and supportive of each other. Leading Ladies is a member centered organization. No one person—and no small group of people—is in control. This is not a one-voice or two-voice organization. We are all in control together. Every member has a voice, and those voices matter. The direction of this organization is shaped by the membership as a whole, because We believe the strength of Leading Ladies lies in the collective, not the individual. Everyone is involved and equal, and every member’s unique gifts, skills, and talents is valued and will be used to help this organization grow, thrive, and excel not only within the sisterhood, but also in the work we do to uplift, lead, and serve our community. Sistas show up and contribute not just to the people they personally know or like, but to all members and every event, because every activity, meeting, or initiative is a Leading Ladies event—not a committee event. From the beginning, our intentions have been clear and unwavering: to foster a safe environment (our "safe space") where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued. We welcome different thoughts and opinions and commit to respecting one another—even when we don’t always agree or like someone. Respect is not optional here; it is the foundation. We do not believe in cliques, division, or an “us versus them” mentality. We believe that when women are allowed to truly get to know one another without interference, taking sides, side meetings, or agendas, real sisterhood can flourish. That belief is why our Group Activity Support (Bonding Committee) was implemented in the first place—to intentionally create opportunities for bonding, friendship, and authentic connection. When challenges arise as we know they will, we want members to know that they are supported with care and fairness through Group Member Support, and when needed, our Chaplain provides confidential mediation. Issues are handled with compassion, integrity, and privacy—never gossip. Leading Ladies of Harnett County was founded on the belief that women of color deserve a space where they are supported, protected, and uplifted. Leading Ladies of Harnett County was founded on the belief that women of color are stronger together and that unity extends beyond our sisterhood into the communities we serve. This is why our motto is “Unity.....Breaking the Myth and Setting the Stage.” Unity means coming together and working as one, breaking the myth means challenging false ideas or common misconceptions, and setting the stage means creating the right environment by showing people how it is done. This sisterhood is built on unity—period. Unity in our words, our actions, and our purpose. Anything or anyone that threatens that unity does not align with who we are and will not be tolerated. We are committed to building genuine, lasting bonds and doing everything in our power to preserve the integrity of this sisterhood. This is more than an organization—it is a commitment, a community, and a promise to remain strong, united, and SOLID in Sisterhood.
What we want all current and future Sistas of Leading Ladies of Harnett County to know:
Starting this Sisterhood wasn’t easy. It required vision, hard work, careful execution, and the unwavering dedication of our founders to bring it to life. Leading Ladies of Harnett County was built with intention, heart, and genuine sisterhood. We expect every current and future Sista to carry that same spirit—otherwise, this is not the right fit for you. Sistas should honor and respect the vision of the founders' embrace its purpose and build on it— and help carry it forward in every event, meeting, activity, position, they will carry their legacy forward, keeping their vision at the heart of all we do. The founders’ roles are permanent and deeply respected, as this sisterhood was built from our hearts. We will always remain an active part of the sisterhood, walking and working alongside every Sista to guide, advise, protect, support, and nurture the vision, history, mission, purpose, focus, etc., honoring the legacy we began together while supporting those in leadership during their term while they do the day- to-day operations as effective leadership of this sisterhood depends on understanding its founding purpose and maintaining ongoing guidance from the founders, who preserve the organization’s original intent. As founders, should the vision be derailed, we will reconvene to ensure it is fulfilled and executed as intended. Our role as founders is to uplift and protect the sisterhood, ensuring it thrives for generations to come while staying true to the vision and founding principles of Leading Ladies of Harnett County.
Why We Call Each Other SISTAS and not Sisters--It's a meaning behind Sista
We don’t use the word SISTA loosely. In Leading Ladies of Harnett County, SISTA represents who we are, how we show up for one another, and the standard we hold ourselves to. Being a SISTA is not a title—it’s a responsibility.
SISTA stands for:
S – Support
We show up for one another with intention, compassion, and consistency. A SISTA supports, uplifts, and encourages—especially when it’s not convenient.
I – Integrity
We move with honesty, accountability, and respect. A SISTA does what’s right even when no one is watching and protects the integrity of the sisterhood at all times.
S – Sisterhood
This is real sisterhood, not surface-level connections. A SISTA builds genuine bonds rooted in trust, unity, and mutual respect—free from gossip, cliques, or division.
T – Trust
We create a safe space where confidentiality is honored and voices are respected. A SISTA is someone you can trust—with your words, your growth, and your presence.
A – Accountability
We hold ourselves and each other accountable with love. A SISTA corrects with care, leads by example, and understands that accountability strengthens unity, not breaks it.
Pamela Williams
Founder of Leading Ladies of Harnett County