Your Public, NOT Perfect Servant...
Discover Shai Woodbury's unwavering commitment to District A. As a dedicated servant leader, Shai believes in empowering the community and fostering a Forsyth that works for everyone. Explore her journey, accomplishments, and vision for a brighter future.
My journey: a path of perseverance
Shai's journey to public service is a testament to resilience and dedication. She often shares with children, "don't give up on yourself," a message born from her own experiences. Before becoming a member and the first African American to chair the WSFC Board of Education in 2018, Shai faced and learned from two previous election losses. Inspired by the need to advocate for more public school funds and to ensure the construction of a new Ashley Elementary school in East Winston, she ran for Forsyth County Commissioner in 2022. Since taking office, the county has indeed increased funding and approved the necessary funds for a new Ashley Elementary school, fulfilling a crucial promise to the community.
Making a difference...
As Commissioner, Shai is most proud of her tireless fight to increase funding for public schools, securing crucial financial support for the future of our children. She championed funding to build a new Ashley Elementary School, a cornerstone project for East Winston. Beyond education, Shai has worked to change policies that protect elected officials from harassment, ensuring a more respectful governance environment. Her efforts extended to changing procurement policy to increase contracts for HUB/MWBE businesses, fostering economic equity. To ensure broader community participation, she changed public meeting times to accommodate more citizens. Shai also led a resolution to recognize 50 years of Hip-Hop and celebrate the musical accomplishments and legacy of Winston-Salem native and NC Music Hall of Fame inductee, 9th Wonder.
Shai believes the most critical issues are educating and protecting our youth, addressing housing needs, and promoting economic mobility for all residents. If re-elected, her overarching vision is "A Forsyth for All," which envisions a county that serves ALL of its citizens equitably, ensuring no one is left behind, specifically our children. Her primary goal is to continue to represent all residents, especially those in District A, by empowering them with honest information and fostering collaborative efforts to fulfill their diverse interests and improve their quality of life.
"Shai is a servant leader of the people. Real power belongs to the people."
Shai Woodbury, Forsyth County Commissioner, District A