High Point's Voices Discovered

Tucked on Whitehall Street is a pool that's been changing lives since 1962! High Point Swim Club started with a handful of competitive swimmers and grew into so much more — a nonprofit built on the belief that swimming isn't a luxury; it's a lifeline. Today, HPSC offers free swim safety lessons to local second-graders through their "Swim for Life" program, has sent swimmers t...

This July 4th, America celebrates 250 years — and High Point has been practicing for decades. The Uncle Sam Jam at Oak Hollow Lake has been a community tradition for over 50 years, drawing thousands of families together every Independence Day for live music, food, and fireworks over the water. That kind of sustained community investment is something worth celebrating in its own right. Here's t...

What does it mean for a university to truly invest in its community? At High Point University, one answer rolls on four wheels. The HPU Mobile Lab has been bringing hands-on science to K–8 students across High Point since 2016 — visiting schools, the High Point Public Library, the YWCA, and the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum. Discover how the HPU students and faculty are helping t...

What do you get when you combine decades of large-scale event experience with a deep love for your community? You get Dana East, Director of Events Strategy for Visit High Point — and you get events that leave people talking. Dana's career has taken her from New Jersey to Atlanta, from finance boardrooms to backstage with Grammy-winning artists like John Legend, Maroon 5, and Usher. But it&#39...

The best burgers in High Point come with something extra — a story worth savoring. Chef Vanessa Lanier and her staff at Smash & Sizzle aren't just serving up incredible smashburgers; they're opening doors for people who deserve a second chance. Through Second Harvest's Providence Culinary Training Program, graduates are finding community, building careers, and rewriting their stori...

Before yoga was part of our mainstream exercise culture, Carol Ann Baker was healing her back and neck through personal practice, using yoga books, with no teacher or YouTube tutorial in sight. That quiet, determined practice didn't just transform her physical health... It changed her life. Now, as the Studio Manager of Pure Light Yoga in High Point, she is leading her students with the same p...

Mini Series: All-America City   From #1 in the nation for food insecurity to now operating a multi-functional food alliance to meet food insecurity needs, High Point has shown the world that we solve problems in our community collectively. The Greater High Point Food Alliance, a backbone organization that ensures that everyone is on the same page in High Point when it comes to alleviating hunger,...

Mini Series: All-America City   When it comes to entrepreneurship, Business High Point Chamber of Commerce knows that it takes more than just passion and a good idea to launch a successful business! That’s where Thrive High Point, the minority-entrepreneur initiative, comes into place! Thrive brings expertise, guidance, and support to small businesses in our city to ensure that their voice in the...

Mini Series: All-America City   In 2024, the City of High Point received the designation of an All-America City by the National Civic League – an honor bestowed on only 10 cities nationally each year! This honor came because High Point proved that our city demonstrates transformative, community-driven efforts to strengthen democracy through local action and innovation. Through initiatives like the...

In this episode of High Point's Voices Discovered, we delve into the transformative impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater High Point. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they continued to support our community, providing technology and educational resources to club members. With certified teachers, the clubs help children reach their reading levels and offer life-enhancing progra...

Episode 8: Community Clinic of High Point  We all know how complex the medical world and healthcare can be. For many folks in our communities, the work full-time but don’t necessarily get medical coverage. That’s where the Community Clinic of High Point steps in! Volunteer providers, pharmacists, translators, and more work together to serve medical needs for patients at no cost. As a private entit...

Episode 7: Carolina Core FC Academy   In the upcoming episode of High Point's Voices Discovered podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Leah Hazelwood, Chair of the Board of Directors of Carolina Core FC Academy, alongside Eddie Pope, the Carolina Core FC Academy Executive Director and former MLS legend. This episode delves into the inspiring journey of the CCFC Academy, a revolutionary no-pay-to-...

Episode 6: Family Service of the Piedmont   It’s no question that our mental health is important. In fact, more than ever, folks are realizing how important a healthy mind is for healthy individuals that make up a healthy community! And thanks to Family Service of the Piedmont, getting the mental health services we need has never been more accessible. They serve over 19,000 local children and adul...

Episode 5: Open Door Ministries   When it comes to meeting needs of food and housing security in High Point, Open Door Ministries is transforming lives, from immediate crisis management to long-term strategies for individuals experiencing homelessness. Thanks to their team, lead by Executive Director, Ryan Ross, and supported by additional staff like Director of Operations, Orel Henry, Open Door M...

Episode 4: D-UP   Since 2007, D-UP has been bringing basketball fundamentals and skills to children to teach life skills, nutrition, fitness, self-confidence, and good character – all with the goal of helping them to excel in life. Today, the organization, led by founders Jakki and Corvin Davis, serves wealth of families and kids in the heart of the Washington Street neighborhood in High Point, NC...

Strong cities are built in communities with a strong arts presence – that’s why The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards (TAG) makes it its mission to bring art exhibits and education to the High Point community. Today on High Point’s Voices Discovered, we sat down with Executive Director of TAG, Jeff Horney to discover how TAG is bringing arts to life in the heart of downtown through rotating exhibits th...

Episode 2: Business High Point  It’s no secret that business is booming in High Point, N.C.! And at the heart of that boom is Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce . Today, we’re discovering the voices of two of the women leading the charge of supporting and growing our business community in High Point, Rachel Collins, President & CEO of Business High Point and Julie Hill, Executive Direct...

We're discovering the original "discoverers" who set out to make the name of High Point famous! On today’s episode, we sat down to talk to the ladies behind the two organizations that make this podcast possible, Christi Barbour (founder of High Point Discovered), Megan Oglesby (Executive Director of the Congdon Family Foundation), and Amber Williamson (Executive Director of High Poin...

Ready to hear from the voices of the people transforming the city of High Point, North Carolina? Then you’ve come to the right place! Introducing, High Point’s Voices Discovered, a podcast presented by High Point Discovered and The Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation. Join co-hosts, Hannah Ray and Joe Blosser, as they meet and share stories with the leaders, movers, shakers, and changemaker...