With Lelia Duncan (farthest right) at the WomanUp Celebration & Awards Ceremony are (from left) Renee Klimkiewicz; Sarah Goldman, Leadership Asheville Executive Director; and Sandy Broadwill. Like Lelia, Broadwill and Klimkiewicz are members of Leadership Asheville Class 44.
Lelia Duncan, BBBSWNC President and CEO, has been named a nominee for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 “WomanUP” awards.
Announced Oct. 6, the nominees “exemplify excellence in their fields, from trailblazing entrepreneurs to impactful nonprofit leaders,” the chamber states on its website.
Here’s what the chamber said about Lelia:
“A mentor to mentors, Lelia Duncan has redefined what leadership in the nonprofit world can look like. As President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC, she’s built resilient teams, strengthened regional collaboration, and amplified women’s leadership across the BBBS network.
“Her compassionate approach inspires trust, while her strategic foresight has guided thousands of youth and families through post-disaster recovery and growth. Lelia’s influence extends far beyond her organization – through coaching, peer leadership, and advocacy, she empowers others to lead with empathy and courage. Her work is a masterclass in vision, generosity, and transformation.”
