Forge Greensboro: A Vision for Growth and Impact in My First Year as Executive Director

By Tiffany Jacobs, Executive Director

This February marks my one-year anniversary as Executive Director Tiffany Jacobs of Forge Greensboro, and what an incredible year it has been. As I reflect on the progress we've made, the challenges we've faced, and the community we continue to build, one phrase comes to mind that perfectly encapsulates our journey and our mission: Learn, Earn, and Return.

This philosophy has been a guiding light throughout my career—as a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as an advocate for workforce development, and now as the leader of this extraordinary makerspace. In my first year, I’ve seen this framework in action every day at Forge Greensboro, as we empower our members to learn new skills, earn opportunities for growth, and return their talents and resources to strengthen our community.

Learn: Laying the Foundation for Success

At Forge Greensboro, learning is at the heart of everything we do. We provide the tools, resources, and community that empower individuals to grow—whether they are exploring a new passion, honing a skill, or pursuing a career.

Our workshops and classes continue to thrive, with offerings designed to meet the needs of makers at all levels. From woodworking and 3D printing to welding and textile arts, there is always something new to explore. What inspires me most is seeing how our members—whether they’re young students, seasoned professionals, or curious hobbyists—lean into the joy of learning, supported by our incredible mentors and shop leads.

In my first year, I’ve been especially proud of how we’ve expanded access to learning opportunities. Programs like Makerships—our scholarship initiative—ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of anyone’s ability to learn and grow at the Forge. As we head into 2025, we’re building on this momentum, exploring ways to bring even more diverse learning opportunities to Greensboro.

Earn: Turning Skills Into Opportunity

One of my core beliefs is that knowledge and skills are pathways to economic mobility. At Forge Greensboro, we see this every day as members transform their creativity and talent into opportunity.

In 2023 alone, we supported 61 members in starting or growing their businesses and helped 28 individuals secure jobs through our workforce development initiatives. From prototyping and product development to entrepreneurial coaching and networking, we provide the infrastructure and connections that help turn ideas into real-world success stories.

This past year, I’ve also witnessed the incredible impact of our partnerships, like the collaboration with Toyota’s FAME program and the "She Built This City" initiative. These partnerships not only provide valuable hands-on experiences for members but also strengthen Greensboro’s workforce by addressing skills gaps and opening doors to underrepresented groups.

Return: Building a Stronger Community Together

As much as Forge Greensboro is a space for personal growth, it’s also a community that thrives on giving back. The spirit of reciprocity is alive and well here, as members mentor newcomers, teach workshops, and share their expertise to lift others up.

One of the most inspiring aspects of my first year has been seeing retired professionals, educators, and skilled tradespeople return to the Forge to give back. Their mentorship and leadership not only enrich our programs but also ensure that valuable knowledge is passed on to the next generation of makers.

Our impact goes far beyond our walls. By fostering a vibrant ecosystem of local creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators, Forge Greensboro contributes to Greensboro’s creative and economic landscape in meaningful ways. Every product designed, every skill learned, and every business launched strengthens the fabric of our community.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Learn, Earn, Return Cycle

As I reflect on this past year, I’m filled with gratitude for our members, staff, partners, and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we’ve built a culture that celebrates learning, rewards creativity, and encourages giving back.

But our work is far from done. In the coming year, we will continue to expand our programs, deepen our community impact, and pursue our vision of making Greensboro a national leader in innovation and equity. Whether it’s through new workshops, enhanced workforce development programs, or growing our partnerships, we are committed to creating opportunities that empower individuals and transform our city.

Forge Greensboro is more than a makerspace—it’s a movement. It’s a place where people come to Learn, where they find opportunities to Earn, and where they return their talents to make our community stronger. I’m honored to lead this organization, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together in 2025 and beyond.

Here’s to another year of creativity, innovation, and impact.

Tiffany Jacobs Executive Director, Forge Greensboro