For Lori Mathes, Ladies in Action is deeply personal; shaped by a family legacy of service and a lasting belief in every young person’s potential.
Nearly 40 years after her mother, Mildred Mathes, founded Ladies in Action, the organization continues to open doors for students who dream of pursuing higher education but need support to make it possible. Today, that mission is strengthened by a meaningful partnership with Peoples Bank—one that creates opportunity while honoring a legacy of leadership and service.
In remembrance of Kim Boyd Leaks, Peoples Bank’s beloved former Chief Banking Support Officer and board member, Peoples Bank established the Kim Boyd Leaks Memorial Scholarship in partnership with Ladies in Action. Through this initiative, Peoples Bank has committed $25,000 over five years to support deserving minority students who demonstrate the potential to lead and create positive change in their communities.
“Ladies in Action is a legacy of love and resilience,” Mathes said. “We’re dedicated to helping academically eligible minority students achieve their dreams of a college education… empowering them to make a positive impact locally and globally.”
Ladies in Action was originally created to address a critical need: students with the ability to succeed but without the financial resources to pursue college.
“One of the things that inspired my mother was hearing young people say, ‘Why try? I can’t go to college—I don’t have the resources,’” Mathes said. “That’s what pushed her to create something that could help.”
Through scholarships, mentorship and leadership development programs, the organization continues to bridge that gap across Catawba, Burke and Lincoln counties. The addition of the Kim Boyd Leaks Memorial Scholarship ensures even greater access to opportunity—while extending the impact of a leader who believed deeply in people and potential.
This initiative reflects Kim’s spirit of service and her commitment to doing the right thing—ensuring her passion for education and community continues to shape lives for years to come.
The true measure of this work is seen in the lives it changes.
Mathes recalls one of the organization’s earliest scholarship recipients—a student with the drive and academic ability to succeed, but without a clear path forward.
“We were able to step in and provide that opportunity,” she said. “He went on to graduate and now works in his community, giving back. I’m incredibly proud of him.”
Today, that same ripple effect continues.
One recent scholarship recipient shared how the support allowed her to fully focus on her education at North Carolina State University while staying committed to serving others.
“Your investment has made a meaningful difference in my academic journey,” she wrote. “Since receiving your scholarship, I’ve worked to ensure that your support extends beyond my own academic success and into my community.”
Through educational outreach and community initiatives, students are achieving their goals while helping others succeed.
For Ladies in Action, partnerships are essential—and for Peoples Bank, investing in people is at the heart of everything it does.
“It takes a village,” Mathes said. “And that village includes partnerships and businesses like Peoples Bank that are willing to raise their hand and say, ‘We support this vision.’”
By establishing the Kim Boyd Leaks Memorial Scholarship, Peoples Bank is continuing a legacy of mentorship, inclusion and excellence that Kim embodied. It is also reinforcing the bank’s commitment to helping others be exceptional by providing the tools, resources and encouragement needed to succeed.
As Ladies in Action approaches its 40th anniversary, its mission remains as vital as ever. With the continued support of Peoples Bank, the organization is working to expand its reach, grow its resources and ensure no deserving student is turned away.
“We want to be a resource,” Mathes said. “A place where young people can come, connect and grow—and know that someone believes in them.”
Through shared purpose, Peoples Bank and Ladies in Action are doing more than awarding scholarships—they are building leaders, strengthening communities and honoring a legacy that continues to inspire.
