– President & Chief Ambassador-
Mackenzie Cates-Allen
With a Bachelor of Arts from Salem College in not-for-profit management, Mackenzie has over 13 years of experience in both the corporate and not-for-profit worlds, including real estate, education, administration, as well as asset and staff management. Most recently, Mackenzie served as the Development Manager at the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership. She is married to a computer programmer and has two young girls, 2 and 4 and another on the way (due July 4.)
Growing up in Greensboro/Pleasant Garden, Mackenzie came to Winston-Salem in 2004 to attend Salem College. Starting with the YWCA of Winston-Salem upon graduation in 2008, Mackenzie began to fully fall in love with the city, but it wasn’t until coming to the DWSP that she realized it. “I love meeting and connecting with new people.”
Her favorite thing about Winston-Salem is its pioneering spirit. “First, the Moravians came from really far away and created a successful town out of nothing, not to mention that they started the first educational institution(s) for young girls and young women. Then, Winston became THE tobacco town and stayed that way for a long time. When that went away, everyone kind of freaked out. Winston-Salem had to figure out how it was going to survive and by gosh, it did. The people of this city are so determined. I love it.”
She is excited to serve in a leadership role and work with the existing organizations of Winston-Salem. “I so admire the people who are here working so hard to make their organizations better and to make the city better. It has inspired me to jump in and contribute however I can. Winston-Salem is the best.”
You can usually find her at one of the great coffee shops that dot Downtown or at any time at mackenzie@wsambassadors.org.
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Development & Marketing Partner
Whitney Hsu
Whitney Hsu found her home in Winston-Salem when she entered Salem College in 2004. Graduating in 2008, she spent six years teaching music, and is now a worship leader at Reynolda Church. Most days, she spends her time raising her three children (the oldest of whom heads to kindergarten this fall) alongside her husband, Ryan. She is thrilled to be a part of Winston-Salem Ambassadors, putting her love for this wonderful city into action.
