UNC Pembroke alumnae Brittany Best and Nyah Sykes have been selected for the Lead for North Carolina at the UNC School of Government fellowship program.

The program recruits, trains and places young leaders in paid one-year fellowships to strengthen local governments across the state and cultivate a new generation of public service leaders.

Best and Sykes both earned political science degrees in May. Best is working closely with the city of Kinston’s planning department. She is working to expand the reach of Kinston One-on-One, a weekly program that allows citizens to learn more about local government.

“We invite the public to come hear from the experts from each department as a way to close the gap between our citizens and the local government,” Best said. “It’s a great way to develop relationships.”

Sykes is no stranger to her colleagues at the Goldsboro City Hall, where she served throughout her high school years on the Goldsboro Mayor’s Youth Council. Today, she’s an adviser for the council.

“It’s such a full circle moment,” Sykes said.

Additionally, she is helping to finalize the allocation of the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan (ARP) program, assisting with housing complaints, monitoring community resources and communicating with community partners and organizations.