Today we’d like to introduce you to Pastor Robert E. Leak III.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story began long before I ever held a title. At just five years old, my late grandfather, Robert Leak Sr., introduced me to the importance of serving people and loving my community. On the southeast side of Winston-Salem, he would take me door to door, to neighborhood meetings, and into conversations with residents. He taught me that community organizing wasn’t about politics it was about listening to people, building trust, and helping neighbors solve problems together. Those early experiences shaped who I am and gave me a heart for grassroots leadership.
By the time I was 16 years old, I had the honor of becoming president of my neighborhood association. While many teenagers were focused on other things, I was organizing neighborhood cleanups, bringing residents together, advocating for safer streets, and learning how to work alongside city leaders to improve our community. Those experiences taught me that age is never a barrier when you have a genuine passion to serve.
As I grew older, that same commitment to community continued to expand. I have dedicated my life to ministry, nonprofit leadership, education, and neighborhood development because I believe lasting change happens when people come together around a shared vision. Whether serving through the church, supporting families, advocating for children, or helping neighborhoods thrive, my goal has always been to leave my community better than I found it.
I believe today lessons my grandfather taught me years ago: know your neighbors, earn their trust, serve with humility, and never forget that real leadership begins by putting people first. Those values continue to guide my work every day and remind me that meaningful change starts one conversation, one family, and one neighborhood at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Like many people who are committed to serving their communities, I’ve experienced my share of challenges, setbacks, and disappointments. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that when you’re working to create change, not everyone will understand or support your vision. There have been moments when doors closed, funding wasn’t available, projects took longer than expected, or people questioned my leadership because of my age.
Starting as a young community organizer also came with unique challenges. As a teenager, I often found myself sitting at tables with adults who underestimated what I could contribute. I had to earn trust, prove myself through action, and show that I was there to serve rather than seek recognition. Those experiences taught me perseverance, humility, and the importance of letting your work and voice speak for itself.
Balancing ministry, community service, nonprofit leadership, and family has also required sacrifice. There have been long days, difficult decisions, and moments of uncertainty. But every challenge has strengthened my faith and reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
What has kept me grounded is remembering the lessons my late grandfather, Robert Leak Sr., taught me as a little boy walking the neighborhoods of southeast Winston-Salem. He showed me that real community work isn’t about titles or recognition it’s about showing up, listening to people, building relationships, and staying committed even when the work is difficult. Those lessons continue to guide me today, and every obstacle has only deepened my commitment to serving others and leaving my community stronger than I found it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What I believe I’m most known for is bringing people together to strengthen communities. Whether through ministry, education, neighborhood development, or nonprofit leadership, I’ve always believed that lasting change happens when people build relationships, work together, and serve with compassion.
While I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to serve, what I’m most proud of isn’t an award or a position—it’s my family. One of God’s greatest blessings in my life has been my wife, Mrs. Brittany Orie Leak. I truly believe God joined me with my purpose partner. She understands the calling God has placed on my life and has faithfully walked beside me through the joys, sacrifices, and challenges that come with ministry and community service. Her unwavering support, wisdom, and love have allowed me to serve with confidence, knowing that we are building God’s kingdom together.
Together, we have been blessed with our two beautiful daughters, Legacee and Heavenlee. They are one of my greatest motivations and constant reminders of why this work matters. I want them to grow up seeing that faith is more than something we talk about on Sundays it is something we live out every day by serving others, loving our neighbors, and investing in our communities.
At the end of the day, if people remember me as someone who loved God, loved people, invested in the next generation, and inspired others to serve their communities, then I will consider my life’s work a success.
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Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was naturally quiet and reserved. I was more of an observer than the loudest person in the room, always paying attention to the people around me and learning from their experiences. As I entered my teenage years, I gradually came out of my shell and became more outgoing, especially as I became more involved in church, school, and serving in my community.
My parents played a tremendous role in shaping the person I am today. They taught my siblings and and I the importance of respecting our parents, honoring our elders, and treating every person with dignity. Those values weren’t just something they talked about they were demonstrated every day in our home. They also taught me never to look down on anyone because every person has value and deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
Even though I was quiet, I also loved making people laugh. I’ve always enjoyed bringing joy to others, finding humor in everyday moments, and helping people feel comfortable. I believe laughter has a way of bringing people together and reminding us not to take life too seriously.
Looking back, those early lessons became the foundation for how I lead today. Whether in ministry, community work, or everyday life, I try to approach people with humility, respect, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve. Those values were planted in me as a child, and they continue to guide me every day
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