Together SC celebrates the Graduating Class of the 2024 Carolina Leadership Seminars

Together SC announced the graduation of the 2024 cohort of the Carolina Leadership Seminars (CLS), a signature program designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of South Carolina’s nonprofit executive directors.

This year’s graduates join an esteemed group of over 150 alumni who have benefited from this trusted and multi-faceted leadership development experience since its inception in 2016.  

Funded by the Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC and facilitated by The Weathers Group, CLS provides participants with actionable tools and practical insights to enhance their leadership and increase their organizational impact.

The program’s unique curriculum focuses on topics such as building high-trust cultures, navigating organizational change, and fostering effective communication. 

Together SC President and CEO Karen Riordan remarked on the significance of the program: 

“The Carolina Leadership Seminars exemplify Together SC’s commitment to equipping nonprofit leaders with the skills, tools, and peer support they need to drive meaningful change. This year’s graduates represent the strength, diversity, and innovation that define South Carolina’s nonprofit community. We are honored to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to the transformative impact they will continue to make.” 

Graduates of the 2024 cohort echoed the program’s value in shaping their leadership journeys. 

“Participating in CLS was an eye-opening experience,” shared Celeste Kahn, Executive Director, Pee Dee Hearing Center. “The day-to-day of nonprofit work can make it seem like our challenges are unique to us, but being with other nonprofit leaders showed me that we share many of the same struggles. Together, with our expert facilitator, we were able to explore strategies toward solutions. I came away from every session feeling empowered and uplifted with a new set of tools in my toolbox.  

Xavier Blake, Executive Director, One Columbia for Arts and Culture added, “The thoughtfulness and dedication poured into each session to grow us as leaders was exceptional. Connecting with nonprofit leaders from across South Carolina who are passionate about creating a state we can all be proud of has been profoundly inspiring. This Journey with Together SC and The Weathers Group has reaffirmed that our greatest achievements come through collaboration. For this opportunity, I am deeply grateful.” 

The 2024 CLS cohort includes 20 accomplished leaders from across South Carolina, representing a wide range of nonprofit organizations. These leaders have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to their communities and will continue to advance the sector with the insights gained from this transformative program. 

For more information about the Carolina Leadership Seminars and the application process for the 2025 cohort, visit TogetherSC.org. 

2024 Carolina Leadership Seminars Cohort 

Amanda Herlihy
Executive Director, Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation 

Angelica Barrett
Executive Director, The Children’s Council 

April Howard
Executive Director, Dorchester Paws 

Brittany Baber
Executive Director, Lowcountry Center for Veterans Research 

Brittney Brackett
Executive Director, The Outstanding Youth Awards Initiative 

Caroline Goins
Executive Director, Spartanburg County First Steps 

Celeste Kahn
Executive Director, Pee Dee Hearing Center 

Erin Walters
Chief Executive Officer, Neighbor to Neighbor of South Carolina 

Ivory Mitchell
Executive Director, Berkeley County First Steps 

JaVonna Lewis
Executive Director , Calhoun County First Steps 

Jeff Robinson
Executive Director, South Carolina Arts Alliance 

Lindy Studds, VSP
Executive Director, Rape Crisis Center of Horry & Georgetown Counties 

Lisa Cole, MBA
Executive Director, Turning Pages SC 

Nicole Sloan
Executive Director, McClellanville Arts Council

Omme-Salma Rahemtullah, MA
Interim Executive Director, FoodShare South Carolina 

Peggy Masterson
Director, Partnership Grand Strand 

Stephanie Warren
Executive Director, Grand Strand Miracle Leagues 

Tamara Greene, MSW
Executive Director, Freedom Readers 

Tomeiko Wright
Executive Director, Lancaster County First Steps 

Xavier Blake
Executive Director, One Columbia for Arts and Culture 

LeConte’ Middleton
President/CEO/Educator, NoMa STEAM  

 

About Together SC 

Together SC is the state’s only membership organization dedicated to supporting nonprofit and philanthropic leaders. With a mission to unite, strengthen, and advance South Carolina’s nonprofit sector, Together SC provides professional development, advocacy, and resources to over 800 organizations and individuals.