YWCA Greater Charleston announces newest Board and team members

YWCA Greater Charleston has announced updates to its Board of Directors and leadership team. As the organization continues to grow in its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, it welcomes new members and celebrates familiar faces stepping into new roles.

While several of these leaders have previously served on the board, the organization is continuing its partnership with them as they take on impactful new positions.

New Director

Bria Alston, Director of Programs, brings nearly a decade of experience as a public-school educator and a deep commitment to racial and social justice. A Charleston native, Alston earned her B.A. from Clemson University and her M.Ed. from Boston College. She began her career as a 2016 Teach for America corps member in South Carolina, where she became known for her student-centered approach and commitment to equity. Throughout her career, she has combined her work in education with advocacy and grassroots engagement, partnering with nonprofits, political campaigns, and community initiatives focused on advancing equity and opportunity. Alston is passionate about creating inclusive programs that uplift marginalized voices and foster meaningful impact across the Lowcountry.

New Officers

Radia Baxter, Chair — Baxter is a visionary leader and CEO of Louie B. & Co Consulting, a strategic management and community engagement firm. She serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including YWCA Greater Charleston and The Climb Fund. She has led successful marketing, public relations, and social campaigns for justice-involved citizens, at-risk youth, and underserved communities. Baxter was instrumental in securing $1 million in state funding for education and small business support and currently co-leads Project Brighton Cove. Known for her innovative approach and expertise in stakeholder engagement, program design, and demographic analysis, she is a driving force behind winning political and social campaigns, advancing education, entrepreneurship, and restorative justice.

Courtney Johnson, Vice Chair — Johnson has served on the board since 2019, including as treasurer, and brings more than 20 years of experience in group insurance. She is vice president of business development at Atlanta Life Insurance Company, where she focuses on reinsurance and insurance solutions. Johnson previously held leadership roles at Prudential Financial, including regional vice president of sales and service and vice president of client relationship management. She also co-led Prudential’s Black Leadership Forum, supporting the advancement of Black employees. Committed to community service, Johnson has volunteered with nonprofits such as Teacher’s Supply Closet, mentored through Omaha Teammates, coached girls’ track with the AAU, and taught in Schools on Wheels.

Sydney Hamer, Governance Chair — Hamer, already a valued board member, now steps into the role of governance chair. She brings a strong commitment to community empowerment along with extensive strategic and organizational expertise. In her legal practice, she focuses on a broad range of merger and acquisition transactions and advises on corporate matters including entity formation, business restructuring, and strategic initiatives. Her experience guiding organizations through complex transitions and growth is a significant asset to YWCA Greater Charleston’s mission.

New Board Members

Brandy James, Board Member — James serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Charleston International Airport, where she oversees Finance, Procurement, Properties, and the Diversity Business Enterprise program. She is currently managing the financing strategy for the airport’s $1.2 billion capital expansion. With over 25 years of experience, she is recognized for her strategic leadership and collaboration. James previously served as CFO of the Richland County Recreation Commission and has held senior finance and audit roles at SCANA Corporation, as well as positions in healthcare and public accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the College of Charleston. James is active in civic and professional organizations and enjoys mentoring, volunteering, and time with family.

Cheryl Reid, Board Member — Reid is Chief Financial Officer at the Center for Heirs’ Property, where she applies her expertise in nonprofit finance to drive community impact. She brings valuable financial leadership to YWCA Greater Charleston’s mission.

About YWCA Greater Charleston

For 117 years, YWCA Greater Charleston has worked to eliminate racism and empower women in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties. Its initiatives to eliminate racism include the multi-day MLK Celebration, the annual Stand Against Racism, and Racial Equity & Inclusion trainings by nationally renowned Racial Equity Institute facilitators. It empowers women through programs such as What Women Bring, celebrating women leaders; WE 360°, helping women of color overcome entrepreneurship barriers; SheStrong, equipping high school girls and allies to lead change; and Y Girls Code, preparing young women of color for career and financial success. More information is available at ywcagc.org.