Celebrating 50 South Carolina Women 2025

By Alan Cooper
Publisher, Who’s On The Move
MidlandsBiz, UpstateBizSC, LowcountryBizSC

Last year, we published an article titled Celebrating South Carolina Women. The goal was to elevate the stories of women making an impact in their communities and to inspire all of us in South Carolina to do the same: think about the influence women have had on our cities, our state, and our country. Then, as we each have our own spheres of influence—our platforms, our channels, maybe even just our dining room tables—let’s celebrate their stories.

The article was timed to coincide with the end of Women’s History Month. It ended up being the most popular, most-read post on our sites for the entire year. Thank you, Google Analytics.

So, we decided to do it again – a 2025 version highlighting 50 different women doing extraordinary things across the state. No repeats. Some of these women are rising stars; some are already stars. Some were recommended and contributed by friends from around the state. Thank you! Some we selected internally.

This list is not meant to be exhaustive, and we’re sure there will be glaring omissions. We welcome your suggestions for next year.

The categories remain the same:

• C-Suite
• Women who have broken barriers in male-dominated fields
• Women entrepreneurs who have launched impactful businesses
• Women advocating for equality and justice

(Aside – Many of these women could fit into multiple categories).

When I was growing up, in a different country, I fell in love with sports at a young age. Coming from a big city, the teams and heroes I admired were all from professional sports. In my native land, college sports exist, but they aren’t a big deal. Yes, we had a football team at university, and yes, we went to games on Saturdays—but the stadium held 9,000 people, and, if memory serves, it was usually half empty.

When we moved to Columbia, SC, 25 years ago, we landed in a town with no professional sports. Over the years, we’ve become big fans of the Gamecocks and, more broadly, the beauty and pageantry of college sports. And over the years, I’ve often reached out to my male sports-fan friends back home about Gamecock football. Did you see that game against Tennessee? Were you watching the Carolina-Clemson game? We won this year! The answer was always the same: Nah, sorry, I just… missed that one.

Then, last March—in 2024—something changed. Three of those same male friends, all from this different country, all lifelong professional sports fans, reached out to me, unsolicited. They wanted to talk about—wait for it—Gamecock women’s college basketball. How are they so good? Do you think they’ll go undefeated?  What’s the name of their coach?

Gamecock women’s basketball is putting this state, this town, and this university on the world map. So this year, we start off with…

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Women C-Suite

Dawn Staley, Head Coach, University of South Carolina women’s basketball team –  Staley, coach of the three-time national championship-winning Gamecock women’s basketball team at the University of South Carolina, is a former gold-medal winning Olympian (both player and TEAM USA head coach) and WNBA star.

Staley’s awards are almost too-numerous to list, the most recent being the 2024 SEC Coach of the Year (in fact, Staley has been awarded six SEC Coach of the Year honors since 2014), The Athletic – a New York Times Company – Coach of the Year Award (also 2024), The Geno Auriemma Award, aka the United States Basketball Writers Association National Coach of the Year Award (2024), The Sporting News National Coach of the Year Award (2024), the Naismith College Coach of the Year Award (2024, also 2023, 2022, and 2022), the AP National Coach of the Year Award (2024 also 2020), The U.S. Marine Corps / Women’s Basketball Coaches Association National Coach of the Year Award (2024 and three additional such-awards since 2020), the prestigious Jimmy V Award for Perseverance (2024), and that’s barely scratching the proverbial surface.

Coach Staley was also awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest honor in 2013.

Staley began her college head basketball coaching career at Temple University in 2000. She has coached the Gamecocks since 2008.

As of this writing, the beginning of MARCH MADNESS 2025, Staley’s Gamecocks are a #1 seed in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament.

Justice Letitia Verdin – Last year, I mentioned that there were no women on the Supreme Court of South Carolina. In 2024, that changed when South Carolina State legislators voted unanimously to confirm Judge Letitia Verdin to the South Carolina Supreme Court. Judge Verdin graduated from Furman University in 1992 with a B.S. in Biology and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina in 1997. She began her legal career as an Assistant Solicitor in the 13th and 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Offices before joining a private law firm in 2000, then returning to prosecution in 2005. Elected to the Family Court in 2008, she was later elevated to the Circuit Court in 2011 and the Court of Appeals in 2023.

Tally Parham Casey, Chair and CEO, Wyche, P.A – Tally Parham Casey is a litigator with two decades of experience. She made history as South Carolina’s first female fighter pilot and is a veteran of three combat tours, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, with nearly 1,500 flight hours in the F-16. Consistently ranked among the top 25 lawyers in South Carolina, she graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law.

Brig. Gen. Marie Goff, the first female general-officer in the S.C National Guard (S.C. Military Department) retired from the S.C. Army National Guard in 2015 after serving for more than 37 years. With degrees from Lander University (BA) and Webster University (MA), Brig. Gen. Goff also earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the United States Army War College. She also holds an honorary doctorate from Lander which she was awarded in 2011. Among Goff’s many awards and decorations, she is a recipient of the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (multiple awards), two National Defense Service Medals, and the Global War on Terror Service Medal among other decorations.

A’Ja Wilson – In February, Gamecock alumna and Las Vegas Aces WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson was 1) named one of TIME Magazine’s 2025 Women of the Year, 2) had her USC jersey retired at Colonial Life arena, and 3) unveiled her new A’One sneaker for Nike, becoming the first Black WNBA player to have a signature shoe since 2010. Wilson led South Carolina to its first SEC Tournament championship (2015), first NCAA Final Four (2015) and first NCAA National Championship (2017). She also published a best-selling book, Dear Black Girls.

Sharon Bryant, South Carolina Regional Executive Vice President, First Citizens Bank – Bryant oversees retail, business and commercial banking in South Carolina and Augusta. She is also serving as Interim General Bank Marketing and Sales Enablement executive director. Originally hired in 1999 as Executive Vice President and Director of Human Resources, Sharon learned firsthand the critical ingredient of success is hiring the right people. Bryant has more than 35 years of banking, fiduciary and investment services experience.

“Over my career at First Citizens Bank, it has been truly amazing to see the ongoing achievements and growth of our entire organization. I am most proud of the way my team has consistently contributed to this success by serving our clients in our local markets, laying the foundation for our position today as a top 20 bank.”

Tycely Williams, CEO, Liberty Fellowship – In July 2024, as the organization marked its 20th anniversary, the Liberty Fellowship appointed Tycely Williams as its new CEO. With over 25 years of experience leading innovative teams that have raised and managed more than $600 million, Williams brings a strong track record in philanthropy and leadership. She previously served as chief development officer at The Bipartisan Policy Center, helping drive bipartisan solutions for national challenges. Based in Charleston, S.C., Williams also plays an active role in nonprofit governance, serving on multiple boards dedicated to social impact and philanthropy.

Jane Roberts, PHD , Executive Director, Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center –  Dr. Roberts is a Carolina Distinguished Professor and also directs the Neurodevelopmental Disorders Lab at the University of South Carolina, which focuses on high quality research with young children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders and their families. She is a recognized scholar of neurodevelopmental disorders and a leader in cross-disciplinary research.

Michelle Simmons, Chief Academic Officer, Charleston County School District  – Simmons is a dedicated education advocate with over 26 years of experience. She leads a team overseeing curriculum, special education services, and student support programs, including social work and mental health initiatives. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment has profoundly impacted students and families across the Charleston community. Simmons’ leadership continues to shape educational opportunities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

Mary Ellen Grom – Grom leads marketing and corporate communications across AFL’s global product and services portfolio, a leading manufacturer of fiber optic cable, components, and conductor accessories in the US. Grom joined AFL in 2017 after 25 years in the IT channel distribution industry, where she was vice president, US Marketing at TD SYNNEX. Grom was instrumental in launching AFL’s newest employee resource group, Women Everywhere Connect (WeConnect), which aims to educate and empower fellow team members in building their careers in manufacturing.

Dr. Tonya Matthews, President and CEO, International African American Museum (IAAM) – The IAAM in Charleston is located at the historic site of Gadsden’s Wharf, one of the nation’s most significant former slave ports. A nonprofit executive and STEM advocate, she previously led the Michigan Science Center and served as Associate Provost at Wayne State University, where she championed educational equity and workforce development. She founded The STEMinista Project to inspire young girls in STEM and continues this work through STEMinista Rising, supporting women of color in science and technology fields. A published poet and a recognized leader, Dr. Matthews has been honored for her contributions to education, history, and community advancement, embodying a lifelong commitment to fostering inclusivity and progress.

Michelle McCollum, President and CEO, S.C. National Heritage Corridor – Michelle McCollum is the President and CEO of the S.C. National Heritage Corridor and editor-in-chief of THE SOUTHERN EDGE magazine. With a strong background in executive-level leadership, McCollum has served as chairman of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas, and she has served on the executive board of the Heritage Development Partnership, both of which are national-level organizations. Here in South Carolina, she has served as co-chair of the Rural Resource Coalition.  Additionally, she has served as conference chair to the International Heritage Development Conferences in Detroit, Nashville, and Charleston. A recipient of a S.C. Senate Commendation, McCollum serves as the chief logistics officer for the South Carolina 7 Expedition and she is co-chair of the S.C. Resilience Conference, reflecting her commitment to conservation and community resilience.

Kim Crafton, Vice President of Marketing and Air Service Development, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) – Crafton drives strategic marketing efforts while expanding air service for the Columbia, SC market. Under her leadership, CAE’s social media presence has flourished, boasting the highest number of Instagram followers of any South Carolina airport. Previously, she served as Public Relations Manager at Discover South Carolina, where she led media relations and managed the award-winning South Carolina Chef Ambassador program. A Greenville native and USC alum, Crafton has been recognized as an “Outstanding Young Alumni” and a “Woman of Influence,” and remains deeply involved in leadership roles across the Midlands.

Georgia Mjartan, President and CEO, Central Carolina Community Foundation – In July 2024,  Mjartan was named the next president and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. A leader in the public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, she most recently served as executive director of South Carolina First Steps, where she expanded statewide pre-K and launched nationally recognized early childhood initiatives. Mjartan’s vision for the foundation builds on its legacy of generosity, aiming to create lasting impact in areas such as education, housing, the environment, and the arts.

Sharyl Smith, Chief Strategy, Prisma Health – Smith joined Prisma this year as executive vice president and chief strategy officer, bringing over 20 years of expertise in strategic planning, marketing, and communications leadership. She oversees planning, marketing and communications, philanthropy, and Veterans’ Affairs, driving innovation and strategic expansion for Prisma Health. Her appointment underscores Prisma’s dedication to enhancing healthcare access, quality, and community engagement across the region.

Women who have broken barriers in male-dominated fields

Christina Lock, Founder & CEO, Catch Talent – Christina Lock is a standout entrepreneur in Charleston’s growing tech scene, exemplifying leadership, innovation, and mentorship. She co-founded Sparc, a software company that was later acquired by Booz Allen Hamilton, before launching her own venture, Catch Talent, in 2015. Catch is a recruiting agency that delivers talent acquisition solutions to growing technology, financial services, healthcare, digital & creative, manufacturing, and professional services companies. Her journey reflects a shift from competition to community-building, as she actively supports initiatives like Women in Tech and the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. Lock’s success, including making the Inc. 5000 list twice, highlights her ability to navigate challenges, embrace adaptability, and lead with integrity. She continues to balance business growth with mentorship, emphasizing the value of strong relationships, lifelong learning, and the integration of work and life.

We interviewed Christina back in September 2022.

Dr. Susan Johnson, Director of Health Promotion, Medical University of South Carolina – Dr. Johnson is also the Founder of the South Carolina Healthy Business Challenge. She is a recognized leader in worksite health promotion, known for bridging the health of both natural and human environments to create thriving workplaces and communities. With a background that includes faculty roles at esteemed institutions like Duke University, she is a passionate speaker, thought leader, and advocate for nature-based health promotion, frequently engaging in initiatives that highlight the connection between wellbeing and the natural world—including her role as a member of the SC7 Expedition team. A dedicated servant leader and visionary collaborator, she has built a reputation for driving coordinated action across sectors through board service and appointed civic roles, fostering partnerships that advance holistic wellbeing, environmental stewardship, and workforce resilience.

Hesha Gamble, Assistant County Administrator for Engineering & Public Works, Greenville County – Gamble is responsible for multiple departments, including Engineering and Maintenance (Roads and Bridges), Land Development (Stormwater and Land Disturbance), Property Management (Facilities and Grounds), Solid Waste, and Animal Care. A dedicated public works professional with over 24 years of experience, Gamble is very knowledgeable in leadership and management topics.

Mary Beth Sims Branham, Principal and Vice President, LS3P – Branham leads LS3P’s K-12 Practice, bringing over 40 years of experience in office, commercial, educational, healthcare, and civic design across South Carolina. A dedicated leader in her profession and community, she served as the 2004 President of AIA South Carolina. Originally from Columbia, SC, Branham established LS3P’s first start-up office in Columbia in May 2004, which has since grown into a premier architecture and interior design firm in the Midlands. Beyond office leadership, she is deeply involved in the early stages of projects, with a strong focus on community engagement, programming, and design. Her passion for shaping impactful spaces continues to drive her work and contributions to the field.

Deputy Chief Maria Yturria, the first Hispanic officer promoted to the penultimate rank of chief within the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD), has served 22 years with RCSD holding every post from uniform patrol deputy, to investigator, to victim’s advocate, and more. Reporting directly to Sheriff Leon Lott, Yturria directs RCSD Professional Development including but not limited to executive-level leadership over recruiting, hiring, retention, special projects, and public information. As the department’s ranking public information officer she directs all RCSD deputy sheriffs participating in the national television docuseries On Patrol: LIVE.

A U.S. Army veteran – having served eight years primarily as a military police officer – Yturria is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. She also holds myriad certifications and qualifications including Hostage/Crisis Negotiator; Statewide Peer Support Team Leader for Individual and Group Crisis Intervention; and Critical Incident Stress Management. She is a certified self-defense instructor, a member of the National Consortium on Preventing Law Enforcement Suicide, and the executive secretary for the Fort Jackson-Palmetto State Chapter of the Association of United States Army.

Abby Leibowitz, CEO, Call Experts – Abby Leibowitz  drives growth and innovation in the contact center and human resources management space. Under her leadership, the company has expanded into an international corporation and earned multiple recognitions, including seven appearances on the Inc. 5000 list. She is also the Founder and CEO of Abridged Solutions, specializing in AI-driven communication tools for workforce efficiency and business intelligence. A Charleston native, Leibowitz has been recognized among South Carolina’s top women in business and continues to serve her community through various nonprofit organizations.

Lieutenant Charlotte Mayhugh McKee is an 18-year veteran law-enforcement officer (game warden) with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Having held various leadership positions — including serving on SCDNR’s Aquatics Investigations and Recovery (Dive) Team and former S.C. Governor Nikki Haley’s Executive Protection Detail — McKee currently serves as the Staff Operations Lieutenant, overseeing emergency management, Homeland Security, and media relations. McKee is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest honor.

Rebecca (Becca) Barnett, Manager of Corporate Strategy, Milliken & Company – Barnett is dedicated to advancing community initiatives in her hometown of Spartanburg, SC. In addition to her role at Milliken, Barnett serves on the Board of Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas. She is also on the Milliken’s Women’s Alliance Steering Committee, leading Learning and Development initiatives. In her free time, Barnett enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, including visiting the library with her daughter, Marcelle, and attending live music events.

Women entrepreneurs who have launched impactful businesses

Lauren Harper Pope, Founder, CityBright – Pope is a political and communications strategist. She founded and now leads consulting firm, CityBright, and she is Co-Founder of The Welcome Party and WelcomePAC. Her legacy projects with the City of Columbia include creating the first municipal food policy committee in South Carolina (the Columbia Food Policy Committee); launching the Books 2 Boys & Girls program in partnership with City of Columbia Parks & Recreation, Columbia Police Department and Richland Library; and hosting the state’s first peer-to-peer municipal election for the Columbia Youth Commission. Pope serves on the Boards of SC Women in Leadership and Bluebonnet Data.

Jessica Munday, CEO, Trio Solutions  – With over 30 years of experience in marketing, Munday is a visionary entrepreneur and passionate leader dedicated to helping businesses and nonprofits achieve their goals through creative strategies. She is the founder and CEO of Trio Solutions Inc. (TRIO), one of South Carolina’s leading full-service marketing agencies and the co-founder of Cloud Nine Nonprofit Advisors, empowering nonprofits to maximize their impact. Beyond TRIO, Munday and her husband run Full Circle Fishing Charters, and she owns Davannah Properties LLC. A passionate mentor, Munday has created numerous internship opportunities and taught marketing at the College of Charleston and MUSC.

Jeanne Lorick Brutschy, President and CEO , Lorick Office Products –  Starting out as a customer service representative, Brutschy used her finance and management skills to work her way through the ranks and now leads this third generation, woman-owned corporation. She is proud to have assembled a professional team of employees that provide clients with design services and furnishings that transform their workplaces into spaces that inspire and motivate.

Mary Walsh and Jacqueline Oliver, Owners, Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery – Walsh and Oliver took out a small loan and depleted their life savings to open the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery in September 2011 amidst an economic recession, but they were on a mission to bring Greenville a grocery concept that supported local farmers and food makers. The Greenville community embraced their vision and passion, and Swamp Rabbitt Café and Grocery is thriving and growing as it closes in on its 15th year in business bringing great food primarily sourced from people in their community.

Sara Frick , Founder, The Works a Sweat Studio  – The Works are soulful fitness studios located in Charleston, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. Her reason for founding the company came from a place of personal loss. The Works Method is extremely physical. The class combines heat, vinyasa yoga flow, cardio, core, sculpt, body strength work, meditation, and heart work, all taught to a bumping playlist. We did a podcast interview Frick that you can listen to on Spotify and Apple.

Lauren Skelton Siddens, Owner, River Falls Spa – Siddens was working in the banking industry when she began contemplating creating a true spa destination in her hometown of Greenville to offers guests a welcoming elevated luxury that revives, renews and replenishes through comprehensive treatments and spa services. Her supportive family helped her realize her dream, and she opened River Falls Spa in downtown Greenville in 2006 and created a luxury spa where her dedicated staff helps guests achieve balance, restore the mind, body, and spirit to a state of perfect peace and relaxation.

Brenda Stewart, Owner, Laurens County Buzz – Stewart, from Clinton, SC, is an entrepreneur and dedicated community activist with a strong background in legal industry consulting. Since 2011, she has advised law firms nationwide on marketing, strategic planning, and administrative operations. She owns and publishes the Laurens County Buzz, a local news outlet providing free resources for businesses and organizations to share job openings, events, and community updates. A longtime advocate for veterans, she served on the SC Veterans Trust Fund Board and founded the Vietnam POW Reunion Foundation, earning the Order of the Palmetto in 2022 for her contributions. In 2022, Stewart also launched the Upstate Pregnancy Center, which provides essential supplies to parents in need and is working toward establishing a permanent facility. Brenda’s leadership and dedication continue to make a lasting impact across South Carolina.

Deb Sofield – With over 35 years of experience with national and international clients, Sofield has been helping professionals, public officials and businessmen and women transform their messaging to become effective, powerful, and polished communicators. Author of five books, a dynamic keynote speaker and private coach, Sofield has built a successful business by helping political and corporate clients adapt and refine messages to cut through the noise and capture the attention of the right audiences at the right time.

Kitwanda Cyrus is a passionate advocate for human and women’s rights, dedicated to transforming the restaurant industry. As the owner and operator of three successful restaurant locations, she leads a team of over 120 staff members, fostering an environment where young women can see themselves in any role—from chef to owner. With a background in business marketing and sports entertainment management from the University of South Caroina, she blends her expertise with her commitment to diversity and equality. Beyond her own establishments, Cyrus actively fights against racism and champions inclusivity, making her a transformative leader in her field.

Tracie Broom, Co-founding partner, Flock and Rally – Flock and Rally is a women-owned creative agency based in Columbia. With a background in writing and editing for major clients like CNET and Toyota, Broom launched the firm in 2010 to provide branding, public relations, marketing, and advertising services for businesses, nonprofits, and institutions across the region. Recognized on multiple “Power” and “Most Influential” lists, Broom is committed to building connections that strengthen communities. Under her leadership, Flock and Rally has earned numerous industry awards, including Gold and Silver ADDYs and SC Biz News’ 2024 Best Women-Owned Businesses in South Carolina.

Rachel Touchet, Owner and CEO, R&R Resolute Staffing – R&R Resolute Staffing Firm, a woman-owned agency based in Greenville, S.C., specializes in contract, contract-to-permanent, and direct hire placements across upstate South Carolina. Founded in 2023 by CEO Rachel Touchet, the firm is powered by a dedicated team of women committed to connecting job seekers with meaningful employment. With over 15 years of experience in the staffing industry, Touchet ensures R&R Resolute serves as a trusted HR partner for businesses in warehouse, manufacturing, construction, and skilled labor sectors. The firm’s focus on quality service and community impact makes it a vital resource for both employers and job seekers alike. Listen to our podcast with Rachel HERE, or on Apple and Spotify. (Rachel offers up some great leadership advice!)

Cassidy Caulk, Founder, Kindred Label –  Charleston-based designer, Cassidy Caulk, is the creative force behind Kindred Label, a brand for women by women. With a passion for fashion and a business degree from the College of Charleston, Caulk’s entrepreneurial mindset and determination set the stage for the birth of Kindred Label. A self-taught cobbler at the age of 24, Caulk meticulously designed and engineered the first prototype by hand, setting the foundation for the brand’s ethos of innovation and quality. The patented technology is now displayed in each Kindred Label sandal design to blend fashion and functionality. We interviewed Cassidy back in May 2024 and you can listen to her podcast on Spotify.

Angie Bridges, Founder, Creative Insurance Consultants, Inc –  Bridges founded Creative Insurance Consultants, Inc. in 2005 and has worked in the health and life insurance industry since 1988. She has built a strong reputation in Greenville for designing benefit packages for individuals and group health insurance plans for small and medium businesses. Bridges is deeply knowledgeable in navigating the changing landscape of the health insurance marketplace and private plans and also offers a range of products and services like disability insurance, life insurance and long-term care insurance for clients.

Keonte Jenkins, Founder, Davis Social Work Consultants, a small minority-woman-owned company, to offer a range of professional social work services. DSWC offers training and education, coaching, implementation management, and consultation. She started her business in 2011 to serve any organization that utilizes social work services including social service organizations, family and children service agencies, schools, hospitals, mental health centers, long-term care facilities, community service providers, and non-profit and for-profit agencies.

Katherine Kuszmaul Underwood , Owner, Kuszmaul Design & PR – An entrepreneur since 2012, Underwood started Kuszmaul Design & PR, Dock & Decoy, an outdoor lifestyle apparel company specializing in hunting & fishing, and most recently launched another new business called Teal Heron, a new jewelry line capturing the enduring beauty and essence of outdoor adventures. As a southern enthusiast of outdoor activities, she aspires to inspire women captivated by the outdoors by creating accessories that commemorate their adventures.

Erica Powell James, Founder, Booty Shop – James is passionate about altering perceptions of disability through ambition, athletics, and adventure! She co-founded and owns a female-focused fitness studio called Booty Shop and is a motivational speaker traveling the country speaking to audiences about the power of self-advocacy and how to become stronger and more confident versions of themselves. Shewas the first blind division one scholarship athlete at Clemson University but she doesn’t let her disability stop her from running several businesses, which also includes being a realtor and real estate investor.

Leah Stoudenmire, Founder, The Rock It! Co  – Stoudenmire left the corporate world 11 years ago and took a leap of faith to start a new venture, which became The Rock It! Co, an event and marketing firm. With a deep passion for positivity, marketing, people and memorable experiences, she infuses these qualities into her work to help motivate and inspire her clients. With offices in Charleston and Greenville, the company is able to serve clients across the country.

Women Advocating for Equality and Justice

Robin Blackwood, Founder Blackwood PR – Inspired by her son’s Fragile X Syndrome diagnosis in 2011, Robin Blackwood is a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities. She owns Blackwood PR, leveraging her public relations and marketing expertise to support various community initiatives. Robin has actively participated in organizations such as the Barbara Stone Foundation, Greenville CAN, and Disability Rights of SC. She was a commissioner for the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Commission from 2019-2023. Through her professional and volunteer efforts, Blackwood continues to enhance the lives of those with disabilities, and others, in Greenville, and beyond. From her LinkedIn profile – what are five words to describe you? – ‘Christian, Loyal, Gamecock, Dedicated, Advocate.’

Lindley Mayer Gulledge, Founder, L.A.D.Y Bugs Across America (Lindley’s Alliance for Disabled Youth) – Gulledge founded a non-profit called L.A.D.Y Bugs Across America in 2005 and is an advocate for promoting kindness, inclusion and respect for all children living with disabilities. In 2014, she opened a dance training company offering basic, intermediate, advanced and competitive levels of dance called SHOCK Dance Center after dancing and performing on a national level on America’s Got Talent, Glee, The American Country Music Awards, Victorious and the Oscars. She also owns Crown Couture Collection, a consulting company for pageant walk, wardrobe, interview and talent choreography. You can learn more about Lindley Mayer Gulledge HERE.

Amy Hibbs and Allison Huffstutler, Co-Founders & Co-Executive Directors, Bridged, Inc, – Bridged is a nonprofit organization that works to promote awareness, connection and inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities. Hibbs and Huffstetler’s mission of BRIDGED was crafted from experiences in both their personal lives and professional lives so in 2021, they merged their passions together and co-founded BRIDGED with a mission to provide education, resources and innovative solutions to promote awareness, connection and inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities.

Padgett Mozingo, Owner, Padgett Communications  – Mozingo is the owner of Padgett Communications, a PR and communications consulting firm, and the Founder of Limitless Purpose, which is inspired by the story of Lila Mozingo and her family’s efforts to have Padgett’s daughter taught in an inclusive learning environment. Limitless Purpose is led by a volunteer Board of Directors who are dedicated to helping all children reach their limitless potential.

Shaniequa Washington, Equity Initiative Partner, TRIO Solutions –  Washington brings an incredible variety of lived experiences to her role. From her corporate days at Walmart to running a trucking business with her husband and managing her fashion brand, Zuriel Kingdom, she incorporates a rich tapestry of insights into her work at TRIO. As a resident artist at Public Works Art Center in Summerville, she blends creativity with inclusivity, ensuring that all our projects reflect diverse perspectives. She is a compassionate leader who has transformed how we approach diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) at the TRIO agency.

Lana Kleiman, Executive Director, Charleston Legal Access  – Shortly after moving to Charleston in April 2019, Kleiman accepted the role of Executive Director at Charleston Legal Access, South Carolina’s first and only non-profit, sliding-scale law firm whose mission is to expand access to justice by providing affordable and quality legal services to those who do not qualify for free legal services but cannot afford a private attorney at market rates. Under Lana’s tenure, the organization has grown significantly from a staff of three to nine, quadrupled its budget, and started the first Housing Court in Berkeley and Dorchester County.

“One of my proudest accomplishments has been launching and growing our family law practice—an area that didn’t exist when I started. In 2021, we started focusing on serving women who are often excluded from the justice system, particularly victims of domestic violence. Through strong partnerships with My Sister’s House and SCCADVASA, we have provided holistic legal safety planning and representation to over 125 survivors since 2022.”