Experience Columbia SC debuts 2026 Ambassadors
January 15, 2026
Experience Columbia SC announced its new group of local ambassadors Wednesday evening in conjunction with the launch of this year’s Columbia SC Insider’s Guide publication, available now at the Columbia SC Visitors Center and on our website.
The Columbia SC ambassador program, now in its eighth year, allows prospective visitors to see the Columbia region through the eyes of its locals. The ambassadors champion the region through a homegrown, authentic point of view, share a common love for Columbia and represent makers, entrepreneurs, parents, professionals, foodies, creatives and so much more in the community.
The new ambassadors include Jamil’ya “Jam” Swygert and Dr. Cearra “CeCe” Harris, Quincy Tirado, Meg Syms and John Banks. Jam and CeCe are the best friend duo behind the Living Cola Instagram; Quincy is the chef and owner of Q’s Corner Café on Rosewood; Meg is the marketing director and preservation consultant for Garvin Design Group and is involved with several community organizations; and John is the founder and producer of the annual Tartan Day South festival and works for The River Alliance as a liaison for the new 3RVRS marketing initiative. Each ambassador offers unique perspectives, experiences and interests that drive their passion for Columbia.
“The Experience Columbia SC Ambassador Program continues to grow each year,” said Kelly Barbrey, ECSC’s VP of Marketing and Communications. “With the announcement of our eighth class of ambassadors in 2026, we look for even more insight into how locals can engage with the region they call home. Today’s savvy traveler is seeking local experiences and insider tips, and our ambassadors can show visitors how to engage with our area in unique ways. It’s also inspiring for locals to see how others are spending their time in the heart of SC – everything from trying a hidden culinary gem to tips on how to enjoy our rivers with kids in tow.”
The ambassadors who precede this year’s group include Shanika Pichey, Anthony Goldman, Lynn Luc, Vanessa Bialobreski, Kim Crafton, Mark Rapp, Rita Patel, Merrell Johnson, Ashley Jenkins, Lee Snelgrove, CJ Lake Tamasco, Ashley Elsey, Angela Yong, Preach Jacobs, Michael Mayo, Bianca Crawford Shelton, Mattison Heatherly, John Sherrer, Morihiko Nakahara, Pamela Bynoe-Reed, Amy Beth Franks, Crush Rush, David Laird, James Agens, Aditi Bussells, Trahern Cook and Michaela Leung.
To read more about the program and previous ambassadors’ favorite things to do and places to go around town, please visit www.experiencecolumbiasc.com/ambassadors.
About Experience Columbia SC
Experience Columbia SC is the region’s destination marketing organization. We’re responsible for all marketing efforts intended to help more visitors discover all that makes Columbia the real Southern hot spot. Think of us as the biggest cheerleader for the heart of South Carolina. For more information, please visit www.experiencecolumbiasc.com.
