SC Chamber celebrates Women in Leadership through awards, panel discussions and special keynote at 4th Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium
March 25, 2025
Last Thursday, March 13, 2025, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce (SC Chamber) celebrated Women’s History Month by hosting its 4th Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium in Columbia, South Carolina. The Symposium, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, celebrated the contributions of women in advancing South Carolina and its business landscape.
A’ja Wilson gave the keynote address which focused largely on what it was like growing up and going to school in Columbia, South Carolina and how she paved her path to national and global success right here in our great state. She also spoke on how she has broken barriers as a woman in sports, finding her confidence in her craft and dealing with challenges that women in the business world face every day. The keynote was presented in a discussion-style setting between A’ja Wlson and Cynthia Bennett, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “It was a privilege for us all to see Ms. Wilson’s display of leadership and resiliency that extends far beyond the basketball court. Her professionalism and magnetism are as apparent in the board room as they are in the locker room”, said Bennett.
Throughout the event, nearly 500 attendees heard from a wide range of women leaders from multiple valuable perspectives of businesses, athletics, nonprofits, and many more sectors on a variety of topics. Please view our full program of events from the Symposium here.
The SC Chamber recognized two outstanding women with the annual ATHENA Awards at the Symposium as well. Shannon Todd, Assistant County Administrator for Horry County Government, was presented with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. Karen Jenkins, President and CEO of KRJ Consulting, received the ATHENA Leadership award.
When asked about the Symposium, attendees said that the programming was very inspiring and that they took something new away from each panel that was presented throughout the day. The ideas that were hatched, realizations that arose, and the connections that were made in that room were palpable and we are already looking forward to the 5th Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium next March.
Support for this event came from companies all across the state including BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Prisma Health, Blanchard Machinery, Colonial Life, Charter Communications, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, Mauldin & Jenkins, Huntington Bank, South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs, AARP, BMW Group – Plant Spartanburg, Milliken, Ogletree Deakins, Bridgestone Americas, Inc., South Carolina Student Loan Corporation, Sun Solutions and KRJ Consulting.
About SC Chamber
The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is the State’s leading voice for business with a vision to make South Carolina’s economy the most vibrant in the United States, creating opportunity and prosperity for all. A statewide organization that fights for pro-job and business policies at the state and federal level, it strives to promote free enterprise; define and advocate for the business agenda; convene, connect, and educate businesses; and partner with key allies. Our member insights shape the policies we write and the agenda we promote at the State House. Learn more at http://www.scchamber.net.
