Seven Midlands women named Women of Distinction by Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands
July 31, 2025
Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands will honor seven Midlands area women for their courage, confidence, and character.
Since 1993, the Women of Distinction event has recognized extraordinary women across the Midlands who lead with the very values we strive to build in every Girl Scout.
This uplifting evening is a celebration of those who light the way for others through their professional accomplishments, community impact, and unwavering commitment to service. Held annually in Columbia, this event brings together community leaders, businesses, and changemakers for an evening of connection, storytelling, and inspiration—all in support of local Girl Scouts.
Join us in celebration on September 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathy Novinger Girl Scout Leadership Center, 1107 Williams Street, Columbia, 29201.
This year’s honorees are:
Julie Ann Avin
Chief Executive Officer & President of Mirci (Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc.)
Frances Griggs
EVP, Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, AgFirst Farm Credit Bank
Naida Rutherford
Coroner, Richland County
Ashley Olayinka
Founder + CEO, The Hive Community Circle
Mary Winter Teaster
Senior Brokerage Associate, Colliers International
Allison Spry Waymyers
Owner of Spry Players Group, LLC
Laurin Chewning (Young Professional Honoree)
Digital Marketing Manager, AllSouth Federal Credit Union
We encourage everyone to celebrate these women of distinction. More information, including event tickets and sponsorship packages, can be found on our website at https://www.gssc-mm.org/en/support-us/donate-locally/wod/wod-midlands.html or by emailing [email protected].
Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gssc-mm.org.
