United Way of the Piedmont’s annual leaders event highlights partnership and leadership during times of change
September 4, 2020
United Way of the Piedmont held its annual Corporate & Community Leaders event virtually on Wednesday. Over 100 leaders across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties convened online to hear from keynote speaker Mike Brenan, Regional President of BB&T, now Truist, for South Carolina.
The event’s theme, Leadership During Times of Change, shed light on the challenges posed by COVID-19 and pointed to continued efforts to address inequities across the region.
President and CEO of United Way of the Piedmont, Paige Stephenson, commented, “We are excited to provide this event in a new, adapted format. United Way celebrates the leadership of our corporate and community partners through these changing times. As we continue to respond to critical community issues, we encourage leaders to take action in the face of challenges.”
United Way remains focused on fighting for the stability of every community member. Stephenson reminded attendees that the various issues of inequity brought to light during the pandemic are not new.
The event’s keynote speaker Brenan further stressed the need for action amidst change. Brenan discussed how Truist has navigated the merger of BB&T and Suntrust, the challenges of COVID-19, and why it has never been more important to be involved in our communities. Noting the importance of collaboration, Brenan said, “You’ve got to be able to do the hard work. You’ve got to reach out and connect with people you haven’t in the past.”
Both Brenan and Stephenson directed attendees to engage in the present moment and adapt in crisis. “This is the world we live in. This is the world that we need to have an impact and be successful in,” Brenan said.
In closing, Stephenson reminded viewers about United Way’s ongoing push to reach its 2030 Bold Goal to decrease the number of individuals living below self-sufficiency by 11,000. To support these efforts, Stephenson invited leaders to engage and move from response to recovery and rebuilding. “We have the opportunity to make great change during this crisis—to be the community we desire to be,” she said.
As Stephenson remarked, “The only way forward in great times of change is to be united.”
For more information about this event and how to take action through United Way, visit www.uwpiedmont.org/ccl/.
About United Way of the Piedmont
United Way of the Piedmont is a local nonprofit that fights for the education, financial stability, and health of every member of our community. Our mission is to connect, engage, and inspire people to transform our community. We are more than fundraisers. We forge unique partnerships, find new solutions to old problems, and mobilize the best resources by inspiring others to join the fight. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to not just survive, but to thrive.
