2025 Carolina Leadership Seminars - 7
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Together SC’s Carolina Leadership Seminars (CLS) has announced the nonprofit executive directors selected for its 2025 class. Since 2016, CLS has supported more than 200 nonprofit executives in South Carolina, offering a trusted space for peer connection, leadership development and candid conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing new executive directors.
This year’s cohort brings together leaders from across the state representing a wide range of missions and communities. The 2025 class includes:
- Angela Rainwater, The Good Fruit Foundation
- Aren Pace, Rapid Shelter Columbia Foundation
- Ashton Hernandez, North Charleston Dental Outreach
- Candace Wiley, The Watering Hole Poetry Org.
- Cassandra Shea, Youth Corps
- Cristina Picozzi, Harriet Hancock Center Foundation
- Dori Burgess, Healthy Smiles of Spartanburg
- Dr. Jennifer Gunter, South Carolina Humanities
- Kevin Mason, Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina
- Laura Boles, Mobile Meals of Spartanburg
- Ladrea Williams-Briggs, #NotUsSC
- Dr. Laura Ganci, Pattison’s Academy
- Maria Martin, PASOs Programs
- Mitch Ray, The Big Red Barn Retreat
- Moryah Jackson, Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity
- Rachael Fulmer, South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences
- Rashida Dillard, Pathways Beyond Borders
- Dr. Rev. Minnie Anderson, Paths to Wholeness
- Saville Williams, LifeWorks SC
- Shameka Huff, United for Baby
- Steven Brown, DIG Development
- Susan Dolphin, HOPE in Lancaster, Inc.
- Tara L. Burgess, Children’s Attention Home
Tamatha Kohler, Charleston County First Steps
Facilitation will once again be provided by The Weathers Group, led by nationally recognized consultant Charles C. Weathers, MBA, alongside Together SC’s Desmonies White, MSW, programs and operations manager.
Voices of Leadership & Impact
Together SC President and CEO Karen Riordan emphasized the program’s importance:
“The Carolina Leadership Seminars exemplify Together SC’s commitment to equipping nonprofit leaders with the skills, tools and peer support they need to drive meaningful change. This year’s graduates represent the strength, diversity and innovation that define South Carolina’s nonprofit community. We are honored to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to the transformative impact they will continue to make.”
Graduates of the 2024 cohort also spoke to its lasting impact:
“Participating in CLS was an eye-opening experience,” said Celeste Kahn, executive director of Pee Dee Hearing Center. “The day-to-day of nonprofit work can make it seem like our challenges are unique to us, but being with other nonprofit leaders showed me that we share many of the same struggles. Together, with our expert facilitator, we were able to explore strategies toward solutions. I came away from every session feeling empowered and uplifted with a new set of tools in my toolbox.”
Xavier Blake, executive director of One Columbia for Arts and Culture, added:
“The thoughtfulness and dedication poured into each session to grow us as leaders was exceptional. Connecting with nonprofit leaders from across South Carolina who are passionate about creating a state we can all be proud of has been profoundly inspiring. This journey with Together SC and The Weathers Group has reaffirmed that our greatest achievements come through collaboration. For this opportunity, I am deeply grateful.”
About Carolina Leadership Seminars
Carolina Leadership Seminars (CLS) is a program of Together SC, established in 2016 to support South Carolina’s new nonprofit executive directors with a unique, peer-driven learning experience. Hosted by the Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC and facilitated by The Weathers Group, CLS helps nonprofit leaders strengthen their organizations and communities. More than 150 leaders have completed the program since its inception.
About Together SC
Together SC is the state’s nonprofit network, connecting and strengthening more than 1,000 organizations to ensure all South Carolinians thrive. Through member services, technical assistance, inclusive networking, public policy advocacy and leadership development, Together SC amplifies the voice and collective impact of the nonprofit sector. Guided by its values—serve, excel and collaborate—Together SC drives accountability, shares best practices and creates opportunities for learning and connection that unite South Carolina’s vibrant nonprofit community.