The Riley Institute at Furman University has chosen 42 leaders to participate in its 34th Upstate Diversity Leaders Initiative program, the organization announced Aug. 23.
During the five-month program, participants will:
- Engage in intensive discussions and scenario analyses to allow them to openly examine sensitive issues related to diversity and inclusion with fellow leaders.
- Explore “blind spots.”
- Gain tools to develop strategies within their own organizations.
- Work together to develop capstone projects, partnering with nonprofit organizations to respond to real challenges and opportunities in their communities.
The fall 2024 Upstate class includes:
- Sharon Beckett, Julian Brockman, Todd Chumley and Sophia Simmons of BMW Manufacturing
- Fountain Inn City Administrator Shawn Bell
- Tor Bennstrom of Wells Fargo Advisors
- Keisha Bentley of Clemson University
- Jay Boyd of Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries in Greenwood
- Stephanie Boyd, Julie Meredith, Kerry Sease and Claudia Winkler of Furman University
- Michael Burgess, Ginny Cockerill of Greenville Technical College
- Wallace Cobbs of Greenville County Schools
- Yolanda Crittendon-Jones of Public Education Partners
- Bryant Davis of city of Greenville
- Charlene Doctor of Spartanburg School District Seven
- Jim Ford, Blair Landreneau and Brett Meredith of Michelin North America
- Corey Gheesling of SC Commission on Higher Education in Columbia
- Michael Hammett of Greenville Police Department
- Bennie Harris of University of South Carolina Upstate
- Martine Helou-Allen of RIZE Prevention Inc.
- Matt Irwin of Messer Construction Co.
- Kristin Isgett of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC
- Wendell Jones (D-Greenville)
- Stephen Love of The United Methodist Church South
- Beth McMillan of Nelson Mullins
- Shelly McMillan of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
- Jamika Nedwards of United Ministries
- Marilyn Nguyen of city of Spartanburg
- LaTonya Phillips of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
- Erin Predmore of Greenville Connects
- Jeannine Rogers of SCRA
- Michelle Seaver of United Community Bank
- Betsy Sikma of Milliken & Company
- Amanda Taylor of AT&T
- Scott Weiskittel of AnMed
- JD Whitt of Blue Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America
- Jason Wolf of P3 USA Inc.
DLI graduates become Riley Fellows, members of a network of over 2,800 South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders. For more information, visit furman.edu/riley.
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