2019 Columbia Regional Business Report Women of Influence

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Women of Influence

MEET THE CLASS OF 2019 We’re excited to honor the 2019 Women of Influence!

Please join the Columbia Regional Business Report as we celebrate outstanding women from the Midlands. We will recognize the important role women play in business, education and government while enjoying a great networking opportunity.

JOIN US FOR THE 2019 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE LUNCHEON!

Thursday, August 22 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m • Doubletree by Hilton Columbia Purchase tickets online today: www.columbiabusinessreport.com/events

#WomenOfInfluenceSC Presented by:

Sponsored by:

Aug. 12 - Sept. 8, 2019

Women of Influence

MIRIAM ATRIA City of birth: Newark, N.J. Education: Chowan University My job: President/CEO, Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board The best thing about my job: Being able to execute creative marketing projects and promotions for the region. Every day brings new opportunities!

Community involvement: I serve on Columbia College Hospitality & Tourism Management Advisory Board and on Columbia Hotel/Motel Association Board. Previously, I served as president and treasurer of South Carolina Association of Tourism Regions. I created the Lake Murray July 4th Fireworks — now in its 31st year.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: There will be many times when it’s not easy, but consistently work towards a goal. Feel it and see it, and you will achieve it.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: Jan Pringle, who was co-founder and president of Pringle Dixon Pringle, one of the Southeast’s leading advertising, marketing and public relations firms for more than 30 years. Jan grew her company to a $40 million firm with four offices and almost 100 people. Her friendship and business support have taught me.

Favorite quote: “Never take no for an answer! I tell this to my staff all the time.”

ADDIE DOOLEY BORS City of birth: Lexington Education: B.S. in exercise science, College of Charleston; B.S. in cardiovascular perfusion, Medical University of South Carolina My job: Director of Community Education and Outreach, First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina The best thing about my job: Being a part of an organization that truly puts care at the heart of its work makes working feel like a pleasure more than a job.

Community involvement: I partner with Marcus Lattimore and the Extra Inch Foundation to plan and implement First Choice Fit football camps for children and partner with Wendy Brawley and IMARA Women’s Health to plan and implement Health Empowerment Tours throughout the state to assist women in “Mind, Body, Spirit.”

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: Nothing can replace having a physical presence with your staff. I wish I had learned different communication styles to effectively “speak” to those you don’t see every day.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Make sure you leave room for adventure.

Favorite quote: “I walk slowly, but I never walk backward.”

— Abraham Lincoln

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Women of Influence

S. ANNE WALKER City of birth: Charleston Education: B.A. in sociology and psychology, Lander College. Did graduate work at Clemson University; M. Ed., University of South Carolina. Post-graduate work in higher education administration.

My job: Executive Director, Alston Wilkes Society; Certified Corrections Executive The best thing about my job: Working with an incredible team with the mission of helping others rebuild their lives is the dream opportunity of a lifetime.

Community involvement: Past president, Columbia Rotary Club; Rotarian of the Year 201617; past president for the following boards of directors: United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties, Sumter YMCA, Sumter Forum; chairwoman, Church Council at Trinity United Methodist Church; Lander University Board of Trustees; past president and founding member of S.C. Probation and Parole Association.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: Professionally and personally, always be prepared for unexpected financial expenses.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: My daughter, Melissa Evans, who gave me the honor of being her mama, and my mother, Sabrina Timmerman Walker.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Maintain strong relationships with family and friends. Do not sweat the small stuff and maintain your sense of humor.

ASHELEY SCOTT ST. JOHN City of birth: Columbia Education: B.A. in design, Clemson University; Master of Architecture, Georgia Institute of Technology My job: President/Architect, 1X1 Design The best thing about my job: The constant variety and constant learning. ... I am never bored.

Community involvement: President, Clemson Architectural Foundation; past president, American Institute of Architects Greater Columbia; past president, Columbia Museum of Art’s Contemporaries; volunteer with Hammond School; Architectural Registration Exam mentoring.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: This profession can be very challenging and difficult. And the mistakes are real and costly. That being said, the rewards of hard work and perseverance and learning how to “make it better” for the next time are all part of creating and building a career.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: A few Christmases ago, I had my daughter home from school for a few days. We were going to enjoy some time just hanging out. My phone kept lighting up (and) I realized I wasn’t able to do anything well. I turned off the notifications and haven’t turned them back on since.

Favorite quote: “Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”

— Attributed to Abraham Lincoln

Aug. 12 - Sept. 8, 2019

Women of Influence

AYANNA WHITE City of birth: Charleston Education: B.S. in business administration, Western Governors University My job: Executive Director, Power In Changing — Diaper Bank of the Midlands The best thing about my job: Helping families keep their babies healthy, happy and dry!

Community involvement: Joint leader, Children’s Ministry, Francis Burns United Methodist Church; co-chair of Economy Group, Children’s Trust Child WellBeing Coalition; Advisory Committee, Maternal and Child Health Title V, DHEC Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: Failure is something not to fear. When you fail at something and can learn from it, you are on the path to success.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: My mother is a major influence on my life. She is strong, sassy, and smart. After her divorce she was able to raise two kids on her own, complete her master’s degree in human services, and hold a leadership position in her field.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Understand that your time is valuable. Spend it wisely!

Favorite quote: “The golden rule for every businessman is this: Put yourself in your customer’s place.”

— Orison Swett Marden

BARBARA RACKES City of birth: Grand Rapids, Mich.

Education: University of Michigan and University of South Carolina, B.A., Economics; USC and International School of Law, Washington, D.C. My job: President, South Carolina Women in Leadership. I run a small marketing and communications company, The Rackes Group.

The best thing about my job: Energizing groups of people, particularly women, to gain confidence and become involved in their communities.

Community involvement: I have chaired or served on many boards including the Small Business Board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, the USC Educational and Research Foundation boards, Claflin College Business Board and the Palmetto Health Foundation Board of Directors.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: How long it would take to change the world.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Those who say they completely turn off work when they are home surprise me. A piece of my family is with me wherever I go and whatever I am doing. The contra is also true: some elements of my work are with me when I am with family and friends.

Favorite quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

— Margaret Mead

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Women of Influence

BARRIE KIRK City of birth: Columbia Education: Doctorate of education, Curriculum and Instruction; Master of Higher Education Administration; B.A., journalism; all from University of South Carolina My job: Provost at Midlands Technical College The best thing about my job: Turning our students’ dreams into realities energizes every moment of my day. When our students are successful, their families’ lives are changed for generations to come, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.

Community involvement: Some of my most recent involvement includes the CentralSC Alliance Board, the Committee of 100 Board, and the Midlands Workforce Development Board. Other involvement includes the Homeless No More Board.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: First, let go of the things outside of work that you are not passionate about. Second, find some time in every day for yourself. For me, that is at 4:45 a.m., when there is no chance for any distractions or other obligations. Use that time to recharge your physical and spiritual self. And third, plan some time during the weekend to get a head start on the upcoming week. That lets me start my Monday in a ready state of mind.

Favorite quote: “If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures your soul.”

— Rabbi Harold Kushner

BETH BURKE RICHARDSON City of birth: Mineola, N.Y. Education: B.A., Duke University; J.D., Washington University School of Law My job: Partner, Robinson Gray Stepp & Laffitte LLC The best thing about my job: Getting to know my clients and their businesses.

Community involvement: 20 Years Strong Service Project: From Schoolhouse to Courthouse; board of trustees and vice chair, education committee, Central Carolina Community Foundation; former vice chair, board of directors, East Point Academy; Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: I can be just as good a trial lawyer as anyone else.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: In addition to my great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother, my female mentors in the law: Cameron Currie, a federal judge and former boss; and Corky Harper and Betsy Gray, both brilliant trial attorneys and mentors in the field.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Stay calm and say no, or ask for help when you need it.

Favorite quote: “When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.” — Oscar Wilde

Aug. 12 - Sept. 8, 2019

Women of Influence

BRITTANY OWEN City of birth: Patuxent River, Md. Education: Master of Accountancy, University of South Carolina My job: Senior manager, Elliott Davis The best thing about my job: The people. Specifically, what they believe and the values they embody that build the foundation for our amazing company culture.

Community involvement: Board member, United Way of the Midlands; Revenue Committee, United Way of the Midlands; Campaign Committee, United Way of the Midlands; vice chair, Lexington Beautification Foundation Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: To not be afraid to speak up, trust your gut and step out of your comfort zone.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: My Granny. She was the most genuine, empathetic, graceful and intelligent woman I’ve ever known. She exuded love in everything she did and inspired me to do the same.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Don’t. To me, it implies you are trading one thing for the other. Instead, I strive to achieve work-life harmony — to operate more holistically and be present in all things.

Favorite quote: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

— Audrey Hepburn

CAROL A. MOORE City of birth: Newark, N.J. Education: B.A. and M.A. in Biology, Montclair State University, Ph.D in Marine Biology, Northeastern University My job: President of Columbia College The best thing about my job: Interacting with students.

Community involvement: South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; Chamber of Commerce; speaking at Rotary Clubs; Community Advisory Boards; South Carolina Commission on Tuition; South Carolina Women in Higher Education.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: You don’t have to be perfect every day.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: My mother, of course. But the most influential women in my life were my two Irish grandmothers.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: You must recognize that balancing work and one’s personal life cannot be done on a daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly basis. Balancing work and personal life happens over the course of your entire lifespan.

Favorite quote: “Life is great if you don’t weaken.”

— My grandmother, Mary F. Mohan

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Women of Influence

CASEY PASH City of birth: Vicksburg, Miss.

Education: Bachelor’s in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University; MBA, Darla Moore School of Business, USC My job: President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina The best thing about my job: Inspiring and preparing the state's youth to succeed through financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

Community involvement: Zeta Tau Alpha National House Corp. board member, VP of operations; Junior League of Columbia General Membership Committee co-chair; Middle Tennessee State Alumni Association past president.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: Always ask. Sometimes we as women do not simply ask.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: My first four bosses: Paula Mansfield, Rita Mitchell, former Tennessee first lady Crissy Haslam, and former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Work hard to play hard.

Favorite quote: “Never burn a bridge, because you don’t know when you will have to cross it again!”

— Author Unknown

CHARLOTTE LUNSFORD BERRY City of birth: Memphis, Tenn.

Education: Mary Baldwin College My job: Currently community volunteer and fundraiser, member of various boards The best thing about my job: My community involvement has been a learning experience in many parts of the country, and I have had the experience of not only learning myself but stimulating and motivating leaders across all walks of life. It has been my hope that I could impact others to give their time and talents to support those less fortunate.

Community involvement: Past chair of United Way of the Midlands, Central S.C. Chapter of the American Red Cross, South Carolina Museum Foundation, Junior Achievement of Greater S.C., founding member of Women in Philanthropy. Recent recipient of the Riley Institute at Furman University 2018 Wilkins Award for Excellence in Civic Leadership.

Former member of the College of Charleston Board of Trustees, and ex-member of the Columbia Museum of Art board of directors, current Current member of Columbia College Board of Trustees, Pawmetto Lifeline Board, Salvation Army Board of Directors.

Something I wish I had known earlier in my career: Because of travel in my earlier life, I wish I had become fluent in more languages.

Favorite quote: “Every minute is a chance to change the world.”

— Delores Huerta

Aug. 12 - Sept. 8, 2019

Women of Influence

CELESTE JONES City of birth: Columbia Education: B.S., nursing, Clemson University; J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law My job: Attorney with Burr Forman McNair The best thing about my job: The clients I represent and the people I work with.

Community involvement: I currently serve on the board of the Ovarian Cancer Council of Central SC. I previously served on the Board of Visitors at MUSC and taught Sunday school for nearly 20 years. I was also the PTO president at Cardinal Newman School.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: That the members of a jury are the great equalizer for a trial lawyer.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: The most influential women in my life were my mother and grandmother. They were leaders in education, real estate and insurance in the Columbia area since the 1950s.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Show your children what you do at work. Take them along, and stay close to family to help you.

Favorite quote: “Do the best you can and do not worry about the rest.”

— My Grandmother, Emmie R. Long

CAYCI BANKS City of birth: Sumter Education: B.A., communications, Newberry College; M.A., communications, Queens University My job: Director of Communications, 1000 Feathers The best thing about my job: The moments where I get to witness the impact of an organization via its clients.

Community involvement: Chapter Advisory Board for Kappa Delta at Newberry College for nearly a decade; Media Team for Chapin United Methodist Church; School Improvement Council President at Newberry Elementary School.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: I would tell my younger self, “You are exactly where you are supposed to be.” It’s amazing how one connection leads to an opportunity that leads to another opportunity until you’ve somehow landed in your dream job.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: My mother. As a working mom of four, I have a better appreciation of everything she did, and at times sacrificed, for us.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Our children are watching. They notice the phone at the dinner table, the computer on vacation, the email that is taking precedence over family movie night. My best piece of advice is this: Shut it down. Chances are, it’s something that can wait until tomorrow.

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Women of Influence

CATHERINE CANTEY City of birth: Greenville Education: University of South Carolina My job: Consulting and leadership coaching The best thing about my job: The ongoing learning and listening. Most recently, listening has allowed me to learn more around the needs of combining leadership with digital equality (or reliable internet).

Community involvement: I serve on boards for the Health Services District of Kershaw County and Central Carolina Technical College Foundation. This allows me to stay connected with community needs relating to reliable internet, leadership, agriculture, education, workforce and telemedicine. Recently we facilitated a public-private partnership to bring together education, medical, workforce and agriculture partners to respond to the recent USDA $600 million grant/loan application to provide reliable internet to local communities.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: It takes 20 years of hard work and daily grit to begin to see the glimmer of overnight success.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Choose your spouse wisely.

Favorite quote: “Change is simple, not easy.”

— Mel Robbins

CHRIS BRADY WOLFE City of birth: Tampa, Fla. Education: Civil Engineering and Economics, Vanderbilt University My job: Vice President of Quality Engineering, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp.

The best thing about my job: When I get to work on new opioid-free products. I have friends and loved ones who have fallen victim to the opioid epidemic, and to work on solutions to combat our nation’s opioid crisis is extremely personal and rewarding.

Community involvement: City Year of Columbia, board chair and Ripples of Hope Gala chair; First Tee of Columbia, board chair; Million Women Mentor S.C. State Lead; Liberty Fellowship Class of 2020; founder of the Brady-Wolfe Scholarship for NCWIT Awards for Aspiration in Computing Awards; United Way YLS and Palmetto Society Member; volunteer for Midlands Education Business Alliance.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: Flexibility is a life skill.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: Martha Ingram My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Manage your time so you can achieve the best at both. Focus on top priorities and don’t waste time on things that aren’t necessary.

Favorite quote: “I love you more.” — My husband

Aug. 12 - Sept. 8, 2019

Women of Influence

DENISE BRADLEY City of birth: Las Vegas, Nev. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources My job: Founder of the nonprofit organization Miracles in the Midlands The best thing about my job: My job enables me the opportunity to influence and, in most cases, change the lives of total strangers. I love that I have a great degree of control and freedom within my job. The diversity of work that I do ensures that no day is like any other.

Community involvement: I have been involved with the MITM Community Toy Drive and Toy Giveaway, Top Golf fundraising event, Loads of Love community event, Volunteer Camp Love Yourself, and Annual Community Baby Shower.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: Pay attention to your passions. You may have a job you like but have a passion project or side hustle you love. Pay attention to the things that make you happy. Your natural curiosity equals natural passion, which will take you a lot further professionally.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Two things: Build down time in your schedule and drop activities and or people that sap your time and energy. When you plan your week, make it a point to schedule time with your family and friends and activities that help you recharge.

Favorite quote: “I got my start by giving myself a start.” — Madam CJ Walker

ERIKA KIRBY City of birth: Dover, Ohio Education: MBA, USC Darla Moore School of Business; B.S., University of Dayton.

My job: Executive Director, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation The best thing about my job: I interact with a variety of local communities and statewide organizations — listening to what health issues are the most challenging and working to find potential solutions and forming partnerships to move ideas into action.

Community involvement: 2019 Aspen Early Childhood Health Forum member; Stakeholder Advisory Board member for PCORI School Behavioral Health grant; Leadership S.C., Class 2018; Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s Community Investment and Partnership group; Together SC board member, incoming vice-chair for 2019-2020, member of Governance Committee; S.C. Department of Social Services Advisory Board; S.C. Joint Council on Children and Adolescents.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: I wish I had recognized earlier that my career mosaic was uniquely mine and that it needs to be designed and crafted based on my passions, skills and the gifts that God has given me. It will not look like anyone else’s.

Favorite quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did.”

— Mark Twain

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Women of Influence

JENNIFER HARDING City of birth: Macon, Ga.; grew up in Miami, Fla. Education: University of Florida, Florida International University My job: Vice President – Member Solutions for Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

The best thing about my job: I get to travel all over the country to new places.

Community involvement: President, Building Industry Association of Central SC; Charitable Foundation Board, Building Industry Association of Central SC; Public Policy Board and Military Outreach Group, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce board member.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: Get a mentor! I am very independent and have difficulty asking for help. As I’ve gotten older, I realized that I should have asked for advice earlier. There’s no shame in learning from a mentor’s experience, and there’s no need to settle for just one.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: My mother! She was a single parent, (but) she never asked for help; she only helped others. ... My mother always said that you can do everything you want to do in life, just not at the same time.

Favorite quote: My grandfather helped Albert Schweitzer with his mission work. He received a thank you letter from Schweitzer with this quote: “The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others.”

KATHLEEN MCDANIEL City of birth: Dillon Education: B.S., Aquaculture, Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, Clemson University; M.S., Stream Ecology, University of Georgia; J.D., University of South Carolina.

My job: Attorney, partner at Burnette Shutt & McDaniel P.A. The best thing about my job: The opportunity to help people at a time in their lives when they are often feeling the most vulnerable and worried.

Community involvement: I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines, as president of the Earlewood Community Council Organization, as a member of the Richland County Planning Commission and of the S.C. Bar House of Delegates and Judicial Qualifications Committee.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: As a young lawyer, it was hard not to take things personally, whether interactions with opposing attorneys, clients, or tough judges. The more confidence I have developed in myself and my practice, the easier it has become to view such interactions from the other side’s perspective and understand that they have motivations and drives that have nothing to do with me.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: When I was in the Peace Corps, I worked with a community organizer name Delma Buhat. We trained fishermen in a coastal village to arrest other fishermen who were running illegal shrimp trawlers too far inshore.

Delma’s example taught me that one knowledgeable, persistent, fearless person can rally an entire community to make lasting change.

Aug. 12 - Sept. 8, 2019

Women of Influence

LISA B. MUZEKARI City of birth: Cincinnati Education: B.S., Civil Engineering, University of South Carolina; M.S., Civil Engineering, University of South Carolina My job: Environmental Department Manager/Principal at Thomas & Hutton The best thing about my job: The variety of clients and projects we get to work on. It is rewarding to have worked for some of the same clients for more than 20 years.

Community involvement: T&H Helping Hands, an program where Thomas & Hutton employees donate “sweat” hours to help local nonprofits; Introduction to Engineering Program, Richland School District One, oversaw the Introduction to Engineering program for T.S. Martin Middle School and W.G. Sanders Middle School.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: Communication and being responsive is one of the most important things I can provide a client.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: When I started my career in engineering, there were very few women that I interacted with. I would have to say the women in my direct family provided me with the strength, guidance, resources and fortitude to accomplish what I put my mind to.

Favorite quote: “Never doubt yourself if someone else thinks you can do the job.”

— Sara Ling

MERRITT MCNEELY City of birth: Boulder, Colo.

Education: B.A. in Public Relations, University of South Carolina My job: Vice President of Marketing, Flock and Rally The best thing about my job: Through a wide variety of clients, I get to have an impact on so many different facets of our community. It’s incredibly rewarding to work really hard for a client and watch that work turn their dreams into reality.

Community involvement: I currently serve as the president of the Congaree Vista Guild. I am passionate about the district and its major role in our downtown culture. I have served on the boards of The Babcock Center Foundation, The Columbia Design League and the Animal Mission.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: That listening is the greatest tool in any toolkit. It’s amazing what you learn if you just focus on hearing someone.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: Anne Sinclair. I quote her often.

When I was serving as the executive director for the Five Points Association, I was very young and very green. She counseled me and taught me a lot about management and organization and life. I still seek her advice today, 13 years later.

Favorite quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” — Charles R. Swindoll

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Women of Influence

SARA SEITZ FAWCETT City of birth: Naperville, Ill. Education: B.A. in economics, College of William and Mary My job: President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Midlands The best thing about my job: Working with a smart and motivated team of staff and volunteers to give everyone we serve opportunities and support.

Community involvement: United Way of the Midlands, Board of Directors, campaign co-chair, Community Impact chair; Church of the Apostles, endowment committee; Transitions, Board of Directors; United Way Association of South Carolina.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: We would worry a lot less about what other people think of us if we realized how seldom they do!

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: My mother taught me the importance of creativity, perseverance and diplomacy, and to love family no matter what.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: Work and personal life are a series of trade-offs. Be wise, long-sighted and courageous in making your decisions.

Favorite quote: “Happiness isn’t something that depends on our surroundings. It’s something we make inside ourselves.”

— Corrie ten Boom

Aug. 12 - Sept. 8, 2019

Women of Influence

SAYWARD ELIZABETH HARRISON City of birth: York, Pa. Education: Ph.D in Health Psychology, East Carolina University; MA/CAS in School Psychology, East Carolina University; B.A., Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; B.A., International Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

My job: I am a faculty member and scientist at the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. I also serve as the Director of Research for the South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality.

The best thing about my job: Building collaborations between scientists and local stakeholders so that we can put scientific research to good use.

Community involvement: I work closely with the S.C. AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the S.C. HIV Task Force, and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to raise awareness about HIV. I also work with the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network on issues including access to reproductive health care.

Something I wish I’d known earlier in my career: It’s OK to have not just one career, but two or even three! I thought psychology would be what I did for my entire career. Fast forward 10 years, and I am now a research scientist at a major university.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: Though not quite women yet, my daughters Beatrice and Meg have had a major influence on my life. They make me even more determined to show them and other girls what a difference strong women can make in our homes and our communities!

YOLANDA Y. TAYLOR City of birth: Columbia Education: Associate’s Degree, University of South Carolina My job: Broker-In-Charge of Taylored Realty The best thing about my job: Moving can be a stressful event. When I am able to ease stress for my clients and help them through the home buying/selling/ investing process, it feels great.

Community involvement: National Association of Realtors, Columbia Association of Realtors, Commission of Elections and Voter Registration for Richland County.

Something I wish I'd known earlier in my career: The importance of constant selfevaluation and improvement.

A woman who has had a major influence on my life: Ms. Mildred Stocker Myers, my mom.

My best advice on managing work-personal life balance: As business owners with technology literally at our fingertips, it makes the challenge more real. My advice is to be in one place at a time. When home, be 100% at home. While at work, be 100% at work. Don't cheat on our families with technology. They deserve better!

Favorite quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

— Philippians 4:13

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