United Way of the Midlands

 

Blueprint for Leadership is United Way of the Midlands' comprehensive community leadership and board development program. Participants in this program can expect a challenging curriculum that prepares them to assume volunteer leadership roles within the non-profit sector and achieve their highest potential as stewards of the community. Since its inception in 1989, Blueprint for Leadership graduates have served in leading community roles and on nonprofit boards throughout the Midlands. The Blueprint for Leadership program utilizes a combination of classes and practical experiences to help participants develop leadership skills, increase knowledge of the community and acquire the skills necessary to be successful community leaders.

Take a moment to meet the Class of 2008:

A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Newberry College, Cayci is dedicated to her alma mater. She has volunteered at the Newberry College Shop Around the Corner, served on the planning committee for the 150th Anniversary of Newberry College, is an advisor for the Delta Mu chapter of Kappa Delta Newberry, SC, and the Vice President of Public Relations and Philanthropy for the Kappa Delta Alumnae Association. Her community involvement does not end at the university, however. She is currently the Director of Communications for the South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and organizes the building's Harvest Hope Food Bank Drive, is the employee United Way Campaign lead and is an active donor herself. She is a participant in Families Helping Families, a member of the women's circle at Central United Methodist Church, and a participant in Toys for Tots. Cayci believes that the most critical issues in the community are homelessness, hunger, gangs, teen pregnancy and domestic violence. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and was Jolie Magazine's "It Girl" in August 2007. 

Ethel Brewer is currently a research associate for the Benedict College Division of Community Development. In addition to her occupation, she enjoys and is committed to working with organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in the community. She has volunteered with the South Carolina Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless, served as a South Carolina Hurricane Katrina Shepherd, and worked as a poll manager during the presidential primaries for the South Carolina Election Commission. At the United Way of the Midlands, she currently serves as a member of both the Health and Recovery Council and the Council's Grant Review Committee. Complementary to her professional aspirations, Ethel is also a member of the National Association for Female Executives and the National Council for Negro Women. In addition, she is permanently licensed by the New York State Education Department. Throughout her activist career, she has served on the board of directors for the Hamilton Hill Drop-In Art Center in Schenectady, New York, was a charter board member and vice president for a Dr. Martin Luther Kind and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series at Siena College, and was a government relations officer, vice president and president for the New York State Higher Education Opportunity Program Professional Organization. As Senior Associate for The Non-Profit, Inc., a Columbia, South Carolina, based organization, she collaborated in the development, research and writing of the South Carolina First Steps Program Fairfield County grant proposal. She is a trained reading specialist and former college administrator of academic support programs. Ethel not only participated in all of these well-established organizations and committees but also served as the president and founder of an educational research organization focused on providing access to information for inner city residents. She was honored to serve as a graduation speaker for the Greene Correctional Facility in Coxsackie, New York, as well as a black history month speaker at Ithaca College. Her major concerns for the community include the economy and economic stability, access to affordable and quality health care (particularly for poor, low and moderate income families) and the systemic educational disparity.

Jon Chilton is a Business Services Officer for BB&T in the Midlands.  After working for a local Commercial Real Estate firm in Columbia, he was hired to enter the BB&T Leadership Development Program located in Winston Salem, NC.  Following the program he was transferred to the Midlands region to work in the Commercial Lending Group for BB&T.  Jon is a graduate of The University of South Carolina where he received his BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate and Finance.  While attending USC he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity.  Jon has been an active member of Christ Church of the Carolinas since 2003.  Jon has a strong belief that the most critical issue facing the Midlands region today is a departure from Biblical values where it is stated that the two greatest Commandments are to "Love the Lord your God…….. and to Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:34-40).  The enactment of which would bring peace to all communities and resolve issues such as homelessness, poverty, unemployment, healthcare and the like.

Valeda Collins serves as Campaign Account Manager for United Way of the Midlands.  Her community involvement extends far beyond her occupational responsibilities. She has over 25 years of experience in sales and consulting. During that time she was recognized as Leasing Consultant of the Year, Customer Service Representative of the Year, is a two-time winner of Nationwide Property Leasing/Sales Contest, and received a Certificate of Appreciation for Exemplary Performance. As a result she has become especially skilled in developing creative and innovative relationships. Before coming to United Way of the Midlands, she resided in Tallahassee, Florida and was employed with United Way of the Big Bend. She served on numerous committees including Dillard University Lyceum and CAA and Women Think Tank.  Additionally, she served as public relations coordinator for the Boy Scout Council in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was also a participant in the Self Expression Leadership Program. Valeda is dedicated to community service that yields mutually satisfying outcomes.  She has identified four critical issues that warrant significant national attention.  The issues are (1) family (individuals and children), (2) education, (3) income, and (4) health.

Sarah is dedicated to improving the lives of the youngest members of our community. She is currently a special projects coordinator for Richland County First Steps to School Readiness, a member of the Bradley Community Council and a volunteer with Shandon United Methodist Preschool Parents' Club. She is a co-founder of the South Kilbourne Neighborhood Association and previously served on the board of Voices for South Carolina's Children. She has established an extensive list of United Way involvement, both past and present, including serving as a senior program associate and coordinator of the Success by 6 Statewide Initiative with the United Way Association of South Carolina and she is a member of the Success by 6 Advisory Committee for United Way of the Midlands. In training provided by United Way of America, Sarah has gained special skills in outcome measurement methodology, strategic planning, public policy, advocacy and community impact strategy. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children as well as Stand for Children. She was honored by the Children's Defense Fund as an Emerging Leaders Project Fellow.  Interestingly, Sarah appeared on JEOPARDY! in 2003 and won. She is also a state fair prize winning baker, loves to fish, and is an avid music fan who one day hopes to learn to play the accordion.

Currently, Mandi Engram's official title is Director of Internet Marketing for the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports and Tourism; however, her contributions to society and work within the community extend much further than her occupation. She finds the time to volunteer with numerous organizations through board service, committees and events, including Healthy Learners, Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) and Keep the Midlands Beautiful.  Some of the events she has volunteered for include the George Younginer Memorial Golf Tournament, the WIS Back to School Bash, Adopt-A-Street, the Greek Festival, Providence Heart & Sole, the Ronald McDonald House Red Nose Run, Bark to the Park with Project Pet, the Richland County Public Library book sale, the Lou Holtz Golf Classic presented by the Lou Holtz Foundation, the Three Rivers Music Festival with the Young Professionals Society, Families Helping Families, the Annual Golf Tournament presented by Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce and United Way's Homeless Count. In addition to volunteering with countless non-profit organizations, she also has a rich history of board and committee service. She currently serves on the Healthy Learners Midlands Advisory Board and on the Columbia Opportunity Resource (COR) Board of Directors.  Of the organizations she is involved with, she serves as Chair of the PR and Marketing Committee for the Healthy Learners Midlands Advisory Board, Co-Chair of the Community Involvement Initiative for COR, Co-Chair of the Columbia Talent Magnet promotional campaign and Project Leader of two quarterly Adopt-A-Street cleanups for both COR and the Midlands Authority.  Some of her additional community involvement includes serving as a mentor and job shadow host with the University of South Carolina College of Mass Communications and Information Studies Alumni Society and serving on the planning committee for Alpha Delta Pi Sorority's Columbia Alumnae Association. Additionally, she is a member of the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the American Advertising Federation of the Midlands (AAF), the South Carolina Interactive Marketers Association and the Carolina Alumni Association.  She is a former member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and the Society of Government Meeting Professionals. She is a graduate of The University of South Carolina and recently obtained an HTML Certificate from Midlands Technical College.  She is also a graduate of the "Richland 101" course, offered by the Richland County Government and "Certified Friendly" offered by the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Hospitality Association of South Carolina.  Mandi has strengthened her professional resume by achieving CHSC Certification (Certified Hospitality Sales Competencies) and is an Association of Healthcare Philanthropy Conference Scholarship Recipient.  She was voted employee of the quarter during the third quarter of 2007. Her concern for the well-being of the community is clearly evident in the extensive list of issues Mandi believes are critical. These include a lack of corporate and private funding, the method of distribution of government funds, duplication of efforts, hidden political agendas and lack of community interest and involvement.  She also feels that beautification and tourism efforts, retaining talented young professionals, aggressively recruiting new businesses to the area, access to healthcare, and homelessness of both people and animals, are all issues that must be addressed in order to move forward and take the Columbia area community to the next level.

Melissa Bullard Glenn has gained extensive non-profit experience throughout her career and is now the campaign division director for United Way of the Midlands. She is a volunteer with the Midlands Reading Consortium and Project Pet. She is a member of United Way Young Leader Society, Palmetto Society and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Through her work with United Way of the Midlands as well as her personal volunteer experiences, Melissa is dedicated to improving the economy and financial stability of individuals, improving education, and reducing incidences of crime.

 

 

 

Mathew Langston's success clearly began early in his life. He has both an athletic and financial background and while studying at The University of South Carolina, he was a member of the Gamecock Club, Carolina Alumni Association, the Presbyterian Student Association and a participant in intramural sports. He earned and maintained several academic scholarships and was recognized as a Presidents List and Deans List honoree. He became involved with the South Carolina Bankers School after graduation from college and is currently a Business Officer/Business Services Officer II with BB&T pursuing an M.B.A. at The University of South Carolina. He has been a United Way contributor for the last three or four years and is a participant in the Midlands Heart Walk and UPS/Untied Way Tug-A-Plane event. Within the community, Mathew is focused on providing food and other assistance to the elderly, building relationships with troubled youth, and providing food and housing to the homeless.

Shawnee is engaged in a wide range of community issues, including HIV infections and prevention. Specifically, she is concerned about the rate of new HIV infections in communities of color and strategies of HIV prevention that reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS and has received special training surrounding these issues. She is currently employed as a program manager for Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services and is also a member of a faith-based HIV ministry. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers. In addition to HIV and AIDS, Shawnee believes critical issues facing the community today are instability in government, the ongoing war and its impact on the economy, families and healthcare.

Rodney McClure, a sales center director for AT&T is committed to improving lives in every area of his life. In addition to his formal training in consultant management, project management, and Microsoft applications as well as the numerous awards he has received within his sales career, his strong personal values and desire to work hard to achieve the highest results possible have made him an invaluable community member. He has served as fundraising chairman for sales operations of BellSouth, the director of United Way community investments volunteers and is personally an 18-year donor and supporter of United Way. Beyond United Way, he is a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Lexington, the Lenox Pioneers Council Treasurer, a Woodruff Arts Association Corporate Liaison, and past president of the Cascade Falls Home Owners Association Board and a mathematics mentor and instructor. He is also a member of the National Beta Club, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and an Eagle Scout. Although his work as a community activist obviously extends across numerous issues, he focuses particularly on making improvements on issues within the community regarding education and parenting.

As a manager at Palmetto GBA, a subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, Kathryn Padgett has had tremendous success. She and her team have been honored as the divisional Team of the Year in two separate years as well as received the company's Process Improvement of the Year Award. Individually, she has been recognized as Manager of the Quarter in 2005 and 2007 as well as Employee of the Month. Additionally, she is an active member of Living Springs Lutheran Church and served as the Co-Chair for the Preschool and After School Care Board of Directors and Chair of the school's Personnel Committee. She has gained extensive experience with finance, personnel and parent relations as a result of her involvement with various sub-committees. She also volunteers for the annual Harvest Hope Food Drive. Kathryn is a member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina United Way Campaign Committee serving as divisional chair. Her primary areas of concern for the community include quality education and childcare, crime, homelessness and healthcare.

Currently, Gayle Oglesby Ricks is the President/CEO of Growing Home Southeast, Inc. located in Cayce, South Carolina. She attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she received a B.S. in human services. She then went on to Columbia University, located in New York City, where she earned a Masters of Science in social work. She has accumulated over 18 years of experience in the non-profit sector and she remains highly active in the community. She is a member of numerous organizations including the Leadership Columbia Alumni Association, the Affordable Housing Coalition of South Carolina, the Midlands Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) and the South Carolina Chapter of Foster Family Based Treatment Association (FFTA). She is also a member of the board of directors for the South Carolina Association of Children's Homes and Family services, the Alliance for Children and Families Turning the Tide Project advisory committee and the FFTA editorial committee. Utilizing her strong managing skills, Gayle is a member of the Walk for Foster Care Planning Committee for the second year in a row. She is involved with United Way as a member of the council of United Way Executives and has been involved in the annual workplace campaign in both 2006 and 2007. Gayle has many concerns for the community. Primarily, she worries about the lack of a comprehensive plan for the city's homelessness. She is also interested in education, specifically graduation rates and Columbia South Carolina's ranking among other U.S. cities and States. Other issues of high importance to Gayle are crime, particularly gang violence, healthcare issues including high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and the form of city government.

Jeff Riser is currently the Operations Manager with Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company. He is a regular participant in annual fundraising efforts including leadership giving and helped lead the annual United Way campaign with a former employer for approximately 800 Colonial Life employees. His excellent organizational and project management skills were recognized when he was selected to participate in Leadership Colonial. Beyond Colonial Life, he has served as a mentor at Rhame Elementary School and participated in Operation Gang Out. He volunteers with Harvest Hope Food Bank, Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity. Jeff believes that the most critical issues facing the community today are access to healthcare, other health and human services, education, and economic development.

 

Sara is personally dedicated to historic preservation in the community both in her professional life and outside of her career. She is currently employed as the director of membership and resource development for the SC Association of Non-Profit Organizations. In her free time she volunteers at the Historic Columbia Foundation and has worked for the South Carolina State Museum, South Carolina Archives and History, the Georgia Association for Museums and Galleries, Central Carolina Community Foundation and the City Center Partnership in the past. She serves as a board member on Clemson University Women's Alumni Council and the Shandon Neighborhood Council. She attended United Way's inaugural Young Leadership Council event and has extensive experience with non-profit organizations. Her central community concerns are historic preservation, city planning and sprawl control, education, the homeless population and economic development.

Charmella Tyler is dedicated to a wide array of issues that threaten the stability of her community. She works as a Program Manager of Comprehensive Risk Counseling Services for Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services. She believes that one of the most critical issues facing the community today is the stigma and discrimination surrounding those infected and affected with HIV/AIDS. In order to reduce the number of incidences of these stigmas, she conducts HIV 101 information sessions for people and organizations around the Midlands and also participated as a World AIDS Day Planning Committee Member in both 2006 and 2007. Charmella is a part-time facilitator for teens to break the cycle of homelessness and is a part-time clinical counselor with St. Lawrence Place, a transitional housing facility for homeless families. She also has worked closely with United Way of the Midlands in the past through PALSS and St. Lawrence Place. She is also a member of the Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her tremendous focus, counseling expertise and ability to capture the attention of diverse groups of people help to strengthen Charmella's position as a leader within the community.

Michael Weaver has achieved tremendous success as an attorney and now works for McNair Law Firm, P.A. Michael obtained his undergraduate degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he majored in business administration. After working as a financial analyst for IBM, he attended The University of South Carolina School of Law and graduated cum laude and with honors from the Order of the Coif and Order of the Wig & Robe. He is a member of numerous professional organizations including, Midlands International Trade Association, The American Bankruptcy Institute and its Young Members Committee and the South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Association. He attends many Untied Way of the Midlands sponsored events, is a member of the Young Leaders Society, and is McNair Law Firm, P.A.'s coordinator for its United Way of the Midlands work place giving campaign. Michael feels that the most important issues to improve on within the community are homelessness, poverty, access and affordability of medical care, hunger, crime and gang violence.