The Riley Institute at Furman University has chosen 35 leaders to participate in its 34th Upstate Diversity Leaders Initiative program, the organization announced Aug. 16.
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 2023 Upstate class includes:
- Melissa Huff of YouthBASE
- Ed Irick of Greenville Police Department
- Amy Keely of The Riley Institute at Furman
- Andrew Koury and Mike Gardner of Michelin North America
- James Lindsey of Elliott Davis
- Chad Lott of AnMed
- Annie Maertens of Pendleton Place
- Rob Carson, Erik Ching, Mac McArthur and Lustra Miller of Furman University
- Michelle Bounds, Anthony Brown, Julian Plasencia and Johnny Sexton of BMW Manufacturing
- Tyler Prescott of Upstate LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
- Kira Reaves of Spartanburg School District 7
- Bobby Rettew of Anderson University
- Staci Roberts of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
- Johnny Sellers of The LOT Project; Evergreen Baptist Church
- Greenville community leader Teresa Webster
- Alice Ballenger of Milliken
- Tomeika Bennett of Hollingsworth Funds
- Noel Brooks of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
- William Brothers of Greenville Technical College
- Greenville City Councilmember Dorothy Dowe
- Neval Erturk of Converse University
- Keli Fewox of Piedmont Technical College
- Danielle Fontaine of the South Carolina Arts Commission
- Tiffany Foster of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC
- Lillian Garcia of Children’s Trust of South Carolina
- Trevor Hamilton of Peace Center
- Midas Hampton of Strategic Spartanburg
- Dixon Harrill of Synovus
“Today’s leaders have both a business imperative and a moral obligation to drive change across our state that impacts all levels of society, improving outcomes for everyone,” said Riley Institute Executive Director Don Gordon. “This class offers participants the tools and experiences to understand the nuanced challenges facing diverse segments of our community and to develop meaningful solutions.”
For more information, visit furman.edu/riley.
