Furman University’s Riley Institute announced May 31 its 31st Upstate class has completed its Diversity Leaders Initiative.
All 37 leaders participated in discussions and scenario analyses to allow them to openly examine sensitive issues related to diversity and inclusion, explore “blind spots” and gain tools to develop diversity strategies within their own organizations.
They also worked together to develop capstone projects by partnering with nonprofits to respond to challenges and opportunities in their communities. The nonprofits included:
- Young Brothers Academy.
- Brother Box.
- Project Host.
- Family Promise.
- Upstate Urban League.
“In a time of significant strife both nationally and internationally, it gives me great hope to see so many South Carolina leaders remain committed to driving positive change in their workplaces and communities with the tools they’ve gained in DLI,” said Riley Institute executive director Don Gordon.
The 31st Upstate class graduates include:
- Nicole Andrews of Nicole Andrews International LLC.
- Jay Anthony of Anthony Law LLC.
- Gail Wilson Awan of the Urban League of the Upstate.
- Leila Aziz of General Electric.
- Nathalie Bauters, Harry Dickson and Paul Sinanian of BMW Manufacturing.
- Lizzie Bebber of United Ministries.
- Julie Branham, Shelley Cagle, Matt Cooney, Cammie Seymour and Russell Shepherd of Michelin North America.
- Michael Brearley of Hughes Development Corp.
- George Davis III of the Peace Center.
- Jami Emory of PlaySafe.
- Frank Fisher of Fisher Specialty Advising LLC.
- Matt Gilreath and Steve Layton of Milliken and Co.
- Nichole Grant of the Riley Institute at Furman.
- Nona Henderson of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County.
- Rob Howell of Avison Young.
- Rick Jenkins of Bridgetower Media.
- Angela Jenkins, Jon Joffe and Clarence Sevillian of Prisma Health.
- Gerald Knight of the Gaffney Police Department.
- Ray Lambert of Greenville Technical College.
- Angélica Lozano-Alonso of Furman University.
- Kamara Mertz-Rivera of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute Greer.
- Tavaghn Monts of Momentum Bike Clubs.
- Michelle Neeley of Goodwill Industries of the Upstate/Midlands.
- Scott Powell of Craig Gaulden Davis.
- Jeanmarie Tankersley of Clawson and Staubes LLC.
- Rhondda Thomas of Clemson University.
- Ameca Thomas of Laurens County School District 55.
- Michael Williamson of Northside Development Group.
Since its inception 19 years ago, DLI has had more than 2,500 leaders from across the state graduate from the program.
For more information, visit furman.edu/riley.
