The Chamber, in partnership with STG, is proud to announce the 2023 graduates of the Minority Board of Directors Training. In its second year, 40 participants have completed this four-session program, which focused on developing a greater understanding of what it means to be a minority board member, the importance of team building, insights into the legal accountability and financial management aspects of a board, and the core competencies of being an impactful leader.

A unique aspect of this training comes from the individuals leading and teaching each session. Each week, instructors with extensive leadership and board experience, many involved in STG, engaged with participants to provide a real-life look at the day-to-day challenges and opportunities that come along with bringing a diverse voice to a board. In addition to gaining access to invaluable knowledge, participants benefit from the Chamber’s assistance in matching graduates to board assignments within our region.

“As local boards of directors seek to diversify, the Chamber assists minority leaders in becoming acquainted with the responsibilities of board service. To date, 50+ participants have completed this professional development opportunity. Many Chamber member organizations have recognized the benefits a diverse board can bring to their organization and have reached out to connect with many of these emerging leaders.

Our cohort members have been recruited by organizations in the healthcare, nonprofit and education sectors, with nearly 60% now actively involved with local boards.”

Richard Waring, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Below, you will find a list of the 2023 graduates and the board assignments they are interested in. If you are interested in learning more about having a participant in this year’s training serve on your board, please reach out to Richard Waring, at rwaring@charlestonchamber.org

• Alyssa Williams
• Clarissa Pryor
• Rochelle McLawhorn
• Terry Hughes
• Celeste O’Keefe
• Celeste Granger
• Byron Wright – Open
• Neff Bourne – Community, Race & Ethnicity, Womens Empowerment, Children & Youth, Hospitality & More
• Lymari Rentas Gonzalez
• Kim Driffin Williams – Community, Education & Literacy, Womens Empowerment & More
• Adrienne Wilder – Open to Future Opportunities
• Christy Moore
• Emma McKenney – STEM& Technology, Open to Future Opportunities
• KJ Kearney – Community, Race & Ethnicity& More
• Chantelle Broughton
• Cristina Gillaspie – Open
• Tea Hines
• Timothy Grant
• Tomeka Middleton
• John Gethers – Community & Business
• Aaron Clark – Economic Development, Community & Health and Medicine
• Craig Logan – Race & Ethnicity & Social Justice
• Regina Robinson – Community, Race & Ethnicity, Womens Empowerment & More
• Alex Teel – Community & Financial Institutions
• Dexter D. White – Open
• Jennifer Pinckney
• Brian Colclough – Race & Ethnicity & Financial Institutions
• Diamond Curry
• Kerin Gibson
• Allen Brown – Military Veteran & Economic Mobility
• Dino James
• Mekei Gray – Community & More
• Meka Johnson
• Karl Phillips – Race & Ethnicity & Womens Empowerment
• Tracey Waring – Health and Medicine & More
• Rachel Brown – Open