SC Women Lead

SC WIL is having a birthday party on April 3rd, and along with celebrating seven years in operation, we’ll be toasting to uniting in 2025 behind new women leaders. Register to let us know you’ll join us or host a watch party. The event is complimentary for members and $25 for non-members. For more information about the birthday party, visit: https://lnkd.in/eE_W3wnG

This week, SC WIL Executive Director Sara Ballard spoke with WLTX 19 on the importance of women in civic leadership. Check out the story here: https://lnkd.in/eCbkTtEY.

It is #FoundersFriday and we also want you to #MeetOurBoard! We are thrilled to spotlight Lauren Harper Pope! Lauren serves on the SC WIL Board of Directors and has been an integral part of our organization and helping to advance our mission. Lauren Harper Pope is a political and communications strategist. She founded and now leads consulting firm CityBright, and she is Co-Founder of The Welcome Party and WelcomePAC. Lauren previously served as a strategist for former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke’s presidential campaign, as Policy and Communications Advisor for Columbia (SC) Mayor Steve Benjamin and as an aide to (SC) Sen. Mia McLeod. Lauren has a passion for voter education and civic engagement, particularly for young people and those who have not historically been a part of political processes. She has several legacy projects with that have advanced the City of Columbia. Thank you for being an example of what it means to lead, Lauren!!

This #WomensCrushWednesday, we’re excited to highlight Karen Riordan! Karen is the new President and CEO of TogetherSC. She is busy today and this week in Columbia as they host their annual summit. Together SC is a thriving statewide network of over 950 nonprofit and philanthropic organizations dedicated to making South Carolina a better place to live. Karen Riordan comes to Together SC after six successful years as President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she fostered strong partnerships and launched innovative programs to strengthen the local economy and tourism industry. She was instrumental in driving local economic growth and elevating Myrtle Beach’s national profile.

?? Did you get a chance to check out this week's blog??? Did you know? The Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity Act (H. 3927) was introduced and sponsored by 77 state representatives this month. The bill, mirroring language in the recent executive order from the president, seeks to outlaw diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in state and state contractors’ hiring, employment, and training practices. It is likely to pass the S.C. House and Senate handily later this session. Take a look ?? ... and then we want to know what you think. See the blog by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/ewEFGdED

SC WIL is looking for a dynamic, South Carolina-based consultant with human resources generalist experience to build and manage our statewide recruitment network, onboard and orient volunteers and candidates, and manage candidate learning and development. The position is part-time and remote, and some travel is required. To learn more, click here to submit an interest form and upload your resume: https://lnkd.in/eG6-EJDx

Galentine's Day is TOMORROW! How can you show your admiration for a female leader you know? Get her something she'll love from the SC WIL Swag Shop! When you shop at the SC WIL Swag Shop, you're doing more than giving a thoughtful gift—you're investing in a future with equal representation. Shop now by visiting: https://lnkd.in/eBB8G4MU

?? MUST READ! ??"If you don’t think that South Carolina’s judicial selection system is flawed, consider the General Assembly’s recent 54-93 vote against qualified candidate Melissa Inzerillo, who had no opponents for a soon-to-be vacant York County judgeship." Read more at: https://lnkd.in/eD5EKytF

This past week as International Holocaust Remembrance Day was held, we are honored to feature Dr. Lilly Filler as this week's #FoundersFriday. Most recently, she served as the committee chair of the 80th Civic Commemoration of the Liberation of Auschwitz held on January 27, 2025 and is the Chair of the SC Council on the Holocaust. Dr. Filler, most known as the daughter of Holocaust survivors, is also an Anne Frank Awards lifetime achievement award recipient and has been profoundly involved in Holocaust education, holding leadership positions at her synagogue, the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation. She was instrumental in spearheading the creation and installation of the South Carolina Holocaust Memorial and in starting the Columbia Holocaust Education Commission (CHEC). Professionally, Dr. Filler a leader in starting both the Columbia Rehabilitation Clinic and Women Physicians Associates. Notably, she was the first female Chief of Staff of Palmetto Richland. Dr. Filler is a shining example of a leader who has made immense strides in the community and women's health. She has illustrated how adversity can be met with strength, by improving the lives around us.

?? NEW AND EXCITING!! ?? We heard your call to be a part of our movement, and we’re pleased to announce that you can now become an annual member of SC WIL! On this snowy day in South Carolina, we're excited to let you know there is ?? SNOW-time ?? like now to become a member! For just $25 annually, you can be part of our movement to move South Carolina from lagging to leading in women’s representation. Learn more about our member benefits and proudly become a member today! https://lnkd.in/dMxga2yE