Step into the spirit of unity at SC Thrive's 2024 Annual Training, where we're embracing the theme #ThriveTogether. Join us for another year of inspiration, learning, and community as we come together to explore innovative solutions and best practices for organizations making a positive impact in South Carolina.
This year's training will be held in Columbia, SC, September 17-18. This annual event is your chance to hear from speakers from all over the state about a variety of topics that can help you better serve your clients while also connecting you to other professionals from around the state. Register today for your all-access pass for two days packed with 20 breakout sessions, two keynotes, and unlimited networking!
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Patrick Jinks
President of The Leader's Perspective, Board-Certified Leadership Coach, and Multi Best-Selling Author
Dr. Patrick Jinks is a Board-Certified Leadership Coach who combines a variety of skills to create value in the world. Patrick is an avid motorcyclist, an award-winning professional photographer, a black belt in Tang-Soo-Do Karate, a published singer-songwriter, a multi best-selling author, and an ancestry hobbyist.
Patrick contributes to Forbes.com and Brainz Magazine. His podcast, The Leadership Window, is a Feedspot Global Top 10 podcast in nonprofit leadership. He has been recognized in both the Wall Street Journal and USA Today for his unique coaching approach, and he was recently dubbed the 'Most Successful Leadership Coach to Watch Out For in 2024' by Enterprise-Wired Magazine.
Dr. Malcolm Walls, Jr.
Pastor of Outreach and Next Steps at Sandhills Community Church, Adjunct Professor in Multicultural Leadership at Columbia International University
Dr. Malcolm Walls, Jr. and his fantastic wife, Tiffanie, have three children: Imani, Malcolm III, and Alexander. They currently reside in Columbia, SC. Malcolm graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in Marketing. He earned his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry degrees from Biblical Theological Seminary. In 2017, he became the Pastor of Outreach and Next Steps at Sandhills Community Church.
Malcolm is an adjunct professor at Columbia International University, teaching Multicultural leadership. He has extensive experience in corporate America and has also served as an elder, youth pastor, and executive pastor in various church contexts. Through his outreach efforts, Malcolm has engaged with numerous local, regional, national, and global organizations, churches, and ministries. He finds joy in helping individuals discover their true identity and make a lasting impact in their communities.
Meet our Speakers
Allie Boykin is a licensed CPA who has extensive experience in nonprofit accounting and nonprofit executive leadership having served in this industry almost all of her career.
Allie graduated from Presbyterian College with a degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting and Management. She earned her Masters of Accountancy from the University of South Carolina. In 2015, she became the Chief Financial Officer at SC Thrive and has been in that role ever since.
She loves spending time with her son Ronnie and doing anything in the great outdoors. She resides in Lugoff, SC and is active in her community with past roles with the Lugoff Elementary PTO and current role with the Mildands Advisory Board of Multiplying Good.
Dr. Eve Fields is a board certified psychiatrist and the Director of Integrated Care at the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. She is a project investigator for the Youth Access to Psychiatry Program (YAP-P), an HRSA-funded child psychiatry access program. She has over 20 years of clinical experience and an expertise in integrated care and community and public psychiatry. She currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia. Dr. Fields attended medical school at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore and completed her psychiatry residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.
Fedrick A. Wilson is the Executive Director of the South Carolina Respite Coalition, the only statewide non-profit organization in South Carolina addressing the need for respite across the lifespan for all people caring for a loved one who has a significant disability, special need, or chronic illness. Respite Care is a short break from primary caregiving duties. It gives the caregiver an opportunity to rest, refresh, and recharge.
Fedrick graduated from Hemingway High School in Hemingway, SC, and South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a Master of Education Degree in Counselor Education plus 30 hours. He also graduated from the Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary at Allen University in Columbia, SC, with a Master of Divinity Degree.
Fedrick participates in and/or holds membership in several professional, fraternal, civic, and non-profit organizations, community and statewide boards and committees, and ecumenical partnerships. Professionally, Fedrick has served as a Career and School Counselor in the public systems of South Carolina, a student services professional in higher education, a statewide non-profit/community action advocate, and a faith leader. Additionally, he proudly served in the United States Army Reserves as a commissioned officer. Fedrick is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and currently serves as the Pastor of Live Oak AME Church in Vance, South Carolina.
Fedrick, a native of Nesmith (Williamsburg County), SC, is married to the love of his life, Tenessa Bell Wilson, and they currently reside in Lexington, SC. They are the proud parents of one daughter, Taylor Alena Wilson, and two sons, Timothy Allen and Trenton Andrew Wilson.
Felicia W. Johnson is the Commissioner of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (VR). With more than 25 years of experience serving VR consumers in various capacities, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to this position.
Commissioner Johnson began her career at VR with a three-month internship at the Muscular Development Center in August 1997, which led to a part-time role as a physical therapy aide. During this time, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science from the University of South Carolina, after which she became a full-time exercise physiologist.
While working as the agency’s exercise physiologist, she obtained a Master of Arts degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from South Carolina State University. In 2006, Commissioner Johnson was promoted to counselor in the Richland office, where she provided services to high school-aged youth. These individuals experienced multiple barriers to employment and handled cases involving the Client Assistance Program. The capability with which she managed these diverse responsibilities resulted in the opportunity to supervise the Camden, Richland, and Lexington offices between June 2008 and February 2014.
Her in-depth experience and understanding of consumer services and employee’s roles and responsibilities at VR led to Commissioner Johnson serving as the agency’s Field Operations Manager for three years. She was named Interim Commissioner in July 2017 and was named Commissioner in June 2018.
She is actively involved on the national level with the public Vocational Rehabilitation Program, currently serving as President-Elect of CSAVR, and will begin a one-year term as President of the national organization on July 1, 2024. Commissioner Johnson is a required board member of the State Workforce Development Board, serving on the Innovation Committee, and has been appointed to several other committees and taskforces for the state.
Grace Anne Alfiero, MFA, is the President and CEO of Arts In Action Consulting Firm and supports several USA-based and international NGOs with grant writing, strategic planning, and revenue-building projects. Previously, Grace was the Executive Director and Founder of Creative Clay, Inc., Cultural Arts Center and has been an advocate for persons with disabilities for over 30 years. Grace has been described as a community activist who applies her unique creativity to every task. She loves utilizing creative solutions to solve systemic problems. Grace blogs about topics such as leadership in the nonprofit sector, diversity, inclusion, women's empowerment programming, scalable problem solving and social entrepreneurship at www.artsinactionllc.com. Additionally, Grace is a staff journalist who covers stories about newsworthy activities in the nonprofit sector for the hyperlocal media company Patch.com.
Working tirelessly to include persons with disabilities in the arts community in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, Grace Anne started Creative Clay in 1995 at the young age of 29. She has recruited the interest of the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) with a 30-minute documentary that continues to air nationwide, assisted 25 agencies in Asia with beginning their own successful arts enterprises, and successfully lobbied in her state capital to secure reoccurring line-item funding.
Considered an expert in the field of nonprofit consulting and Self-Advocacy for marginalized populations, Grace Anne has now made it her life's work to assist agencies across America and all over the globe. Specialties include nonprofit consulting, research, grant writing, strategic planning and visioning, meeting facilitation, and social enterprise development. Grace worked with Iowa State University as a curriculum consultant and grant writer, and leads her consultant firm penning winning applications for 24 organizations in 2024 including several museums.
As a trusted advisor to CEOs, Jada Willis specializes in bringing business clarity to high-stakes decision-making. Jada is a CEO Mentor that provides practical strategic action planning, executive development, as well as, workforce and capacity planning solutions.
In 2022, Jada achieved a significant milestone by successfully selling a thriving HR Consulting firm, a testament to her resilience and hard work. Drawing from 18 years of progressive experience within Fortune 100 organizations and small businesses, she has honed her skills in HR and leadership, making her an invaluable resource for executives seeking to drive meaningful change.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jada's true passion lies in advancing the lives of the working poor. She serves as the Board Chair for Harvest Hope Food Bank, leveraging her expertise to address food insecurity in South Carolina. Additionally, Jada is a Member of the Board of Trustees for Columbia College and Automotive Service Assistance, where she contributes her insights to furthering the missions of these organizations.
As a published author, national speaker, and entrepreneur, Jada embodies the spirit of innovation. She is recognized for her ability to push boundaries and think outside the box, leveraging her creativity and resourcefulness to tackle the most pressing challenges facing nonprofits and small businesses alike.
Inspire Agency President and CEO Juliette Bogus has brought inspiring stories to life throughout her 23-year career. Beginning in film and video production, followed by advertising and public relations, Juliette spent her earlier years in D.C. working on national campaigns. She has worked with many leading industry associations and nonprofits over the years including the Greeting Card Association (GCA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP), Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA), US Pharmacopeia (USP), the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), Maryland's Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Maryland Tech Council (MTC), Maryland Life Sciences (MDLS), Aeras, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH), and Chosen. She moved her family from Maryland to South Carolina in 2019. Juliette lives in Mount Pleasant with her husband of 22 years, Chris, and her three children, ages 15-8. They are actively involved in their community and church. In addition to her SC Thrive board position, Juliette is also a board member with SCbio, the statewide, non-profit, industry association and economic development organization tasked with building the business of life sciences in South Carolina. With her theater background, she has served nonprofits and children of all ages as a children's entertainer for over 30 years—toting two stage names: "Michelle the Magician" and "Jewels D. Clown." Juliette is a graduate of Virginia Tech and founded Inspire Agency in 2013.
Kahila Aposhian-Kahlia brings with her an extensive history in healthcare and leadership. She recently relocated to Columbia, SC, from Seattle, WA, where she served as Assistant Director for the University of Washington Medical Center.
In her current position as Director of Patient Services for Welvista, her goals are to reinvigorate the organizations outreach efforts. Kahlia has doubled the organizations number of community outreach advocates working across the state as a strategy for building relations with schools, churches, and other nonprofit organizations that can refer patients to our medication assistance program.
Kahlia has two adult children and a cat named Mochi. She has over 100 houseplants and loves traveling and weightlifting in her spare time.
Katherine Hayden has worked for the South Carolina Department of Social Services in various capacities since 2007. In her current role as a Program Manager I, she is responsible for the statewide oversight and implementation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) policies and procedures to ensure compliance with program requirements. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Criminology from Coker College in 2006 and a Master of Arts degree in Human Behavior and Conflict Management from Columbia College in 2010.
Katie Reams became the South Carolina United for ALICE Director at Trident United Way in August 2023. Reams has worked with United Way over the last five years. Previously, she worked as the Director of the United Way Association of South Carolina's 211 Services. Reams' primary focus is to develop statewide partnerships and identify opportunities and strategies that work to improve the financial stability of our communities. Before joining United Way, Reams was in the Upstate as a Houseparent at Collins Children's Home working directly with children and families in crisis. Reams serves as the Secretary/Treasurer on the Fact Forward Board and is a member of the Lowcountry Continuum of Care Governing Council. Reams has a B.A. in Communication Studies from Clemson University and lives in Charleston with her family.
Kelly is an author and health care and business lawyer. Trained initially as a corporate and healthcare litigator, she now focuses on supporting non-profit healthcare providers and independent physicians and providers facing contract and licensing disputes or navigating technology, regulatory, and organizational development challenges.
Kelly founded Jolley Law Group in 2013 and enjoys leading the firm and its growth. She serves clients throughout South Carolina from the firm’s Columbia and Hilton Head Island offices. She is a certified Mediator and Arbitrator with the South Carolina Bar.
Kelly is a former President of the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association, former Chair of the South Carolina Bar’s Health Care Law Section, and Leader of the American Health Law Association’s Liability and Litigation Practice Group.
Kelly’s honors include being recognized by Best Lawyers in Health Care Law and Privacy and Data Security Law since 2019 and Super Lawyers in Health Care Law since 2012. She is an American Bar Foundation Fellow and has been rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale Hubbell.
Lee retired from the U.S. Air Force 30 years ago and started working in the Healthcare arena 24 years ago. He worked with the Medical University of South Carolina, the University of South Carolina and many other Community-Based Organizations, Non-Profits, businesses, and faith communities, along with Politicians and various individuals of all ethnic backgrounds on many levels.
Louise Johnson-As the Director of the Division of Children, Adolescents and their Families, Ms. Johnson brings over thirty years of experience with the S.C. Department of Mental Health. Her background as a master's level clinician, coupled with her specific interest and expertise in social emotional and behavioral health, trauma informed care, and Cultural and Linguistic Competency, make her a valuable resource in the field.
Ms. Johnson has over 25 years of experience directly in Children's mental health and has been actively involved in a movement to transform S.C. towards a Coordinated System of Care since 1993. As an advocate for the emotional and behavioral health needs of children and adolescents in South Carolina, Ms. Johnson holds many leadership roles and has partnered with the Joint Council on Children and Adolescents to develop and establish it.
Ms. Johnson's leadership extends beyond her role as the Director. She is deeply committed to increasing access to Mental Health Services for underserved populations in our state, a passion that drives her involvement in the preparation and securing of numerous grant proposals. Currently, she serves as the Principle Investigator for the Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program, The FOCUS grant, Family Options for Cherokee, Union and Spartanburg Counties, and the Healthy Transitions Roads of Independence Young Adult Initiative in Sumter and the Pee Dee.
Ms. Johnson is also an adjunct professor at Benedict College, teaching Stress Management and Health Education. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Ms. Johnson received her bachelor's degree from Benedict College and her master's degree in Counseling from Indiana University. Ms. Johnson is married to her husband, Phillip, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Spencer and Avery and two grandsons, Easton and Jetson.
Marisette Hasan is a 1981 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Marisette resides in Columbia, SC and serves as Program Coordinator Consultant for The SC Coalition for the Care of the Seriously Ill. Through her leadership, the Coalition oversees the My Life My Choices grass roots advance care planning initiative funded by BCBS SC Foundation. This initiative provides education for clinicians, SC citizens and organizational stakeholders on how the benefits of having advance care planning conversations and executing their Advance Directives prior to experiencing an acute medical life-threatening emergency. Information and resources can be accessed for clinicians and the general public on the My Life My Choices website.
Marissa Spady is a Senior Manager on No Kid Hungry's state campaigns team, supporting Tennessee and South Carolina. She has worked on the No Kid Hungry campaign for the last 7.5 years, connecting with school nutrition directors, community-based organizations and partners across her states to ensure all children have access to 3 meals/day, 365 days/year. Marissa is a registered dietitian who completed her master's degree at East Tennessee State University. She lives in Chattanooga, TN, with her husband and 2 children.
Noreen O’Donnell is the Program Director of Diabetes Free SC, a collaborative initiative of BCBSSC and the BCBSSC Foundation. In this role, she has responsibility over planning, partnerships, development and administration of the initiative. Before joining the Diabetes Free SC team, Noreen was the Director of the BCBSSC Patient Centered Medical Home program and worked at the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control overseeing the agency’s HIV care and support services programs.
Noreen has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, West Africa.
Seth Shelby is a Healthy Schools and Communities Program Manager with Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Since 2021, Seth has helped guide districts and schools in the Diabetes Free SC School Wellness Initiative network toward healthier policies and practices. A former Physical Education and Health Education teacher in SC public schools, Seth began his journey as a school wellness lead after obtaining his B.S. in Physical Education from the University of South Carolina in 2014. The experiences in the public school system helped shape his desire to work more upstream in the school wellness environment. After completing his MPH from the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health in 2021, Seth began his role with Healthier Generation. Seth enjoys disc golf, paddling the Saluda River, and exploring the outdoors in search of reptiles with his son.
Stacey Washington holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University. She has two years of process engineering experience and over 20 years of industrial and state government environmental sustainability experience. She currently works as the Deputy Director of the SC Energy Office, where she manages office and energy programs with a concentration on energy justice.
Teddi joined the foundation in 2023 as the South Carolina Program Manager for the Kids in Parks program in order to serve the organization through the South Carolina expansion of the program. Growing up in the Upstate of South Carolina, camping with her family for (almost) every vacation, attending Clemson University, and now living in Columbia has allowed her to experience and appreciate the adventure right outside her back door, and she is excited to share that throughout the state with the Kids in Parks program. Teddi comes to the foundation with four years of experience in the non-profit sector of child and family wellbeing and a passion for all things outside. When she isn’t working, you can find her hiking, biking, floating on the lake, enjoying a good book on the front porch, or planning another adventure over tacos.
Tom Allen is the Chief of Technology for the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS). A Graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Master’s in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, Tom is a former high school government, economics, and geography teacher. He began working at ORS in 2007 in the telecommunications department and has since that time acquired regulatory oversight over additional industries, including pipeline safety, railroad safety, transportation (taxis, limousines, household goods, Uber and Lyft), telecommunications and broadband. On October 1, Tom was named the Chief Technology Officer and became the programmatic lead for the Digital Opportunity Department at ORS. Tom also serves as a member of the SC Emergency Management Division’s State Emergency Response Team as its lead for all power and energy issues in South Carolina, president of the National Association of State Rail Safety Managers, vice-chair of the South Carolina Pipeline Emergency Response Initiative, member of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Transportation Advisory Committee and is a Certified Public Manager.
Tom is a Columbia native and currently resides with his wife Jamie and daughters Ainsley (20) and Addison (17) in West Columbia.
Our 2024 Tracks
This track focuses on innovative programs, policies, and practices aimed at supporting the growth, development, and well-being of children and youth. Sessions will explore effective strategies for early intervention, summer meals, youth mental health, and more. Participants will gain insights into how we can Nurture the youth in our communities Together.
Dedicated to improving public health outcomes, this track covers a broad range of topics including diabetes prevention, senior care, prescription access, and caregiving. Attendees will learn about successful interventions and collaborative approaches to address the diverse health needs of communities. This track emphasizes the importance of holistic, patient-centered care and the role of organizations in being Healthier Together.
This track offers valuable insights into the latest trends, tools, and strategies for organizational management and operations. From accounting and succession planning to HR, marketing, and grant writing, sessions will provide practical guidance to enhance organizational effectiveness and sustainability. Participants will hear from experts and peers about successful models and innovations that drive impact and maximize resources to help build Thriving Workplaces.
Focusing on comprehensive, integrated approaches to health and wellness, this track explores the intersection Social Determinants of Health. Sessions will highlight the importance of addressing the full spectrum of an individual’s needs to promote overall well-being. Topics include financial stability, digital equity, food security, diversity in the workplace, and wellness in schools. Attendees will gain strategies for implementing whole person care in their organizations and communities.
Agenda at a Glance
- 8:00 AM | Registration9:30 AM | Opening Keynote11:15 AM | Breakout Session 1 12:30 PM | Lunch1:30 PM | Breakout Session 23:00 PM | Breakout Session 34:30 PM | Networking Reception
- 7:30 AM | Breakfast9:00 AM | Breakout Session 410:30 AM | Breakout Session 5 12:00 PM | Lunch, Closing Keynote & Awards
Lodging
Book your room now to access our special rate!
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbia, 2100 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210