Forty-two leaders from the Upstate and surrounding area have been selected to participate in the Riley Institute at Furman’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) this spring.

“Though we are a diverse population, discovering ways in which differences can be a strength in our organizations is of utmost importance as we seek to grow and support a thriving economy and rich culture,” said Donald Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute.

DLI class members are identified through a rigorous process including a nomination, application and interview. Individuals are selected to join the class based on their capacity to impact their organizations and communities. 

Over the course of five months, participants will learn about diversity and inclusion “blind spots” and how to suspend assumptions. Participants will also work in small, cross-sector groups to respond to real issues and opportunities in their communities through service projects. The classes are facilitated by Juan Johnson, an independent consultant and former Coca-Cola vice president.

“DLI is unique among South Carolina’s leadership programs. In addition to the opportunity to develop new relationships and take part in positive action in their communities, participants gain deep knowledge of how to effectively manage and lead diverse workers, clients and constituents,” said Johnson.

In addition to the Upstate, DLI classes are selected annually in the Midlands and Lowcountry. Each class is crafted to reflect the diverse demographics in South Carolina.

“We now have more than 1,900 Riley Fellows statewide. Each new class further extends the reach and impact of leaders willing to work together to make South Carolina a better place to live and work for all its residents,” said Gordon.

DLI graduates become Riley Fellows, members of a powerful, cross-sector, statewide leadership network that includes CEOs of corporations, mayors, city and county council members, legislators, school superintendents, pastors and rabbis, non-profit heads, chamber of commerce directors, and community leaders.

The full roster of Riley Fellows is available online at riley.furman.edu. The leaders selected for the 25th Upstate DLI class are:

 

John Barker

Assistant Vice President

Furman University

Greenville

 

Jerry Blassingame

Executive Director

Soteria Community Development Corporation

Greenville

 

Luis Caicedo

Branch Manager

New American Funding

Greenville

 

Daja Dial

Marketing & Communications Manager

Oconee Economic Alliance

Seneca

 

Dennis Dunn

Chief Information Officer

Michelin North America

Greenville

 

Jennifer Dusso

Chief Operating Officer

Bon Secours Medical Group

Greenville

 

Anthony Esquivel

Owner

COPA Indoor Soccer

Greenville

 

Jill Fuson

Director, Center for Critical Issues

The Riley Institute at Furman

Greenville

 

Mike Gatchell

Senior Executive Director, The Furman Advantage Network

Furman University

Greenville

 

Chris Giacomaro

Director of Executive Operations

United Way of Greenville County

Greenville

 

Neal Guthrie

Department Manager, Quality and Quality Systems

BMW Manufacturing

Greer

 

Steve Hairston

Public Policy and Advocacy Director

Public Education Partners

Greenville

 

Sally Hammond

Chief Communications Officer

Spartanburg School District 7

Spartanburg

 

John Humphries

President and General Manager

WYFF 4

Greenville

 

Paul Hyde

Education Writer

The Greenville News

Greenville

 

Jamie Inman

Chief Mission Advancement Officer

YMCA of Greenville

Greenville

 

Steve Jahries

Vice President, Purchasing - Americas

Michelin North America

Greenville

 

Cynthia King

Associate Professor/Chair

Furman University

Greenville

 

Tanisha Latimer

Dean of Enrollment Services

Greenville Technical College

Greenville

 

Ivory Mathews

Executive Director

Greenville Housing Authority

Greenville

 

Susan McLarty

Mission Outreach Coordinator

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Greenville

 

Andrea Meade

President

Raise Craze

Greer

 

Paul Newhouse

President

Union Medical Center

Union

 

Anna Padaetz

Facility Personnel Manager

Michelin North America

Spartanburg

 

Jennifer Parker

Director, Child Protection Training Center; Professor of Psychology

USC Upstate

Spartanburg

 

Cory Patterson

Attorney

Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P. A.

Greenville

 

Trung Phan

Manager Production Waste Water Treatment, Process, Material

BMW Manufacturing

Greer

 

Joseph Provenzano

Manager

BMW Manufacturing

Greer

 

Susan Riordan

Community Volunteer

Greenville

 

Felicia Sanders

Rubber Preparation Production Manager

Michelin North America

Greenville

 

Bill Schmidt

Vice President of Development for the Health Sciences Center

Greenville Health System

Greenville

 

Bubba Self

President/CEO

Greenwood Communities and Resorts, Inc.

Greenwood

 

Tim Self

Executive Director

AnMed Health Foundation

Anderson

 

Caroline Sexton

Executive Director

Hub City Farmers Market

Spartanburg

 

Thessa Smith

Director, Economic Development

McCormick County

McCormick

 

Nikki Stafford

Administrator, Children's Hospital and Neurosciences

Greenville Health System

Greenville

 

Ed Stein

Upstate Regional President

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Greenville

 

Nathan Stock

Principal

CRD Connect, LLC

Travelers Rest

 

Anton Thomas

Regional Technical Partner

Michelin North America

Greenville

 

Lamont Thomas

Lieutenant

Greenville City Police

Greenville

 

Samantha Wallace

Publisher

Edible Upcountry

Greenville

 

Mike Winiski

Interim Executive Director of Community-Engaged Learning

Furman University

Greenville

For more information about the Riley Institute and its programs, visit riley.furman.edu.