As a first vice president at CBRE, Shelby Dodson has consistently been ranked as a top producer in the Greenville market and a top ten producer in South Carolina for the past five years. Dodson and her team are responsible for the leasing and marketing efforts of more than 4,500,000 square feet of office space in the Greenville-Spartanburg market. Her work in the Greenville market was recognized nationally as she was a National CREW Award recipient for economic impact for her work on the Plush Mills Project in 2019. Formerly a dilapidated brownfield site, it is now home to Venture X, a coworking franchise that offers full-service office space to startup and established companies.

Dodson, who previously worked in sales in New York City and as a green building advisor in Shanghai, specializes in office leasing and value-add opportunities, including brownfield sites, abandoned properties and incentive-based development. As a LEED professional, she is a sustainability leader and offers clients and properties expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings.

She was the only female broker at CBRE for the first seven years of her career, and has encouraged further diversification within the company, often serving as a mentor and event speaker. “Shelby offers a creative and collaborative approach to her work to ensure her team and clients meet their goals and complete meaningful projects,” says her nominator, Steve Smith, managing director at CBRE. She often works with nonprofits and other organizations, teaching and mentoring through Clemson University, and was awarded the 2017 Big Sister of the Year for her support of that program. She also volunteers for Rebuild Upstate, which helps people stay in their homes by assisting them with various construction projects.

What is your favorite book that you would recommend reading?

I’m not sure I could ever choose a favorite book, but I recently finished “Lilac Girls” (by Martha Hall Kelly) and the story stuck with me for a while. It’s a World War II novel about the Ravensbrück concentration camp, told from the perspective of three different women, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses during unprecedented times.

Who was your most influential mentor?

Both of my parents continue to be influential as mentors. My mother’s strength of character, integrity and practicality inspire me to be honest and transparent. My father has taught me work ethic and shown me the opportunity in entrepreneurship. Together they challenge me to reach my highest potential while holding myself accountable for my actions, results and mistakes along the way.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

The opportunities in the commercial real estate world are endless if you’re willing to do the work, measure the risk, and take a chance. Be confident in what you know while retaining humility to always learn from others. Look for mentors and ask for advice. Give back some of the good fortune and grace you’ve been lucky enough to receive as you achieve degrees of success.

Hill Electric is an industrial electrical contractor that has earned a reputation for safety and expertise in its 65 years in business. Gardner, who joined the firm a year ago, is navigating how to best market Hill Electric during the unprecedented pandemic, forging ahead with projects including revamping the website, coordinating photography sessions to capture storytelling moments, building relationships and other branding efforts.

In her previous role as president of her family business, Donald A. Gardner Architects, she had to navigate the recession as a young executive. By the time she left in 2010, she increased revenues almost to the rate before the recession by cutting costs, improving efficiencies and pivoting to meet clients’ needs. She also boosted brand identification and is working toward doing the same at Hill Electric. She has always been an advocate that it takes a team to accomplish greatness, according to her nominator, Brittany Farrar, an associate at CBRE. “Her beliefs are that being kind and showing empathy creates trust and respect that will never be taken away,” Farrar said.

She’s a believer in giving back: she co-founded the Women in Construction Forum and is currently involved in the Skilled Trade Alliance, CREW Upstate and FAVOR Greenville. She has also served as a board or committee member for the Peace Center for the Performing Arts, Better Business Bureau (locally and nationally), Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Home Builders Association of Greenville. She regularly mentors students and young professionals in the construction industry, and as secretary of the Golden Strip Trail Board, has pushed to extend the Swamp Rabbit Trail through the Golden Strip.

What is your favorite book that you would recommend reading?

“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown

Who was your most influential mentor?

I have had key mentors in various seasons of my life: my parents and grandparents, siblings and numerous peers. Currently, I consider each woman in our Women Construction Forum group a mentor. They each embodied a crush-it mentality, which is contagious.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

Be authentic.

Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.”

Don’t be intimidated.

Get to know other women in construction in your community.

Who was your most influential mentor?

My most influential mentor is Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I pray and consult with Jesus in every aspect of my life.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

Prepare mentally, physically and emotionally before pursuing a career in the field of health care. I recommend researching the different types of careers in this sector. Also, it is imperative to build a support system as you go through your selected program of study. For example, my parents were very encouraging at moments when I felt like simply giving up during my doctoral program at the Medical University of South Carolina. It is important to have cheerleaders throughout your journey. The first part of the battle is simply believing in yourself. The next step is having the self-realization that you possess all of the necessary keys to achieve any level of success that your heart may desire. Lastly, enjoy building on your strengths so that you can share those qualities with your patients as an esteemed health care provider.

Bess Havens

General Manager

Havens Fine Framing

Mount Pleasant

Industry: Retail

Years in this industry: 6

Years in this role: 4

Bess Havens has taken on continuing the legacy of her parents’ business of 52 years, maintaining its commitment to quality while updating the company for today’s customer. Havens Fine Framing has been known for half a century for its customer service, attention to detail and expertise in handling a variety of projects, including working with valuable, fragile or oversized artwork. Bess Havens continues that tradition by creating a positive work environment for her staff, encouraging creativity and collaboration.

As the third generation to lead the business, Havens also works with a variety of community organizations, contributing framing services or funding to groups such as Hollings Cancer Center, Whitesides Elementary School, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation and Trident Opportunity Fund. She also participated in the Gibbes Museum’s Women’s Council Art of Design event as a corporate sponsor in 2017.

President/CEO

KRJ Consulting, LLC

Columbia

Industry: Professional Services

Years in this industry: 30

Years in this role: 12

Prior to founding KRJ Consulting, LLC, in April 2008, Jenkins worked in the banking and financial services industry in Columbia for two decades. Leveraging more than thirty years of leadership experience, Jenkins and her team of 30 employees and 18 contractors provide consulting and leadership development and support services to clients, including federal and local governments, corporations and small businesses. A member of the National Speakers Association, Global Speakers’ Federation, and certified professional coach, she is a sought-after keynote speaker, workshop leader and panelist for numerous organizations and programs, including the Women Presidents’ Organization national conference, the South Carolina Collaborative and the City of Columbia.

She shares best practices for small businesses as a contributor on Columbia’s NBC affiliate WIS-TV 10 and is the author of “Nobody Told Me: The Path to Financial Empowerment,” which was published in 2010. An alumna of the SBA’s Emerging Leaders Program, Jenkins is a recent graduate of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program. She “always goes above and beyond in her interactions professionally, personally and within her community,” said her nominator, Kesi Stribling, CEO and chief strategist at KSG Strategic Consulting. “She is a living legend in that she is consistent, thoughtful, proactive and committed to her company, those within her circle of influence and family.”

KRJ Consulting, LLC, has established scholarships that assist students who may not receive traditional funding, but need financial support to pursue their college education. In addition, the company provides mentoring and coaching to new and established small businesses in Columbia through its signature networking program, the Eat. Learn. Grow Series. Held every other month at a local restaurant, Karen shares best practices and insight with small business attendees during the complimentary gathering. Karen also serves on the Mayor’s Advisory Council and she is a former board member of the South Carolina Greater Community Relations Council and the Columbia Urban League and was recently appointed to serve on the Columbia Chamber of Commerce executive board of directors.

What is your favorite book that you would recommend reading?

“The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra

Who was your most influential mentor?

There are too many to name. There is no one size fits all and that applies to mentors as well. By leveraging relationships and modeling what I liked and admired most about a variety of successful people, I was able to gain a remarkable amount of experience and information that could help me on my journey.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

Gain as much knowledge as you can to be an expert in your field; then make a plan to SERVE and help as many people as you can.

M. Felicia Douglas Littlejohn

President, CEO, National Social Security and Financial Advisor

The Legacy Group/Legacy Financial Advisors LLC

Greenville

Industry: Wealth Management

Years in this industry: 20

Years in this role: 17

Felicia Douglas Littlejohn has served her community as a dedicated financial consultant for more than 17 years, making sure her clients have all the financial services they need to thrive. She specializes in 401(k)/IRA rollovers, secure retirement planning, financial planning, Social Security maximization and insurance solutions. For her efforts in the financial industry, she has been selected into the National Association of Professional Women. Forbes Advisors Advocates and other publications have highlighted her work and regional impact.

She was nominated by Brittney Brackett, operations manager at b dynamic! Productions, who formerly worked as Littlejohn’s marketing assistant. “I witnessed the long hours, home visits, cards in the mail and phone calls to make sure her clients knew that she cared about them,” Brackett said. Littlejohn conducts ongoing educational seminars on financial and Social Security planning for leadership groups, growing families, pre-retirees, retirees and seniors across the Southeast as a way to give back to the neighborhoods that helped her grow her business. She partners with many organizations and is periodically featured on a variety of local radio and television programs.

Littlejohn was nominated for the 2010 Athena Award by the Business Women in Action Association, an award presented in partnership with the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, and has received many awards and honors. She serves on the United Way Advisory Board, is an officer and member of Epsilon Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and has served as a volunteer and/or financial facilitator for Senior Action, Long Branch and St. Matthew Baptist Churches, Project Host Soup Kitchen, the Kroc Center, SHARE, Safe Harbor and African American Leadership Greenville.

Heather Mitchell

President

BOUDREAUX

Columbia

Industry: Architecture

Years in this industry: 26

Years in this role: 14

Fourteen years ago, Mitchell took the helm at BOUDREAUX, leading diverse teams of architects and designers that have helped shape the landscape and character of properties throughout South Carolina. Her commitment to excellence and community is showcased in her resume of pivotal projects, including the University of South Carolina’s new School of Law, the Cathy Novinger Leadership Center for Girl Scouts, the recent renovations at Richland libraries and Clemson University’s Douthit Hills Student Community. Working hand in hand with organizations, institutions and local businesses, she is driven to lift up a client’s vision through responsible and forward-thinking design, and she works to plan and create spaces that foster community pride.

Her talent and specialty is taking raw vision and manifesting a monument to that idea, according to her nominator, Rachel John, the marketing director at BOUDREAUX. Her current and recent community involvement includes the Columbia Chamber and City Center Partnership executive committees, the Liberty Fellowship Class of 2017, the Midlands Business Leadership Group and One Columbia for Arts & Culture.

Leading a team of mostly women, with a ratio of 2:1 at the firm, she is dedicated to finding talented women and nurturing their careers. Her mentor program gives employees opportunities to learn from experts in their fields and get advice from principals at the firm on career growth, and she has fostered an environment at the firm that encourages a healthy balance between work and home.

What is your favorite book that you would recommend reading?

“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr

Who was your most influential mentor?

John Boudreaux, our founding principal who retired in 2012. I joined the firm fresh out of graduate school and John supported and encouraged my growth as a young professional, all the way up to entrusting me to carry on what he began. Providing me opportunity after opportunity, he taught me so much about the value of cultivating relationships that still guides me today.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

Years in this role: 11

Through Juana’s leadership, queue has been recognized with numerous awards, accolades and recognition for outstanding work, including ADDY Awards, Aster Awards and more. Last November, Juana was awarded the 2019 John. L. Thomason Award, which recognizes outstanding marketing and communications professionals who are also leaders in their community. The Thomason Award is the highest honor presented by the Carolinas Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Society (CHPRMS), the North and South Carolina organization representing healthcare marketing professionals from across the two states. She was selected by her peers in the health care marketing field.

Quick has helped numerous organizations that work to better meet the health care needs of the community. She is a past board member of the Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Foundation and currently serves on the board of directors for the South Carolina Free Clinic Association. She has served as past president and board member of the Midlands Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), past board member of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of the Midlands and as a past board member of CREW in Atlanta, an organization that supports the advancement of women in commercial real estate. She also served as a board member of the Juvenile Diabetes Association.

In 2018 she founded a group for female business owners in Columbia called Women on the Move, with the mission of fostering, mentoring and encouraging women to explore entrepreneurship. Suzanne Magnus, account director at queue, says the entire staff has been with Quick for 11 years since the agency first opened its doors - “quite a testament to her positive leadership qualities, traits and skills. She is always strategic in her decisions and is truly an inspiration to us all.”

What is your favorite book that you would recommend reading?

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

Who was your most influential mentor?

I’ve had many mentors and influencers; however, my first mentor was my fourth-grade teacher, Regina Moore, who taught me that living in a small town shouldn’t limit me, and that there was more to life than what and where I lived, but to value my roots. She also taught me that education is the key to life, along with many other lessons.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

Do your homework. This simple, yet invaluable, lesson is critical to success. While many young women think marketing is only about great designs, ads and digital marketing, it’s as much about research as it is a final product of a great ad or the creation of a brand. Strive to research, listen and learn.

I enjoy reading memoirs when I have the time because it’s an opportunity to learn from someone else’s experiences firsthand. “Infidel” is a fascinating autobiography written by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born Dutch-American activist, feminist, author, scholar and former politician. Ayaan has raised awareness about the oppression of women that is still rampant in many areas of the world.

Who was your most influential mentor?

I have had several workplace mentors that guided me throughout my career, but the impact that my mom had on me early in my life really set me up for success. She showed me the importance of having high expectations, creating a plan and working hard to achieve it. She encouraged me to be creative and different. She also spent a lot of time with me helping me develop my public speaking and communication skills, which have been really important in the various roles I’ve had throughout my career.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

Since there aren’t a lot of women in technology, you bring something special and unique to the table. Embrace the fact that you are different, and be confident about the positive impact that you can make. Look for ways to add value in your job and in all your relationships and you will have a lot of opportunities.

Victoria Simpson

Owner/President

Capitol Decorative Concrete

Piedmont

Industry: Construction

Years in this industry: 32

Years in this role: 32

Decorative concrete art is Simpson’s specialty. She has worked on a variety of projects, including the Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower, where she acid-stained all the walls as well as a S.C. medallion on the deck in a sunburst pattern. She has extensive commercial and residential experience, and has been recognized by Scofield, a leading manufacturer of decorative concrete products, five times as grand champion in their decorative concrete stain and artistic competition. She has also earned international awards at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas and is recognized as a local expert in the decorative concrete field.

Like all art forms, the work is very specialized, and she installs it personally. She makes sure her company stays focused on quality, and she keeps in touch with her clients, often becoming friends. She seeks to find the good in every day and everything, a lesson she learned from her father. She often supports other female entrepreneurs, sending the extra work whenever possible and training them to take on large, complex projects.

Who was your most influential mentor?

My mother. She passed away when I was nine years old but the values she instilled in my life are still just as true today as they were nearly 30 years ago. She loved her husband, her God, her family and her community. She poured into me in ways that encourage me to be a better wife, mother and leader. She was both humble and kind - traits that are key for successful leadership and life.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

In my field and every field: Constantly encourage yourself and those around you to improve as individuals and as an organization. Identify areas for improvement and offer solutions. Learn everything you can about your field and lay a firm foundation for those who come behind you. Work hard to help those around you and never be closed-fisted with the knowledge you are given. Work toward continuous improvement for yourself, your team and the constituents you serve.

Debbie Muller Walker

Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

Midlands Technical College

Columbia

Industry: Education

Years in this industry: 24

Years in this role: 4.5

Debbie Walker joined Midlands Technical College in 1996 as the file room and contract employees supervisor in the college’s Student Financial Services department. While advancing into multiple roles, she earned her master’s degree in business administration from Southern Wesleyan University. Today, she leads one of the largest divisions of the college, managing the entirety of MTC’s resources. Her dedication has helped thousands of students become a better version of themselves. She has been a leader in MTC receiving zero findings during reaffirmation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, has served as executive liaison for Staff Council and has served on MTC’s new strategic plan implementation team.

She designs programs to promote economic development and works closely with business, industry and political entities to implement them, and is the go-to person when MTC leadership is determining the impact of legislation from the State House and as well as regulations, policies and procedures. She is also responsible for oversight of the MTC Foundation’s assets and finances as well as other legal and contractual matters. The Government Finance Officers Association has recognized Walker and her finance team with its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 24 consecutive years.

CEO/Creative Director / The Avenue Events & Design, LLC

Columbia

Industry: Hospitality 

Years in this industry: 3 

Years in this role: 3

Cor’Deija Horne is a doer and a problem solver. As CEO and creative director of The Avenue Events & Design LLC, she believes the best way to show people how much they matter is by celebrating them. Beyond creating traditional events such as weddings, social events and conferences, she is on a mission to help entrepreneurs and small business owners in the community and hosts a business start-up competition, awarding cash and prizes to those whose business serve a significant need in the community.

She was recently featured as Business of the Week in the Carolina Panorama and a South Carolina State University “Bulldog Entrepreneur.” She is also an advocate for fathers and father figures fostering positive relationships with their daughters and hosts a father-daughter dance that recognizes those who have made a significant impact in the lives of their children and the community.

Horne has been instrumental in the organization, coordination and implementation of many service projects, including voter registration drives, financial literacy workshops and efforts to feed the homeless. She has inspired entrepreneurial women, through her business pitch competition, to stay the course, and that whether their work is large-scale or small-scale, it should never go unnoticed.

What is your favorite book that you would recommend reading?

“Happy” by Dr. Ian Smith

Who was your most influential mentor?

My most influential mentor is Mr. Angelo McBride, LTC(R). He’s certainly been a great influence for me as it relates to business; however, the most valuable thing I’ve learned from him is the importance of family and serving others, and how time is much more valuable than money.

Ashton Link

Owner / 613 Boutique LLC

Greenville

Industry: Retail Years in this industry: 4 Years in this role: <1

After managing another boutique, Link’s passion for fashion drove her to pursue her own business, so she opened 613 Boutique on North Pleasantburg Drive. After opening in the fall of 2019, the new shop was soon hammered by the Covid-19 crisis. Link’s

persistence and ingenuity led to a shift to an online/pickup/delivery model, which allowed the shop to reopen its doors in May of 2020.

Link has a keen buyer’s eye and great intuition for what women want. She is committed to bringing top fashion to customers at affordable prices, and believes that looking great and feeling good doesn’t have to be expensive. In addition to selling ladies clothing, shoes and accessories, Link also supports local artisans by featuring them in her shop. Handmade goods, candles, teas, woodwork and local art round out an eclectic shopping experience.

What is your favorite book that you would recommend reading?

“Psalms: Poetry on Fire (The Passion Translation)” by Brian Simmons. Every emotion of the heart is reflected in the Psalms with words that express our deepest and strongest feelings. They free us to become emotional, passionate, sincere worshippers, giving us an expression for faith and worship. The Passion Translation presents these 150 poetic masterpieces in modern English to convey the depth of our longings and fears, joys and celebration, becoming a mirror to the heart of God’s people in our quest to experience God’s presence.

“Lord, you know all my desires and deepest longings. My tears are liquid words and you can read them all.”

Psalm 38:9 TPT

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

Don’t quit. Remain open to EVERYTHING! You can only learn from the mistakes, the mishaps, the unfortunate situations. A strong faith helps, guides and allows rest. Work hard at the most accurate ability that you have been given. Use all of your senses and follow your heart. The heart guides and the mind provides. It is okay to cry because it rids the soul of the impurities and allows rejuvenation. Fashion is ever-changing, but you don’t have to change. Know who you are and whose you are. Stick to what you know and desire. I have done just that and I believe that is truly what sets me and 613 Boutique apart. After all, 613 is named after Isaiah 61:3, “Beauty for Ashes.”

Joyce McAbee

President / Monogram Concierge, Inc.

Greenville

Years in this industry: 3 Years in this role: 3

Joyce McAbee has developed a one-of-a-kind service for the Upstate area. Her concierge firm is structured to make life easier and less stressful for her clients by taking care of anything and everything that shows up on their “to do” lists – errands, laundry care, meal prep, mail management, care for the family pet, organizing, decluttering, vendor management, and administrative services to name just a few of the many and varied services Monogram Concierge offers.

Owner/Partner / Vital Spaces, LLC (owner) and Angels Three Development, LLC (partner)

Greenville

Years in this industry: 4 

Years in this role: 4

After a 17-year career in health care, Self began Vital Spaces, LLC, in 2015, beginning her second career offering commercial construction project management and Building Biology consulting. Self is one of the few certified Building Biologists - certified in the science of healthy buildings - in the Southeast. Vital Spaces specializes in healthy, modern office renovations.

In 2018, she and partner Michael Watts began Angels Three Development, LLC. Through this organization, she is contributing to the revitalization of the Upstate, serving as initial investor and leader in commercial building renovations in cities such as Woodruff, McCormick and Seneca, S.C.

Self has served on boards including Greenwood Community Theatre, American Cancer Society, Greenwood Genetic Center Board of Visitors, Greenwood County Arts Council (President 2003-2004), Wesley Commons Board of Visitors, Lander University Foundation, South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation, and as a deacon (as well as chair of the deacon board) for First Baptist Church of Greenwood. She is also a graduate of Leadership Greenwood (1994) and Leadership Greenville (2016), and has worked with the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels. She is currently president of CREW Upstate (Commercial Real Estate Women). In this capacity, she added a committee to reach out to high school and college women to educate them on careers in the field.

Who was your most influential mentor?

I’ve had two distinct careers and two incredible mentors. The first is Sam Tolbert, who hired me into my health care career. Not only was he an amazing teacher but also one of the kindest caring souls I have been lucky enough to know. And the second is Michael Watts, my supremely knowledgeable real estate development mentor. Michael has guided, coached, supported (and sometimes pushed and shoved!) me down my perfect path. I am where I am today because of these two men and no words would ever be adequate to thank them enough.

Brittany Sparks

Founder & CEO / Brittany Feulner Limited/Dead Ramen Co.

Spartanburg

Years in this industry: 3 Years in this role: 2

Sparks founded her company in 2018 and has taken it to great heights, including more than a billion content streams, 105,000 product sales and 43 awards. A streaming personality and artist as well as a published author and businesswoman, Sparks founded Dead Ramen as an integrated media organization and a leader in independent consumer product and entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that deliver original products and content to audiences worldwide. Sparks made her directorial debut with the animated short film “Yue Tu” in March 2018.

Her nominator, Kiara Harris, says Sparks always puts fair and equal treatment first, and that her employees and contractors are treated like part of the family. Active in her community, Sparks used abuse and harassment in her past to fuel her involvement, creating the Brittany Fuelner Foundation, which supports organizations such as RAINN and local safe homes. She inspires many women, who can see that their lives can improve after experiencing trauma.

Who was your most influential mentor?

I have come across many amazing, strong women in many levels of business and in all aspects of business that have helped and inspired me, as I hope to do for others.

What advice would you give a young woman who is interested in starting a career in your field?

Leap. Take the chances that you may think you can’t or are not strong enough to take. You are. You absolutely are strong enough and you never know whose life you’ll affect and what difference you will make.