For nearly 10 years, I’ve hosted the Dragon Boat Upstate Festival, where every paddle stroke supports cancer research and patient care. It’s more than a race. It’s a celebration of survivors, loved ones, hope, and community.
From PR chasers to first-time finishers, Run GSP’s 2026 Love Where You Live weekend brought serious energy to downtown Spartanburg. With over 1,600 runners and the debut of the event’s first-ever half marathon, the weekend became more than a race. It
March shines a spotlight on the impact of powerful women, but the real difference happens in the room—where their stories are shared, felt, and remembered. This post dives into how women honored on stage are not just being recognized, but are actively leading, building, and shifting the energy of entire spaces. It highlights the role of a host in setting the tone, giving weight to those moments, and making sure the audience truly understands the significance behind each story. More than a celebration, it’s about creating experiences that last—and keeping those voices elevated long after March ends.
I recently had the honor of returning to Greenville Technical Charter High School, this time not just as a guest, but as the keynote speaker for their student-led Black History program organized by the Black Student Union. Entrusted to help set the tone for the day, I delivered Dr. King’s Dream speech under the theme of “The Moral Leader,” challenging students to see history not as something to admire, but something to advance. Sharing the stage with 86-year-old civil rights veteran James Felder, who served during the era and witnessed pivotal national moments firsthand, made the experience even more powerful. Coming just one day after the passing of Greenville native Jesse Jackson, the program felt less like reflection and more like responsibility. It was a reminder that keynote speaking is about stewardship, honoring the past, elevating the present, and calling the next generation forward.
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