South Carolina has always been a highly diverse state. Yet, for many of our citizens, being part of that diversity has been a considerable disadvantage. Historical racial divisions and cultural legacies have created deep divides that continue to challenge social and economic progress in South Carolina. In addition, over the last two decades, South Carolina has rapidly become an even more diverse state. Marked especially by in-migration of people from Central and South America, particularly in the rural and inner city urban areas of our state, and by retirees moving to the coast, lakes, and mountains, these new South Carolinians contribute to a much more complex demographic matrix.

Recognizing an urgent need for diversity-related programming, the Riley Institute, then in cooperation with the American Institute for Managing Diversity (AIMD), launched a unique program that encouraged community leaders to consider the challenges and opportunities presented by the many facets of diversity in our state, including among others, differences in cultural background, language, gender, and physical ability.

Since its inception in 2003 in the upstate of South Carolina, the Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) (formerly Diversity Leadership Academy (DLA)) now operates statewide, adding classes in the South Carolina Lowcountry (2005) and midlands (2006). Over 400 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 have graduated from the program.

Having established a critical mass of leaders that now serve as champions and supporters of dialogue and collaboration around diversity issues, the Riley Institute has launched a new program, independent of AIMD, that will serve as a cornerstone offering: the Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI). Like the former DLA, this program is offered to select senior level leaders across the state. The new program focuses on diversity leadership, community building, and communication and collaboration skills.

Participants in Riley Institute diversity programs hold leadership positions in business, government, and community organizations and are chosen from nominees who have been asked to apply. Classes, limited to around 40 participants, are shaped to reflect the diverse demographic characteristics of South Carolina.

Classes meet four times in monthly sessions during which participants acquire frames of reference and skills to be effective leaders in South Carolina’s increasingly diverse social environment. During the class, participants work in groups to create and carry out community action projects. Throughout the implementation of their projects, participants acquire diversity leadership skills absolutely invaluable for addressing diversity efforts in the workplace and in the greater community.

You may access a list and description of community action projects designed and implemented by participants across South Carolina by clicking on the tab, "Community Action Projects (CAP).".

The Riley Institute's diversity programs have drawn considerable praise for their effectiveness in breaking down the barriers that have been obstacles to social and economic progress in South Carolina.

The Riley Institute’s diversity programming has also won a variety of awards including the Greenville NAACP’s award for helping create an understanding of cultural differences for all people and the MLK Dream Weekend “Champion of Diversity” Award. For an article on how our diversity program works to create dialogue among CEOs and high level managers about the importance of embracing diversity in the workplace and broader community from The Greenville News, click here.

For more information on the Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) and other programs, please call Jill Fuson, Manager of the Riley Institute diversity programming at 864.294.3253.