Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards 2014

Media gallery
Julie Miller
Julie Miller
Julie Miller
Julio Hernandez, Greenville Technical College
Julio Hernandez, Greenville Technical College
Julio Hernandez, Greenville Technical College
Johnna Reed, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System
Johnna Reed, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System
Johnna Reed, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System
Peter Helwing (right)
Peter Helwing (right)
Peter Helwing (right)
Leonard Fields (center)
Leonard Fields (center)
Leonard Fields (center)
Melanie Armstrong. Director and Fundraiser for the Riley Institute Emerging Public Leaders program
Melanie Armstrong. Director and Fundraiser for the Riley Institute Emerging Public Leaders program
Melanie Armstrong. Director and Fundraiser for the Riley Institute Emerging Public Leaders program
Alex Gephart, Lockheed (center)
Alex Gephart, Lockheed (center)
Alex Gephart, Lockheed (center)
Kiara Kabukuru (center) and her sister (left) talking with guests
Kiara Kabukuru (center) and her sister (left) talking with guests
Kiara Kabukuru (center) and her sister (left) talking with guests
Billy Crank, Michelin, N.A.
Billy Crank, Michelin, N.A.
Billy Crank, Michelin, N.A.
Michael Mance, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce
Michael Mance, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce
Michael Mance, Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce
Kinneil Coltman
Kinneil Coltman
Kinneil Coltman
Cindy Smith-Payne, Phillips Staffing
Cindy Smith-Payne, Phillips Staffing
Cindy Smith-Payne, Phillips Staffing
Darien Smith (left) and Alesia Smith (center)
Darien Smith (left) and Alesia Smith (center)
Darien Smith (left) and Alesia Smith (center)
Tasha Allgood and Deanne
Tasha Allgood and Deanne
Tasha Allgood and Deanne
Dana Thorpe (center)
Dana Thorpe (center)
Dana Thorpe (center)
LeVanza Breeland (center)
LeVanza Breeland (center)
LeVanza Breeland (center)
(l-r) David Taylor, Kiara Kabukuru, Jean Shifrin, Juan Johnson, Glenda and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) David Taylor, Kiara Kabukuru, Jean Shifrin, Juan Johnson, Glenda and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) David Taylor, Kiara Kabukuru, Jean Shifrin, Juan Johnson, Glenda and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) Nancy Walker, Carl Kohrt, Benny Walker, Susan Shi, Linda Brees, and Jacki Martin
(l-r) Nancy Walker, Carl Kohrt, Benny Walker, Susan Shi, Linda Brees, and Jacki Martin
(l-r) Nancy Walker, Carl Kohrt, Benny Walker, Susan Shi, Linda Brees, and Jacki Martin
The Awards for the Tenth Annual Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards Dinner
The Awards for the Tenth Annual Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards Dinner
The Awards for the Tenth Annual Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards Dinner
The Awards
The Awards
The Awards
Beth Brotherton, Morning News Anchor, Reporter WYFF Television and Riley Fellow - Upstate Class V, Fall 2006
Beth Brotherton, Morning News Anchor, Reporter WYFF Television and Riley Fellow - Upstate Class V, Fall 2006
Beth Brotherton, Morning News Anchor, Reporter WYFF Television and Riley Fellow - Upstate Class V, Fall 2006
Beth Brotherton was this year's emcee
Beth Brotherton was this year's emcee
Beth Brotherton was this year's emcee
Beth Brotherton
Beth Brotherton
Beth Brotherton
Beth Brotherton
Beth Brotherton
Beth Brotherton
Reverend Beverly CroweTipton, Pastor at Fairview/St. Paul United Methodist Church and Riley Fellow - Upstate Class IX - delivering the invocation
Reverend Beverly CroweTipton, Pastor at Fairview/St. Paul United Methodist Church and Riley Fellow - Upstate Class IX - delivering the invocation
Reverend Beverly CroweTipton, Pastor at Fairview/St. Paul United Methodist Church and Riley Fellow - Upstate Class IX - delivering the invocation
Beth Brotherton
Beth Brotherton
Beth Brotherton
(l-r) Nika White, Upstate Class XI, Spring 2011; and Colleen Keith, Upstate Class IX, Spring 2010
(l-r) Nika White, Upstate Class XI, Spring 2011; and Colleen Keith, Upstate Class IX, Spring 2010
(l-r) Nika White, Upstate Class XI, Spring 2011; and Colleen Keith, Upstate Class IX, Spring 2010
Wally Harris, Denny's Corporation, presenting the Honorable Mention for Outstanding K-12 School Award to Linda Thigpen, who is representing the Washington Center.
Wally Harris, Denny's Corporation, presenting the Honorable Mention for Outstanding K-12 School Award to Linda Thigpen, who is representing the Washington Center.
Wally Harris, Denny's Corporation, presenting the Honorable Mention for Outstanding K-12 School Award to Linda Thigpen, who is representing the Washington Center.
(l-r) Nika White, Linda Thigpen and Wally Harris
(l-r) Nika White, Linda Thigpen and Wally Harris
(l-r) Nika White, Linda Thigpen and Wally Harris
Berea Middle School is the recipient of the Outstanding K-12 School Award. Wally Harris presenting the award to the Principal Robin Mill (center) and the Special Education Department Chairperson Kelly Gregory.
Berea Middle School is the recipient of the Outstanding K-12 School Award. Wally Harris presenting the award to the Principal Robin Mill (center) and the Special Education Department Chairperson Kelly Gregory.
Berea Middle School is the recipient of the Outstanding K-12 School Award. Wally Harris presenting the award to the Principal Robin Mill (center) and the Special Education Department Chairperson Kelly Gregory.
(l-r) Wally Harris, Robin Mill and Kelly Gregory
(l-r) Wally Harris, Robin Mill and Kelly Gregory
(l-r) Wally Harris, Robin Mill and Kelly Gregory
Brittany Gilliland, a senior at Brashier Middle College Charter High School, is the award recipient of the Outstanding High School Student Award.
Brittany Gilliland, a senior at Brashier Middle College Charter High School, is the award recipient of the Outstanding High School Student Award.
Brittany Gilliland, a senior at Brashier Middle College Charter High School, is the award recipient of the Outstanding High School Student Award.
(l-r) Nika White, Brittany Gilliland and Colleen Keith
(l-r) Nika White, Brittany Gilliland and Colleen Keith
(l-r) Nika White, Brittany Gilliland and Colleen Keith
Darien Smith, a Clemson University student, is the award recipient of the Outstanding College Student Award.
Darien Smith, a Clemson University student, is the award recipient of the Outstanding College Student Award.
Darien Smith, a Clemson University student, is the award recipient of the Outstanding College Student Award.
(l-r) Nika White, Darien Smith and Colleen Keith
(l-r) Nika White, Darien Smith and Colleen Keith
(l-r) Nika White, Darien Smith and Colleen Keith
The Upcountry History Museum received Honorable Mention for the Outstanding Nonprofit Organization. Dana Thorpe (right), Executive Director, Upcountry History Museum, accepting the award from Roberta Evans, BMW Manufacturing Co.
The Upcountry History Museum received Honorable Mention for the Outstanding Nonprofit Organization. Dana Thorpe (right), Executive Director, Upcountry History Museum, accepting the award from Roberta Evans, BMW Manufacturing Co.
The Upcountry History Museum received Honorable Mention for the Outstanding Nonprofit Organization. Dana Thorpe (right), Executive Director, Upcountry History Museum, accepting the award from Roberta Evans, BMW Manufacturing Co.
(l-r) Roberta Evans and Dana Thorpe
(l-r) Roberta Evans and Dana Thorpe
(l-r) Roberta Evans and Dana Thorpe
The Outstanding Nonprofit Award recipient is the Year of Altruism. Accepting the award are the co-founders of the Year of Altruism, Marc Wilson and Robert St. Claire.
The Outstanding Nonprofit Award recipient is the Year of Altruism. Accepting the award are the co-founders of the Year of Altruism, Marc Wilson and Robert St. Claire.
The Outstanding Nonprofit Award recipient is the Year of Altruism. Accepting the award are the co-founders of the Year of Altruism, Marc Wilson and Robert St. Claire.
(l-r) Robert St. Claire, Roberta Evans, and Marc Wilson
(l-r) Robert St. Claire, Roberta Evans, and Marc Wilson
(l-r) Robert St. Claire, Roberta Evans, and Marc Wilson
The award for Outstanding Business was presented to BMW Manufacturing Co.
The award for Outstanding Business was presented to BMW Manufacturing Co.
The award for Outstanding Business was presented to BMW Manufacturing Co.
(l-r) Nika White; Louise Connell, BMW; Rudy Simmons, BMW; and Colleen Keith
(l-r) Nika White; Louise Connell, BMW; Rudy Simmons, BMW; and Colleen Keith
(l-r) Nika White; Louise Connell, BMW; Rudy Simmons, BMW; and Colleen Keith
The Outstanding Contribution to International Diversity Award was presented to Janet Krupka, Director of Recruiting at Michelin North America. (l-r) Nika White, Janet Krupka and Colleen Keith
The Outstanding Contribution to International Diversity Award was presented to Janet Krupka, Director of Recruiting at Michelin North America. (l-r) Nika White, Janet Krupka and Colleen Keith
The Outstanding Contribution to International Diversity Award was presented to Janet Krupka, Director of Recruiting at Michelin North America. (l-r) Nika White, Janet Krupka and Colleen Keith
Calder Ehrmann presenting the Outstanding Individual Award.
Calder Ehrmann presenting the Outstanding Individual Award.
Calder Ehrmann presenting the Outstanding Individual Award.
Juan Johnson presenting the Honorable Mention Outstanding Individual Award to David Taylor, Executive Director of Momentum Bike Clubs.
Juan Johnson presenting the Honorable Mention Outstanding Individual Award to David Taylor, Executive Director of Momentum Bike Clubs.
Juan Johnson presenting the Honorable Mention Outstanding Individual Award to David Taylor, Executive Director of Momentum Bike Clubs.
(l-r) David Taylor, Juan Johnson and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) David Taylor, Juan Johnson and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) David Taylor, Juan Johnson and Calder Ehrmann
The Outstanding Individual Award recipient is Kinneil Coltman, Chief Diversity Officer for the Greenville Health System
The Outstanding Individual Award recipient is Kinneil Coltman, Chief Diversity Officer for the Greenville Health System
The Outstanding Individual Award recipient is Kinneil Coltman, Chief Diversity Officer for the Greenville Health System
Kinneil Coltman and Juan Johnson
Kinneil Coltman and Juan Johnson
Kinneil Coltman and Juan Johnson
(l-r) Juan Johnson, Kinneil Coltman and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) Juan Johnson, Kinneil Coltman and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) Juan Johnson, Kinneil Coltman and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) Juan Johnson, Kinneil Coltman and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) Juan Johnson, Kinneil Coltman and Calder Ehrmann
(l-r) Juan Johnson, Kinneil Coltman and Calder Ehrmann
This year's special guest speaker was Ugandan-born Kiara Kabukuru.
This year's special guest speaker was Ugandan-born Kiara Kabukuru.
This year's special guest speaker was Ugandan-born Kiara Kabukuru.
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
Kiara Kabukuru
BMW Manufacturing Co. award winners
BMW Manufacturing Co. award winners
BMW Manufacturing Co. award winners
Momentum Bike Clubs with David Taylor
Momentum Bike Clubs with David Taylor
Momentum Bike Clubs with David Taylor
Darien Smith with his parents
Darien Smith with his parents
Darien Smith with his parents
Janet Krupka with her family
Janet Krupka with her family
Janet Krupka with her family
Linda Thigpen with her husband
Linda Thigpen with her husband
Linda Thigpen with her husband
Congratulations to all the award winners!
Congratulations to all the award winners!
Congratulations to all the award winners!


Tuesday, May 6, 2014

The Riley Institute at Furman presented the tenth annual Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards Dinner on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the TD Convention Center. Hosted by the Greenville Chamber and the Riley Institute at Furman in partnership with Upstate Chambers, the dinner honored businesses and individuals for their outstanding efforts in promoting diversity in the Upstate.

This year’s special guest speaker was Ugandan-born Kiara Kabukuru. She and her family fled the country as political refugees when she was six and moved to Los Angeles, where at the age of seventeen she was discovered by a local photographer. Her rare mix of all-American beauty and exotic African allure have made her a successful model in the fashion industry.

Kiara learned of the work of Momentum Bike clubs which provides mentoring services to at-risk youth encouraging healthy exercise while forging positive relationships. She became drawn to the good work of the clubs and decided to get on a bicycle for the first time since her accident in order to ride with these children. Since she first connected with Momentum Bike clubs in 2011, Kiara has made several trips to the Upstate to ride with the club’s youth, sharing her story of resiliency and hope. For Kiara’ complete biography, click here.

Awards were presented to recognize three individuals and three organizations for their outstanding achievement in promoting diversity in the Upstate. Additionally, Honorable Mentions were awarded in the category of Calder D. Ehrmann Outstanding Individual, Outstanding High School Student, Outstanding Non-Profit Organization, and K-12 School: William “Bill” T. Wylie Valued Lives Award for School Excellence in Diversity

2014 Award Winners:

  • Calder D. Ehrmann Outstanding Individual: Kinneil Coltman, Chief Diversity Officer for the Greenville Health System (award sponsored by Juan Johnson Consulting and Facilitation)
  • Outstanding High School Student: Brittany Gilliland, Brashier Middle College Charter High School
  • Outstanding College Student: Darien Smith, Clemson University
  • Outstanding Non-Profit Organization: Year of Altruism (award sponsored by BMW Manufacturing Co.)
  • Outstanding Business: BMW Manufacturing Co. 
  • Outstanding Contribution to International Diversity: Janet Krupka, Director of Recruiting at Michelin North America
  • Outstanding K-12 School: William “Bill” T. Wylie Valued Lives Award for School Excellence in Diversity: Berea Middle School  (award sponsored by Denny’s Corporation)

Honorable Mention:

  • Honorable Mention Calder D. Ehrmann Outstanding Individual: David Taylor, executive director of Momentum Bike Clubs
  • Honorable Mention Outstanding High School Student: Napoleon Langston, JL Mann High School
  • Honorable Mention Outstanding Non-Profit Organization: Upcountry History Museum
  • Honorable Mention Outstanding K-12 School: William “Bill” T. Wylie Valued Lives Award for School Excellence in Diversity :The Washington Center