International Women's Day: Women making a difference in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson

Countries around the world are celebrating Women's History Month. The contributions of women are essential in fostering strong bonds and promoting growth and strength within their communities.

President Joe Biden said in his proclamation that International Women's Day, March 8, is a time that the nation "celebrate the courageous women who have helped our nation build a fairer, more just society."

Here are six women from Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson working to shine their light on this Women's History Month.

USA Today's Women of Year: SC Rep. Henderson-Myers works to 'make lives of women better'

Margaret Gifford, co-founder of Abundance Capital

Margaret Gifford, co-founder of Abundance Capital, a Greenville-based donor-advised fund (DAF) focusing on impact investing, became inspired to do more for her community after she became a mother.

“I realized ‘Oh, I better make sure this world is a better world before I leave and that I’m part of the solution, not the problem,” Gifford said.

Seeing people work hard to solve problems some people might think are unsolvable, like world hunger, also inspires her. Abundance Capital utilizes the United Nations' 17 sustainable goals as a guidepost for where investments should go, ranging from zero hunger to gender inequality.

Many of the investments made at Abundance Capital are Upstate-based. According to its impact report, investments were made in non-profits like The Good Shepherd’s House and the Step by Step Reentry Project.

As a woman with a background in investor relations, Gifford said she is often the only woman in the room, something that she says still surprises her.

“I get to be a real radical by just attending this meeting,” Gifford said, referring to when she walked into a room of only male investors.

When she worked for a Fortune 10 company, she watched the company’s first female CEO who she says was “intentional on bringing other women up as well.” Gifford says this is something she tries to do in her work as well.

Story by Savannah Moss

Sandy Halkett forms Special Olympics' pickleball team

Taylors native Sandy Halkett's passion for golf was ignited in the early '90s when she first tried her hand at the sport with friends at Clemson University. Being the only girl in the group, she watched on as the boys played. As the game went on, her curiosity was sparked. She then stepped up and asked to have a go.

"I was like, 'Give me a ball, give me a club,'" Halkett said.

Her first swing on a par 3 was decent. The boys bet that she couldn't make a shot like that again. But as she kept playing, she realized she had potential for the sport.

"I realized that maybe I had a decent upswing. I played sports all my life, and golf was not one of them that I played," she said. "From that day, it didn't seem as hard because these guys were making it a lot harder than it seemed to be. They were from a lot of different backgrounds, a lot of football players and a lot of testosterone out there."

From that day on, Halkett continued to play golf. Her father John Ligon, who coached her through golf, would eventually suffer a stroke, making the sport a challenge to navigate. Seeing the struggle through the eyes of her father, Halkett became interested in working with people with disabilities who still wanted to play sports.

"After the stroke, I got involved with a therapist at Roger C Peace, and he was looking for a golf pro to help people with disabilities. At that time, it was more physical disabilities," Halkett said. "Unfortunately he (my father) became one of our first students."

At the time, Greenville did not have any offerings for Special Olympics. Halkett also realized there were more disabilities than just physical ― there was cognitive as well. Her chance to fulfill the need in Greenville soon came to fruition.

"A friend of mine overheard me saying that I wanted to work with different disabilities, not just physical, and he had a connection with Special Olympics Golf," she said. "And we started the first Greenville Special Olympics Golf team."

Halkett became one of the first female golf presidents in South Carolina to work with people who have disabilities. That was over 25 years ago. In the fall of 2023, she established Greenville's first nonprofit Special Olympics pickleball team, continuing her stride of spreading belonging, community and fellowship for the disabled and veterans in sports.

Working with the disabled has shown Halkett the sports experience is different for everyone. For her, a typical golf day would be going out and hitting 18 holes. For those she works with, it is "completely different."

"It may just be hitting five irons in a row or five woods, or making a three-foot putt and celebrating that," she said. "So I realize that sports can look different, can be different and feel different for everybody based on their ability. Seeing them smile and celebrate the little things brings me joy and fills my heart."

Story by Nina Tran

Beth Lancaster believes in importance of education

Beth Lancaster moved to Spartanburg in 1992 to attend Converse College and began working in communications for the School of Music, and later for the college. Education has always been in her blood, with a family tree whose roots are embedded in it.

"First and foremost, I'm a daughter, wife, and mother who is blessed to have a wonderful family and to have been raised by parents who modeled a strong faith," Lancaster said. "Their belief in the power of a liberal education and hard work, and a commitment to doing their part to serve and strengthen their community. I am fortunate to have those gifts, and I firmly believe that to whom much is given much is also required."

Lancaster has served on the board of several organizations in Spartanburg, including Mobile Meals, the Pine Street School Foundation, Leadership Spartanburg, United Way of the Piedmont, and Women Giving for Spartanburg. The most fun community service activity she participated in was "rappelling down the side of the AC Hotel for the Cancer Association's 'Over the Edge' fundraiser."

"I learn so much from working alongside others in our community, and my life is enriched by these wonderful people I may not have come to know otherwise," Lancaster said. "I hope what I contribute makes a difference in some small way, but I know I am far better for these experiences."

In 2019, Lancaster joined Spartanburg County School District 7 as chief communications officer.

She said the experience has challenged her perspective on poverty and privilege, and deepened her appreciation of how policies can impact students, families, and schools, especially as a mother to teenage children.

"It fills my heart as I see our children delight in learning and breaks it when I see some of the obstacles they face," Lancaster said. "Most of all, it gives me great hope that our young people will create the kind of future I want to be part of. It is hard to express the respect and appreciation I have gained for teachers and staff who dedicate their careers to helping our children become their best selves."

Story by Joanna Johnson

Kathryn Harvey makes sure voices are elevated

Kathryn Harvey is a native of Spartanburg who returned six years ago, after living in New York and Los Angeles to build her marketing firm. She founded a consulting firm, Neue South, supporting nonprofits in Spartanburg County and across the state, advocacy organizations, and state politics.

"When I moved back, I found that we have an incredibly robust nonprofit community," Harvey said. "I have really enjoyed working with a range of organizations and issues increasing awareness for their causes and supporting marketing and fundraising efforts. Much of my time these days is spent making sure voices in our community are elevated around important issues and making sure folks turn out and vote."

To be a woman is to show grace and tolerance with one another, according to Harvey. She said we must view each other as humans first, and then to be strong, tolerant, nurturing and steadfast all at the same time.

"I think before I identify as a woman, I identify as a human," Harvey said. "We're all on this earth together doing the best we can and to be human, but to be a woman is to often have the capacity to show grace and tolerance with one another. I find the complexity of it all to be where our strength truly lies."

Story by Joanna Johnson

Carol Burdette in Anderson

Carol Burdette, CEO and president of the United Way of Anderson County has dedicated countless hours during her 35 years at the United Way.

“In a time when people do not stay at jobs for long periods of time, I am very proud to have served the community as CEO of United Way of Anderson County," she said.

It is not often that a person is blessed with the job of a lifetime. "In 2002, when I came to United Way, I found the place that allowed me to serve a community I love," Burdette said.

"I have been allowed to serve in ways I could never have imagined. It has been a privilege to work with amazing staff members, volunteers, and donors."

Burdette said after 22 years as CEO and 13 years of voluntary service she has decided to retire. "I think the United Way will flourish under fresh new leadership, and I am ready for a little less stress," she said. "Also, there is a saying that it is better to leave when they want you to stay."

Even though Burdette is retiring, she said she knows the organization will continue the great work that has been started.

Burdette was honored with the Duke Citizenship & Service Award on Monday, March 4, at the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting.

"Receiving the Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award was an affirmation of the impact my decades of community service have had on our area," she said.

The United Way of Anderson County has formed a committee to search for a qualified successor. Burdette will remain CEO until the end of the year.

"I will work closely with the board to ensure a seamless transition to new leadership," she said.

There will be a retirement celebration for Burdette on Nov. 7.

"Our work at United Way has impacted those from the cradle to the grave by feeding the hungry, providing for other basic needs, efforts to prevent teen pregnancy, early childhood education with an emphasis on reading, youth development, health initiatives which also include mental health and behavioral health advocacy, support for financial stability, 211 and much more,“ she said.

Story by Travis Rose

Bea Thompson in Anderson

Bea Thompson, a native of Anderson, paved the way for young African American women to educate themselves, overcome odds set against them, and pursue their dreams.

"I grew up in Anderson County, where I received my primary education," Thompson said.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Social Studies from South Carolina State College and a Master's degree in English from Howard University.

Later, she obtained a Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from Atlanta University and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Georgia.

After graduating from college, Thompson said, "I started teaching at Reed Street School for African American students, and later I moved to the West Side High School."

During her time on Anderson's west side, she said, "Several parts of the west side community were prone to floods when it rained due to a quarry."

"I witnessed the living conditions of African Americans in my community and was determined to help," she said.

Thompson said after talking to former Mayor Darwin Wright and the city council about the situation she noticed there was no diversity in the people's pictures on the wall.

"I wanted to see that change," she said. "Four black candidates ran for city council in the past but failed."

In 1976, Thompson was elected as the first African American to the Anderson City Council.

Over the years, she has received numerous awards and recognition for her leadership and service.

She also still holds her council seat almost 50 years later. Thompson said she lives by the philosophy instilled by her parents and firmly believes that "When you give to the world the best that you have, the best will come back to you."

Story by Travis Rose

This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Six women making a difference in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson