GWC Quarterly Meeting, “Partnerships Helping Students Succeed”, at Emerald High School, February 17, 2026
GWC’s first quarterly meeting, “Partnerships Helping Students Succeed” featuring Greenwood Promise, was appropriately held at Emerald High School. Cady Nell Keener, Cindy Leary, Erica Ferry, Mary Woodiwiss, and Lisa Wyn of the Membership Committee warmly greeted members and guests. Approximately 15 guests were in attendance, and a total of around 60 women are now better informed about the great work Greenwood Promise facilitates at both Piedmont Technical College and Lander University for our local students.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet of pasta salad, stuffed croissants with pimiento cheese and chicken salad, fresh fruit, brownies, and fruit punch elegantly served by Karen Smith, Bobbie Fulton, and Kelli Eberhardt of the Social Committee. Kelly Buckshorn of the Communications Committee circled through the group snapping photos to memorialize another of our gatherings. After a fun 45-minute social in the sunshine-filled lobby of the gymnasium, all proceeded to a comfortable classroom and settled in for an engaging program.
GWC Chair Rachel Strayer delivered opening remarks welcoming members and guests and thanking Emerald High School for hosting us and the Programs & Education Committee for coordinating the evening. She invited everyone to reflect on their own experiences along their educational journeys. Rachel noted that while each path may have looked different, they likely led to the same realization that strengthening opportunities for student success is something every community should support.
Membership Committee Co-Chairs Cady Nell Keener and Cindy Leary followed by sharing a brilliant new initiative of their committee: a mentorship program pairing new members with GWC veterans. This mentor/mentee connection is designed to provide a smooth way for new members to ask questions and feel comfortable as they become more acquainted with GWC and the many ways to get involved.
The evening’s program was introduced by Programs & Education Committee member Mamie Nicholson, who welcomed Carrie Hofmann, President and CEO of Greenwood Promise. Mamie highlighted Carrie’s extensive background working in television newsrooms around the country prior to joining Greenwood Promise, noting she has won numerous awards recognizing her ethics, expertise, and service.
The Greenwood Promise supports Greenwood County high school graduates to pursue post-secondary education without financial burden. Carrie opened by sharing a graph comparing college success rates in Greenwood County with those of neighboring counties, clearly showing the growing impact of the Promise initiative. She also presented a brief video highlighting the program’s mission and its efforts to expand educational and career pathways for local students.
She shared that Greenwood Promise aims to build a highly skilled workforce, improve quality of life, and strengthen the local economy by fostering community engagement in education. Carrie noted that 75% of Greenwood Promise graduates stay in Greenwood. The program’s vision centers on supporting students from Kindergarten to Career throughout their academic journey. Administered through Greenwood County School District, the initiative is part of a broader effort to make higher education more accessible and debt-free for local students.
Following this overview, attendees heard from Trae Cary, Career Coordinator for Greenwood Promise at Piedmont Technical College. Trae noted that many Promise students are first-generation college students who may need additional guidance. High school students have typically relied on their school’s front desk for support and assistance. Since higher education doesn’t offer that same structure, his role is to provide a virtual “front desk” for Greenwood Promise students while he connects them to internships, apprenticeships, and local employment to help bridge the gap between education and career placement.
Presenting next was Casey Cline, Director of Workforce & Career Development at Lander University. Casey spoke about the many ways her department supports students including offering mock interviews, career fairs, the Professional Clothes Closet, and career coaches who assist with resumes, cover letters, internships, mentorships, headshots, and job searches.
Carrie wrapped up by sharing additional statistics showing that Greenwood Promise is not only supporting student success but also helping strengthen our community by building a skilled workforce. She then answered questions from attendees.
Charissa Gibson of the Programs & Education Committee presented Carrie, Trae, and Casey with All The Books by Haley Rocco, a hardcover book which will be donated to the children’s collection of the Greenwood County Library in their honor.
GWC Vice Chair Peggy Dewane-Pope closed the evening by highlighting one of GWC’s “superpowers”: the ability to gather as acquaintances and leave as friends. She went on to note how lovely it is to realize that we have far more in common than we sometimes recognize, as evidenced by the evening’s shared commitment to supporting education for local students. Peggy then thanked our speakers, Emerald High School, and GWC’s Social and Membership Committees.
