Greenville Celebrates Community Spirit Through Philanthropy
In the heart of Greenville, a remarkable journey of giving, connection, and personal fulfillment has taken shape. Enter Beverly Ward, a woman whose lifelong commitment to community service and philanthropy has recently earned her the prestigious Ruth Nicholson Award from the Community Foundation.
A Journey of Giving Back
Long before her name became synonymous with community leadership, Beverly was quietly making a difference. During her early days as a newlywed in Houston, she and her husband, Marvin, took on the noble task of volunteering with youth through a program called Upward Bound. Their passion for service blossomed as they welcomed children of their own, inspiring Beverly to establish a kids’ club back in Allentown, Pennsylvania. “I was looking to provide connections with kids who looked like us,” Beverly recalls with a smile. “We organized educational and fun events to provide that connection and build community.”
A New Chapter in Greenville
Fast forward to over two decades ago when Beverly and her family settled in the beautiful Greenville area. Although Marvin’s career brought them from Upstate New York to this lively community in 2002, Beverly found it took time before she could engage with local organizations. Armed with a rich resume spanning 40 years in process engineering and program management, she was ready to make an impact. “When I was working, I was all over the world,” she shares. “When I retired, I definitely wanted to learn more about the community I had lived in since 2002.”
After holding senior positions with industry giants like IBM, Beverly co-founded Talent Management Inc., a consulting practice designed to help clients cultivate the workforce they needed. This experience ignited her passion for matching the right people with the right opportunities, leading her to become involved with the Community Foundation.
Greenville Women Giving
The pivotal moment in Beverly’s philanthropic journey came when she joined Greenville Women Giving (GWG) in 2013. “I was completely enamored by the women-led, collective giving model,” she exclaims. This was her launchpad into the vibrant heart of Greenville’s charitable landscape. As she became more engaged, she developed strong relationships with various nonprofit organizations, eagerly following their progress.
Currently, Beverly serves as a board member and co-chair of GWG, where she plays a vital role in their grant program. “It’s gratifying to see the difference people can make with less stress and more support and to learn from them as I go,” she reflects. To her, philanthropy isn’t just about giving—it’s also about discovery. “Philanthropy is a phenomenal platform for giving or investing in one’s community. It is equally a platform for learning about places, people, and things that surround you, as well as learning more about yourself.”
The Key to Meaningful Volunteerism
For those looking to dip their toes into the world of volunteering, Beverly has some sage advice. “Volunteerism is a public effort that must be backed by personal passion,” she suggests. She describes Greenville as one of the most generous places she has ever known, crediting organizations like GWG, the Community Foundation of Greenville, and Prisma Health Upstate for fueling her passion and motivation. “Motivation is the key. If it seems like a burden, it probably will be,” she says.
With a firm belief that volunteer efforts should not be about seeking recognition, Beverly emphasizes alignment with personal happiness. “If you do it for the wrong reasons, it will be just another event or meeting. I’ve chosen the things that make me happy, and I’m fortunate that I get to be inspired by the dedication of others.”
A Continuous Adventure
As Beverly continues to inspire others with her tireless commitment to philanthropy, it’s clear that her journey is only just beginning. With a heart full of passion and a steadfast dedication to her community, Beverly Ward serves as an inspiring example of how connecting with others and giving back can create a lasting impact in the place we all call home.
