Greenville Welcomes New Leaders Committed to Diversity and Inclusion

Greenville Welcomes New Leaders Committed to Diversity and Inclusion

Greenville, SC – The Riley Institute at Furman University has recently announced the selection of 42 leaders for its 34th Upstate Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) program, set to begin in fall 2024. This well-respected program aims to foster discussions and actions centered around diversity and inclusion within the community.

The DLI is a five-month program that creates a platform for participants to engage in intense discussions and scenario analyses, allowing them to explore sensitive issues concerning diversity and inclusion openly. Each participant will face their own “blind spots” and gain essential tools to implement effective strategies within their respective organizations.

At the conclusion of the program, participants will collaborate on capstone projects in partnership with nonprofit organizations. These projects aim to address real challenges and opportunities facing their communities, enhancing their impact on the region.

The upcoming class includes leaders from various sectors, such as:

• Sharon Beckett and Todd Chumley of BMW Manufacturing
• Shawn Bell of Fountain Inn
• Keisha Bentley from Clemson University
• Michael Burgess of Greenville Technical College
• Wallace Cobbs of Greenville County Schools

Other notable participants hail from organizations such as the Greenville Police Department, Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County, SC Commission on Higher Education, and many more.

Graduates of the DLI program will become Riley Fellows, joining a network of over 2,800 South Carolinians. This network includes corporate executives, lawmakers, educational leaders, and community organizers dedicated to making a positive difference.

For more information about the DLI program, visit the Riley Institute’s official website.