Riley Institute Selects Fall 2024 Upstate Diversity Leaders Initiative Cohort

The Riley Institute at Furman University has announced its selection of 42 leaders to be part of its 34th Upstate Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) program. The organization publicized this selection on August 23, 2024, indicating the readiness to start the five-month program.

About the Upstate Diversity Leaders Initiative Program

The program is designed to involve the selected leaders in intensive discussions and scenario analyses. The initiative allows leaders to bask in the open examination and understanding of sensitive issues related to diversity and inclusion in the society, together with fellow leaders.

Additionally, the DLI program seeks to simplify the exploration of blind spots owned by different leaders. The program capacitates them with the appropriate tools in order to devise multi-faceted strategies within their organizations.

Creating capstone projects is another important part of the program. The participating leaders are pushed to join forces with nonprofit organizations. The purpose of this collaboration is to respond to real challenges happening in their communities and finding opportunities for problem-solving.

Fall 2024 Upstate DLI Cohort

The diverse list of chosen leaders for the Fall 2024 Upstate DLI program includes experienced individuals from various fields and organizations. The list includes:

• Four representatives from BMW Manufacturing
• The Fountain Inn City Administrator
• A representative from Wells Fargo Advisors
• A representative from Clemson University
• Four members of the Furman University team
• Representatives from Greenville Technical College, Greenville County Schools, and Public Education Partners
• Ten other representatives from various organizations including the Spartanburg School District Seven, Michelin North America, Greenville Police Department, University of South Carolina Upstate, among others

Riley Fellows

Upon completion of the program, the DLI graduates transition into becoming Riley Fellows. They join a network esteemed for its diversity and influence, accommodative of corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and non-profit heads, and various business and community leaders across South Carolina.

This network currently boasts over 2,800 members, all of whom have undertaken the programme. Together, they create a rich web of dynamic leaders dedicated to the cause of diversity and inclusion, creating equitable spaces across their respective fields of work.

For more information on the Riley Institute and their initiatives, follow the link to visit their official website: furman.edu/riley.