PAST 2022 Sessions
After meeting virtually in 2020 & 2021, the Waccamaw Nonprofit Summit will continue to be held virtually for the 2022 sessions. These sessions will focus on topics related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
August 2, 2022 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
The Diversity Advantage can equal superior results
Guest speaker: Carl Sharperson
In continuing with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion series, Waccamaw NonProfit Summit is proud to bring the dynamic Carl Sharperson to speak on both his personal and professional experiences on how the diversity advantage can equal superior results. This interactive session will give you the tools to unlock your community's full potential. You will walk away with a written personal and professional action plan that you can start to execute immediately. You will begin to see a new world with unlimited potential as you listen to the powerful stories in the room.
About the speaker
Carl Sharperson Jr. is a Leadership Innovation Strategist, speaker, author, and coach. He specializes in taking leaders from mediocre to maximizing their potential in work and personal life. He is passionate about this message because he understands that most people work at only 50% capacity due to a lack of clear leadership, development, or job fit. He transforms his audience and coaches clients through his proprietary Sharp Leadership coaching process and draws from his unique experiences in the military, Corporate America, and entrepreneurship.
March 17, 2022 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Embracing our differences
facilitated by Charles Weathers
Embracing our differences provides leaders across various sectors with an understanding of how to effectively navigate an ever-changing landscape of relationships and expectations. This session will encourage participants to challenge their thoughts regarding diversity, teamwork, inclusion, and equity. Outcomes include a better understanding of how an effective team functions, handles differences and grows together.
The session will be facilitated by Charles Weathers. He is the founder of The Weathers Group, a management consulting firm specializing in developing leaders, relationships and strategies that strengthen organizational performance. As a nationally recognized speaker, writer and consultant, he is known for his ability to help groups navigate difficult conversations while captivating audiences with contagious energy, insight and humor.
We will also engage a diverse panel that includes Craig McGee, Executive Director of Pride Myrtle Beach, Inc., Jessica Armenta, Language Services Coordinator at Conway Medical Center, Sarah Pope, CEO of SOS Care Inc. and Danielle Lewis, founder of R.E.A.C.H. Empowerment. Participants will also hear from Justin Borrero, an individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and is currently employed in IT Support for SOS Care.
Charles Weathers is the founder of The Weathers Group, a management consulting firm specializing in developing leaders, relationships and strategies that strengthen organizational performance. As a nationally recognized speaker, writer and consultant, he is known for his ability to help groups navigate difficult conversations while captivating audiences with contagious energy, insight and humor.
Charles is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, certified mediator, a Riley Diversity Fellow (Furman University), and an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow. In addition, he has logged more than 10,000 facilitation hours over the last 14 years developing solutions to improve the organizational and personal effectiveness of the clients he serves.
A trusted adviser and coach to leaders in the nonprofit, government and private sectors, he and his family reside in Columbia, South Carolina
Meet our Panelists
Craig McGee has lived in Myrtle Beach for nearly 30 years, originally from Winston-Salem, NC. He has been active in the LGBTQ+ community for a number of years and is passionate about giving a voice to those who are underserved in the community. Along with his active role as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, he also serves on the Myrtle Beach Human Rights Commission, working to ensure the basic rights of all people. Craig lives in Myrtle Beach with his husband.
“As the co-founder and Executive Director of Pride Myrtle Beach Inc., I am committed to fostering acceptance of the Myrtle Beach LGBTQ+ community and creating a unified community where everyone feels welcome, affirmed and safe. I look forward to working together with the Board of Directors to make real and lasting change in the Myrtle Beach area.”
Jessica Armenta is the Language Services Coordinator at Conway Medical Center. She has served in this role for the past 14 years, in addition to assisting the customer experience department, where she also serves as team lead on growing CMC’s recognition of and appreciation for diversity and inclusion. As part of the CX team, Jessica also manages employee engagement initiatives and continues to push for positive patient experiences through research and implementation of the industry’s best practices.
With an expert level skill set in service recovery and crisis management, Jessica is a leader in communication for our non-English-speaking population. Because of her keen ability to help communicate critical healthcare issues, our Spanish community increasingly leans on her for medical advice and guidance. Through this relationship, she has made and takes pride in nurturing lifelong friendships. Jessica continues to build on her knowledge baseline with classes such as the one she is currently taking entitled, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace”.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Jessica moved to Horry County in 1996.  She and her husband, Carlos, have been married for 20 years. She is the mother of four beautiful children- Alex, Gabe, and twin girls, Laura, and Lizzy. When not at work, Jessica enjoys family time, watching movies and building her comedic repertoire.
Sarah Pope For over 38 years Sarah Pope has been a noteworthy leader in the disability space. She is a visionary and strategist at SOS Care, Inc. You may know her from her work for the last 12 years as the CEO. Sarah can be credited with contributions to developing Oak Tree Farm, a low-income housing community for people with disabilities in Conway and first of its kind in SC. Sarah has developed multiple programs at SOS to enhance the lives of those with autism and intellectual disabilities. Sarah is an advocate, program developer, fundraiser, and leader in the field.
Sarah was recently honored with the Order of the Silver Crescent for her contributions as a nonprofit leader.
Sarah is married and has two sons Ben and Liem both diagnosed with multiple disabilities. They live together in Murrells Inlet where they enjoy swimming, boating and creek life together.
Danielle Lewis, a mother of one, is a native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Danielle has an Associate in Arts, concentrating in Psychology. Danielle currently serves as the Neighborhood Revitalization Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of Horry County. Her passion is simple, to help others. She is the founder of R.E.A.C.H. Empowerment, a mental health resource organization and the founder of Rooted in Ruth, a women empowerment support group. Danielle is a graduate of MBACC LGS Class 41 and now currently serves on the Board of Regents. Danielle also serves on the MBACC Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, MBACC Community Engagement Committee, Junior League of the Grand Strand, Rape Crisis Board. She is also the recipient of the 2021 ChangeMakers of the Grand Strand Jefferson Award. Danielle was newly appointed on the planning commission board for the City of Myrtle Beach. She recently won the 2022 Drum Major Award for Community Service from the Carolina African American Heritage Foundation.
Participants will also have a chance to hear from and meet Justin Borrero.
Justin Borrero was formally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in his 20's, having exhibited characteristic signs most of his life. He is currently employed as IT Support for SOS Care, a nonprofit serving children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities in South Carolina. SOS offers several programs and services including ABA Therapy, Respite and Recreation Club, Social and Independent Living Skills Clubs, and Summer Camps, among others. In addition, SOS is developing an affordable housing community called Oak Tree Farm for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities, located in Conway, SC.