Grassroots Leadership Development Institute Graduates 23 Community Leaders

On Thursday, October 22nd, the Spartanburg County Foundation graduated 23 Spartanburg County residents from its Grassroots Leadership Development Institute, a seven-month training initiative empowering community leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources to drive meaningful change. Since launching in 2004 as the Strengthening Voices initiative, the program has equipped more than 500 graduates to address local challenges, foster collaboration, and strengthen communities throughout Spartanburg County and beyond. We are pleased to announce 23 new graduates from the GLDI class of 2026:

 

• Rosa M. Berry
• Celise Bullock
• Irran J. Duncan
• Tammy R. Edwards
• Yolanda Magnolia Escudero
• Nathaly Intheda Hansana
• Kelli M. Hicks
• Frederick Keenan
• Yolanda Rebekah Keenan
• Curtis L. Martin, Sr.
• D. Scott McHam
• Terri Anne Miller
• Kimitra Mullins
• Jennifer Lyn Palomo-Gregory
• Ralph A. Patin III
• Justin Matthew Prince
• Ashad Rector
• Candace Robinson
• Victorea Marie Smith
• James E. Stukes
• Antonio L. Tanner
• Tiara L. Woney
• Rhonda Fordham Young

Dr. Alysa Handlesman, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Community Sustainability Specialist at Wofford College, and Spartanburg Mayor Jerome Rice, both GLDI alumni, shared remarks during the graduation held at the Piedmont Club.

“Together, these leaders, working across the business, education, nonprofit, faith, and philanthropic sectors in our community, have completed a 7-month leadership development program. They learned new skills, gained a deeper understanding of the systems and resources in our community, and are better prepared to improve the quality of life for all Spartanburg County's current and future residents.,” said Troy M. Hanna, President and CEO of the Spartanburg County Foundation.

Initiative to take a strategic pause in 2027

Traditionally, applications open for the next GLDI class after the current GLDI class graduates. However, the Foundation is taking a purposeful pause during 2027 to work with GLDI Alumni and community leaders to assess, refine, and strengthen the Institute’s structure.

“This dedicated year of evaluation and planning will allow us the opportunity to examine the program more deeply, strengthen its framework, and ensure its relevance for years to come,” said Ashley Whitt, SCF Vice President of Grants and Community Impact, at the close of the graduation ceremony. “We look forward to a year of growth and innovation for the Grassroots Leadership Development Institute. The next application window for participants will open in late 2027 for the class of 2028,” she added, when sharing that GLDI information on the Foundation’s website page now includes a sign-up form for those interested in receiving information about the class of 2028.