women to watch 2011

OCTOBER 26, 2011

A Special Publication of

2 Wednesday, October 26, 2011Summerville Journal Scene

This marks the fifth year TheSummerville Journal Scene has chosenten women from the excellent nomina-tions sent in by readers. This year’shonorees highlight a spectacular mixof professions.

Women to Watchhas grown to includea reception at whichthis year’s notablewomen are joined byfamily and friends.

What we’ve discov-ered each year arewomen who serve asan inspiration to oth-ers, not only in their professional livesbut also in their personal lives.

The management team of TheJournal Scene look forward to award-ing the presentation-quality framedphoto and story as a remembrance ofthe honor.

This year’s honorees follow animpressive list of past winners:

2007Rita Berry

Loren BetheaVi Matheny

Deb CampeauJill Henry

Monica KaramVicki Ellis

Kristin SaglioccoKathy RandallHolly Patterson

2008Barbara DunningBabette Hamilton

Jenny HornePJ Johnson

Alix KassingSharon LaneyKay PhillipsCandy Pratt

Georgia ToneyDiane Walker

2009Debbie Miler

Cristy SandersKelly WilliamsNaomi Nimmo

Lynn Haney-SingletonBecky FordJan Parsons

Tiffany ProvenceTony FivecoatAnnette Young

2010Lori Dibble

Alessa BertoluzziBette Century Thomas

Betty SettleDeborah Cloutier

Jan Waring-WoodsKelly KnightLaura Perdue

Marie WilliamsSusan Morris

Words from Watts

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011 3Summerville Journal Scene

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Congratulations to allWomen to Watch

Recipients!

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Multi-facetedBY JIM TATUMThe Journal Scene

udge, mom, wife, publicservant, community volun-teer are just some of themany hats Maité Murphywears these days – and shewears all of them well.

But her motivation runsfar deeper than mere per-

sonal success. Being involved, setting a positiveexample, and making a difference have alwaysbeen key elements to Murphy’s approach to life.

She has enjoyed a successful and interestingcareer in law, literally moving from one side ofthe bench to the other, from prosecutor, privatepractice, to judge, in the space of a few years. Shehas also served as past president of theDorchester County Bar Association and is amember of the SC Women’s Bar Association.

She works, or has worked, with a number ofcommunity organizations, serving on the boardof directors for the Summerville YMCA, the

development board of Children in Crisis. She isa past board member of Meals on Wheels and isan active volunteer with the SummervilleMiracle League and the “Women Build” projectfor Habitat for Humanity. She is a member of theSummerville Rotary Club and St. Paul’sEpiscopal Church.

“Maité is one of the finest young women that Ihave ever been associated with,” noted EdwardCarter of Appraisal Services of SC. “She is anactive member of our community and has consis-tently demonstrated her dedication to makingSummerville and Dorchester County a betterplace to live.”

Murphy says it is important to show our chil-dren by example to give back to the communityof which we are a part.

“You have to love what you do, and you tryto make a difference through your work, as wellas through service to your community,” shenoted. “I think community service is an impor-tant aspect of being a good citizen – and wehave such a great community here in

MAITE MURPHY

Photo by Paul Zoeller/Journal SceneSee MURPHY Page 14

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SJ05-623677

You deserve a homegrown physician.Visit www.homegrownphysicianlocator.com

to find a physician near you.

The entire Palmetto Primary Care Physicians’ family would like to congratulate:

Lissa LaraCFO, COO Primary Care

For being chosen as one of the 2011 Women to Watch


Congratulations to Angela Vest andall of the 2011 Women to Watchrecipients from Kelly Williams andthe staff at AllCare Living Services!

Kelly Williams 2009 Honoree SJ07-626462

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I am proud of all the 2011 Women to Watch

Award Recipients. Thank you for what each

of you do for your community. You all work

hard to make Summerville a better place to

live. Congratulations on your great honor.

You deserve the highest praise!

2008 Award Recipient

Paul Zoeller/Journal Scene

ANGIE CRUMMaking a difference for an entire communityBY STEFAN ROGENMOSERThe Journal Scene

ngie Crum has answeredthe call in her community.Crum was born and raisedin Ridgeville, the secondoldest of 10 siblings. Shehas lived in the small townher entire life.

In 1999 Ridgeville lostits only school and became a bare, vacant spotwith no place where community memberscould reach out for assistance, Crum says.

“I come from a family of 10. It was hardtimes . . . Sometimes we didn’t have food toeat. When I was 10 years old I said,‘Wouldn’t it be nice if somebody could helpout?’

“My father worked at the Navy Yard, butgot sick. My dad fell on hardship. I made apromise to myself and said I’m going to bethere for the community if they need me. I amhappy the way things have turned out . . .”

In 1999 Crum founded the RidgevilleCommunity Resource Center. She hasbeen CEO from day one and hasn’t lookedback. About 50 people a week visit theRCRC.

It is a food pantry for needy families,senior citizens and infants, offers computerclasses on Thursdays, a mobile library stopsby monthly and Crum helps communitymembers with woes and hardships.

Crum calls it a one-stop shop that providesa combination of services. Crum wants tocreate jobs in the community and enrich lifefor youths. The center is a licensedWorkKeys job skill assessment test site.

Crum recently helped a family find medicalassistance. A patient had cancer but couldn’tafford medicine the doctor prescribed. Cruminterviewed the patient and sent a cover letterto introduce them to a primary physician.With Crum’s help, the pharmaceutical com-pany allowed the patient to have the med-ication they needed for more than six months,

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Photo by Paul Zoeller/Journal Scene

ELENA FURNARIShaping young lives

BY ROGER LEEThe Journal Scene

typical day for ElenaFurnari could begin with adiscussion about curriculumchanges or school safety,but more times than not itends with a ball game, playor concert.

As the principal of FortDorchester High School, Furnari is forced tofocus much of her time on the big picture.Ensuring her school is keeping up with the times,meeting state and federal test standards and regu-lations, and providing a safe environment wherestudents can learn are among a seemingly endlesslist of responsibilities she bares.

However, Furnari feels it is equally importantfor her to pull herself away from her office andmeetings so she can have a more direct impact onthe more than 2,000 students at her school. Thatis why she makes it to as many student activitiesas she can.

“Whenever people ask me how many kids Ihave, I tell them 2,100 because I see every stu-dent at this school as my kid, “Furnari said. “I

want to do what is right for them and what is bestfor them.”

It was a desire to help others that led her to acareer as an educator.

“I knew I wanted to be in some sort of serviceindustry and what better than one where youserve kids,” she said. “Early on, I just kind ofknew I wanted to teach and I wanted to coach andI did that for the first nine years of my career. Atfirst I didn’t have any interest in administration,but I’m glad things worked out the way they did.Being in administration allows me to have a big-ger impact with the students.”

She is in her 20th year as an educator and hersecond as the FDHS principal.

Furnari is a member of the Summerville HighSchool Athletic Hall of Fame who played for theGreen Wave’s first fast-pitch softball team. Shewas also on the school’s volleyball and girls’bas-ketball teams.

She went on to play basketball for ErskineCollege, where she earned a bachelor’s degreein physical education. Later, she received amaster’s degree in elementary education from

See FURNARI Page 14

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MELONY ARE

MARTHA GREEN

Putting passion for community to work

Provides health care plus much more

BY LESLIE CANTUThe Journal Scene

ommunity stewardship ismore than a catchphrasefor Melony Are. It’s away of life for thiswoman who’s had a handin many of Summerville’smost memorable events.

“It’s a great town to bepart of. It’s exciting to think what it can be,”she said.

Are grew up on the Isle of Palms and visit-ing her grandparents in Summerville. Shespent many an afternoon at the Tastee Freezacross from Summerville High School.

When her husband David retired from themilitary, the family voted on where theywanted to live. Having moved 17 times in 20years, they had plenty of choices, butSummerville just felt like “home.”

The globe-trotting lifestyle of a militaryfamily was formative not only for her chil-

dren but for Are. When she graduated from the College of

Charleston, she hadn’t spent much, if any,time outside South Carolina. Two weeks latershe was married and two weeks after that shewas in Germany.

She cried every day.Five years later, she was managing a staff of

18 people, using German as the common lan-guage amongst the international crew, andhad to be dragged kicking and screamingfrom the country, she said.

Living and working with a diverse groupopened her eyes to different viewpoints andhelped her accept people for who they are.

Those are life skills, she said, and she’shappy that military life imparted those skillsto her children, Danielle, a junior at USC, andClayton, a sophomore at Pinewood Prep.

“They’ve been the different kid,” she said. Both will always be the first one to walk up

to a new kid in school and to make peoplefeel welcome, she said.

BY ROGER LEEThe Journal Scene

n between providing care topatients and making recom-mendations to the stateboard of medical examin-ers, Martha Green makessnacks for little leaguers andleads Children’s Church.

Green, who has 15 yearsin as a physician assistant, excels not only at herprofession, but also as a community servant.

“In addition to working in a private OBGYNpractice, Martha is an instructor at MUSC whotrains physician assistant students,” said MaiteMurphy, who nominated Green as a Woman toWatch. “With much compassion and skill, shehas tended to women’s health care needs foryears. She provides a healing touch for herpatient’s physical as well as emotional needs,drawing from many years of education and train-ing as well as her experience as a loving mother,wife and daughter. She is highly respected by herpeers in the medical community and loved by herpatients.”

Green is one of three PAs who serve on theadvisory committee that makes recommenda-tions to the S.C. Board of Medical Examinersconcerning ways to improve and modernize thePAprofession. She is also a co-chair for the SouthCarolina Academy of Physician Assistants’Continuing Education Committee.

A former vice president for the academy, Greenwas awarded that organization’s prestigious PAof the Year Award in 2007. But she didn’t becomea PA for accolades.

“The everyday things are more important,” shesaid. “When someone thinks enough of you tocome back or refer a family member or friend toyou it’s nice. When I was younger I just wanted tofind a career in medicine that was fulfilling andphysician assistant seemed like a perfect fit for me.”

It turned out to be just that.“It is a great niche for someone who wants to

care for people but doesn’t want to invest the timeor money into medical school,” she said. “I want-ed a career and a family. I think sometimeswomen get a false sense that we can have it all,but as a PA who is also a mother I feel I’m asclose to having it all as you can be. I have a busy

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SARAH COLEMAN-LEE

LISSA LARA

‘Helping people is my niche…’

Mentoring the young; passing it on

BY JIM TATUMThe Journal Scene

o meet Sarah Coleman-Lee is to encounter pure,positive energy.

That she has drive andability is obvious. After a22-year career in the AirForce in the health carefield, she started a full

time real estate career in 2008, at the height ofthe market meltdown.

She wasn’t completely unschooled – shehad discovered real estate investing while stillin the military and had enjoyed doing that.Still, her timing would have most likelydeterred even the most confident souls fromgoing into that field.

Yet in her first two years as a realtor, SarahColeman-Lee was named Rookie of the Yearand a Realtor of Distinction. Not bad for a rel-ative newcomer – especially someone enter-ing a business field that was experiencing one

of the worst collapses in history.“I’ve won other awards, but those two,

especially, mean a lot to me,” she said. “Itruly feel a passion for real estate. I love it.”

LaVondalyn J. Watson of UPLIFTMarketing and Designs, who nominatedColeman-Lee as a Woman to Watch, notedColeman-Lee’s ability, passion, and sense ofcustomer service.

“Her tagline is ‘going the extra mile’ andmake no doubt about it, Sarah Coleman-Leedoes just that,” Watson said. “I have neverseen anyone so giving and so committed tomaking the lives of people better – family,friends and complete strangers. She’s been arealtor with Agent Owned Realty -Summerville for only 4 years, and in that timeperiod she has out-produced many in hercompany – not for monetary reasons, butbecause she genuinely does everything shecan to help her clients get into the home oftheir dreams. She’s not your “show and sell”realtor. She actually connects her clients with


issa Lara had a long careerin accounting behind herwhen she moved here in2004, but no experience inthe health care field.

Today she’s helping tolead the dramatic growth ofa major physicians group

and managing operations for its 35 partner-doc-tors.

Lara is the CFO and COO for Palmetto PrimaryCare Physicians, which has locations in fivecounties and is building a new 20,000-squarefoot corporate headquarters near CharlestonSouthern University.

When she was named CFO in 2007, she said,the group had 12 locations, 20 partners and 165employees. Today it has 25 locations, 35 partnersand 450 employees. She’s currently workingwith five practices that are interested in joining.She’s hesitant to speak solely about herself atfirst, but as she warms to the topic of the compa-

ny’s growth and innovations, her enthusiasm isclear.

“I feel like I’ve had a big hand in the growth ofthe company,” she said.

But it wasn’t without work. “The deficit in medical knowledge -- I had to

work extra hard,” she said. “I’m not afraid ofhard work. I wanted to make a career change.”

Now she tries to mentor younger people in theoffice to show them how hard work can make adifference. She was lucky enough to have peoplewho had a positive affect on her when she wasstarting out, and she wants to pass that on, shesaid.

Things were quite different when Lara graduat-ed from college in 1987. She joined a work worldin the midst of transition. Women weren’t com-pletely new to the workforce, yet bias and sexualharassment were still common.

She never felt lesser, however.“I was brought up to believe gender didn’t real-

ly matter,” she said. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed by other

See COLEMAN-LEE Page 14

See LARA Page 14

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November 13, 1-5pm at Woodlands Inn

Tickets $35 until Nov. 6; after $50843.225.2789 or www.ABCCsummerville.org

Sponsored by the Arts Business Civic Coalition

Congratulations to Cyndy JacksonExecutive Director of ABCC for being a

“2011 Woman to Watch” ~ The Board of Directors

CYNDY JACKSONEstablishing a civic center

BY STEFAN ROGENMOSERThe Journal Scene

lthough Cyndy Jackson isthe first Executive Directorfor the Arts Business CivicCoalition ofSummerville/DorchesterCounty, she has helpedmanage non-profits morethan 15 years.

The ABCC’s mission is to establish aSummerville Civic Center, which can be used forarts performances, training classes, galas andconventions. It will be a multi-purpose, multi-usefacility, she says.

“There is no place here that can hold more than250 people,” Jackson says, adding that St.George and Ridgeville have such civic centersand Summerville doesn’t.

A Summerville Civic Center would also meana home for the Summerville CommunityOrchestra.

Jackson came on board the ABCC two yearsago as treasurer, but as the coalition became moreorganized Jackson stepped up as its first execu-tive director to oversee its day-to-day operations.One of her first tasks was writing the 501 (c) 3letter, which Jackson says went smoothly.

ABCC has partnered with the town and countygovernment and Dorchester District 2 schools toget a consulting firm to conduct a feasibilitystudy to assess the community’s interest.

“If there isn’t a need and the community does-n’t want it, there’s no need to build a white ele-phant.”

The study should be complete by January,Jackson says. If everything goes well it will be atleast 2013 before the town has its own civic cen-ter, according to Jackson.

“We have such a quality of life and I think itgrows on that. It’s not just the arts. Chamber galashave to go out of the Town of Summerville.”

A civic center hosting conventions would helplocal hotels, restaurants and stores, Jackson says.



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843-871-9628www.disastercare.net

PJ Johnson,2008 Women to

Watch

Jan Parsons,2009 Women to

Watch

Angela Vest, 2011 Women to Watchwith Al Bradham, owner of Disaster

Care by Carpet Care Services.Kay Phillips,2008 Women to

Watch

Sharon Laney,2008 Women to

Watch

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Congratulations to Angela Vest and all of theWomen to Watch honorees!

JENNIFER SCHLETTE Feeding community, body and soul

BY JIM TATUMThe Journal Scene

o meet Jennifer Schlette isto meet someone who isalways looking for ways tohelp.

Schlette, who lives inMoncks Corner with hus-band Bob and daughter,Noelle, maintains a very

busy and active life, a life of service to others, allacross the Lowcountry.

She serves on a number of boards and advisorycouncils, including working with the U.S. Dept.of Agriculture as well as the executive board forthe SC Farmer’s Market Council. In addition, sheis a Master Gardener and active partner with theClemson Extension Service.

As Manager of Emergency Services andCritical Care at Summerville Medical Center,Schlette is ultimately responsible for helping peo-ple in dire need. She enjoys her work and says

emergency medicine was something she wantedto do from the first time she ever worked in anemergency room.

“I knew, the first time I ever did it, that I wasn’tgoing anywhere else,” she said. “In the ER, youare coming into people’s lives at a time whenthey really need help, and you are making a dif-ference in their lives, usually very quickly – andthat’s gratifying.”

But what about before they need that kind ofhelp? What if you could actually do something tohelp keep them out of the emergency room?What if you could actually teach people to helpthemselves be better?

Schlette has found ways to do just that, saysLaura Perdue, who nominated Schlette as a 2011Woman to Watch. As a health professional,Schlette is known as a strong leader, able mentor,and knowledgeable, valuable resource across theentire Trident Health System.

“Jennifer is a leader among leaders with a graceand generosity and a positive role model that is



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ANGELA VESTMarketing entrepreneur has heart for children


ngela Vest is a highly ded-icated, customer-focused,inspirational professional.That’s how her fellowRotarian and client AlBradham sees her, andwhat prompted him tonominate her as one of the

Women to Watch. Even more than her business credentials, it’s

her “personality, spirit and integrity that serveto make her the obvious choice,” he said.

Vest has lived in the area since 1997. Anative of West Virginia, she said the weatherdrove her South.

“I’m not a cold weather gal,” she said. Her husband Brian, also from West Virginia,

has apparently retained an appreciation forthe cold. You can tell which one planned theirvacations by the temperatures at their destina-tions, she joked.

How she even has time for vacation is

another question. Vest runs her own market-ing and public relations business, VestSolutions, and devotes time to the RotaryClub and the Greater Summerville DorchesterChamber of Commerce.

The Rotary Club’s Gift of Life program,which she chairs, is especially important toher. The program brings in children fromimpoverished nations who need heart surger-ies and covers all costs associated with theircare and room and board for the child and aparent while here.

The club has been sponsoring about twochildren per year. Vest rejoices in recalling afamily that had identical twins with identicalheart defects. The club brought them here andwas able to get the problems fixed.

“We gave them both their girls back,” shesaid.

In addition to bringing children here, Rotaryworks to send doctors overseas to performsurgeries on multiple children and to teachdoctors there how to do surgeries.

Meet one of these children, Vest said, and

Photo by Paul Zoeller/Journal Scene ---See VEST Page 15

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The mission of LEADERSHIP DORCHESTER is to emphasize diversity and develop proactive, forward-thinking leaders thatcan identify and offer unique solutions to specific community

issues. The primary objective is to increase awareness,knowledge, and understanding of the region’s economy andcommunity networks while developing the future community

and political leaders of Dorchester County.

402 North Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483www.GreaterSummerville.org 843-873-2931

Marie McLeodAccount Executive

Marie is primarily involved withmembership sales and retention.She considers each member abusiness partner and enjoysworking with each member toensure they get the maximumbenefit of their investment and that their expectations are met.

Fay BellVisitor Center Receptionist

As a receptionist, Fay is one of the “managers of first impressions.”She greets each guest that comesin or calls the Chamber and VisitorCenter. Fay provides answers toany questions and/or assists in

making the visitor’s experience toSummerville/Dorchester County

unforgettable.

Tori Burke-KoskelaMember Services &

Leadership DorchesterTori helps members get the mostfrom their Chamber membership. If you have any questions about

how to get involved and connectedthrough our numerous councils andprograms just give her a call. Tori

also facilitates the LeadershipDorchester program.

Jackie TuckerPrograms & Events

Jackie provides program and event services for the Chamber and helps members sponsor or

volunteer for events and programs.She also helps members enjoy andunderstand opportunities available

through sponsorship, attending and volunteering at programs

and events.

Rita BerryPresident/CEO

Rita works each and every day tohelp provide advocacy, resources

and business to businessopportunities to Chamber membersand the community. Her goal, withhelp from the incredible Chamberstaff, is to provide support to the

member businesses, and tocollaborate with other

organizations, agencies andmunicipalities to make Summerville/

Dorchester County an excellentplace to live, work and play.

Tina ZimmermanTourism

As the Tourism Coordinator for theVisitor Center, Tina greets over10,000 visitors each year. She

welcomes tourists from abroad,new residents trying to find theirway around town, in addition to

locals who were born and raised inthe area. Stop by and Tina will

show you some “SouthernHospitality.”

Susan WorthyAccounting Services

Susan provides financial services to the Chamber. She can help youpurchase a ticket to an event orpay for your membership. Shemakes sure that your financial

transactions go smoothly.

Kara MartinCommunications/MarketingKara provides all communications

and marketing support for theChamber. In addition to managing

the websites and electroniccommunication, she works with the

local media to ensure coverageand visibility of the many eventsand initiatives that the Chamber

sponsors and supports.

Joann BrooksExecutive Assistant

Not only does Joann provideadministrative support to the

Chamber Staff, but she also helpsthe members stay informed aboutupcoming Chamber programs andevents, as well as local communityhappenings. Maintaining an up-to-

date Chamber membershipdatabase is another way Joannhelps provide members visibility

in the community.

The Greater Summerville/Dorchester CountyChamber of Commerce

CONGRATULATES all of the 2011 Women to Watch!


Dorchester County.”Murphy said she loves the law and has greatly

enjoyed her career. She started in private practiceand then joined the First Circuit Solicitor’sOffice in 1998, ultimately rising to the position ofChief Deputy Solicitor. It was her job to prose-cute all violent crimes against women and chil-dren in Dorchester, Orangeburg, and Calhouncounties, an experience that would be enlighten-ing in a variety of ways, she said.

“It was a very rewarding time,” she said. “Itreally gave me a feeling that I was doing somegood out there. Throughout my career I havebeen very fortunate to work with so many greatpeople – judges, attorneys, and clients in need.You learn something from each case and experi-ence.”

Her next step was private practice – TheMurphy Law Firm -- with her husband, State

Rep. Chris Murphy. But as interesting and enjoy-able as that was, she was soon taking on anotherchallenge – this time from the other side of thebar. Murphy was appointed as a county magis-trate in 2009, ultimately serving as ChiefMagistrate for Dorchester County before beingappointed Master In Equity in 2011.

“It’s funny – even when I was a young child,my grandmother would tell me that I should be ajudge,” Murphy said. “I guess I was always themediator in the family.”

Busy as she is, Murphy is also very family-ori-ented and makes it a priority to balance work andcommunity service with an active and happyfamily life. The Murphy’s two sons, Austin andJackson, are involved in many activities, espe-cially sports, which keeps the family on the go,she said.

“I am very blessed,” she said. “This is such awonderful place to live and I’m really, trulyblessed to be part of such a great team here inDorchester County.”

MURPHYfrom page 4

The Citadel and earned a secondary administra-tion certificate from Charleston SouthernUniversity.

After a year teaching at Sedgefield MiddleSchool, she was hired by Dorchester DistrictTwo where she has spent the past 19 years.

She was the Principal for Rollings MiddleSchool of the Arts for three years and an assistantprincipal at FDHS for five years. She taught atRollings, DuBose and Gregg middle schools aswell as at SHS and coached basketball, volley-ball and softball.

“It’s funny how much of what I did as a coachtransfers into administration,” she said. “I’m stilltrying to put together the best team and have thebest team so it involves some of the same strate-gies.”

She says her career has been very fulfilling.“It’s very rewarding to see a student excited

because I showed up for a game or when oneinvites me to their class so I can hear a presenta-

tion or gives me a high-five in the hall,” she said.“One of my favorite days is graduation day. Ilove watching the students walk across the stage.I take a lot of pride in knowing I helped themreach that goal. That is what we are here for, tohelp the students reach their goals, whateverthose goals are.”

Furnari is a member of St. John’s BelovedCatholic Church and Alpha Delta Kappa, an hon-orary teaching sorority.

Mona Caudle, who nominated Furnari as aWoman to Watch, describes the educator assomeone dedicated to the students, teachers andparents who works hard to mesh the three togeth-er to foster pride in her school. She added thatFurnari leads not only by word, but also byexample.

She is also a person with a strong sense ofadventure. It may come as a bit of a surprise tosome students, teachers and parents that Furnariowned a motorcycle for a year, once jumped offa cliff in Bouleuse and has stood on the GreatWall of China. She has also coached more thanone sports team to an undefeated season.

FURNARIfrom page 7

people who can teach them how to better care fortheir homes and manage their money so they cankeep their homes– and she sits in these classeswith them. She is constantly thinking of newways to serve her clients…TV shows, radioshows, she’s even writing a book to educatethem. She genuinely cares.”

To Coleman-Lee, the awards represent muchmore than acknowledgement of business acu-men. Rather, it is important to her that her suc-cesses, in real estate today and in her years in themilitary, offer her greater ability to practice herother passion, community service.

“It almost doesn’t matter what I do so much asthat whatever I do allows me to help others,” shesaid. “Giving back to the community is so impor-tant.”

Coleman-Lee said she has always felt a drive togive back to the community for as long as shecan remember. One of 12 brothers and sistersraised by a single mother in Mobile, Alabama,she said her mother, Arriee Coleman taught themthe importance of giving back to the community.

“That was my upbringing – my mother taughtus how important that really is,” Coleman-Leesaid. “I don’t ever remember not doing commu-nity service – helping her do something. We werealways doing something to try to help the com-munity.”

Coleman-Lee especially has an affinity forwomen and children causes, giving much of hertime, effort, and money to such organizations asthe Dorchester Children’s Center and the RonaldMcDonald House, to name a few.

Coleman-Lee and her team also recently host-ed its first “Empowering Women” event inSummerville; the event was quite successful, shesaid.

The best part of Coleman-Lee’s business suc-cess is that it has provided her more opportunitiesto give back, she says. She formed Charleston’sBest Realty Team, under the auspices of AgentOwned Realty, on Nov. 1, 2010 and a percentageof the profits the team makes goes directly to anumber of women and children’s service organi-zations. In fact, Charleston’s Best Realty Teamsponsors 6 rooms in Ronald McDonald Houseand several times a year the group actually goesto the facility to prepare and serve home-cookedmeals for the families staying there.

One of the most important programs she workswith is Increasing Hope, a financial trainingresource not only for people who are trying tobuy a home but more importantly for people try-ing to keep a home.

“I got into this because I kept meeting peoplewho simply are not positioned well financially,”she said. “Some have gone through foreclosuresand they really don’t know how to get back ontheir feet again.”

Increasing Hope essentially teaches all aspectsof financial literacy, from family budgeting tomaintaining strong credit and she not only serveson the board of directors, she teaches classes forthe program as well.

“I am blessed,” she said. “I am blessed and I amglad to be able to do something I love so much.But I’m flying highest when I am out there help-ing others. I have a lot going on but it’s so muchgood stuff. I stay energized. It’s what I was meantto do.”

COLEMAN-LEEfrom page 9

staff members. “Lissa has been a great mentor and leader to the

rest of the management team. As a woman in thehealthcare industry, it is easy to notice that theratio of men to women is highly disproportionate– especially in boardrooms. Lissa is a dailyreminder to us young professional women in thefield that there is nothing standing in our way toachieving the same success,” said VivianBarajas, the company’s director of marketing.

Lara grew up in Virginia and moved around theSoutheast as an adult. She then moved to Kansas,but frequently visited South Carolina because hermother was in Florence and her sister inSummerville.

When her stepfather became ill, she decided itwas time to return East. “Living in middleAmerica, it’s OK, but it’s not like living in SouthCarolina or North Carolina or Virginia,” she said.

Within six months of moving here, her lifebegan to settle into place. She met the man shewould marry, Lenny, and his two daughters, andin a year began working as the controller forPalmetto Primary Care.

Lara said she loves working in the health carefield. She’s involved in every aspect of the organ-ization except for the actual medical carebetween doctor and patient. By running thebehind-the-scenes operations and reaching outthrough diabetes education classes and the

patient-centered medical home concept, she’spart of affecting change and helping people.

The speed of change in the field, particularlywith technology, is astounding.

“Technology is taking health care to places itshould have been 15 years ago,” she said.

Palmetto Primary Care adopted electronicmedical records in 2001, well ahead of the feder-al prodding that was part of the stimulus act in2009. The electronic records mean that a patientwho sees several providers within the companycan be sure that each provider will see the mostup-to-date records without having to carry paperfiles from office to office. The EMRs also alertdoctors to potential interactions between drugs.

Being sure that there are specialists within thecompany to attend to patients’ various needs ispart of her job. The idea is that patients will beable to get just about all the care they need in-house. This saves money and gives PalmettoPrimary Care greater control over continuity ofcare. Just last June, the company added neurolo-gists to its cadre of physicians.

As much as it’s grown, the company hasn’tcompleted its strategic growth plan. Lara saidthere are still plans to grow to 150 providers fromthe current 90.

As passionate as she is about her job, Lara isn’tall work. She’s involved in several charities, ofwhich the American Cancer Society is especiallydear to her because of family connections to can-cer.

She also loves fly fishing, and once or twice ayear takes a trip to go freshwater fly fishing.

LARAfrom page 9


She wants the center to have at least 500 – 600seats plus classrooms for business training, artclasses and after school programs.

Some of Jackson’s main fundraising activitieshave been three interactive dinner theatres atAtlanta Bread Company. All three were sold out,Jackson says.

The coalition is coming up on its second “sig-nature event”, the Wine and Art Under the Stars,to be held at the Woodlands Inn on Nov. 13.

“It is everything that’s good about Summerville. . . food and wine tastings . . . it will showcaseSummerville artists . . . everyone who buys aticket gets a custom wine glass with the inscrip-tion ‘Wine and Art Under the Pines.’”

Jackson also worked as business manager at St.Theresa the Little Flower Catholic Church offDorchester Road. She then worked at theMepkin Abbey monastery in Moncks Corner andwas in charge of special events and volunteers.

While working at the church and monastery

she realize the monks are not that different fromanyone else. She got to know the priests andabbots and realized there was no local place forthem to go as they aged or became infirm.

Jackson was crucial in raising awareness andfunds for the St. Joseph’s Residence in WestAshley, which opened in the early 2000s. Nowthe needs of those priests are being met.

“What I’m doing now brings some of thoseskills to the table,” she says. “You are only asgood as the people you surround yourself with.ABCC is very committed and capable. I feel for-tunate to be surrounded by a group of people thatare so diversified in their talents.”

The ABCC is a non-profit and although it’s herfull-time job, Jackson’s work there is pro bono.

She says her husband, Dist. 6 SummervilleTown Councilman Bob Jackson, has been verysupportive. Jackson says they both believe in thecivic center.

Jackson also sits on the Dorchester Foster CareReview Board. She says lots of kids need theirforever homes. “I love children. I have five chil-dren, seven grandchildren. They’re all sweet-hearts.”

JACKSONfrom page 10

she says.Crum’s small, cozy office has vintage chairs

and shelves filled with books printed decadesago emanate charm, as does the big computermonitor.

She rents the small building at 108 DorchesterStreet but recently learned she can buy it fromDorchester County if she raises $20,000.

For the past 12 years the resource center hasgotten by on private donations and volunteerhelp, Crum says.

Showa Denko started donating funds aboutthree months ago. Crum says she was proud tolearn Showa Denko will add 100 jobs next year.

“We can provide the training site . . . For me,that would help a lot of mouths, a job. ‘Helpingpeople help themselves’ is our motto.

“I don’t get any money, but when I see a smileon their face, that’s good enough for me. Seeingthat a burden has been lifted, seeing they’ve gotsomebody that can reach out.

“People got special dignity about themselves.That’s how I try to handle them – with care.”

Crum is also in her second term on theDorchester District 4 School Board. She tellsconstituents she works for them, not the otherway around. She was a major force in establish-ing the JROTC program at Woodland HighSchool in Dorchester.

“When you all are not at the meetings I’m yourvoice. I represent Ridgeville 175 percent . . . Imight not be able to accomplish everything, butit’s good to know I can make a difference.

“I like Ridgeville because it’s quiet, peaceful . .. it’s a loving, caring environment. You can findlove in this community.”

For more information about the RCRC call873-5384.

CRUMfrom page 6

“you can’t help but be drawn in and get pas-sionate about it.”

Besides the Gift of Life, Vest for three yearshandled the club’s newsletter and works withthe Paul Harris Foundation committee.

All of Vest’s work with Rotary got her namedthe club’s Rotarian of the Year for 2009-2010.

When Vest isn’t chairing committees at Rotaryor the Chamber, she’s working on behalf of hersmall business clients to increase their business.

Vest brings a well-rounded insight into market-ing. She worked for eight years as a retail man-ager, then became an account executive at thePost and Courier. She quickly rose in the ranksand eventually became the ad director at theJournal Scene.

Eventually, it wasn’t enough to work for some-one else. Vest had always wanted to own her ownbusiness.

“If I work this hard … I want to do it formyself,” she thought.

She knew what she wanted and she was willingto work for it, she said.

She started her business just as the economywas crashing. That would be bad for most, but

ironically it turned out well for her. Small busi-nesses realized they had to advertise if theyhoped to stay afloat and compete with big busi-nesses.

Many business owners, though, don’t know muchabout advertising or marketing.

“My role is to take that off their plate so they don’thave to learn it,” she said.

She can deal with advertising sales reps, figureout the most cost-effective methods for a particularbusiness, oversee the printing and design of promo-tional materials and in general come up with a planand help execute it.

Most of her business has come through word-of-mouth, which she loves because it says a lot abouthow happy her clients are.

“What motivates me is their success,” she said. Right now Vest’s business is mostly a one-woman

show. She does nearly everything in-house, thoughshe has relationships with contractors to handle cer-tain tasks.

She thinks eventually she’d like a business with astand-alone location and in-house designers work-ing for her so she can handle any type of marketing.

That’s probably a few years off, if ever. If it hap-pens, she’ll be happy, and if not, she likes where sheis today.

“I’m happy with what I’ve got now,’ she said.

VESTfrom page 12

Are is passing down her passion for helping thecommunity as well. It’s something she picked upwithout even realizing it from her own parents,who were involved in all aspects of the Isle ofPalms community, from the fire department tothe recreation department.

Whenever she gets involved in something, thekids provide an extra set of hands.

“I use it as a tool to keep my children headed inthe right direction. My kids need to be communi-ty stewards as well,” she said.

During the recent Scrumptious SummervilleKitchen Tour, the two were there picking up trashand stocking water bottles.

“They’re such troupers,” she said. Are has gotten involved in a number of com-

munity groups. She worked with the Arts,Business and Civic Coalition, ARK, theSummerville Exchange Club, the USO and withher church, St. Paul’s Episcopal.

Her favorite event, the Summerville Taste ofthe Town in Azalea Park on Veterans Day, sadlywon’t occur this year because of funding prob-lems. She’s confident that it will return, however.

Are is so enthusiastic about Summerville thatshe even sees conflict in a positive light.

One of her causes, the ABCC, has sparkeddebate about whether the town should be pursu-ing a civic center. Are sees the arguments asproof of how strongly people feel aboutSummerville. That passion doesn’t exist every-where, she said.

“I don’t think people truly understand what acommunity spirit there is here,” she said.

Are manages her non-profit involvement while

also running her own business, The VesperCompany.

After some 20 years as a civilian employee andcontractor with the military, Are was prettyfamiliar with government procedure.

When she moved here, she worked for a timefor the Greater Summerville DorchesterChamber of Commerce. On the side, she didconsulting work for the Department of Defenseand the Army. That side work eventually turnedinto a full-fledged business helping the depart-ments comply with acquisition laws and regula-tions.

Right now she’s working on a project to helpthe Army buy radar that will identify incomingmortars. The project has the potential to savelives, she said. “I put a lot of value in what I’mdoing,” she said.

The detail-oriented work keeps her on her toes.Are is also part of two professional groups, the

Charleston Defense Contractor Association andWomen in Defense. Through Women in Defenseshe started mentoring a female cadet at TheCitadel.

She had no idea that would be so fulfilling, shesaid – or that her mentee would start bringingfriends to be mentored as well! Everyone shouldhave a mentor, Are said. “We’ve been there, donethat, and learned some of those lessons,” shesaid.

As Are looks ahead, she still has plenty to do.She’d like to double her business in five years.Her son will be out of the house soon and herdaughter finished with college. WatchingDanielle launch into adulthood has been a joy,she said.

One thing that Are doesn’t see changing – shedoesn’t see herself being anywhere but here.

AREfrom page 8

work load, but not to the point where it is terriblystressful and I have some flexibility.”

When Green isn’t treating patients, teaching oraddressing ways to improve her profession, sheis actively involved with her church and whatev-er else her sons are into. Whenever there is a needfor a team mom at Parks Field or a chaperone fora Pinewood Prep field trip, Green is typically oneof the first to volunteer.

“More than anything, I’m Garrett’s and Gage’smom,” Green said. “I put my family first and I’mfortunate to have a career that allows me to dothat. I want to be there for my kids and be a partof what’s happening with my kids so I try to beas involved as I can.”

At St. Andrews Parish United Methodist

Church, she is actively involved as a JuniorWorship teacher and a member of the Children’sMinistry Team and Ministry in ActionCommittee. In addition, she regularly leadsChildren’s Church and Junior Worship and helpscoordinate activities for Vacation Bible Schooland other projects.

She is also the vice president of the LegendOaks Home Owners Association and a volunteerfor the annual Gail Ilderton Couch MemorialGolf Tournament that raises money for local stu-dent scholarships.

Green is a Summerville High School graduatewho went on to receive her BS in Biology fromPresbyterian College in 1992. She also holdsboth a BS and Masters degree in PAStudies fromMUSC. She works at the James T. Martin, Jr.,MD Obstetrics and Gynecology office in theTrident Executive Village.

GREENfrom page 8


inspiring and infectious to those she comes intocontact with on a day-to-day basis,” Perdue saidin her nomination letter. “Jennifer has a passionfor creating a community that is self-reliant,knowledgeable, and addresses a quality of lifeboth inside and outside the hospital setting.”

One way Schlette has worked to help improvethe health of the community is through her pas-sion for gardening. Schlette said taking theMaster Gardener’s course opened her eyes tomany new perspectives, but it wasn’t until theeconomy took such a downturn that she foundnew ways to tackle an old problem.

With so many people in dire financial straits, itwasn’t long before she found that a large seg-ment of the population was having great difficul-ty in obtaining groceries at all, much less engag-ing in healthy eating practices. “We were seeingpeople in the ER who were literally having todecide whether to buy food for their children, orpay the light bill, or put gas in the car, or any ofa number of vital needs,” she said. “That’s reallywhat got us started talking about it.”

What they were talking about became theHunger Ends Now Project (HEN project).

“I just thought, ‘we can do this – we can teachpeople to grow food,’” she said. “No one has tobe hungry.”

HEN started as some 20 raised beds on 3 andhalf acres in the middle of Moncks Corner. Theidea was to start a sustainable community gardenthat could serve as both a resource for food and amodel to teach others how to grow it.

“The town council was wonderful – they gotright on board and allowed us to use the landwe’re on now,” she said.

In fact, the Moncks Corner garden has yielded1,055 pounds of produce, which has gone to var-ious churches, food banks, and other areas ofneed in the community. HEN is now an exten-sive, multi-faceted community program thatincludes the Moncks Corner community garden– which now has 88 beds -- and raised bed gar-dens in four schools in the tri-county area as wellas a home for abused children.

Her work with communities and schools led toan interesting partnership with Alston MiddleSchool, the launching of the CHEF’s program,which combines the idea of building sustainablegardens with making good food choices andpreparing dishes from the foods produced.

The underlying point of all this is simple – any-one can grow food in even the most limited ofspaces, from small plots to containers -- andSchlette is right there ready to help people learnhow to do just that. She also points out that everylittle effort does, in fact, make a difference.

“We’re happy to teach people how to do this –we’re all in this together,” she said. “I guess thebottom line is, if you can do this, you should.”

SCHLETTEfrom page 11

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