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Lauren Burns, 803-734-1609

GOVERNOR HODGES ANNOUNCES 2002 SOUTH CAROLINA WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS


Governor Jim Hodges announced today that the following outstanding women will be honored as women of achievement by the Governor's Commission on Women at its annual Woman of Achievement Awards ceremony on July 16 at the Governor's Mansion.


Sheila Ards, Ph.D. (Columbia) - Sheila is Vice-President for Community Development at Benedict College.  She is an accomplished researcher, analyst and community developer, and is a nationally noted scholar of social policy.  She travels domestically and internationally to present her work on child abuse and neglect.  She is described by her family and friends as a "beacon of light" in her community.

Susan B. Berkowitz, Esquire (Columbia) - Susan is Director of the SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center.  She has worked tirelessly for almost 20 years to advance the status of poor women by changing state policy and personally representing them.  She has led efforts to end the cycle of poverty in our state, especially regarding predatory lending, and has spent her entire career protecting the interests of the underprivileged.

Claudia Bing (Ravenel) - Claudia is the founder and President of Caregivers for Individuals with Disabilities.  She has been a foster mother for 18 children with disabilities, special needs and terminal illnesses.  Her remarkable devotion to vulnerable children "makes a way when there is no way".  She also provides statewide respite care for struggling families and is an active adoption advocate.     

Rosalie K. Crouch, Ph.D. (Charleston) - Rosalie is Vice President of Academic Affairs and the first female Provost of the Medical University of South Carolina.  She is a world-renowned researcher and scientist, a teacher, administrator and civic leader.  Under her guidance, MUSC has achieved a statewide record of over $100 million annually in research funding.  She is an inspiring role model and mentor, committed to excellence.

Sally Z. Hare, Ph.D. (Surfside Beach) - Sally is a Professor of Education and Director of the Center for Education and Community at Coastal Carolina University.  Through her distinguished 32-year career as an educator and her worldwide cultural scholarship, she has gained international acclaim.  She is relentlessly committed to erasing the barriers of racism and other prejudices, and helping young people reach their full potential.

Diane A. Moseley (Columbia) - Diane is a United Methodist minister and has been Executive Director of Killingsworth Home, a residence for women in crisis, for 25 years.  She is a mentor; a public servant and a fierce advocate for women.  Her pioneering work for clergywomen and the support, hope, empowerment and training provided at Killingsworth has changed the lives of countless women.

Bessie Williams Simmons (Goose Creek) - Bessie is an internationally acclaimed poet, storyteller, songwriter and performing artist.  She is also a passionate civic leader, committed to addressing diversity and unity.  Her talents have taken her across the country and abroad, sharing her unique brand of inspiration and hope.  She transforms true-life issues into art, touching the hearts of multicultural audiences of all ages.

Pioneer Award

Beatrice G. Sanders, DHL (Sumter) - Beatrice enjoyed a distinguished 50-year career in public education.  She was a teacher, guidance counselor and an early pioneer in the professional development of African American teachers and student programs.  Her tireless work in the Civil Rights Movement and her lifelong commitment to education, her faith and activism have changed lives - changed history.



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