Ed.D. Candidate Heather Witt Wins 2025 Mary L. Thomas Award for Courage
Written by Michelle Bowen
Surrounded by women leaders dedicated to empowerment and collective impact, Converse EdD candidate Heather Witt was one of five honorees at the Spartanburg County Foundation’s 2025 Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon. The Mary L. Thomas Award for Courage recognizes Witt’s steadfast commitment to addressing critical issues throughout Spartanburg County.
Since 2007, the Mary L. Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change Fund has highlighted individuals who champion innovative solutions to community challenges. In addition to presenting the annual award during the Foundation’s Annual Meeting, the Fund annually celebrates exemplary leaders across five areas of impact: Civic Engagement, Community, Courage, Faith, and Leadership.
“Pursuing my Ed.D. in Professional Leadership at Converse is an intentional step toward deepening my understanding of how systems change happens.”
Heather Witt
Witt’s recognition reflects a remarkable 30-year career of service and leadership in the nonprofit and public health sectors. Currently completing her Doctorate in Professional Leadership at Converse, she has built her academic foundation with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in organizational management, complemented by minors in marketing and communications.
Her professional journey includes a decade of transformative work as Vice President of Community and Collective Impact at United Way of the Piedmont, where she was named Behavioral Health Taskforce Champion for her advocacy and collaborative efforts. Today, she serves as Director of Community Health Improvement for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and teaches Nonprofit Studies at USC Upstate, shaping the next generation of community changemakers.
A graduate of the Furman Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative (2020) and Leadership Spartanburg (2013), Witt has further expanded her impact as CEO and Founder of Dragonfly Perspectives, supporting nonprofits through strategic planning, board development, and leadership coaching since 2022.
“My studies have expanded my view of leadership as an evolving practice rather than a fixed role.”
Heather Witt
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Witt is deeply rooted in family life with her husband, Don, a Vietnam veteran, three children, and five grandchildren.
At the luncheon, attendees celebrated Witt’s courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to helping Spartanburg County thrive. Her leadership continues to uplift, inspire, and open doors for community transformation, embodying the very spirit of the Mary L. Thomas Award and honoring the vision and core values of Converse..
Ten Questions with Ed.D. candidate Heather Witt, 2025 recipient of the Mary L. Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change
- This award celebrates visionary leadership, and you are being recognized specifically for courage. How do you define courage in leadership and how do you work to embody courage within your role?
To me, courage in leadership means showing up with integrity even when the path isn’t clear. It’s about having the willingness to make difficult decisions guided by purpose rather than popularity. In my work, courage often means naming systemic challenges, advocating for equity, and inviting collaboration across sectors that don’t always speak the same language. I’ve learned that courageous leadership is rooted in humility — listening deeply, asking better questions, and trusting that transformation begins with honest dialogue and shared accountability. - The Mary L. Thomas Award ceremony recognizes women who exemplify leadership. What does it mean to you to be part of this collective recognition? It’s humbling to be part of a community of women who lead with courage, compassion, and conviction. This recognition isn’t just personal — it reflects the collective strength of those who’ve mentored, supported, and collaborated with me along the way. To be honored in the spirit of Mary L. Thomas, a visionary in community transformation, is a reminder that leadership is most powerful when it lifts others and creates space for new voices at the table.
- What first inspired you to get involved in leadership and community change here in Spartanburg County? When I moved to Spartanburg, I was inspired by both the strength of the community and the disparities that still existed. My background in health, philanthropy, and nonprofit strategy helped me see how collaboration could drive real change. At the United Way of the Piedmont, I witnessed firsthand how aligning organizations around shared outcomes can improve lives. That experience reaffirmed my commitment to helping communities design systems that work for everyone — not just for those with access or privilege.
- You’re currently pursuing your doctorate at Converse. What inspired you to take that step in your educational journey?Education has always been a cornerstone of my growth as a leader. Pursuing my Ed.D. in Professional Leadership at Converse is an intentional step toward deepening my understanding of how systems change happens — not just at the programmatic level, but through leadership practices that build capacity and empower others. I wanted to bring an academic lens to my practical experience, to better bridge research and community application in ways that create lasting impact.
- What continues to motivate you in this work?
To me, mentorship and empowerment are essential elements of true leadership. As Stephen Brown wisely stated, “You are not a good leader until you have produced another leader who can produce another leader.” This powerful idea underscores that genuine leadership is defined by our ability to nurture and develop others into leaders themselves. It is this transformative potential that truly inspires me. - How has your academic experience at Converse shaped the way you think about leadership, service, and community change?
My studies have expanded my view of leadership as an evolving practice rather than a fixed role. Through my coursework and research, I’ve been able to connect theory with lived experience — especially in the areas of the nonprofit sector and sustainable community impact. It’s helped me frame community service not as charity, but as shared responsibility. Every voice matters in the process of creating equitable systems, and education has given me the tools to elevate those voices more effectively. - What advice would you give to students or others who want to use their education to make a real difference in their communities?
Start where you are, with what you have, and who you know. You don’t need a title to lead. Education gives you the tools to understand problems deeply, but impact comes from action — from listening, learning, and building relationships rooted in trust. Use your learning to ask better questions, rather than thinking you may hold all the answers. The most meaningful community change occurs when knowledge, compassion, and persistence come together. - How do you inspire others to join you or to engage in community initiatives?
I believe inspiration begins with inclusion. People want to feel seen, heard, and valued. I work to create spaces where every contributor understands how their piece connects to the larger mission. Whether leading a team, a coalition, or a classroom, I strive to model transparency and hope, demonstrating that complex problems can be addressed through collective effort. When people see their own strengths reflected in the work, they become invested in the vision. - What advice would you give to those who want to make a difference but aren’t sure where to start?
Start small, but start. Identify an issue that moves you and learn about it — who’s already doing the work, what’s needed, and how you can contribute. Change doesn’t always come from grand gestures; it often starts with showing up consistently. Volunteer, listen to community members, and be open to growing as you serve. Every effort matters, and leadership grows through practice. - What is next for you, both academically and in your community work?
Academically, I’m focused on defending my doctoral research in the spring. My research examines the lessons learned in knowledge management and succession practices for non-profit leaders, as well as how these organizations can continue to innovate. Professionally, I’ll continue to lead community health improvement efforts across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties through Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, while supporting emerging leaders through my teaching at USC Upstate in Nonprofit Studies.
Top photo courtesy of Forward Vantage and Mary L. Thomas Award for Civic Leadership and Community Change Fund