Network, Empower, Lead: 2026 Converse Women’s Leadership Conference
Written by Karen Rhodes
Established in 2018, Converse University’s Annual Women’s Leadership Conference is more than just an event – it’s a supportive community that allows emerging and established women leaders across the Upstate to share their knowledge, success stories, and strategies for advancement. This year’s event, held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, and co-hosted by the Converse College for Women and the Center for Career Development, upheld that tradition – delivering encouragement, practical tips, and opportunities for connection.
Making Her Mark
The day began with a light breakfast and a keynote discussion featuring Phyllis Perrin Harris ’82, Chief Legal and Risk Officer at the American Cancer Society, and Chandra Owenby Hopkins, Dean of the Converse College for Women. Harris generously shared her journey from her roots in Atlanta, to attending Converse where she found faculty who offered important mentorship, to the University of Florida Levin College of Law and being named one of the 50 Most Influential Black Corporate Lawyers.
Harris’s candor and strength shone through the illustrative milestones she offered from her career journey including chief leadership roles at the highest levels of the corporate, governmental, and nonprofit sectors including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Walmart, Amazon, the American Red Cross, and the American Cancer Society.
“You don’t move when you’re trying to be perfect because you’re afraid of making a mistake or afraid of an adverse consequence.”
Phyllis Perrin Harris ’82
“With each new role, I would ask, What’s my legacy – what do I want to [remain] here, even after I leave?” Harris said of her commitment to making the most of the opportunities afforded her. She encouraged attendees to trust their instincts, commit to self-care, and leave perfectionism and fear behind. “You don’t move when you’re trying to be perfect because you’re afraid of making a mistake or afraid of an adverse consequence,” she explained.
As an alumna, former Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Converse champion, Harris ended her remarks with bold encouragement for every conference attendee. She empowered each woman in the room to step forward in their careers and lives with a challenge and an invitation: “Do not be afraid.” Harris set an inspiring tone of honest dialogue and empowerment that echoed throughout the full conference.
Balancing Career Growth and Real Life
Next, women leaders took the stage for a “Beyond Balance” panel discussion, sharing tips for navigating the challenges of career growth and real life. Moderated by Katherine O’Neill, Chief Economic Development Officer, OneSpartanburg, Inc., the panel included Anna Blanton, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, Community Engagement from Milliken & Company; Chunsta Miller ’02, Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement with Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina; and Molly Cashman, Co-Owner of Blue Moon Specialty Foods.
The panelists spoke candidly on topics including work-life balance, building their influence, navigating difficult seasons, and the power of mentorship. “To me, success looks like using the influence I have to open doors for others – using my platform to make noise, change the world, change the atmosphere,” said Converse alumna Chunsta Miller ’02. She encouraged attendees to show up authentically and work toward their passions while also being intentional and taking time to recharge and re-energize.
Blanton empowered attendees to use their strengths to create synergy between what others need and what you can offer. She spoke of the importance of building credibility, being a voice for others and creating impactful work. Cashman brought a perspective focused on building community and connections with a people-first philosophy, showing true care and empathy.
Roots & Resilience
Following a delicious catered lunch in Gee Dining Hall, Dori Burgess, Executive Director of Healthy Smiles Spartanburg, moderated a discussion on growing community through change. Panelists included Amber Pendergraph, Executive Director of Birth Matters; Pontheolla Mack Abernathy, Co-Owner of the Cleveland Historic Inn and Gardens; and Susan Myers, Director of Teen Services at Spartanburg County Public Libraries.
Success looks like using the influence I have to open doors for others – using my platform to make noise, change the world, change the atmosphere.”
Chunsta Miller ’02
A lively group with no shortage of lighthearted moments and laughs, these leaders also tackled some serious discussions about unmet needs in Spartanburg and how they are working to improve the community through their roles and those they serve. Mentorship was a common theme. “Mentorship keeps you fresh,” shared Abernathy. “I meet young entrepreneurs often. I pour into them and they pour into me. We help each other.”
Breaking Out
Two sets of concurrent breakout sessions throughout the day gave conference attendees an opportunity to hear about the topics that resonated most with them and their career stages. Sessions included:
- Leading Across Generations: Building High-Performing Teams Across Every Career Stage with Kamber Parker Bowden, Founder of Generational Performance Solutions
- Finding Your Invisible Thread – Weaving Intentionally Through Your Career with Racquel Collier, President at Caliber South Carolina
- The Courage to Lead: How Living Your Values Makes You a Better Leader with Dr. Amalia Luxardo, CEO of the Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network (WREN)
- Building Your Future: Navigating Professional Change with Tamika Prince, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of South Carolina Upstate
Winding Down
Throughout the day, conference attendees were encouraged to take advantage of special opportunities, including free professional headshots and an introvert-friendly networking activity, which allowed individuals to share what kind of networking they desired (business, personal interests, etc.) or could offer (mentorship, advising). The day ended with a wine and cheese networking reception, with such high spirits that even a late afternoon downpour couldn’t dampen them.
Sponsors
Sponsors are an integral part of the Converse Women’s Leadership Conference and were recognized throughout the day for ensuring a successful event and helping bolster Converse’s vision to advance a culture of belonging and collaboration across the Upstate region. Sponsors for the 2026 conference included the following companies:
- Gold Sponsors: First Horizon and The Johnson Group
- Purple Sponsors: Bank of America, Cannon Roofing, PowerUp Spartanburg, and TNB Financial Services
- Advocate Sponsors: AC Hotels Marriott Spartanburg and Truliant Federal Credit Union
- Valkyries Sponsors: Jeter Hrubala Wealth Strategies, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Spartanburg Water
About the Women’s Leadership Conference
The Converse University Women’s Leadership Conference was established in 2018 and promotes women in leadership at the early and middle career stages. Since then, the conference annually provides opportunities for professional women to learn practical strategies for enhancing leadership effectiveness at the workplace and within the community.
Our annual conference builds upon Converse’s historic commitment to women’s empowerment and leadership while providing the Upstate community dynamic ways to build new partnerships and advance professionally. This event is co-hosted by the Converse College for Women and the Converse University Center for Career Development.
We look forward to continuing this engaging event at the next conference slated for July 2027. Please check our conference page for updates and announcements regarding this event.