GSA Daily Staff Report
Published May 7, 2009

Upstate leaders were honored at the fifth annual Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards Dinner. More than 400 people attended the banquet held in Anderson where Greenville Hospital System was honored with the Outstanding Business Award.

The Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg chambers of commerce presented the award.

A 2007 diversity strategic plan outlined an important guide for GHS to further its diversity progress. Core focus areas within this diversity framework include organizational culture, diverse community impact, language access, cultural competence and healthcare disparities. By clearly delineating these five focus points, the organization has embraced goals of maximizing its effectiveness on behalf of all its diverse constituents.

Notable programs have been instituted to recognize all of these objectives, including internal MLK Jr. Diversity Leadership Awards, diversity topics in new employee orientation, the Minority Health Summit and major initiatives to increase hospital supplier diversity.

S.T. Peden was honored with the Calder D. Ehrmann Outstanding Individual Award, recognizing an individual for outstanding achievement in promoting diversity. Throughout his career, Peden has had an active presence and is a strong advocate for minorities in all Upstate communities.

Recognizing the need to involve minority communities in the economic growth of the Upstate, Peden and several other committed community leaders collaborated to form the Minority Economic Development Institute Inc. This project serves as a statewide resource to help increase the economic assets of minority individuals and minority-owned businesses. Initiatives in business development, research, policy and advocacy and education and training are in place to make strides toward increased prosperity for South Carolina’s minority population.

Peden currently serves as president and CEO of MEDI.

Bridges to a Brighter Future received the Outstanding Nonprofit Organization Award. Bridges to a Brighter Future is a three-year pre-college academic enrichment program, which motivates disadvantaged Greenville County students. The many dedicated program volunteers, including the Furman student counselors, serve as strong role models for the high school students.

The Alliance for Collaboration with the Hispanic Community received the Outstanding Contribution to International Diversity Award. The Alliance is a coalition of individuals and organizations that promotes understanding and cultivates collaborative relations between the Greenville and Latino communities by facilitating communication between constituencies.

Danielle Tait was honored with the Outstanding College Student Award. Tait, a senior at Furman University, is president of the Furman University International Students Association. She interacts with students from all over the world, valuing each perspective and experience.

The Outstanding High School Student Award went to Taylor Fitch, a senior at Belton Honea Path High School. As a Children’s Miracle Network ambassador and Easter Seals spokesperson, she is dedicated to furthering the lives of children and youth with disabilities. She has chartered an inspiring program called Seeing Others Soar. This program pairs disabled youth with a big-brother or big-sister figure who serves as a mentor.

The Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards Dinner was presented by the Riley Institute at Furman University and hosted by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Greenville Chamber and Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce.