Upstate diversity leaders were honored Thursday, May 28, 2019, at the 15th Annual Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards. The event, hosted by the Greenville Chamber and the Riley Institute at Furman in partnership with the Anderson, Fountain Inn, and Spartanburg Chambers of Commerce, recognized the following organizations and individuals for outstanding achievement in promoting diversity and inclusion in the Upstate:

Brian Townsend - Calder. D. Ehrmann Outstanding Individual

Antonio Harrison - Outstanding College Student

Hugh Hill - Outstanding High School Student

Berea High School - K-12 School: William "Bill" T. Wylie VALUED Lives Award for Excellence in Diversity

Mohammed Edris, Habiba Restaurant - Outstanding Contribution to International Diversity

Center for Pediatric Medicine, GHS Children’s Hospital - Outstanding Business

Clemson University Men of Color National Summit - Outstanding Nonprofit Organization

The Upstate Diversity Leadership Awards is the first and largest event of its kind in South Carolina. The event is a product of an Upstate Diversity Leaders Initiative Class 2 group project, where Riley Fellows envisioned an annual event honoring outstanding individuals and organizations in the Upstate who are moving the needle forward.

“The Greenville Chamber is honored to work alongside the Riley Institute at Furman and other community partners to honor the significant accomplishments of these outstanding leaders,” said Carlos Phillips, Greenville Chamber President/CEO.

“By working together to recognize the accomplishments of these leaders who promote diversity in our region, the Riley Institute and The Greenville Chamber hope to encourage further opportunities for more members of our community,” said Don Gordon, executive director of the Riley Institute.