Prior to deciding if I would apply to participate in Leadership Greenville (LG), I was hesitant as a result of immediately questioning if I would be a good fit.  After confiding in those that I trust, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. The Greenville LG experience is one of a kind and Tami Miller is a magnificent leader. Three years after our class completed the process, my classmates continue to stay in communication; celebrating the joys, job losses, life changes and all that comes with simply being human. To get the full impact of the LG experience true diversity of thought, life experiences and culture are needed. We all have something to offer.

As our class began to gel, the social events after each class really helped to create a sense of family and community within the group. That experience is what has kept us connected after our class ended. In addition to all that I learned about Greenville's history, the numerous opportunities to serve and be an active member of the community clearly exposed the need for diversity in leadership and volunteers to ensure Greenville is a place for those from all walks of life and not just the elite few.

SIMSOC, the education day, and poverty days were the most impactful to me because they focused on the needs that every human has in common or could be a paycheck away from becoming. These experiences began to expose barriers that some in the group had never considered. This new level of insight could only be experienced from a point of compassion within the confines of this kind of intimate setting.

Since the LG experience, I have been called on a few times to serve and support the Greenville Chamber of Commerce that I know were a direct result from my participation in this unique and life-changing experience. Without a doubt, I was a great fit and am honored to continue to serve. The project work was a phenomenal experience as we were able to engage with the community to leave a facility that would meet the needs of the youth in the community, in a safe environment. When we all come together to work together for the good of the whole, life is better for everyone impacted. LG demonstrates that we are stronger and will go further together! LG46 is the absolute best class ever!

Charlene Jones is the current Program Director at Switch, a faith-based nonprofit, whose mission is to eradicate sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in the upstate and beyond. Charlene has worked in the human services field for over 25 years with more than 21 years in a leadership or management capacity. 

Switch is currently seeking volunteers and board members to share their time, talent and treasures. Specifically, they are in need of a real estate agent and person from the banking industry who are willing to serve. Additionally, Switch is promoting its annual gala on October 28, 2022 at 6pm at the Greenville Convention Center. This year’s gala will celebrate our Champions and focus on increasing aware about our agency and its mission. You are invited to support this event by becoming a sponsor, through the purchase of a table for 10 or individual tickets which can be found on the website, switchsc.org. To express your interest in connecting with Switch, please reach out to Charlene Jones at [email protected].