Welcome to the 2025 SCSAE Annual Conference!

Sunday, June 8

  • 2:00-4:00 PM: Hotel Tours - Meet in the Marriott Lobby Sponsored by OneSpartanburg, Inc.
  • 4:00 - 5:30 PM:  Registration in Heritage Ballroom Prefunction Sponsored by: Kiawah Island Resort
  • 4:00 - 7:00 PM:  Exhibitor Set-Up in Heritage Ballroom
  • 5:30-7:30 PM:  Welcome Event: Step up to the plate and swing into Spartanburg! Sponsored by OneSpartanburg, IncJoin us for a grand slam evening at the brand-new Spartanburgers stadium, where high-level meets hometown charm. Enjoy a night of great food (no dine arounds necessary), great drinks, and good times. This will be a taste of the hub city like no other! Click here to view the event parking map

Monday, June 9

  • 8:30-9:30 AM:  Registration in Heritage Ballroom Prefunction Sponsored by: Kiawah Island Resort
  • 8:30-9:30 AM:  Continental Breakfast & Visit Exhibitors Sponsored by: Kingston Resort
  • 8:30-9:30 AM:  Specialty Coffee Bar Sponsored by: Teal Management
  • 10:00 - 10:30 AM:  Welcome & Opening Comments in Heritage Ballroom with Allison King President, SCSAE
  • 10:00 - 10:30 AM: Titanium Palmetto Partner Spotlight- Visit Myrtle Beach 
  • 10:30 – 11:45 AM:  Opening Keynote Speaker: Excellence is Not Extra: Elevating Service Excellence Standards in Every Interaction with Ashlye V. Wilkerson, Ph.D., Phenomenal Women Leading, LLC This workshop strengthens the collective identity of the association by defining who we are through how we serve with an emphasis on leadership and excellence. It reinforces that every member of SCSAE plays a role in setting the standard for service and professionalism in South Carolina and beyond.
  • 11:45 AM – 12:15 PM:  Networking Break and Visit Exhibitors Sponsored by: ExploreAsheville
  • 11:55 AM – 12:15 PM:  SCSAE Annual Business Meeting (Current SCSAE Regular Members may attend)
  • 12:15– 1:15 PM:  Lunch in the Azalea Ballroom Sponsored by OneSpartanburg, Inc.
  • 1:15 PM:  Platinum Palmetto Partner Spotlight - Experience Columbia
  • 1:15 – 2:15 PM:  Burnout to Balance: Strategies for a Healthier Work Life Integration with Dr. Charryse Johnson, Founder/National Certified Counselor, Jade Integrative Counseling and Wellness In today’s fast-paced world, the lines between work and personal life have blurred, leading many to experience burnout and stress. This presentation aims to equip participants with practical strategies to foster a healthier integration of work and life.
  • 2:30 PM:  Open Networking Sponsored by OneSpartanburg, Inc.
  • 3:30- 5:00 PM:  Refreshments by the Pool at the Hotel Pool Sponsored by Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown
  • 6:00 – 7:00 PM:  Awards Reception at the Azalea Patio Sponsored by: Spartanburg Marriott
  • 7:00 – 9:00 PM:  Awards Dinner in the Azalea Ballroom Sponsored by: Spartanburg Marriott
  • 9:00 PM:  Hospitality Suite: Wigging Out Theme Oak in the Hospitality Room Sponsored by: Stillwell Strategies, LLC Bring your best wigs! 

Tuesday, June 10

  • 8:30 – 9:30 AM:  Breakfast & Visit Exhibitors
  • 9:30 AM:  Gold Palmetto Partner Spotlight: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
  • 9:30 – 10:30 AM: Closing Keynote Speaker: Maximizing Partnership Engagement & Impact with Monique McDaniels, VP of Community and Workforce Development, Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC. This session will showcase successful partnerships and its impact on the workforce. The presenter will discuss challenges faced and how they overcame them to create win- win in an effort to open doors for jobseekers and others in the community. Don’t forget: items for Goodwill can be donated in the donation bin at the registration desk!
  • 10:30 AM: Gold Palmetto Partner SpotlightThe Beach House
  • 10:30 – 10:45 AM:  Networking Break and Visit Exhibitors Sponsored by: Pinnacle Accounting & Advisors
  • 10:45 AM:  Door Prizes
  • 10:45 AM: Gold Palmetto Partner Spotlight: Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
  • 11:00 AM: Announcement of host for 2026 Annual Conference

 

“Burnout to Balance: Strategies for a Healthier Work Life Integration” with Dr. Charryse Johnson

In today's fast-paced world, the lines between work and personal life have blurred, leading many to experience burnout and stress. This engaging presentation, "Burnout to Balance," aims to equip participants with practical strategies to foster a healthier integration of work and life.  

Join us as we explore the root causes of burnout and its impact on overall well-being. Through interactive discussions and evidence-based techniques, attendees will learn how to identify early signs of burnout, establish boundaries, and prioritize self-care.  

We will cover effective time management practices, the importance of mindfulness, and the role of supportive workplace cultures in promoting balance. Participants will leave with actionable tools to create a sustainable work life integration, enhancing both productivity and personal fulfillment.  

Join us on the journey from burnout to balance, and take the first step toward a more harmonious and fulfilling professional and personal life.

 

 

 

About Dr. Charryse Johnson 

Dr. Charryse Johnson, LCMHC, NCC, RYT 500, is an author, keynote speaker, and expert mental health consultant committed to helping others step into a new field of vision. Her work focuses on the intersection of mental health, inclusivity, and neuroscience. She is the founder of Jade Integrative Counseling and Wellness and the author of the book Expired Mindsets, a guided journal titled Mindset Matters, Get Off the Scale and Heal (2023), and the ebook Embrace: 28 Days of Self-Love. As a clinician, she has worked with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan and is adept at helping individuals navigate challenging life transitions and identity development. 

Dr. Johnson holds a B.A. in both Vocal Music and Human Development and Family Studies, an M.A. in Professional Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, with a concentration in crisis and trauma. As an executive wellness consultant, she supports non-profits, educational institutions, and corporations looking to develop strategic initiatives that center on leadership, inclusivity, and mental health. Dr. Johnson is a frequent advocate and advisor for national radio shows and news stations in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding areas. In addition, she was selected and featured by MSN as one of the "Top 10 Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future of of Business in 2024". You can find her knowledge and insights featured in publications such as BRAINZ Magazine, CNBC Online News, Prevention, Romper, Healthline, Bustle, and the Atlassian.   

When not working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. In the future, she hopes to play a more significant role in the convergence of health equity, mental health, and improved representation in clinical trials.


 

 

Maximizing Partnership Engagement & Impact with Monique McDaniels

This session will showcase successful partnerships and its impact on the workforce. The presenter will discuss challenges faced and how they overcame them to create win-win in an effort to open doors for jobseekers and others in the community.

About Monique McDaniels

Monique McDaniels is a passionate thought-leader, creative engineer, and consensus builder. Her personal brand statement is to live a principle-centered life, committed to continuous intellectual, spiritual, and physical development, with a devotion to creating value in each role she fills—family member, friend, community leader and trendsetter. She strives to embrace learning opportunities, approach life experiences with a spirit of enthusiasm and passion, and create a lasting, positive impact in all aspects of her life.

Monique has worked in the creative and engagement spaces for nearly 20 years in various roles representing brands like Chick-fi-A, Institutions of Higher Education, Federal, State and Local Governments and now as the VP of Community and Workforce Development for Goodwill Industries of SC.

She is a graduate of both Francis Marion and Clemson Universities as well as a graduate of Leadership Columbia, Project Management Institute, Columbia College’s LeaderSHIFT program for women executives and a Riley Institute Fellow.

Monique’s favorite quote and life’s motto is by Maya Angelo--“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Monique believes every day is filled with rainbows and unicorns!


Motivational Speaker Dr. Ashlye V. Wilkerson

Dr. Ashlye V. Wilkerson is an inspiring speaker, leadership expert, and motivator who exemplifies excellence in every facet of her life. As a dedicated community leader and advocate, she is passionate about empowering individuals and uplifting communities.

At just 29, Dr. Ashlye made history as the youngest appointed to the Board of Trustees for Winthrop University by the South Carolina General Assembly. She’s only the second woman of color to serve on the Board and has over a decade of experience in this capacity.

As a sought-after speaker and leadership developer, Dr. Ashlye inspires audiences to achieve their fullest potential. Her expertise spans service excellence, personal and professional performance, success mindset, and leadership development. She delivers impactful messages at conferences, churches, corporate training events, staff retreats, team-building sessions, and educational institutions from K-12 to higher education.

Dr. Ashlye is also a celebrated author, with four children’s books in her Tori series: Tori Finds Shapes All Around, Tori Finds Colors All Around, Tori Visits the Farm: Counting 1–10, and Tori Explores South Carolina. Her works have received numerous accolades, including a feature in a read-aloud event with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, statewide recognition from former Governor Nikki Haley, and resolutions from both the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives. Her book Tori Explores South Carolina has been a cornerstone of educational initiatives, including the City of Columbia’s Together We Can Read program. In honor of her contributions, the City of Columbia and the state of South Carolina have both declared “Ashlye V. & Tori” Days in her honor.

Dr. Ashlye holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in early childhood education and entrepreneurship from Winthrop University, a master’s degree in teaching from Hampton University, and a Ph.D. in teaching and learning from the University of South Carolina. She also earned executive leadership and servant leadership certifications from Cornell University.

Dr. Ashlye is a devoted wife to L. Kobie Wilkerson, III, and proud mother to Alana (10) and Ariah (8). Dr. Ashlye honors the legacy of her late father, Anthony “Tony” Geddis, who courageously battled stage IV colon cancer. Her heartfelt story about her father’s encounter with State Trooper Officer Doty, which gained over 7 million views on LinkedIn, continues to inspire millions worldwide and has been featured on CNN, FOX News, and other major platforms as a testament to compassion and humanity. Dr. Ashlye is a dedicated member of organizations including the Gamma Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; the Columbia Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; the Columbia Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated; the Columbia Branch of the National Association of University Women; and the Junior League of Columbia. She is a charter member of the Main Street Rotary Club and founder of The Magic of Learning Foundation, a nonprofit she established in 2006 to promote education and literacy. She also serves on the South Carolina Humanities Board and the South Carolina Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands Board.

Dr. Ashlye’s life is a testament to her unwavering commitment to leadership, education, and service, leaving an enduring impact on those she serves.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Ashlye. 


 

Click here for a list of our exhibitors. Be sure to visit them during the Annual Conference! 


 

 

 

Thank you to One Spartanburg and Spartanburg Marriott for hosting this year's Annual Conference!


 

Click here to view photos from the Conference! 


 

Click here to sign up to serve on an SCSAE Committee!


 

Click below to donate to SCSAE's Education Scholarship fund.


 

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