Midlands Gives Day is one of CCCF’s biggest annual endeavors designed to unite the region, fundraise, and spread awareness for the nonprofits of the Midlands. This 18-hour high-energy online event would not be possible without the help of our amazing In Good Company partners, like BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, whose support is invaluable as we work together to celebrate and increase philanthropy throughout Midlands Gives.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (BCBSSC) is sponsoring the Board Leadership Prize again this year, awarding a total of $10,000 to ten nonprofits randomly drawn from the gifts given by board members during the early giving period. BCBSSC’s Board Leadership Prize was created to invest in our community’s nonprofits and recognize the numerous BCBSSC employees who volunteer on nonprofit boards throughout the Midlands.

This year, BCBSSC and CCCF are spotlighting four BCBSSC employees who serve on local nonprofit boards. These community members work to make the Midlands a better place through their board leadership, and we set out to learn more about their experience.

Tiffany W. Freeman-Holston is the Senior Public Policy Counsel, Government Affairs, at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. She also serves as the Vice Chair of Pathways to Healing and as the SC Thrive Board Chair. Freeman-Holston highlights the importance nonprofits have on the community and how board service helps nonprofits maximize their impact.

Why did you chose to join this nonprofit board?
As a former prosecutor, I am familiar with organizations like Pathways to Healing and the vital role they play in helping individuals survive a horrific event. As a board member, I am able to bring not just, my time and talent, but my prior expertise to assist in the organizations mission. It is a honor to serve in this capacity and help make a small difference when I can.

What have you learned while serving on a nonprofit board?
I have learned the importance of collaboration and understanding the needs of, not only an individual, but the community as a whole.

Why is board leadership important?
Board leadership is important to an organization as it strives to meet its goals and objectives. Board leadership assists the organization to ensure proper oversight and management of assets and resources. Having board members from varying backgrounds provides the board with a diverse view of the world that truly reflects the community we serve.

What advice do you have for someone who has never served on a board before?
Go for it! Board membership is a rewarding professional experience. The knowledge and expertise that you bring to a board is invaluable and what you learn is equally important. It is a fantastic way to give back to the community.

Christian Hesch is a Project Administrator at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. She also serves her community as the Board Secretary of Harriet Hancock Center Foundation. Hesch is passionate about the importance of board leadership and the role board members play in lifting up their community.

Why did you chose to join this nonprofit board?
As a member of the LGBT community, I was inspired by the advocacy work of our foundation’s namesake. The strides made for our community in South Carolina are largely owed to the dedication and perseverance of allies like Harriet Hancock. I feel a calling to bring my time, effort, and energy to fulfilling the needs of our community as we move forward to build on the work done by those who came before me.

What lessons have you learned while serving on a nonprofit board?
In bringing together a group of board members from different walks of life, board service has shown me the power of collaboration. It is amazing to see the growth of something from one person’s idea, shaped through the lens of someone else’s perspective, then brought to life when the skills of a team work together. The value of each piece of the whole cannot be overstated.

Why is board leadership important?
Our organizations do not continue under the power of their own existence. Every day that an organization continues to bring a force of good into our communities is owed to the work being done by those who dedicate their time to the organization’s continued preservation. Board members are a piece of that continued work.

What advice do you have for someone who has never served on a board before?
I would encourage anyone who has an interest in serving to reach out to the board of an organization they feel passionate about and find out how they can get involved. Do not underestimate your ability to bring something valuable to the table. The only three things you need to be an effective member are time, effort, and interest. If you are interested in making a difference and can put forth some time and effort, you can be successful.

Vida Jennings is a Learning and Development Manager at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. She serves as Vice Chair of the board for The Free Medical Clinic and is on the board of Girl Scouts of South Carolina – Mountains to Midlands. Jennings has experienced the impact nonprofits make firsthand and volunteers as a board leader to give back to her community.

Why did you chose to join this nonprofit board?
I was introduced to the Free Medical Clinic as part of my 2012 Leadership Columbia experience. We selected the clinic as our class project beneficiary. I decided to continue to support the clinic because of the difference it makes in the lives of those who may not have access to health insurance. Being able to receive compassionate, quality care is something everyone deserves. As a Girl Scout alum, I am proof that the program has long term impact. Much of my confidence and courage I can recall a Girl Scout memory that has shaped my actions. Serving with Mountains to Midlands provides the opportunity to shape the program and ensure access to the next generation of females.

What have you learned while serving on a nonprofit board?
Board service allows me to give while receiving. I give my time, talent and treasure, but I get to contribute to something bigger than me. In the process, I grow by enhancing meeting management, governance, and strategic planning skills. Board service expands my village connecting me with likeminded individuals whose path I might not have crossed if not for this common cause.

Why is board leadership important?
Board leadership expands the capabilities of the organization. Board members provide professional expertise and knowledge to shape organizational strategy. Board oversight is critical to ensuring the organization has adequate resources to execute the mission.

What advice do you have for someone who has never served on a board before?
Say, Yes! Organizations need diversity of thought and perspective. Your voice can help generate new ideas, influence strategy and set the organization up for continued success.

Divya Ready is the Assistant VP, Healthcare Management Key Accounts for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Ready is also a board member for Sistercare and uses her knowledge of healthcare to advance the nonprofit’s work. She believes giving back to your community is not only rewarding, but necessary.

Why did you chose to join this nonprofit board?
Giving back to my community is such a reward but I feel it is also a necessity as a community member. I am honored to be able to contribute and provide leadership guidance to Sistercare. The mission of Sistercare is so crucial for our communities. They not only provide advocacy and education about domestic violence but are the only organization that provides shelter and support services for survivors.

What lessons have you learned while serving on a nonprofit board?
I have witnessed the great work Sistercare does for domestic violence survivors; the staff at Sistercare are selfless, compassionate and mission driven. The viability of this organization is paramount for our communities. I have met some great leaders of the community while serving on the Board and have continued to enhance my leadership abilities.

Why is board leadership important?
An organization needs a multidisciplinary group of leaders to help guide them and ensure that both strategically and operationally they are successful. I have had the pleasure of being part of a very talented and diverse board at Sistercare, where everyone brings a different perspective and level of tenure.

What advice do you have for someone who has never served on a board before?
First, understand fully the organization you will serve, get to know the leaders, and understand the strategic vision, opportunities, and current barriers. And, get to know your fellow board members, respect their perspective and the input they provide. A cohesive board is better aligned to ensure the success of that organization.

We are extremely grateful for every community member who contributes time, energy, and knowledge to advance the work and missions of our regional nonprofits. Theses volunteers impact the lives of residents across our 11-county service area and contribute to building a livable, vibrant, equitable community for everyone. Thank you!