June 14, 2023
Embracing, Respecting and Understanding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Growth and Leadership Development
Presented By: Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes, ABWA National Vice President
2022-2023 ABWA National Vice President and SBMEF Trustee
2022-2023 ABWA National Vice President and SBMEF Trustee
At the tender age of six years old, Rachelle's grandmothers taught her how to sew, which developed her passion for becoming a fashion and interior designer and fueled her desire for entrepreneurship. After producing fashion shows worldwide and having her designs featured in magazines and on television, Rachelle brought her talents home to Orangeburg, South Carolina, where she developed Rachelle's Island. Celebrating over 30 years in business, Rachelle's Island has expanded to include Rachelle's Island Boutique, Island Cruises & Tours Travel Agency, and Thee Matriarch Bed & Breakfast, Meeting and Special Events Venue.
A graduate of Winthrop University with a B.A. Degree in Fashion Design & Merchandising, Rachelle's talents, and business savvy have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which named her the National Minority Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 as recorded in the Congressional Record by Congressman James E. Clyburn.
Rachelle was recognized as the 2020 South Carolina Small Business Administration Rural Small Business Person of the Year. She is the past Advisory Board Chair of the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers. Her award-winning Rachelle's Island Tea was the featured beverage for the 2020 presidential candidates at Jim Clyburn's World-Famous Fish Fry.
Rachelle has a heart for mentoring, giving back and does not meet a stranger. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Eastern SC and Past Campaign Chair of United Way of the Midlands. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, the Samaritan House Homeless Shelter and is a long-standing member of civic organization such as The Links Incorporated, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
A motivational speaker with a desire to Empower, Equip and Educate Women, in 2018, Rachelle founded the EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter in Orangeburg, SC. She is always excited to open doors of opportunities for all women to explore their possibilities. Through sharing her “ABWA Story” Rachelle has personally sponsored over 100 members and has earned the ABWA Hand of Friendship Inner Circle Diamond Star Recognition as a 100+Club Member. Rachelle is currently serving as the 2022-2023 National Vice President. Under her visionary leadership as founder, past president and chapter advisor, the EmpowerHer Chapter has earned the Level 1 Best Practice In League Management for four consecutive years and has also garnered the prestigious Brilliance Unleashed Award for being one of the Top 10 chapters in ABWA.
Rachelle is a woman of faith whose intention is to live life on purpose authentically. A wife, daughter, sister, aunt, servant leader, and philanthropist, she loves to dance, travel the world, experience new cultures, and enjoy great food and music.
Rachelle's mantra is “Maximize Your Seat at the Table and Soar. Show Up for Your Life, You're Worth It!"
A graduate of Winthrop University with a B.A. Degree in Fashion Design & Merchandising, Rachelle's talents, and business savvy have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which named her the National Minority Female Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 as recorded in the Congressional Record by Congressman James E. Clyburn.
Rachelle was recognized as the 2020 South Carolina Small Business Administration Rural Small Business Person of the Year. She is the past Advisory Board Chair of the South Carolina Small Business Development Centers. Her award-winning Rachelle's Island Tea was the featured beverage for the 2020 presidential candidates at Jim Clyburn's World-Famous Fish Fry.
Rachelle has a heart for mentoring, giving back and does not meet a stranger. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Eastern SC and Past Campaign Chair of United Way of the Midlands. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, the Samaritan House Homeless Shelter and is a long-standing member of civic organization such as The Links Incorporated, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
A motivational speaker with a desire to Empower, Equip and Educate Women, in 2018, Rachelle founded the EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter in Orangeburg, SC. She is always excited to open doors of opportunities for all women to explore their possibilities. Through sharing her “ABWA Story” Rachelle has personally sponsored over 100 members and has earned the ABWA Hand of Friendship Inner Circle Diamond Star Recognition as a 100+Club Member. Rachelle is currently serving as the 2022-2023 National Vice President. Under her visionary leadership as founder, past president and chapter advisor, the EmpowerHer Chapter has earned the Level 1 Best Practice In League Management for four consecutive years and has also garnered the prestigious Brilliance Unleashed Award for being one of the Top 10 chapters in ABWA.
Rachelle is a woman of faith whose intention is to live life on purpose authentically. A wife, daughter, sister, aunt, servant leader, and philanthropist, she loves to dance, travel the world, experience new cultures, and enjoy great food and music.
Rachelle's mantra is “Maximize Your Seat at the Table and Soar. Show Up for Your Life, You're Worth It!"