Learning Leadership

Capt. Karen Roxberry, Commander of the Columbia Recruiting Company was among several local female leaders/role models who shared their stories with female high school seniors from Midlands Middle College (MMC) at Midlands Technical College. The MMC students came from different high schools in Lexington, Richland and Fairfield Counties. The September 15 event, held at Benedict College, was created to help the students develop their goals and leadership skills.

Roxberry asked the students, “Are leaders born or are they made, can you learn to be leader?” The young ladies gave answers both ways. “I agree; I believe it can be both,” said Roxberry. “To be a strong leader you have to build trust, if others don’t trust you they will not follow you.”

Other speakers included Deputy Superintendent of Policy and Research, S.C. Department of Education, Charmeka Bosket; Christine Wells, Owner of VacaBliss, Destination Weddings; Karla McLawhorn Hawkins, Deputy General Counsel with S.C. Department of Education; Darci Strickland, local WLTX News 19 anchorwoman; and Monica Edwards, Counselor with Midlands Technical College. 

Also, Benedict College staff and students shared information about the college experience and dispelled myths about the school. “Benedict College is a wonderful place and we’ll help you go to school” said Vereva Harris, Benedict College Associate Director of Financial Aide. “Don’t let money hold you back from a college education.”

“A goal without steps to get there is just a dream,” said Kay Barlow, event organizer and Community Director with the Midlands Education and Business Alliance.

The young ladies meet several times during the year at the Midlands Technical College Airport campus to hear different speakers on various topics that will encourage them to overcome obstacles, in some cases, lack of parental support. At MMC the students complete their high school diploma and begin taking courses at Midlands Technical College. “This program gives them a I can handle college mentality,” said Kaye Shaw, Executive Director of the Midlands Regional Education Center.

Strickland, said, “Open yourself up, you can always learn from others.”

Midlands Middle College Director, Carole Fearrington said, “It was wonderful experience.” She questioned the girls on the return trip home and they loved the activity, could not stop talking about the presenters and all of the motivational things that were said. The day was a great success!

Standing: Kay Barlow, Monica Edwards, Charmeka Bosket, Christine Wells, and Kaye Shaw; Seated: Capt. Karen Roxberry, Karla McLawhorn Hawkins and Darci Strickland