Driven

Each of the six remarkable women featured in the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate has taken on a challenging issue or task related to conservation, community vibrancy, or advocacy (or all three!). They have persevered and achieved remarkable things for their communities. Click the links below to read their inspiring stories.

Driven to Connect: Alix Pedraza - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, SCDNR Diversity Outreach Manager Alix Pedraza reflects on her journey towards a career involved in protecting natural places and why she is driven to expand access to outdoor recreation areas to underrepresented audiences. read more

Driven to Advocate: Sandy Hanebrink - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Touch the Future Executive Director Sandy Hanebrink discusses her journey as a person with disabilities and advocates for expanded access to our region's treasured natural areas. read more

Driven to Heal: Mac Curry - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Mercedes "Mac" Curry — founder of PAWS Animal Wildlife Sanctuary in Laurens County — shares how she became interested in wildlife rehabilitation and what it means to be good stewards of the Earth. read more

Driven to Preserve: Mable Owens Clarke - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Mable Owens Clarke tells the inspirational story of Soapstone Baptist Church in Pickens County and how she has worked to preserve its history. read more

Driven to Comfort: Diane Gluck - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Cancer Survivors Park Alliance Founder Diane Gluck reflects on how this impactful greenspace in Greenville came to be. read more

Driven to Lead: Ruth Littlejohn - May 11th, 2022

In this excerpt from the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate, Spartanburg City Councilwoman Ruth Littlejohn shares her memories of growing up in Spartanburg, how she has watched the Southside community change over the decades, and why it's important to work together to make the City of Spartanburg remain vibrant and equitable in the decades to come. read more

Read the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of the Upstate Advocate - May 10th, 2022

We're proud to share the latest edition of Upstate Forever's twice-yearly print publication. In this issue, read the stories of six remarkable women leading the Upstate to a green, vibrant, and prosperous future, in addition to the latest news of our work across the region. read more

Error Message