Karriem Edwards Named 2026 Joyce Gillespie Ford Black Nonprofit Leader of the Year
Together SC’s Black Nonprofit Leaders Group has named Karriem Edwards, president of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, the 2026 Joyce Gillespie Ford Black Nonprofit Leader of the Year.
The announcement is being made on Juneteenth, a day that honors freedom, resilience and the continued pursuit of opportunity and equity for Black communities.
Presented annually in honor of Mrs. Joyce G. Ford’s life and legacy, the award celebrates a Black nonprofit leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service and dedication to their community. Edwards was selected for his strategic, mission-driven leadership and his commitment to improving the lives of fathers, children and families throughout South Carolina.
“Karriem Edwards represents the kind of bold, compassionate and accountable leadership this award was created to honor,” said Karen Riordan, President and CEO, Together SC. “His commitment to serving more fathers, strengthening families and building sustainable systems of support is creating lasting change in communities across South Carolina.”
Since becoming president of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families in 2022, Edwards has brought renewed energy, structure and focus to the organization’s statewide work. Guided by his vision to “Serve More Dads Better,” the Center has achieved double-digit growth in the reach and impact of key programs and services for fathers.
Under Edwards’ leadership, the Center has strengthened financial accountability and management practices, established leadership development programs and introduced innovative fundraising strategies to support long-term growth. He has also invested in the Center’s five regional fatherhood partners, equipping them with the training, resources and systems needed to provide consistent, high-quality services in communities across the state.
“Being recognized with an award that carries Mrs. Joyce G. Ford’s name and legacy is a tremendous honor,” Edwards said. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire statewide fatherhood network and the fathers who are working every day to build stronger relationships with their children. When we invest in fathers, we strengthen children, families and communities.”
Edwards brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience in program development, training, management and fundraising. Before joining the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families, he served as vice president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County in Florida. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University and the Social Enterprise Institute at Harvard Business School.
Colleagues describe Edwards as a leader who combines strategic discipline with authenticity and heart. His ability to build trust, communicate a clear vision and hold teams accountable has helped cultivate a culture of excellence, ownership and shared purpose throughout the Center and its statewide network.
“Karriem understands that meaningful impact requires both vision and execution,” said Heather Singleton, Together SC Peer Network Manager. “He is expanding services for fathers while strengthening the people, partnerships and systems that make that work possible. His leadership embodies the legacy of service and community commitment that Mrs. Ford demonstrated throughout her life.”
In addition to naming one Black Nonprofit Leader of the Year, Together SC’s Black Nonprofit Leaders Group will recognize up to six additional Black nonprofit leaders throughout the year for their contributions to South Carolina’s communities and nonprofit sector.
About the Joyce Gillespie Ford Black Nonprofit Leader of the Year Award
The Joyce Gillespie Ford Black Nonprofit Leader of the Year Award was established by Together SC’s Black Nonprofit Leaders Group to honor Mrs. Joyce G. Ford’s life, leadership and legacy. The annual award recognizes a Black nonprofit leader who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service and dedication to their community. Through this award and additional recognitions throughout the year, the Black Nonprofit Leaders Group celebrates leaders whose work strengthens organizations, advances communities and inspires the next generation of nonprofit professionals.
About the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families
The South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families supports a statewide network of fatherhood organizations that help fathers become more responsible, engaged and effective parents. Through its five regional partners, the Center connects fathers with employment support, parenting education, relationship-building resources and other services that strengthen fathers, children and families. Learn more at scfathersandfamilies.com.
About Together SC
Together SC strengthens and unites South Carolina’s nonprofit network. Through opportunities to convene, advocate and partner, Together SC connects nonprofit and philanthropic leaders with the relationships, knowledge and resources needed to serve their communities and advance a thriving South Carolina. Learn more at togethersc.org.