Connected Conversations: Exploring Compensation & Its Impact on Black Philanthropy


Tuesday, February 24, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (EST)
Join Us Virtually
Category: Black Nonprofit Leaders

Nonprofit compensation has been a hot topic for quite some time. Together SC’s recent compensation study is proof that we have room to grow in this area. For generations, the Black community has advocated for fair and just compensation across professions. As Black nonprofit leaders, we recognize that Black philanthropy is impacted when our personal resources aren’t always equitable but community needs are still present.

This February’s Connected Conversation will be hosted by Black Nonprofit Leaders Group (BNLG). We’ll dive into the Together SC compensation study with CEO Karen Riordan. We’ll then have a discussion on the layers of building Black wealth, supporting Black philanthropy, and advocating for fair compensation to close the racial wealth gap in South Carolina. 

Conversation topics include:

  • Systemic constraints: smaller nonprofits vs. larger institutions
  • Individual advocacy & the role of the BNLG
  • The donor landscape: Black giving, and wealth gaps
  • How we think about philanthropy

Attendees (8)

Kahlia Aposhian

Director of Patient Services

Welvista, Inc.

Samuel Bellamy

Director of Grantmaking Programs & Impact

Coastal Community Foundation of SC

Trimease Carter

Program Officer

Central Carolina Community Foundation

Nicole Echols (CEO)

Chief Executive Officer

South Carolina Cancer Alliance

Jessica Gaines

Community Outreach Advocate Manager

Welvista, Inc.

Maurice Lawyer

Executive Director

The Legacy Foundation of SC

ReZsaun Lewis

Executive Director

Lowcountry Youth Services

Heather Singleton

Principal Consultant

Strategic Public Relations Consulting

For More Information:

Heather Singleton

Heather Singleton

Project Management Certificate

Principal Consultant, Strategic Public Relations Consulting