Trident United Way Hosts Cocktails and Conversations for Young Professionals in the Tri -County

Connecting Emerging and Mid-level Professionals with Experienced Local Leaders

Trident United Way is hosting Cocktails and Conversations on April 23^rd from 5:30-8:00 pm at the Segra Club for young professionals in the Tri-County.

Cocktails and Conversations is designed to connect emerging and mid-level professionals with experienced local leaders through guided, small-group conversations. The evening will begin with a guided networking activity, followed by dinner and a keynote from Shawan Gillians, Chief Strategy and Communications Officer at Santee Cooper, who will speak about how community leadership can accelerate professional influence.

The second half of the evening will feature a structured, “speed-dating” style experience where guests rotate through themed conversation tables hosted by local leaders. Topics will include balancing personal demands with professional growth, next-generation C-suite leadership, making a career pivot or betting on yourself, building a personal brand, staying ambitious without burning out, and leading through service.

Guests will leave with new connections, practical insights, and the confidence to take their next bold step in both their careers and their communities.

Table Hosts Include:

Amy Stasiukaitis, Low Country Case & Millwork – Balancing personal commitments with professional growth

Lauren Nilan, Elliott Davis – How to elevate without burning out

Natalie Hauff, Charleston County Library – Building your personal brand

Kelleanne and Ryan Jones, Free Reign Restaurant Group (Allora, Southbound, Honeysuckle Rose, Community Table) – Topic forthcoming

Lindsay Nevin, The Flyaway Company – Taking risks in business

Joseph DeLeon, Roper St. Francis – How to set yourself apart

Michael Samuel, SouthState Bank and MikeSam Fitness – The art of the side hustle

DJ Hampton, Trident United Way – Biggest leadership mistake and what I learned

Giff Daughtridge, CEO, GFD Management – Leading with confidence and how to talk to your leadership

Thanks so much for supporting the community and helping amplify opportunities like this!

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