This article is the fourth and final in a series celebrating influential women in our community for Women’s History Month. Each feature highlights the remarkable contributions of local women whose leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact.
In the South Carolina House of Representatives, Rep. Fawn Pedalino is known as a focused and determined leader, but her story begins in the small town of Knightsville, just outside Summerville. Raised in a close-knit, hardworking household, Pedalino learned early the importance of commitment, community, and perseverance. Those values, instilled by her parents, continue to guide her path in public service.
“I was taught that success is earned through commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to contribute to something greater than oneself,” she said. That foundation would eventually lead her from emergency medical work to entrepreneurship and ultimately, to the State House.
Before launching her political career, Pedalino served as an emergency medical technician, responding to 911 calls and transporting critical patients to trauma centers. The role, she says, gave her not only a servant’s heart but also the ability to stay calm under pressure and make decisions that put people first. Those qualities now shape her approach to policy making.
Her experiences as a small business owner also influence her priorities. Pedalino and her husband, Joe, run Southeastern Technology, an IT business based in Manning. “I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and risk it takes to operate a business,” she said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our communities.”
The decision to run for office was born out of frustration. Pedalino said she became increasingly concerned with how decisions were being made for her community. Rather than complain, she chose to act. “I realized that if I wanted to see real change, I needed to be willing to step up and be part of it.”
Elected in 2022, Pedalino unseated the incumbent and hit the ground running. She describes her first year as “like drinking from a firehose,” but says the learning curve only strengthened her resolve. She quickly learned that while legislative work is important, the most rewarding moments often come in the quiet victories, such as helping families gain access to clean water or connecting constituents with vital healthcare services.
As a member of the Labor, Commerce & Industry Committee and the Rules Committee, Pedalino is focused on some of South Carolina’s most pressing challenges: workforce development, infrastructure, and responsible economic growth. “We have to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently while preparing our state to meet the demands of rapid growth,” she explained.
A member of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe, her Native American heritage adds another layer to her leadership. Pedalino says her background reminds her daily that the American Dream is still possible. “I’m living proof that with hard work, faith, and determination, anyone—regardless of background—can rise above their circumstances and make a meaningful impact.”
As one of a growing number of women in the South Carolina General Assembly, Pedalino acknowledges the challenges women still face in leadership but is optimistic about progress. She credits the current Speaker of the House for empowering female legislators and appointing women to chair key committees, a move she sees as essential to broadening representation and strengthening policy decisions.
Still, Pedalino’s greatest motivation isn’t political, it’s personal. Her daughters, Selah and Rumer, are the reason she strives to lead by example. “Everything I do, I do with them in mind,” she said. “I want to show them that they, too, can be the change they want to see in the world.”
Balancing family and politics is no small feat, but Pedalino is intentional about making it work. She makes the hour-and-twenty-minute drive home from Columbia each evening during the legislative session to ensure she remains present for her family. With the support of her husband, who helps manage both business and home life during session, she’s able to stay grounded in the role that matters most: mom.
Looking ahead, Pedalino is clear about her purpose. “I didn’t run for office to build a political career—I ran to make a difference,” she said. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, strengthening the economy, or protecting community values, she’s committed to keeping the needs of District 64 front and center.
During Women’s History Month, her story stands as a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or popularity. It’s about showing up, doing the work, and never forgetting why you started. “I hope to be remembered as someone who put people first, stood up for what was right, and worked hard to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I was elected to serve.”
