The fourth edition of the Straight From the Nail Room: Women’s Empowerment Brunch brought a powerful wave of inspiration, education, and community connection to the Morris College Gym on April 12, where nearly 300 women gathered under the theme “All Things Health: Mind, Body, Soul.”
Hosted by Dr. Linda Jackson of Gable, South Carolina, Director of Administration for the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments, the brunch spotlighted a lineup of distinguished women in healthcare, education, faith, and public service. Jackson, who created the event as a labor of love and legacy, said she was inspired by three women who impacted her journey and who have since passed away.
“This event is my way of honoring the women who saw something in me and encouraged me to keep going,” Jackson said. “This is more than brunch—it’s ministry, mentorship, and movement.”
The program was co-hosted by Dr. Lenore Jackson and moderated by Erika Williams, Manager of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, with keynote speaker Rev. Cecilia “CeCe” Armstrong, co-moderator of the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Rev. Armstrong urged the crowd to shift their mindset from simply “putting God first” to “centering God in all things.”
“When you put God at the center, everything else flows from that core,” Armstrong said. “We are the continuation of everything that can be good.”
Panel discussions throughout the day tackled topics from mental health and stress to traditional roles, financial literacy, and the power of perspective. Kyndra Johnson, a licensed clinical social worker and the Clarendon County School District’s foster care liaison, shared her own mental health journey and offered a reminder that, “There are no deadlines for healing and no shame in asking for help.”
Judge Amy Land of the Third Circuit Drug Court, Dr. Vanessa Sweat-Britt, Dr. Jessica Townsend, and several other professionals offered practical tips on managing work-life balance, getting regular check-ups, and embracing self-care without guilt.
Lady Kay, a multi-talented local performer and community leader, brought the audience to their feet with her rendition of “Thank You,” reminding listeners of the divine strength behind every success.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of three special awards. First, The Pailyn Harrison Community Service Award was presented to The Daughters of Esther, a mentorship group that supports and uplifts young girls in Clarendon County. Members were recognized for their service, scholarship opportunities, and consistent presence at community events. The Jacques Jackson Young Professional Award was awarded to local attorney Bitsy Land in recognition of her accomplishments as a rising leader and her commitment to public service.
The Dr. Rose Wilder Trailblazer Award went to Sharmane Anderson, Deputy Administrator for Clarendon County, who received a standing ovation after sharing reflections on the award’s namesake.
“I grew up across the street from Dr. Wilder, and she was more than a neighbor—she was a role model,” Anderson said during her acceptance speech. “She drove me to and from school, to activities, and never asked for anything in return. She poured into me without fanfare. And that’s what this award means to me—not just trailblazing, but reaching back and bringing someone with you.”
Anderson continued, “We can all do great things, and we can do them together. The ceiling is not the limit—you break it, and then you bring somebody else with you.”
Brunch followed the award ceremony, catered by Shayla’s Kitchen, while attendees visited vendor tables offering health resources, handmade jewelry, fashion, and more. Sponsors for this year’s event included Prisma Health, HopeHealth, The Vision Group Insurance Group, and Black River Electric Cooperative.
Throughout the afternoon, one message remained clear—women are often the backbone of their families and communities, but they must also nourish themselves. Or, as Johnson put it, “We’re the ones fixing our plates—and it’s okay to take some things off it.”
