SCBio, S.C. bank host Furman Women’s Leadership Summit

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Greenville’s United Community Bank and SCBio will partner with Furman University as it prepares for its virtual seven-week Women’s Leadership Institute starting April 15.

“Having United Community Bank and SCBio join as presenting sponsor and presenting partner, respectively, increases the breadth and depth of the program into South Carolina’s business community,” Anthony Herrera, executive director of Furman’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, said in a news release.

The program, led by Furman faculty members and leaders from various civic and corporate organizations, is open to emerging and established women leaders from across the Palmetto State and beyond and covers core competencies from team leadership and design thinking to negotiating and developing networks.

Participants will meet virtually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting April 15 through June 1. Registration for the $1,499 program is open now.

“Furman’s Women’s Leadership Institute is among the premier programs in the Southeast devoted to promoting talent development, fostering invaluable connections and expanding new opportunities for current and emerging women leaders across the business ecosystem,” Erin Ford, executive vice president and chief operating officer for SCBio, said in the release. “We are honored and enthusiastic supporters of the WLI program and mission, and look forward to being actively involved in this fantastic program.”

Ford and Sam Konduros, chief executive officer and president of SCBio, will present during one session, and a panel from United Community Bank will close the program on June 1.

“United Community Bank is committed to making a difference in our community and we believe that is achieved through sponsoring programs that support the development of those who serve others,” Moryah Jackson, vice president of community development and engagement for United Community Bank, said in the release. “We are excited to be this year’s presenting sponsor and provide women with a professional development opportunity that will help them go out and make the world a better place.”

Furman’s WLI began in 1998, and has helped more than 600 women from diverse sectors develop  leadership skills essential to advancing within their organizations, according to the release.

“The Women’s Leadership Institute has a long history of helping women succeed in their chosen careers and in life,” Furman President Elizabeth Davis said in the release. “We are excited to have two cornerstone organizations join us this year to help extend our leadership training and advance equality, equity and diversity in the workplace.”