Alumni Continuing Converse’s Legacy of Community and Philanthropy
Written by Amanda Mathis
When Yolanda Escudero ’24 started her first day at the Spartanburg County Foundation’s Robert Hett Chapman III Center for Philanthropy, she was continuing the Converse University legacy at the organization as the Center for Philanthropy Operations Associate.
The Spartanburg County Foundation is essential in the Spartanburg nonprofit community as a convener to many area nonprofits. Converse University and the Spartanburg County Foundation have enjoyed decades of collaboration, and four Converse graduates are currently part of this legacy to strengthen community impact.
Ashley Whitt ’11, Vice-President of Grants and Community Impact, started her career as an intern for Women Giving For Spartanburg. A Business Administration and Spanish major, she learned about the Spartanburg County Foundation during a class at Converse.
“I found a sense of community impact through collective giving and grant making,” reflected Ashley.
“I have always been big on building community, and Converse champions student success through leadership opportunities and career guidance.”
Yolanda Escudero ’24
Later, more Converse alums followed her by starting as interns, like Hailey Barnhill ‘15, Grantmaking Officer, who joined the nonprofit industry as an intern for the Mary Black Foundation.
“My undergraduate experience allowed me to discover my local community,” mentioned Hailey. “My work has made Spartanburg a home rather than just a place to live.”
Nathaly Hansana ’24, Spartanburg County Foundation Administrative Assistant, is a First-Generation Converse graduate and Converse Women’s Lacrosse team member is now the Spartanburg County Foundation Administrative Assistant to SCF President and CEO Troy Hanna. She began her career as the Communications and Finance intern with the Spartanburg County Foundation and is now continuing her education at Converse while pursuing her Master in Management in Professional Leadership.
“I was born and raised in Spartanburg,” said Nathaly. “The Spartanburg County Foundation has provided me with a deeper understanding about the needs of my city. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work in a place I am passionate about, one that is making a meaningful, lasting impact in the community.”
Yolanda Escudero ’24, Center for Philanthropy Operations Associate, attributes her passion for social work beginning with Dr. Madelyn Young’s January Term Class. “I have always been big on building community, and Converse champions student success through leadership opportunities and career guidance,” she shared.
“Academics and the beauty of campus drew me to Converse, and I felt I would be challenged,” said Ashley. “The environment broadened my perspective. Even though we are in the same community, we have different journeys. Converse helped me find my voice.”
“Even though we are in the same community, we have different journeys. Converse helped me find my voice.”
Ashley Whitt ’11
Hailey transferred to Converse from North Greenville. “I felt that Converse created an environment that nurtured young students and grew me as an adult,” considered Haley, “while exposing me to many opportunities to strengthen community resilience.”
“Converse truly felt like home, and Dr. [Will] Case was my lifesaver,” reflected Nathaly. “I was a First Generation, and the program made me and my family feel welcomed. I love the small class size and the intimate experience.”
The Spartanburg County Foundation continues to work with Converse’s Center for Career Development. “I credit so many professors and staff at Converse for my success,” said Yolanda. “I am thankful to Dr. Young for helping me realize a love for the nonprofit sector; Dr. Tori Good, who helped with my resume; Daphnie Glenn, who helped me navigate the First Gen program; and Dr. JW Kellam, who helped me, exposed me to many scholarship opportunities.”
“I credit Converse with helping me find my voice with women in the room,” said Hailey. “To use it and use challenges as an opportunity to grow.”
The University works to personalize relationships with students and provides opportunities to gain valuable work experience to support their dream careers. From strengthening their skills through internships or focusing on career choices, The Center for Career Development maximizes students’ strengths to set them up for success.
“You feel at home at Converse,” said Yolanda. “You’re not a number – you’re a person – and the professors work on building a sense of community, especially in the CCW.”
It’s only fitting that these Converse graduates carry on that tradition at The Spartanburg County Foundation, which tackles the most pressing challenges facing Spartanburg. Their team focuses on uplifting everyone everywhere within the community. For more information about the Spartanburg County Foundation, follow @spartanburgcountyfoundation on Facebook and Instagram.