RACHELLE JAMERSON HOLMES EMPOWERHER ABWA CHAPTER FOUNDER AND OWNER OF RACHELLE’S ISLAND ORANGEBURG, SOUTH CAROLINA
What is ABWA and EmpowerHer?
One Women at a Time’ through leadership, education, network-
The mission of the ABWA, established in 1949, is to ing support and national recognition. bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. The mission statement of the EmpowerHer Chapter is: “To be the premier women’s business league that impacts, connects and empowers women personally and professionally in the greater Orangeburg, S.C., area through educational resources, professional development, community service and lifelong friendships in a refreshing atmosphere."
How significant is being a chapter president to you both personally and professionally? This is the realization of a 15-year dream and I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to connect and lead
Is ABWA racially diverse and how does one become a member? “The new chapter president, Rachelle JamersonHolmes, has jumped at the opportunity to expand women’s opportunities in Orangeburg so they can find their voice, sharpen their business skills, network and support other like-minded working women. More than 100 charter members were installed during the EmpowerHer Diamond Celebration and pinning of members. The program was held at Stevenson Auditorium and came two months after the chapter’s founding in Orangeburg.
The EmpowerHer Chapter is diverse in age, race, income and occupations. The chapter is actively seeking
to mentor young ladies attending local colleges, universities and youth to help ensure that the glass ceil-
women both personally and professionally by starting the Ameri-
ing continues to be shattered.
can Business Women’s Association chapter EmpowerHer in Or-
The chapter has partnered with Habitat for Humanity,
angeburg,” Jamerson-Holmes said. “I am excited about all of the
and EmpowerHer's first volunteer initiative was in
great things that EmpowerHer will do for the Orangeburg County community and surrounding areas by ‘Changing Women’s Lives
May with the National Women Build Week.
