African American Leadership Council is now PULSE!

To better reflect the Tri-County population, the African American Leadership Council (AALC) is evolving into PULSE.

PULSE is a dynamic network of changemakers from all backgrounds coming together to create lasting impact. We believe that community-wide collaboration is essential in driving meaningful change, and this transformation reinforces our commitment to our community.

Stay tuned for more information!


Ready, Set, Thrive School Support Drive

Graphic promoting school support drive. The colors are red, yellow and blue, and there is a photo of two boys looking at a book. The text readsReady, Set, Thrive School Support Drive - Join us in supporting local students and families this summer!

In partnership with Young Leaders United, PULSE is hosting Ready, Set, Thrive School Support Drive. We're collecting essential items to help fill school supply closets with much-needed food, hygiene products and extra clothing to support families through the summer months. We’re also gathering back-to-school supplies to ensure students start the new school year confident and prepared.

The collection drive has now closed. Thank you everyone for your support!


2025 Pathways to Youth Empowerment Seminar: Bloom Boldly

Graphic for the 2025 Pathways to Empowerment Youth Seminar Bloom Boldly, with description of event and names of speakers

Young women from around the Tri-County gathered for an unforgettable day at Pathways to Empowerment: Bloom Boldly on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at SouthState Bank. This event connected young women with a panel of remarkable women who are making a positive impact in our community. Their real-life stories of success and setbacks provided inspiration and encouragement to everyone in the room - along with the reminder to take time to have some fun and celebrate.

In addition to the panel, attendees had the opportunity to participate in small group discussions, engage with local organizations through a resource fair and create their own vision boards.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event - chaperones included! We hope you walked away feeling empowered to bloom boldly into your full potential.

We'd also like to say a huge THANK YOU to our incredible panel participants for sharing your experiences and giving your time to support these young women.

Moderator

Dr. Tamara T. Butler - The Avery Research Center

Panelists

Rachel Brown - Government & Operations Professional, Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration

Sonia Hanson - VP, Branch Manager, SouthState Bank and Founder, Sunflowers of Hope

Octavia Mitchell - News Anchor, WCBD News 2

Sherrika Myers - Founder, Every 1 Voice Matters

For more information, please contact Leah at lmoore@tuw.org

Thank you to our generous sponsors

Empowerment Sponsor

South Carolina Ports

Impact Sponsor

Comcast

Reliance Sponsor

BECU

Event Sponsors

SouthState Bank

Hendrick Automotive Group

Thank you to our generous in-kind sponsors

AstenJohnson Inc.

Buxton Books

Sunflowers of Hope Inc.


2025 PULSE April Sip & Serve Happy Hour

PULSE sip & serve benefiting Dorchester Seniors, Wednesday, April 16, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, email Leah at LMoore@TUW.org to recieve updates on the April Sip & Serve and future PULSE events

Thank you to everyone who joining us for our April PULSE donor network meeting!

Stay informed about upcoming events, ongoing initiatives and the incredible community impact we’re making together. After the meeting, take part in our Sip & Serve activity to support Dorchester Seniors.

We will be gathering in the 1st floor Community Room at Trident United Way for our meeting, then heading to 843 Korean BBQ for continued conversations and our hands-on service project - creating greeting cards to be delivered with meals to local seniors. It's a simple way to spread joy and brighten the day of our older neighbors. Buy yourself a drink and we’ll supply a snack or two for an afternoon of fellowship and fun!

We hope to see you there!

Please reach out to Leah Moore, lmoore@tuw.org, with any questions.


2025 PULSE February Sip & Serve Happy Hour

Graphic for PULSE Sip & Serve, benefiting the students of Pattison's Academy. Wednesday, February 19, 4-6pm at Kiki's Chicken and Waffles.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Sip & Serve event at Kiki's Chicken & Waffles! It was a fun evening of connecting over upcoming PULSE opportunities and serving our community by building therapy boxes for Pattison's Academy. A special thank you to Dr. Laura Ganci and Madison McCalman from Pattison's Academy for joining us and sharing your mission.

Group photo from the PULSE Sip & Serve event at Kiki's Chicken and Waffles

 


2024 AALC Sip & Serve Happy Hour

Thank you to everyone who attended the AALC Sip & Serve Happy Hour! We loved seeing new and familiar faces, and look forward to our next gathering.


 

Questions? Contact Leah at LRhyne@tuw.org.


2024 Pathways to Empowerment Youth Seminar

Thank you to everyone who participated in the African American Leadership Council Pathways to Empowerment Youth Seminar!

On July 13, 2024, 50 young men of color gathered to spend their Saturday morning at the Trident United Way African American Leadership Council Pathways to Empowerment Youth Seminar, engaging with community leaders to learn how their dreams are realistic, achievable opportunities.

Thank you to our incredible panelists and moderator who shared their personal backgrounds, career paths and challenges they've overcome to be successful community leaders. You've made a powerful impact on these young men!

Panelists:

Mayor Reggie Burgess City of North Charleston

Chief Chito Walker City of Charleston Police Department

Dr. Anthony Dixon Superintendent, Berkeley County School District

Clay Middleton Managing Director, Mercury Public Affairs

Moderator:

Raphael James Anchor and Reporter, Live 5 News

 

Thank you to our event sponsors for their generous support

SouthState Bank logo      


Our Vision:

• We work to solve pressing community issues through Trident United Way’s financial stability programs. 
• We support Trident United Way with our time, talent and treasure, using our experiences and our voices to make a difference for our neighbors. 
• Network and inform: We share data about community conditions to increase our knowledge — strengthening our collective ability to create change.

Trident United Way PULSE consists of leaders from across the Tri-County who contribute $1,000 or more to Trident United Way. Members have unique opportunities to see the impact that their financial support and volunteerism have on community issues.

PULSE Step-Up Program

For those individuals not quite ready to invest in Trident United Way at the $1,000 level, the PULSE Step-Up program allows donors to gradually increase their gift over a period of three years. Step-Up members will make a commitment to increase their Trident United Way gift, giving at least $500 in year one, $750 in year two and $1,000 in year three. Step-Up members are recognized as full PULSE members and have access to all PULSE benefits.


Stephanie Pope Singleton and Sonia Hanson volunteer at Keep North Charleston Beautiful  Members of the AALC pose at the 2022 Member Celebration  Don Smith holding bags of donated books at Trident United Way office

Steering Committee 2025-2026

Ruhamah Dunmeyer Grooms, Chair
Jennifer Brown, Co-Chair
Chrystal Chandler
Tammy Dunmeyer
Janon German
Marc Gibson
Sonia Hanson
Danielle Hardee

Kay Herrington-Simmons
Clay Middleton
Nicole Middleton
Sherikka Myers
Liza Peace
Don Smith
Shareka Sullivan

For more information, or to join Trident United Way PULSE, contact Leah Rhyne at lrhyne@tuw.org.

 

Learn more about PULSE!