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Meet the women shaping Columbia’s future
Deonna Wylie founded the Cola Rosé Shower, a vibrant celebration honoring women’s strength, sisterhood, and well-being. | Photo by Melissa G Photography
We asked who’s a woman in Columbia making waves right now, and wow — you delivered. Here are the first 20 local women leading companies, launching ideas, and shaping the region’s future, with many more to come.
Note: Submissions have been lightly edited for grammar, clarity, and length. Psst... stay tuned for the next batch of women leaders.
Hannah Buckner, Co-founder, Level | A staple in Columbia’s fitness scene, empowering clients and training the next generation of instructors. | Nominated by Elizabeth B.
Columbia businesses are set to benefit from the 2026 Relentless Challenge grants, including GrowCo’s Boyd Innovation Center and the Wendell Jones Leadership Institute. The ~$760,000 statewide program supports startups and small businesses, driving innovation, scaling companies, and strengthening the Midlands’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. (Integrated Media Publishing)
Leadership
Mark Newman has been named President + CEO of the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, bringing two decades of leadership in tourism, public media, and nonprofits. He will guide the state’s hospitality industry, representing 2,400+ businesses and 300,000 workers, while strengthening partnerships across government, communities, and the private sector.
Award
Voters have narrowed South Carolina’s Manufacturing Madness contest to four finalists, including Columbia-based CardioEducator from NursEdvance Innovations. The winner of the “Coolest Thing Made in SC” will be announced tomorrow, March 24 at the Statehouse. The competition highlights the state’s $300 billion manufacturing sector and its impact on jobs and the economy. (SCBiz)
Announced
Collum’s Lumber Products, a fourth-generation, family-owned company in Allendale, has been named South Carolina’s 2026 Agribusiness of the Year by South Carolina Manufacturers and Commerce. Producing up to 200 million board feet of Southern yellow pine annually, the company is recognized for leadership, innovation, and certified sustainable forestry practices that support long-term forest health. (SCBiz)
Edu
The Darla Moore Foundation has launched the Darla Moore Scholars of Veterinary Medicine program at Clemson University, providing full scholarships to six students from eight rural Pee Dee counties. Covering tuition, fees, and living expenses, the initiative aims to expand access to veterinary education, address rural veterinarian shortages, and strengthen local communities.
Health
Last week, the University of South Carolina opened its 65,000-sqft Brain Health Center, creating a centralized hub for cognitive care. Backed by $30 million in state funding, the facility integrates diagnostics, treatment, imaging, rehabilitation, and research, strengthening statewide access to clinical trials and fostering partnerships, workforce development, and innovation in neurological care. (SCBiz)
Leadership
MUSC Health-Orangeburg has named Matthew M. “Matt” Medley as its new CEO. Medley, formerly COO of MUSC Health-Midlands and a former Mayo Clinic leader, began on March 9 and will guide operations, growth, and patient care enhancements for the hospital and the surrounding Orangeburg community. (SCBiz)
Biz
Did you know? Lexington County experiences millions in retail “leakage” each year, with residents spending outside the county — mostly in Columbia — leaving gaps in restaurants, retail, and services. Local leaders are using this data to show entrepreneurs where opportunities exist. (The State)
Ranked
Soda City Market is in the running for USA Today’s 10Best Farmers Markets in America again. Last year, they held first place the entire voting period — let’s help them go back-to-back by voting daily through Monday, April 13.
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
Greater CWC Business Breakfast Meeting | Tuesday, March 10 | 7:45-9 a.m. | Segra Park | Free | Don’t miss this inside look at SC leadership with Vincent Sheheen and Joel Lourie at Segra Park, with insight, strategy, and big ideas.
Evening for Educators: Rodney McMillian | Wednesday, March 25 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free, registration is required | Educators are invited to the museum for an evening with Rodney McMillian’s new exhibition, featuring art, wine, bites, and a discussion with Dr. Abbe Schriber.
1627 Columbia College Dr. | ~26,508 | Lease: $5.75/sqft/yr; Sale: $1.745 million | Industrial warehouse in Columbia’s light industrial corridor featuring office space, a fenced ~0.58-acre laydown yard, storage shed, recent upgrades, and easy access to I-20, I-26, and I-77.
Retail, for sale
721 W. Blackstock Rd. | 2,520 sqft | $1.1 million | High-revenue car wash and laundromat on ~0.75 acres in west Spartanburg, with 14 washers and dryers, four-bay self-service car wash, five vacuums, and strong visibility on West Blackstock Road.
Retail, for lease
1531 Taylor St. | 3,591 sqft | $25/sqft/yr | Prime corner retail on Taylor Street with exposed brick, high wood-beam ceilings, roll-up doors, covered outdoor area, dedicated parking, and a generous tenant improvement allowance.
Office/flex, for sale
123 Lawand Dr. | 3,960 sqft | $550,000 | Prime commercial site with existing structure and shared amenities, offering excellent visibility, access, and redevelopment potential near I-20/I-26 and downtown Columbia.
Office, for lease
112 Arrowood Rd. | 2,419 sqft | $2,300/month | Flexible commercial property with easy I-20/I-26 access, ideal for owner-user, multi-tenant office, or value-add, surrounded by strong population, retailers, and major employers.
Our readers really showed out (and showed love) for the incredible women making big moves in Columbia. From founders and CEOs to executive leaders and nonprofit trailblazers, the list is so long and inspiring that we’re splitting it into two parts. Stay tuned for the next round of movers and shakers — and don’t stop submitting the local women you admire.
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