Honoring local, influential women on the eve of International Women’s Day

There, perhaps, has never been more focus on gender-based action than 2016; a year when a female is the leading candidate of a major political party in the race for the White House.

It is a time when Americans will join people around the world March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day while calling for more gender parity, gender-balanced leadership and rooting out bias in the workplace.

With a decade of data at hand in its Global Gender Gap Report, the World Economic Forum reveals while much progress has been made, many inequalities remain. The Forum report predicts it could be 2133 before the gender gap will close. With an extra quarter of a billion women entering the labor force since the data collection began in 2006, the annual pay for women “only now equals the amount men were earning 10 years ago.”

Women account for half the world’s working-age population, according to a report by the McKinsey Global Institute, a global research firm. While women across the world continue to struggle to reach equality in education, pay and in political and other leadership roles, it has not stopped numerous women of varied talents from making their mark on society.

The Sun News has chosen to focus for International Women’s Day on nine women from among the many influential and inspirational women across Horry and Georgetown counties who model success in various ways. Each has a long list of accomplishments too extensive to cover in one news article. Each was asked to respond to two questions: Who was/is the most influential woman in your life and why? What advice would you offer aspiring young women?

S.C. Supreme Court Judge Kaye G. Hearn

A shining light among area women who have broken through male-dominated barriers is S.C. Supreme Court Judge Kaye G. Hearn, 66, who grew up in Pennsylvania but has been a longtime resident of Conway. Hearn, in May 2009, became only the second woman elected to serve in the court’s long history and is currently the only remaining female on the court after the 2015 retirement of Chief Justice Jean Hoefer Toal. A graduate of the USC School of Law and the University of Virginia’s graduate program for judges, she served as a Supreme Court law clerk to the Honorable Julius B. Ness, later becoming the only former law clerk ever elected as a justice.

She considers herself extremely fortunate to have had Justice Ness as a teacher and mentor early in her legal career. Following her clerkship, Hearn advanced from trial attorney to family court judge until her election to the S.C. Court of Appeals in 1994 where she later became the first and only female chief judge of that court.

The daughter of James and Kathleen Gorenflo, Hearn said her mother never worked outside the home but she impressed upon her daughter that she could be anything she wanted and never discouraged her from any goal she set. She impressed upon her the importance of being self-reliant and having her own career. Being a lawyer was not a typical career choice for women in the early 1970s.

“Everyone from professors to guidance counselors tried to point me in a different direction, to be something more traditional. But my parents, neither of whom had gone to college, encouraged me to follow my dream. If they had discouraged me, I’m sure I wouldn’t have done the things I have done.”

A close second [influential woman] is former Chief Justice Toal. Hearn first encountered Toal in the mid-1970s when she went with a group of law students to the State House to watch the debate on the Equal Rights Amendment. While the amendment was not ratified by the state, Hearn said she came away from that experience impressed with the young woman lawyer-legislator, Toal, who argued the case in favor of ratification.

“At that time there were no women judges in South Carolina and if anyone had told me then that the two of us would be elected on the same day to serve as Chief Justice and Chief Judge of this state’s two highest courts, I would never have believed it. But that’s exactly what happened. Some 10 years after that election in June of 1999, I joined her on the S.C. Supreme Court and we became not only sisters in the law, but close friends.”

Her advice to young women? “Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and lift you up and encourage you. I also agree wholeheartedly with the educator who said there are two important things that can ensure your success in life: No. 1, marry the right person because that affects 90 percent of your happiness or misery in life. No. 2, never do anything that wouldn’t make your mama proud. If you can do those two things, you are on your way.”

Others reflecting on the women who have touched their lives and tendering their own advice include:

Debbie Conner

Deborah K. Conner, 47, is a native of Houston, Texas, but has lived on theGrand Strand for 23 years. A resident of Conway, she earned her PhD in Educational Leadership with a concentration in higher education. Since 1994, she has worked at Coastal Carolina University currently serving as vice president for campus life and student engagement.

Her volunteer engagements include co-chairing the annual American Red Cross Christmas Day Dinner with oversight of transportation, deliveries and volunteer assignment.Conner said her mother, Lou Ann Barker of Clermont, Fla., serves as the most influential woman in her life. “When I was in elementary school, she went back to college and finished a degree in elementary education. She was a great teacher not only to her students but to me as well. She taught me to value education and that is worth the investment I put in it. She encouraged me to love my family, serve others and to work hard. Upon retirement, she went to work full time as a volunteer for Hospice. She continues to impact the lives of everyone she serves. She laid the groundwork for my success because of her example; she works hard and offers her best no matter what her task.”

Her advice to young women? “Discover what makes you tick and look for ways to be able to do that whether it is in your job or in your service to the community. There are two things you should invest in: First, your own education whether that is a degree or professional development opportunities. Never stop learning. Secondly, invest in your community; we should leave it better than we found it.”

Terri DeCenzo

Terri DeCenzo, 56, a native of Baltimore, Md., and Pawleys Island resident,serves as executive director of Women in Philanthropy and Leadership for Coastal Carolina University where her husband, David, is president. Since beginning her service with WIPL in 2007, the organization has awarded more than $172,500 in scholarships to 122 CCU students.

She has led the fundraising efforts toward an endowed scholarship fund in excess of $100,000 and has secured scholarships for students to attend the Washington Internship Institute and study Global Women’s Leadership Development. In February, the former critical care nurse was presented the Order of the Silver Crescent by Gov. Nikki Haley for her leadership, volunteerism, and lifelong influence within a region of the state.

Calling her mother “the single most influential woman in my life,” DeCenzo said her mother always empowered her and taught her that she could accomplish and do whatever she wanted to.

“No limitations were placed on me for success, but she was always encouraging and supportive of my path and my choices. Additionally, she would remind me often of Mother Teresa’s words, ‘Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.’ These words continue to inspire me and motivate me today.”

Her advice to young women? “I would say first remain confident in your abilities to make an impact and a difference and realize that your abilities lie within you not from external titles or awards. Never let anyone else dictate your potential or change your course, but seek valuable feedback of your strengths and areas for improvement to get you where you dream of going. Find a mentor, coach or role model and ask for their support. And finally, be authentic in your actions so that your passion and your talent are reflected in all that you do.”

Nicole Fontana

Nicole Jill Fontana, 41, is an Horry County native and owner of Myrtle Beach Chem-Dry since 2007. A resident of North Myrtle Beach for the last 19 years, she has served since 2013 on the North Myrtle Beach City Council. Working to improve the safety of North Myrtle Beach residents, she serves as a group leader of the Windy Hill Neighborhood Watch Group. Passionate about improving the quality of life for the areas elderly, she spent 12 years as primary caregiver to her grandmother and uncle until their deaths in 2008 and 2009.

Fontana considers her grandmother the most influential woman in her life. “She was a caring, giving and kindhearted Christian woman that worked hard all of her life at everything she did.

As a young child, I noticed that there was something special about her. She was so passionate about life itself and she made the most of everyday. My grandmother was a homemaker and a farmer. She instilled in me the value of life, how to be a hard working woman and to always give to others. She also taught me that we are here for a purpose and we should pursue that purpose to the best of our ability. I believe the most important thing she taught me in life was the love of God. She died in 2008 at the age of 90.”

Her advice to young women? “My advice to young women today would be to be yourself. Our best asset as a woman is our individuality. We are all beautiful and unique individuals, we often try to be like others, and that is when we lose ourselves and forget who we are. Let your best qualities shine through. That is what makes you you!”

Carol Jayroe

A native of Georgetown, Carol Jayroe, 58, has served on the Georgetown City Council since January 2014. A partner in Prince George Sotheby’s International Realty, she spent more than two decades in bank management. She is an active community leader who has volunteered on numerous charitable boards, including both the Coastal Community Foundation and the Bunnelle Foundation. A past president of the Georgetown County United Way, she is an elder in Georgetown Presbyterian Church, past president of Tidelands Community Hospice and a board member of Good Friends, a nonprofit that raises funds to help individuals in need.

Jayroe said without a doubt her mother was the most influential woman in her life. “Most of my life, my mother was a single parent. She made the personal sacrifices that she had to to meet the needs of her family. Mother taught me to work hard and reach for the stars. There was nothing that I could not do if I wanted to. Her sense of humor was incredible until the day she died.”

Her advice to young women? “Do not be afraid to pursue your own goals and dreams. Don’t wait for the world to hand them to you. When you succeed, use your ‘gifts’ to give back. Never stop your passion for giving back to your family, friends, community or church.”

Mary Jeffcoat

Born in Washington, D.C., Mary Jeffcoat, 64, moved to Myrtle Beach in 1977 having earned a journalism degree from USC. Elected to the Myrtle Beach City Council in January 2015 (she also served from 1984-1992), she wears many hats as a local business owner of Long Bay Professional Services offering media relations and strategic planning consultation with nonprofit organizations. In 2012/2013, she helped facilitate coordination of the city’s homeless services under the umbrella of New Directions of Horry County, Inc., and served on the board of directors until 2015. She has had a successful and varied career that includes working as firm administrator of Jeffcoat Law Firm and for a decade as director of communications for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston, serving as spokesperson for the Bishop.

Jeffcoat is also a woman who considers her mother, Ann Muthig, the most influential woman in her life. “She raised eight children and then went into a life of politics and public service, working on political campaigns and in state government.”

Her advice to young women? “Decide what is important to you and how you can make a difference, then work hard, make friends and enjoy life.”

Lillie Jean Johnson

A native of Georgetown, Lillie Jean Johnson, 73, after an 8-year absence from the Georgetown County Council is back representing District 4. A graduate of USC, she retired in 1994 from teaching high school. She is a lifelong member of the NAACP, serves on the Waccamaw Regional Transportation Authority board and the Church Relations Committee for Georgetown County Habitat for Humanity. She is a hospice volunteer and an active community leader. A person of influence in her life was Josie Hazel of Aiken, a woman with whom she boarded in the 1960s when she first began her teaching career.

“She was a household name in the Aiken community; in fact, Aiken named a facility in her honor. ‘There is always enough on the stove for one more person.’ That was Josie Hazel - loving, generous and selfless. People gravitated toward her because her doors hanged on welcome hinges. Students, friends, her pastor and organizations all sought her out for advice, finances or just encouragement. Even elected leaders called upon her for good sound advice for they knew she spoke from the heart. Mrs. Hazel, through countless examples--not lectures or words — helped to shape the good I try to do today. Although she is no longer with us, I sometimes think of her and all she did for others and not counting the cost. She, indeed, was her ‘brother’s keeper.’”

Her advice to young women? “If you think you have chosen what your life’s path is and it doesn’t work out, don’t give up. Look at other options and choose one. You will know when you have chosen the right option because you will feel comfortable about it and can move forward.”

Cindra Marshall

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Mich., Cindra Marshall, 62, has touched the lives of many through the entertainment industry and her volunteerism. Currently working with Encore Strategic Programming on TV projects, she toured the world as a dancer, singer and musician with the USO. She has hosted a children’s show called “Tickle-Time” and co-hosted “Entertainment Showcase.” When the Long Bay Symphony was formed, she joined playing oboe and English horn and served as marketing director and general manager for a number of years.

She has played with many celebrities, served as adjunct professor at CCU and taught private lessons. A former Mrs. South Carolina, she and her husband, Hank, of 37 years, formerly produced and operated the Dean Martin Tribute Show in Myrtle Beach. A long-time volunteer with the American Red Cross, she oversees the Princess Gala fundraiser and other events.

One of the bravest things she ever did, she said, was enter into a biracial marriage at a time when narrow-minded opinions “set me up for people of both races to judge and disrespect me.” A well-respected couple in the community, their long-lasting and loving relationship has impacted many individuals’ opinions about the subject of interracial marriage.

In her younger years, Cindra found inspiration in women like Corrie ten Boom, of Haarlem, Netherlands, who along with her family helped many Jewish individuals escape the Nazi Holocaust during WWII. She was imprisoned and later authored “The Hiding Place” describing the ordeal. “Corrie ten Boom came through our community to speak and it completely opened my eyes to how I could also have a joyful, amazing journey with Christ as my friend and Savior.”

Her advice to young women? “Be the most authentic version of who you really are even if it doesn’t fit into other people’s perceptions of who you should be.”

Jennifer Wilson

Appointed Dec. 28, 1999 to serve as the first full-time chief judge for the city of Myrtle Beach, Jennifer Peters Wilson, 60, became the first and only to date African American and female to serve as a Myrtle Beach judge. In addition, she serves as a department head, supervising three part-time judges and a staff of 15. Earning her law degree from Rutgers University School of Law in New Jersey, she served as a law clerk to then Circuit Judge Ernest A. Finney, Jr., who was the state’s first black circuit judge and subsequently became the first African American Chief Justice of the S.C. Supreme Court. In 2010, she earned the NAACP Ernest A. Finney, Jr. Award for historic achievement and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Drum Major for Justice Award.

A native of Walterboro, she sees her mother as being the most influential woman in her life. “She was a very dignified, classy lady who taught me self-respect and self confidence in the midst of growing up in a totally segregated town. She held her head high when we had to sit in separate waiting rooms at doctor’s offices, upstairs at the movie theatre and when young white men called her by her first name. She taught me to work hard and pursue my dreams. She encouraged my siblings and me to get as much education as possible because education would empower us to live a better life.”

Her advice to young women? “I tell young women to believe in yourself and your abilities. To understand that while the world is full of opportunity for women, we need more improvement in areas such as equal pay for equal work. I tell them what my mother taught me, work hard and get as much education as possible.”

This story was originally published March 5, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Honoring local, influential women on the eve of International Women’s Day."