“WOMEN’S HISTORY HONORS”
All month long The Big DM has taken time to recognize Women’s History Month by honoring S.C. Women and the many outstanding achievements, courage, strength and commitment for women’s voices to be heard in South Carolina and everywhere.
Sponsored in part by: Epic Events Center, Rémy Martin, Country Boy Kitchen, Freeze Automotive, Sassy Chic Event Design, and 101.3 The Big DM
The Big DM – WOMEN’S HISTORY HONORS goes to – Vernessa Pendergrass, a 30+ radio veteran who has worn many hats at The Big DM. From being an extraordinary on-air personality, network traffic and PSA director, event host, public speaker, community leader and the list goes on. She is a proud South Carolina native and alumni of the University of SC. At one point in Pendergrass’ life overcame a debilitating illness that nearly ended her career and she feared that she would never walk again. Now is active with a local line dancing and they make appearances all over the state.
The Big DM – WOMEN’S HISTORY HONORS goes to – Barbara Rackes, experienced leader in business and politics. She built a successful $10 million women’s apparel business and served as a press secretary to a US Congressman while attending law school. After 20 years in retail, she became an online pioneer and established several technology companies. She is committed to encouraging other women to step into leadership roles and established the South Carolina Women’s Leadership Network to do just that. Additionally, Barbara Rackes has chaired or served on numerous local, state and national boards. She is dedicated to empowering women and making a positive difference in her community.
The Big DM – WOMEN’S HISTORY HONORS goes to – Councilwoman Tina Herbert, is currently a Workers’ Compensation Attorney practicing before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. She is focused on helping injured workers secure fair compensation and benefits while navigating the difficult and complex judicial system.
Ms. Herbert earned her B.A. from the University of South Carolina and obtained her J.D. from the University Of South Carolina School Of Law. She is an active member of the South Carolina Bar, Link Up, The South Carolina Women Lawyers Association and more. She also served six years as a Trustee on the South Carolina Bar Board of Governors.
The Big DM – WOMEN’S HISTORY HONORS goes to – Beverly Wilson, FoodShare’s Chief Inspiration Officer, is passionate about the need to solve issues around food access and affordability for disadvantaged and vulnerable communities. After organizing bulk buying produce groups within the community for many years, she turned her efforts towards developing a program that would expand fresh food access and affordability among communities that lacked access to quality food sources. Beverly has been with the University of South Carolina School of Medicine for over two decades where she’s been able to identify a unique opportunity to integrate lifestyle medicine into a clinic model. Her vision has inspired the FoodShareprogram to grow into the state-wide network it is today.
The Big DM – WOMEN’S HISTORY HONORS goes to – Teruko “TK” Langley, who began her career at the age of 14 working for her parents (Willis and Clara Langley) as a McDonald’s Drive Thru cashier in Columbia, SC. She attended Spelman College graduating Cum Laude with a BA in Economics and a minor in Management and Organization. After working almost two decades with Accenture, she resigned to work full-time with the family business and fulfill her dream to become an owner/operator. Teruko is a proud owner of several McDonald’s restaurants in Columbia, SC. She loves God and is a member of First Nazareth Baptist Church and the illustrious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She gives back to the community, and she is blessed with two children whom she adores.
The Big DM – WOMEN’S HISTORY HONORS goes to – Dr. Mary Jones-Wilson – Dr. Mary Jones Wilson recently transitioned from a Research Assistant Professor at the University of SC’s Arnold School of Public Health in the Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior into the role Director of Workforce Development for USC’s Arnold School of Public Health. She has worked in the field of Public Health in various capacities across SC for 20 years. Her research and public health experiences include obesity, diabetes, and heart disease prevention, community engagement and organizing, nutrition, health policy, and program evaluation. Dr. Mary is the Founder and Owner of RoseMARYly – an all-natural hair care product line. Dr. Mary’s passion to serve is fueled by her love for God and His people.
