Business women representing many South Carolina chapters of the American Business Women’s Association gathered at the SC State House to celebrate the annual South Carolina ABWA Day at the State House.
The South Carolina American Business Women’s Association celebrated the 4th Annual ABWA Day at the State House. The South Carolina ABWA Day at the State House & Celebrating HERstory – Transforming Lives Luncheon & Reception was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness, inspire and celebrate the contributions that women are making in the workforce in South Carolina.
The 2026 theme was “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
ABWA chapters from across the state gathered at the State House at 9 a.m. Senator Gilda Cobb-Hunter read a resolution honoring ABWA members for their service to South Carolina.
After leaving the State House, the annual ABWA Luncheon & Reception was held at the Brookland Convention Center in West Columbia. The business women from across the state and nation were greeted by influential leaders and shared how the American Business Women’s Association is activating ambition and changing women’s lives one woman at a time.
The keynote speaker was ABWA Executive Director Elizabeth Johnson, CAE. She was introduced by J Franco.
During the luncheon, former ABWA national presi-
Kendall Rae Johnson (lower, center) of AGROWKulture Farms is pictured with her family and former ABWA National President Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes (top, at podium). Kendall received the ABWA’s Young Entrepreneur Trailblazer Award.
dent Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes honored the future of women business leaders.
Kendall Rae Johnson, of aGROWKulture Farms, was honored as the Youngest USDA certified farmer in America. She received the Inaugural HERstory Young Entrepreneur Trailblazer Award.
Dr. Amalia Luxardo, CEO of the Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network, received the 2026 HERstory Trailblazer Award.
Scholarships were given out to Peyton McQueen of SC State University and Bethany Scriven of Claflin University.
In addition, the ABWA
& Northcentral University awarded Shonita Montford a Full-Tuition Master’s Scholarship.
The South Carolina ABWA also honored Ingrid Centurion and Marlene Guitierrer for the formation the Powerful Women in Business ABWA Chapter in Goose Creek, SC.
During the program, vendors gave out door prizes and sponsors and supporters were recognized. At the close of the luncheon, Elizabeth Johnson and Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes thanked the crowd and invited them to return for the ABWA Day at the State House in 2027.
