2025 Employer Summit Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Anna Schmid

Anna Schmid is a globally recognized disability advocate, speaker, and writer whose work centers on identity, accessibility, and inclusive workplace culture. Anna brings both lived experience and professional expertise to every stage, with a background in program management, employee resource group leadership, and accessible policy design. Anna serves on multiple Boards of Directors and most recently joined the Board of the Center for Disability Inclusion. Talks blend truth, vulnerability, and practical insights to inspire change that lasts.

Employer Workshop Speakers

“From Reactive to Ready” Speaker: Carlos Phillips, Greenville Chamber

Carlos Phillips, CEO of the 136-year-old Greenville Chamber of Commerce, is a trusted community leader dedicated to building inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems and a globally competitive regional economy. Under his leadership, the Chamber earned 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, strengthened its financial position, developed multiple strategic plans—including one focused on diversity and economic inclusion—expanded its minority business accelerator statewide, and influenced legislation creating second-chance job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Recognized among Greenville’s “Top 50 Most Influential” and inducted into its Hall of Fame, Phillips has also been honored as the United Way of Greenville County’s 2018 Advocate of the Year. He serves on numerous boards, including the Community Foundation of Greenville, VisitGreenvilleSC, and Racial Equity and Economic Mobility, and continues to champion economic growth, leadership development, and community impact at the local and national level.

“AI and the Future of Work” Speakers: Able SC Access Team, Mary Reaves and Forrest Hamrick

Mary Reaves, Able SC’s Director of Community Access, has nearly 20 years of experience advancing accessibility as the pathway to true inclusion and belonging. A Rehabilitation Counselor by training, she co-founded Beginnings SC, where she built and led programs supporting families and professionals serving deaf and hard-of-hearing children, and she continues to advocate for people with disabilities through policy, training, and community leadership.

As Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, Forrest handles quality assurance for many of Able SC’s programs and works with staff to ensure that we have clear processes and tools to manage various projects. Forrest graduated with honors from Asbury University and received his master’s degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. In 2018, he received a Project Management Certificate from the University of South Carolina. He worked in education before coming to Able SC.

Service Provider Workshop Speakers

“Sustaining Success” Speaker: Aurora Young-Smith, Babcock Center

Aurora Young-Smith of Columbia, South Carolina, is the Senior Director of Vocational Supports at Babcock Center, Inc. With more than 30 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and community inclusion.

Aurora is a strong advocate of Employment First and integrated employment, and she is deeply committed to ensuring that a person-centered approach is reflected in all service provisions. A graduate of Columbia College and a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP), she also served in her previous role as Vice President of the South Carolina APSE Chapter, where she collaborated with professionals across the state to expand opportunities for inclusive employment.

“Own the Journey” Speaker: Cali Sandel, Able SC

Cali was born with low vision and grew up in the SC Midlands. In 2010, Cali started work at the SC Commission for the Blind (SCCB) as an Employment Consultant. For seven years, Cali worked alongside SCCB job seekers and area employers to help individuals who have a visual disability gain employment. In January 2018, Cali joined the Able SC team. Being passionate about helping individuals reach their highest level of independence, Cali is now the Director of Community Integration. Cali provides leadership, promotes teamwork, and helps ensure people with disabilities are connected to youth transition, employment, and transportation services. Cali also manages the day-to-day work of Able SC’s Ticket to Work and SNAP2Work programs.

Employer & Service Provider Panelists

Panel Moderator:
William H. Floyd III, Executive Director of the SC Department of Employment and Workforce

William Floyd, appointed Executive Director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce in May 2023, serves on Governor McMaster’s cabinet and chairs the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development. He leads statewide efforts to connect students and jobseekers with careers, launching initiatives like the “SC@Work” series and guiding the creation of FindYourFuture.sc.gov. A graduate of Wofford College and the University of South Carolina School of Law, Floyd is a Certified Labor and Employment Law Specialist and former chairman of the S.C. Bar’s Labor and Employment Law Section, with prior legal experience at Nexsen Pruet and Ogletree Deakins.

Valeria Green, Blue Cross, Blue Shield of South Carolina

With diverse experience in leadership, Valeria Green's background spans more than 20 years in talent development and talent management in both private and public sectors. Currently, she supports one of the State's largest employers as the workplace culture partner. Valeria’s baccalaureate and graduate studies include business administration, counseling, and leadership.  

Allison Fleahman, Bon Secours Health System

Allison, Workforce Coordinator for Bon Secours St. Francis, is a longtime advocate for equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. Formerly a Special Education Specialist with Greenville County Schools, she discovered a passion for improving post-secondary outcomes for students with significant disabilities, helping launch the district’s first Project SEARCH site in partnership with Bon Secours St. Francis Downtown and SC Vocational Rehabilitation. She now considers it her dream job to serve in Bon Secours’ Mission Department, advancing opportunities for people with disabilities every day. Allison also volunteers with the Barbara Stone Foundation, is active in the Greenville CAN Coalition, serves on the Greenville County Workforce Development Board, and played a key role in developing the SC High School Credential for students whose disabilities prevent them from earning a traditional diploma.

Dan Alexander, SC Vocational Rehabilitation

Dan Alexander is a Business Development Specialist with South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation since 2014 and a lifelong resident of Seneca, South Carolina. He and his wife, Wanda, have two daughters, Ashley and Kristin and three grandchildren. A graduate of Lander University with a degree in Business Administration. Dan has also served in the City of Seneca government for 37 years.