Posted on May 22nd, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 18, 2018 – Determined to Rise: An Inspiring Community Event For All Ages

SPARTANBURG – Breakfast Business and Professional Women of Spartanburg (BBPW), in partnership with The Spartanburg County Foundation, is pleased to present Determined to Rise, an evening of inspirational storytelling featuring local women and the daughters of NASA scientist Katherine Goble Johnson.  On Wednesday, May 30th beginning at 7:30 pm, Katherine Goble Moore and Joylette Goble Hylick will build upon their mother’s story that unfolded in the blockbuster film Hidden Figures.  The sisters will share their family’s focus on education and how their mother overcame obstacles to become an integral part of the mathematics behind NASA’s engineering work in the 1940s.

“The Breakfast Business and Professional Women of Spartanburg is delighted to partner with The Spartanburg County Foundation in presenting an event that supports our efforts to provide women in our community with education scholarships,” says Louise Fagan, immediate past president of BBPW. “Who better than the Katherine Johnson Family to deliver this message through their mother’s story that began with the belief all women deserve the opportunity to thrive?”

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Spartanburg Breakfast BPW Club Scholarship Fund held at The Spartanburg County Foundation, which has to date provided over $40,000 in scholarships to Spartanburg residents in the pursuit of higher education.

“The Foundation has emphasized the importance of education over its 75 year history through scholarships and other community initiatives, such as the Citizen Scholars Institute.  We are pleased to partner with Breakfast Business and Professional Women to bring a significant message to the community – a message focused on educational attainment and achieving one’s aspirations,” said Mary Thomas, chief operating officer of The Spartanburg County Foundation.

Determined to Rise will take place at the Chapman Cultural Center and is open to the public.  Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the box office of the Chapman Cultural Center or online at www.chapmanculturalcenter.org.  All guests are invited to a reception immediately following the event for a chance to meet Katherine Moore and Joylette Hylick.  Additionally, the Katherine Johnson family will visit students at the Spartanburg School District 7 office and Fairforest Middle School.  Media are invited to attend the community event held at the Chapman Cultural Center.

###

About Breakfast Business and Professional Women

Breakfast Business & Professional Women of Spartanburg (BBPW) is a chapter of the National BPW organization. Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation is an organization focused on creating successful workplaces by focusing on issues that impact women, families and employers. Successful workplaces are those that embrace and practice diversity, equity and work life balance. Through its groundbreaking research and unique role as a convener of employers and employees, BPW Foundation strives to redefine today’s workplace.

About The Spartanburg County Foundation

The Spartanburg County Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Spartanburg County residents by promoting philanthropy, encouraging community engagement and responding to community needs.  Established in 1943, The Spartanburg County Foundation is the oldest community foundation in South Carolina.  Additional information about the Foundation is available at www.spcf.org.