Our People
Our board of directors and support chairs are a special group of people who have come forward to make a difference in the lives of Spartanburg’s youth. We believe in the ripple effect, that making a big change starts with a small act of kindness. By teaching youth that they are worthy regardless of identity or sexuality, we hope they will spread the same kindness to their peers and it will go on and on …
Raymond Velazquez, Executive Director
Raymond has been heavily involved in the LGBTQIA+, Prevention & Harm Reduction Community since his arrival in Western North Carolina from Florida in 2020. He began working with Western North Carolina AIDS Project in 2020 as a Harm Reduction Specialist/Community Navigator and became the Harm Reduction Coordinator in January 2021. He was promoted to Director of Prevention Services in August 2022. Upon meeting his life partner in Greenville, he moved to the Upstate at the beginning of 2022.
As an HIV advocate, Harm Reduction advocate & a person with years of lived experience, his mission is to serve marginalized and BIPOC communities. He enjoys photography, traveling with his partner, concerts, advocacy, and enjoying life to the fullest while striving to be the best version of himself. He is excited to now serve the Upstate LGBTQIA+ community and youth with an equity lens.
Jodi LaBlanche Snyder, Program Director
She is the proud Program Director for Uplift Outreach Center. Their mission, to provide a much-needed safe & brave space for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in Spartanburg, SC and surrounding areas. UOC is the only program solely dedicated to lgbtq+ youth in the Upstate.
Uplift provides a community center vibe that is a for youth-by youth program. The youth meet weekly and utilize their time to socialize with peers and catch up on the weekly tea, but also to engage in educational and creative workshops like, financial literacy (TD Bank), healthy relationships (Project REST), HIV/STI & Addiction/Recovery Education and Prevention ( Piedmont Care Inc.) and (FAVOR Upstate) among many others. The space offers free snacks/drinks, clothing closet, and free health & wellness supplies normally donated by our community partners. There are activities like pool, arts and crafts, various gaming systems, and a full kitchen for baking and cooking. They have collaborations with many of the local colleges and offer free tutoring and mentoring services for registered youth.
Uplift is committed to creating an environment shared by community leaders who assist in providing community resources. Currently, free mental health services are available for Spartanburg County youth. Our long term goal is to get funding to offer those services in all 10 Upstate counties. For youth who aren’t local and cannot attend meetings, Uplift has a discord server in order to provide virtual support, community, and resources.
If interested in learning more or for registration link, please contact jodis@upliftoutreachcenter.org
By providing a safe space we will offer support, increase self-advocacy and culturally competent services to decrease suicide and suicidality. We will promote tolerance and acceptance while we welcome and encourage other community members and organizations to participate in our mission of supporting LGBTQ+ youth and their straight allies.
In her spare time she enjoys antiquing, collecting plants, mushrooms, candles, vintage ashtrays, and Prince memorabilia. She loves camping & hiking, but really any outdoor activity, listening and dancing to music, and hanging with her 3 amazing kids + grand pup, Remi.
Selina-20, has a horticulture degree and is currently a CBD researcher. Mylo-14, enjoys playing paintball & riding his dirt bike. And Kahlo (kay-low)-5, enjoys reading, doing art, and hanging out with his mom’s.
Fun facts: she’s a Libra, the oldest of 7 siblings, loves tie dye, her favorite Prince song is Pink Cashmere, and she used to be a theater kid. Her favorite show was, “Not Without Laughter” based off the Langston Hughes novel. 2nd favorite show, Godspell.
She wants to ensure marginalized folks always feel seen, heard, validated, loved, understood, & important.
Peace, love and always stay you-stay true.
Current Board Members
Timothy “Smitty” Smith is a lifelong resident of Spartanburg. He was previously the Vice President of Club South 29 which was a huge supporter of organizations within our community.
Wynston Cornelius III (he/they), a native of Upstate SC, has been a part of and involved with the Upstate LGBTQ+ community for a little over a decade plus. He has volunteered with many social justice organizations in the fight for various LGBTQ+ rights, and over the previous 5 years, has worked specifically in LGBTQ+ advocacy, anti-trans legislation and support groups for Trans and GNC people.
Wynston holds a BA degree in Music and Philosophy from a private university. He was published in the USA Today’s articles in double measure in both 2019 and 2020, in regards to his valiant efforts in bringing hope and a voice to the LGBTQ+ community. His passion for his community is what drives him. They continuously strive to transcend and anticipate the needs of their community to ensure it thrives.
In their spare time, Wynston is an active trans-drag performer, DJ, and enjoys living life with their family, as well as a genuine love for people, performing arts, food, dancing and long-boarding.
He is honored to be in this position on the Board of Directors with Uplift Outreach Center and its youth!
Adelaine Lilith Bradley
Adelaine Lilith Bradley is a native of the Upstate, a transgender woman, and a graduate of Dorman High School. Adelaine also attended USC Upstate, and graduated from Spartanburg Community College. She has worked in the textile and technical fiber industry for over a decade. She loves the Upstate, and cares deeply about the future of the young people in this area. She is currently the primary caregiver to her dad, and enjoys cooking, crafts, and all things nerdy.
Tristyn Vincelette
Tristyn Vincelette has grown up in Spartanburg and is a graduate of Dorman High School. She was an Uplift youth in its very beginning days and is excited to give back to the community that gave to her. Tristyn is a big supporter of mental health awareness and outside of Uplift, also volunteers at the H.A.L.T.E.R. program. She enjoys being out in nature, reading, art, going out with friends, being involved in the community, and spending time at home with her dog and bird. Her hope is to support and advocate for the youth of her community, as not long ago she was in their shoes.
Rob Moore
Rob grew up between Spartanburg and Myrtle Beach and Graduated from Socastee High School in 1991. Rob has owned and operated several restaurants during his career and now works at Garner’s Natural Foods in Spartanburg.
Rob joined the Uplift Board in 2023 as the Volunteer Coordinator because he loves working with young people. Rob also loves spending time with his granddaughter, daughter and daughter-in-law.
Committee Chairs
Antonio Tanner, Youth Development Chair
Originally a Miami native, this USC Upstate alum received his B.A. in Commercial Music and a Minor in Psychology and has called Spartanburg home for six years. Antonio has an extensive background in community-based and nationally-led service organizations like the West Spartanburg NAACP Branch Spartanburg NAACP, and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation as an Emerging Leader and Legislative intern on the Hill. He received two awards from the national NAACP Youth & College Division for Outstanding Achievement in Education and Outstanding Achievement in Economic Development at the 2022 convention. At this time, Tony utilizes his passion and experience in the nonprofit sectors as Operations Manager for Wellville and as Legislative Director/Social Media for Spartanburg Initiative for Racial Equity Now (SIREN). He is excited about the lessons and opportunities to come with Wellville and SIREN. Tony enjoys hiking, playing jazz music as a trumpeter, brunch with his mom, and driving to central Georgia to visit his four nieces.
Deb Foreman, Advisor Chair
PFLAG Spartanburg Board member 2013-2015/2017-2022
Executive Director Uplift Outreach Center 2019-2023
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community by challenging local and state politicians on gender justice and social justice issues. Involved in positive actions, testifying at the SC State House, working with statewide coalitions and local organizations to collaborate and plan. 2023 Mental Health Advocacy award/Mental Health of America-Spartanburg Chapter.
Married for 46 years to my wonderful husband, parent of a transgender individual, loves spending time with my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren when when I’m not trail walking, gardening or with my dogs and horses.
Members at Large
Davelyn Hill, Member at Large
Davelyn Hill (she+/her+) is a Black Queer abolitionist who was born and raised in the south. She+ is the Executive Director for Speaking Down Barriers. SDB is an organization whose mission is Equity for all.
She+ has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Converse College. Alongside providing counseling services, she+ has led support groups, presented research, and conducted university presentations around racial trauma and oppression. She+ enjoys facilitating groups and retreats around grief and wholeness.
Davelyn Hill, also known as Davelyn Athena is an author, poet, and intuitive painter. She+ also has a master’s in creative writing with an emphasis in poetry from Converse University. Davelyn’s poem “Deloris” was published by the Plant and Poetry Journal, “Questions” was featured online through Spark and Echo, “Galaxy Meditation” and Hemochromatosis were published by The Nelligan Review. Her writing deals with living in a time of systemic racism and imagining a new world where equity is a reality.
Shelly McMains, Member at Large
My greatest joys are being a mother and a grandmother. I live for moments spent making memories with my children and grandchildren.
I love being outside by the water, exercising self care, and conversations with great friends.
I’m passionate about any and all things related to children’s and youth’s mental and physical health! Everyone deserves to be loved unconditionally, and it’s my hope that I can help to make a difference!
