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 …
Debra Foreman, Executive Director
2021 Board Members
Eric Nolley, President
Shelly McMains, Vice President
Uplift Outreach Treasurer Position
Help the Upstates’ premiere LGBTQ+ youth outreach center by becoming our board Treasurer. Contact us today to learn more.
Wendy J. Conte
Wendy grew up in NJ and moved several times before settling in Duncan with her husband and two children. Wendy earned her MA in English from The College of New Jersey and has taught both college English and middle school Language Arts. She is a proud supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and is honored to serve as board secretary for Uplift Outreach Center.
Committee Chairs
Kei Nesbitt, Youth Development Chair
Jodi LaBlanche Snyder, Volunteer Coordinator
Members at Large
Jamarcus Gaston, Member at Large
Ron Laughridge, Member at Large
Ron Laughridge has lived in Spartanburg for nearly 50 years. He hold a bachelor s degree in psychology from USCS and a master’s in counseling from Winthrop University and is an LPC. He retired from working as a therapist in Behavioral Health at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Ron has served on the board of directors for New Day Clubhouse for a total of 18 years and is very happy to be included on the board of Uplift Outreach.