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 - Executive Director
Em - Program Facilitator
Em (they/them) is a program facilitator, social worker, youth advocate, and a queer activist for human rights & marginalized communities. They are passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ youth & young adults by being and providing a safe and affirming space for all.
Em started off as an intern, helping with the teens at the Uplift Outreach Center during their undergraduate program. After graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology, criminal justice, and professional development, Em has become the program facilitator for the young adult program (Queer Me In!) with Uplift Outreach Center. Alongside this, they are a social worker that works with children of all ages, families, and communities.
Em strives to highlight the voices of young individuals, build community and resources, and dismantle the systems that oppress and marginalize communities.
Jodi - Program Director
Jodi Snyder (she/her) is a queer Black & Indigenous educator, DEI consultant, and youth advocate. She is dedicated to creating safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ young people. As the esteemed Program Director at Uplift Outreach Center since 2022, she designs and leads programming that empowers LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, fosters community, resilience, and liberation.
With over two decades of experience in education—including teaching in Reggio Emilia-inspired and nature-based learning environments—Jodi brings a unique, experiential approach to youth development. Her work is grounded in intersectionality, centering the voices and experiences of queer and neurodiverse youth while challenging systemic barriers.
She holds an AA in Sociology, is working on her BA is Sociology with a focus on Community Development & African American studies, and has a long list of teaching modality certifications that center marginalized youth.
In addition to her leadership in LGBTQ+ youth advocacy, Jodi integrates nature-based experiences into DEI training, offering boardroom workshops & classroom discussions. Her work is rooted in a deep understanding of systemic inequities and the transformative power of nature in fostering inclusive spaces.
2022 LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year
2023 Pridefest Collective MIA Award
2024 Spartanburg Democratic Party LGBTQ+ Advocate of the Year
2024 LGBT Chamber Pride in Business Gayla- Peoples Choice
Penelope - Youth Support Specialist
Penelope G. (she/her) is a political advocate, currently serving as a Peer Support Specialist for Uplift Outreach Center. A previous youth of the program, she is dedicated to the task of supervising and assisting in the emotional and social growth of the program’s youth. In her free time, she enjoys woodworking, sewing, and literature.
Current Board Members
Ada Bradley, Board President
Adelaine Lilith Bradley (she,her) is a proud transgender woman and native of Upstate South Carolina. A graduate of Dorman High School and Spartanburg Community College, she also attended USC Upstate. Adelaine has worked in the textile and technical fiber industries for over a decade. She is deeply committed to the future of young people in the region she calls home. Currently the primary caregiver for her father, she enjoys cooking, crafting, and all things nerdy.
Wynston Sanders, Vice President
Wynston Cornelius III (he/they) is a long-standing advocate in the Upstate LGBTQ+ community, with over a decade of involvement in LGBTQ+ rights and social justice work. Over the past five years, they have focused on anti-trans legislation, trans/GNC support groups, and broader community empowerment. Wynston holds a BA in Music and Philosophy and has been featured twice in USA Today for their advocacy. They are also a trans-drag performer, DJ, and devoted family member. Wynston brings passion, creativity, and lived experience to the Board.
Nathaniel Bush, Secretary
(he,him) Nathaniel Bush is an Upstate transplant by way of Orlando, FL who has a passion for people. Professionally, he has worked in hospitality management for years. He is also a certified yoga teacher working at Adrenaline Dance Fitness in Greenville, SC. He also leads a monthly free yoga class at First Baptist Church of Greenville, SC that is inclusive and queer friendly. As a volunteer with Uplift Outreach Center, he always makes others feel seen and is willing to roll up his sleeves and help with major events such as The Rainbow Ball, Youth Retreat and pride festivals.
Committee Chairs
Sierra Puryear, Youth Development Chair
Sierra Puryear (she/her) relocated to the Upstate in 2020 and earned a B.S. in Chemistry from USC Upstate. She now serves as Regulatory and Compliance Manager at Milliken and Company, where she also co-leads the Pride Affinity Network. Sierra volunteers with PFLAG Spartanburg and began supporting Uplift in 2023. She’s passionate about youth empowerment and creating affirming spaces. In her spare time, Sierra enjoys concerts, hiking, and time with her spouse and dog. She’s also a proud Capricorn.
Rob Moore, Volunteer Chair
Rob Moore (he/him) grew up between Spartanburg and Myrtle Beach and graduated from Socastee High School. A former restaurant owner, he is currently pursuing a degree in Holistic Nutrition from Purdue University. Rob works as the Nutrition Coordinator at AID Upstate, serving people living with HIV. He joined the Uplift Board in 2023 out of a love for working with youth and brings warmth, dedication, and a passion for service to the Volunteer Coordinator role.
Antonio Tanner, Policy & Advocacy Chair
Antonio “Tony” Tanner (he/him), a Miami native and USC Upstate alum, holds a B.A. in Commercial Music with a minor in Psychology. He brings an extensive background in community organizing, including leadership roles in the NAACP and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. He currently serves as Operations Manager for Wellville and Legislative Director for SIREN (Spartanburg Initiative for Racial Equity Now). A musician, advocate, and mentor, Tony is committed to equity, youth voice, and social change.
Jason Patterson, Fundraiser Chair
Members at Large
Timothy Smith
Smitty Matthews (he/him) is a lifelong Spartanburg resident and former owner of Club South 29,one of the first LGBTQ+ nightclubs in the Upstate. His long-standing dedication to local service and youth empowerment makes him a valuable presence on Uplift’s board.
