Greg Perry
Chair
Greg Perry, a native of North Charleston, has dedicated his life to serving others and making a positive impact on his community. Recognizing the importance of support and assistance, Greg founded a nonprofit in 2009 aimed at helping single moms with their everyday needs. Greg has spent his life seeking to be for others what he wishes someone would be for him if he found himself in that same circumstance.
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Greg has been actively involved in various roles within his community. He has served as a mentor, youth basketball coach, and even an adopted father figure at schools for young boys. Furthermore, Greg selflessly served as a volunteer Chaplain at the detention center in North Charleston, offering guidance and support to those in need.
In terms of education, Greg holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, a Master of Science degree in Higher Education, and has pursued graduate studies towards an MBA from The Citadel. His educational background has equipped him with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of community development and engagement. Greg’s professional experience includes working as an educator in a middle school. Currently, he serves as a program manager for an entrepreneurial program and holds the position of adjunct professor, teaching a marketing course. Through these roles, he has empowered individuals with knowledge and skills to thrive in the business world.
Jesse Williams
Vice Chair
Jesse Williams grew as one of five children in a single-parent home. Despite the challenges, Jesse had a greater vision for his life and wanted to use his experiences to bless and help other people. Jesse Williams grew up in North Charleston, SC.
He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the College of Charleston and received a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Charleston Southern University. Jesse later enrolled in Argosy University where he began pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration.
In 2007, Jesse founded the non-profit organization TAKE IT TO THE STREETS. Jesse’s non-profit helps thousands of people who in North Charleston and throughout Charleston County. His organization organizes community events and mentors the youth.
He is a prior Board Member and Secretary of the Low Country Alliance for Model Communities, where he helped with mitigation plans concerning the state’s Port Authority Expansion in North Charleston.
As a full-time certified teacher and education advocate, Jesse was instrumental in establishing current programs at the Cooper River Center for Advanced Studies in North Charleston.
In 2018, he was presented with a Community Service plaque from Garrett Academy of Technology and in 2019 Jesse was awarded the Helping Hands Award from the Coalition for Voter Participation.
Jesse is presently a Commissioned Officer in the South Carolina State Guard. He received several FEMA Emergency Management Institute Certifications to include Basic Incident Command Systems for Incident Response and Military Resources in Emergency Management.
Claire Johnson
Director
Claire Johnson serves on the Board of Positive Vibes Ronjanae Smith, Inc. She graduated from DePauw University with a degree in Sociology and has her Master’s in Education from National Louis University. Ms. Johnson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago but moved to Charleston in 2017. She currently teaches 2nd grade at North Charleston Elementary where she also coaches cheerleading.
She helps run the Positive Vibes Basketball League and is an active member in the community. Ronjanae was Ms. Johnson’s 5th grade student during her first year teaching at North Charleston Elementary.
Erica Sampson
Secretary
Born and raised in North Carolina, but now proudly calling the low country my home sweet home, I am a full-time student pursuing a Doctorate in Human Resource Leadership and Organizational Management. Beyond academia, I am deeply rooted in my community, where my passion lies in being an advocate and servant to its members.
Currently serving on the Board for the nonprofit Positive Vibes Ronjanae Smith as their Secretary, I am dedicated to positively impacting and fostering a sense of unity and positivity within our community.