Founder & CEO, Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits, LLC

M.S., Human Resource Development, 1999

What role do you play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem?

I am known as The Unifier CEO, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and ecosystem builder who founded Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits to bring people together through culture, history, and legacy. I connect capital, people, and purpose to create opportunities, scale businesses, and inspire communities with a Spirit of Excellence.

What are some of your best memories of your time at Clemson?

Some of my best memories at Clemson came from the connections I made as an adult learner. Walking into classrooms where classmates came from every sector—business, healthcare, education, and beyond—was inspiring. Those conversations and shared experiences broadened my perspective, challenged my thinking, and reminded me that learning is truly lifelong. Meeting new people who were just as passionate about growth as I was will always stand out as the highlight of my Clemson journey.

What were the key inflection points in your career after you left Clemson?

After Clemson, my career took on new dimensions. Becoming the Senior Director under the leadership of VP Ann Wright at the Greenville Tech Foundation gave me the chance to impact students and communities through philanthropy. Founding Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits was a bold leap into entrepreneurship, blending history, culture, and business. From winning the Furman Hill Institute competition to launching the Six Nineteen of 1865 Foundation, each step has been about unifying people, creating opportunities, and building a legacy that lasts.

What are your personal and professional dreams?

Personally, my personal dream is to continue building a life rooted in love, faith, and family—leaving a legacy of strength, generosity, and inspiration for my children and generations to come. I want to nurture relationships, create meaningful experiences, and live each day with gratitude and joy.

Professionally, my professional dream is to grow Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits into a global brand that unites people from all walks of life, while expanding the Six Nineteen of 1865 Foundation to open doors for education, empowerment, and opportunity. My future vision is to create spaces and initiatives that will stand as lasting symbols of unity, culture, and excellence.

What would you recommend students do to maximize their remaining time at Clemson?

I would encourage students to be intentional about the relationships they build during their remaining time at Clemson. Beyond the classroom, take every opportunity to connect with classmates, professors, and alumni from all walks of life you never know which connections will open doors in the future. Also, don’t rush through your time. Lean into experiences, join organizations, and explore opportunities that stretch you. The degree is important, but it’s the leadership, resilience, and social capital you build now that will carry you the furthest. Most of all, maximize this time by finding your voice and your purpose. Clemson is not just preparing you for a career, it’s shaping the way you will make an impact on the world.

What else should we know about you?

What I hope people know about me is that I lead with faith, passion, and purpose in everything I do. I’m not just an entrepreneur, I’m a unifier, a connector, and someone who believes in the power of social capital to change lives.

I’m deeply committed to creating opportunities for others, whether that’s through business, philanthropy, or education. My journey has taught me that legacy isn’t about what you achieve for yourself, but what you leave behind for others to stand on.

At the heart of it all, I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, and a leader who believes in living with a Spirit of Excellence and bringing people together from all walks of life one sip, one scholarship, and one connection at a time.