June 2026 Newsletter
Progress, Partnership, and What’s Next
June reminded us that progress happens in many ways, whether that’s policy victories, powerful partnerships, community conversations, or the people who show up every day to move South Carolina forward.
This month, WREN acquired South Carolina Women in Leadership (SC WIL), expanding our ability to cultivate women leaders and create new opportunities for connection and civic engagement across our state. We’re honored to carry this work forward.
June is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and reaffirm our commitment to building a South Carolina where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. At WREN, we know stronger communities are built when every person is valued, included, and empowered to lead.
We also celebrated an important policy victory. Senate Bill 11, which expands paid family leave for eligible state employees, passed both the House and Senate unanimously and now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature. This bipartisan achievement is an important step toward supporting working families and recognizing that caregiving and economic security go hand in hand.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to celebrate WREN’s next chapter with you. Early Bird pricing for our 10-Year Anniversary Summit ends July 31. Reserve your seat today and join us on October 23 in Charleston as we celebrate a decade of impact and build momentum for the work ahead.
Policy Update from Chief Strategy Officer Ashley Lidow
In addition to the exciting news surrounding the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 11, WREN was proud to partner with the League of Women Voters of South Carolina to host a webinar on South Carolina’s recent redistricting developments.
Together, we explored how redistricting shapes political representation, unpacked recent legal and legislative updates, and discussed what these changes could mean for future elections and civic engagement across our state. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we continue making complex policy issues more accessible, understandable, and actionable.
Click here to watch the full webinar.
Events Recap from Senior Partnership & Engagement Associate Aisha Jones
June was filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and build community across South Carolina. We joined The SAFE Organization’s Women and Girls’ Empowerment Summit in Orangeburg and facilitated a Status of Women and Girls conversation in Florence, where community members came together to explore both the challenges facing women and girls and the solutions being built locally.
We also proudly partnered with Stormwater Studios to present Building Bridges Through Art, a community-centered exhibition inspired by WREN’s Status of Women and Girls in South Carolina research. Featuring the work of more than 20 South Carolina artists, the exhibition transformed research into storytelling, using art to spark conversations about healthcare access, pay equity, childcare, and the barriers women and families continue to face. It was a powerful reminder that art can build understanding, inspire dialogue, and strengthen community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the month. We look forward to continuing these conversations in communities across South Carolina.
Donor Relations Note from our CEO Dr. Amalia Luxardo
As we prepare to celebrate WREN’s 10-year anniversary this fall, I’m reminded that every milestone we’ve reached has been possible because of this community.
Whether you’ve attended an event, participated in a webinar, partnered with us, invested in our work, or shared our mission with someone else, you’ve helped build a stronger movement for women across South Carolina.
This October, we’ll gather in Charleston to celebrate not only the past decade but the future we’re building together. If you haven’t already, I hope you’ll reserve your seat today. Early Bird pricing ends July 31, and we’d love to celebrate this milestone with you.
Click here to register for the Summit.
Thank you for believing in WREN and for helping create a South Carolina where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
In community,
Dr. Amalia Luxardo, CEO
Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network