Charleston Law alum selected to Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Initiative

Charleston School of Law alumni Nickisha M. Woodward (’13) has been selected to participate in the Riley Institute’s intensive five-month Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) program. Woodward joins 41 other leaders from across the Lowcountry of South Carolina to develop the skills and perspectives necessary to leverage diversity in their organizations in ways that drive social and economic progress in South Carolina

Woodward, a litigator at Turner Padget, was also honored earlier this year by South Carolina Lawyers Weekly as one of its Influential Women of 2024.

“Nickisha is integral in helping our firm create and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we are excited for this opportunity for her to connect with other leaders from South Carolina who are equally committed to driving change in our state,” said C. Pierce Campbell, chief executive officer of Turner Padget. “Nickisha was selected for participation through a rigorous application and interview process. We look forward to the many insights she will gain and share with the rest of us at Turner Padget.”

Graduates of DLI become Riley Fellows, members of a robust cross-sector network of over 2,800 South Carolinians that includes corporate CEOs, legislators, superintendents, religious and nonprofit heads, and business and community leaders. 

The Riley Institute empowers emerging and established leaders – across sectors and throughout society – with the knowledge and tools to advance equity and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina and beyond. The organization works to strengthen public education; promote the power of diversity to help teams, organizations, and communities thrive; and elevate informed, evidence-based approaches to critical public issues. In all it does, the institute is committed to nonpartisanship and a bias-free path to change.