Biography
Andrea is a native of the Promised Land (Greenwood SC) community. She is the daughter of Shirley Parker White and the late Reginald Renard White. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Limestone College and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Mental Health from Webster University. She is also a graduate of the Women’s Leadership Institute at Furman University’s Center for Corporate and Professional Development. Andrea has certification in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) through the University of South Florida (USF) Muma School of Business, and most recently become a Riley Fellow through Furman University’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI). With 18 plus years of leadership in education, Andrea brings to the nonprofit sector demonstrated leadership abilities, an inclusive management style, and a passion for advocating for the voiceless in her community. In 2021 she assumed the role of Executive Director for the Food Bank of Greenwood County; leading new initiatives and programs that have increased the services to the Food Bank’s already well-established clientele. At the Food Bank, Andrea has created a holistic approach to food insecurity and food equity, and advocates for those who do not have a seat at the table. She directs all aspects of the organization’s efforts of fundraising, communications, advocacy, outreach, and volunteer resources. She is very active in her community by serving on various committees and boards. Andrea is board member for the Leadership Greenwood Board of Regents for the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce; board member for Keep Greenwood County Beautiful; chairperson for the Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Council; club director for the Rotary Club of Greenwood; serves on the Greenwood Promise Engagement Committee; she also is an active member of the Greenwood Rotary Club and Lions Club. Andrea is a graduate of Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Leadership Greenwood Class of 2021 and awarded the Under 45 Star for the Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Andrea was inducted into Marquis Who’s Who biographical registry for her standard of excellence in leadership, inclusive management, and community advocacy. Andrea is an active member of the Greenwood Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and served the state of South Carolina (7th Episcopal District AME Church) as the Episcopal Commissioner of the Debutante-Master Commission (DMC), a Christian Rite of Passage program for thirteen years. An advocate for girls, Andrea believes every young girl should have the opportunity to become the best version of themselves. She has a strong passion for developing the next generation of leaders. Andrea is the President/CEO of BLOOM (Becoming Leaders of Optimism &Meaning), a nonprofit leadership development program for girls. Andrea remains committed in doing her part as a community servant and advancing leadership opportunities for girls. Andrea’s philosophy is “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” Shirley Chisholm