Chunsta Miller. Monique McDaniels. Marcia Leake. If you don’t know these names, you ought to learn them quickly. They are leading the charge at Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC), and they’re doing it in a time when women make up 41% of the global workforce yet hold just 31% of VP-level roles and above. 

In honor of Women’s History Month, we talked with GIUMSC female vice presidents – Chunsta Miller, VP of Communication and Public Engagement, Monique McDaniels, VP of Community and Workforce Development, and Marica Leake, VP of Human Resources – about female trailblazers who shape them, the values that anchor them, and the matriarchal gratitude that keeps them going. 

 The following conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

GIUMSC: Who are 2-3 women in history whose legacy you deeply admire and why? 

Chunsta Miller: I have always admired Maya Angelou, Coretta Scott King, and Oprah Winfrey. Each of these women used their voice and influence to create meaningful change. Maya Angelou reminded the world of the power of dignity and resilience through her words. Coretta Scott King carried forward a movement rooted in justice, courage, and service. Oprah Winfrey’s journey shows how perseverance, empathy, and purpose can transform not only your own life but the lives of millions of others. 

Marcia Leake: My grandmother, Macie. Her legacy is one of extraordinary resilience and quiet heroism. At just 13 years old, following the loss of her mother, she stepped into the role of caregiver for her siblings; that’s a weight most adults would struggle to carry. After marrying my grandfather, their home became a sanctuary. Though they lacked material wealth, they possessed an unwavering conviction that God would provide. They turned 'just enough' into 'more than enough,' proving that a legacy isn't built on what you accumulate, but on how many people you bring to the table. 

Mary McCloud Bethune was a visionary who built something from nothing.  She was the first Black woman to serve as a college president and the first to head a federal agency as the Director of Negro Affairs under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Born to former slaves in South Carolina, she was the only one of 17 children to attend school. When she set out to build a school for Black girls in Florida, she started with just $1.50, five students, and crates for desks. She literally paved the way by turning a literal dump site into a center for education and empowerment. 

Monique McDaniels: My Grandmother, Annie Armstrong. She was the heart of our family—steadfast, nurturing, and endlessly selfless. She created a home defined by stability, love, and unwavering support. During my adolescence, she even rearranged her work schedule to be more present for me, and she never missed a single milestone in my life.

My mother, Sylvia Harrison, is another woman whose resilience and determination continue to inspire me. She gave birth to me as a teenager, yet she refused to allow her circumstances to limit her future—or mine. She completed high school, pursued college, and worked tirelessly to establish stability for us. She went on to become a business owner and has successfully run that business for nearly 40 years. 

I deeply admire Michelle Obama for the way she leads—with grace, confidence, and profound self-awareness. As a woman of color operating on some of the most visible stages in the world, she faced pressures and expectations that few can imagine. She met every obstacle with grit and dignity, knowing that she represented millions of women and girls who saw themselves in her. Her humility and steady presence remind me to approach high-pressure situations with the same poise and purpose.  

GIUMSC: How have the women listed shaped your approach to leadership or life at large? 

Monique McDaniels: The women who have shaped me—my grandmother, my mother, and Michelle Obama—have profoundly influenced how I lead and move through the world. From them, I learned that leadership begins with care, courage, and the belief that people thrive when they are supported with intention and compassion. Together, these women shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in collaboration, inclusivity, and empowerment. I strive to build a culture where every voice is heard; every person is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to bring their full self—and their unique gifts—to the work we do. Their lessons guide me daily, informing me not just how I lead, but how I live.   

Marcia Leake: These women — my grandmother, Macie, and Mary McCloud Bethune — have helped me understand the importance of... 

• Resourcefulness – You can turn just enough into more than enough. 

• Empathy-first – Lead with the heart to empathize and understand the true needs of others. 

• Pave the way – Be the “first” so that those behind you don’t have to be the “only”. 

• Lead with influence - You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact – true influence is about the weight of your words and the consistency of your actions. 

GIUMSC: For me, daily motivation comes from... 

Chunsta Miller: Knowing that the work we do changes lives. Whether it’s helping someone gain employment, supporting families, or strengthening our communities, I’m motivated by the idea that even small actions can create a ripple effect of opportunity and hope.

GIUMSC: This Women’s History Month, I am grateful for... 

Monique McDaniels: The women whose strength, sacrifice, and grace shaped the foundation of my life—and for the opportunity to honor their legacy by leading with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to helping others reach their fullest potential.  

GIUMSC: What is an inspirational quote by a woman that resonates with you? 

Marcia Leake: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou