56 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN LANA Kleinman, Executive Director, Charleston Legal Access Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. "As executive director of Charleston Legal Access, I lead a nonprofit sliding-scale law firm committed to expanding access to justice for low-income and working-class families across South Carolina. Justice shouldn't depend on how much money you make or where you're from. I'm driven by the people we serve — tenants facing eviction, immigrant families seeking security and survivors of domestic violence seeking safety." What advice would you give to other women, and who is a woman who has inspired your journey? "Trust yourself, even when you don't have all the answers. So many of us feel like we need to be fully qualified, fully prepared or perfectly polished before we take the next step. I'm inspired by Sally Newman, the founder of Charleston Legal Access, who created something from nothing with vision, grit and a fierce commitment to justice." How do you contribute to making Charleston a better place for women? "My commitment to women's safety and empowerment drives my leadership at Charleston Legal Access, where I built the Family Law Unit from the ground up using a sliding-scale model. We secure protective orders, custody arrangements and fair property divisions for women and children. Last year, we represented 37 survivors of domestic violence, ensuring they had professional legal support instead of navigating the court system without help." CJ Gathers, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. "As the first Black woman to lead Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, I stand on the shoulders of so many women who have fought for visibility, equity and change. I do this work because I believe every child deserves to feel seen, heard and supported, especially ensuring that Black and brown kids know they belong and can dream big." How do you contribute to making Charleston a better place for women? "I lead by showing up as my full self and making space for others to do the same, whether mentoring women in the nonprofit sector, advocating for equity in leadership or creating a culture of belonging within my organization. I'm intentional about lifting as I climb, contributing to Charleston's culture where women show up for each other by sharing resources, celebrating wins and offering support during challenging times." What goal or dream are you working toward that excites you most? "Right now, I'm most excited about building pathways of inclusion and healing that outlast me by creating a sustainable, community-powered organization that deeply reflects the children and families we serve. My dream is to shorten the waitlist, expand access and make mentorship a right, not a privilege." CHARLESTON WOMEN We're spending a little time with some of the amazing women in our Charleston-area communities to get to know them better. These are local women who represent many different walks of life. If you would like to be featured or want to suggest a Charleeston Women who should be recognized, let us know at editor@charlestonwomen.com. We Are CHARLESTON WOMEN ANGELA Humphries, Owner, Sew Fabulous LLC and OnPoint Personal Defense Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. "At Sew Fabulous LLC, we specialize in custom alterations, bridal gown fittings, embroidery and sewing education for all ages, but what we really do is help women feel confident, beautiful and celebrated in every season of life. What drives me most is the opportunity to serve with excellence and purpose, whether it's helping a bride achieve her dream fit or watching a child thread a needle for the first time, building confidence, creativity and legacy one stitch at a time." How do you contribute to making Charleston a better place for women? "At Sew Fabulous, we invest in women in practical, lasting ways through two Department of Laborapproved apprenticeship programs in alterations and embroidery to help women build sustainable careers in skilled trades. We also offer classes for both adults and children, creating opportunities for personal growth, creativity and hands-on confidence while regularly supporting local and national charities that serve and uplift women."
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