56 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN CHARLESTON WOMEN Get to know some of the Charleston women making our community stronger, brighter and more beautiful. Want to be featured or nominate someone you know? Let us know at editor@charlestonwomen.com. We Are CHARLESTON WOMEN BY REBEKAH MCCUBBINS A NOTE ABOUT Farin Doran We apologize for an error in the last issue's We Are Charleston Women feature about Farin Doran. While we mentioned her business Dolce Vita CHS, we failed to highlight what truly matters most to her: organ donation advocacy. This past year, Farin donated her kidney to a stranger—a direct match she connected with after praying for clarity and seeing abundant signs this was her calling. With over 90,000 people waiting for kidney transplants, Farin has become a passionate Donate Life advocate, reminding us that we all have something special to give this beautiful city. Photo by Ruta Smith Photo by Naja Alston Photo provided by MUSC Hollings Cencer Center AIYANA Mathews Founder, Global Table | President, Gardner-Mathews Global Management Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. “I am the founder of Gardner-Mathews Global Management and the creator of Global Table, a platform designed to bring global conversations into local spaces while connecting culture and business in a city that serves as an international hub. What drives me is the belief that cultural exchange, relationship building and access to opportunity can strengthen both individuals and communities.” What do you love most about being a Charleston woman? “Charleston women carry a rare blend of grace, grit and global curiosity. I love that this city allows women to honor tradition while still creating space to lead, innovate and thoughtfully shape what’s next.” How do you incorporate wellness and beauty in your daily life? “Wellness for me is about intention— being nourished, keeping a calendar that helps me stay balanced and present, and making space for experiences that inspire me, especially travel. Experiencing different places and cultures gives me perspective and creative energy, while caring for myself and my surroundings allows me to show up grounded, confident and fully myself.” DR. ABIRAMI Sivapiragasam, (Abi Siva), M.D. Director of Medical Oncology, MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. “I’m a breast medical oncologist, clinical researcher and Fellowship Program Director at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, where I focus on expanding access to high-quality cancer care across South Carolina. I’m driven by the chance to build impactful clinical and research programs, open innovative trials for diverse patients, translate discoveries from the lab into real advances in patient care and mentor future oncologists along the way.” How do you incorporate wellness and beauty in your daily life? “For me, wellness and beauty come from movement, connection and balance. I stay active with Orangetheory workouts, karate classes with my family and neighborhood runs with my kids. I also love cooking and baking with my daughters, and those everyday moments help me recharge and stay grounded.” Which Charleston woman inspires you? “Dr. Cynthia Talley inspires me deeply. As a surgeon and senior leader in graduate medical education at MUSC, she leads with purpose, compassion and an unwavering commitment to trainees and patients across the state. Her impact-driven leadership reflects the kind of career I aspire to build.” ASHLEY Hay Mitchell Publicist and Owner, Haystack Media Co. | Co-Chair, Slow Food Charleston Tell us about your work and what drives you to do what you do. “I’m a connector, focused on building relationships and bridging creatives across food, beverage and lifestyle brands. As a publicist, I connect journalists to meaningful stories and help clients form community partnerships that amplify their work. I’m driven by alignment and impact, which also fuels my role as co-chair of Slow Food Charleston, advocating for good, clean and fair food for all.” How do you incorporate wellness and beauty in your daily life? “I made a goal last year to spend as much time outside as possible. I love a walk on the beach or along the marsh, where fresh air and the Lowcountry’s natural beauty help me feel grounded. Being outside has become an important part of my daily wellness routine.” How do you contribute to making Charleston a better place for women? “Slow Food Charleston produces an annual Slow Fish Festival in November, a day that teaches people about the waterways, from catching and cleaning fish to enjoying seafood by the river. It’s been fun to create programming for the broader community that helps women feel more confident around fishing and amplifies the work of those behind the event. Many of the anglers and chefs supporting the festival are women.”
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