Our Leadership

Matt works as the LGBTQ Strategist for the ACLU South Carolina. He attended the University of South Carolina where he focused on history and religious studies before beginning a career in Government Insurance Programs. Prior to his current role in the ACLU South Carolina, he worked with the South Carolina Insurance Revenue Fund for 15 years, engaging with public and private stakeholders throughout the state. Matt has invested his time with the Harriet Hancock Center in a variety of capacities, supporting the ongoing advocacy efforts within the LGBTQ+ community. 

Fun Fact: In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and his two dogs, Dolly and George.

Shanice Bligen is a passionate advocate for veterans, vulnerable, and underserved populations. Currently serving as the Vice President of Programs at Transitions Homeless Center, she is dedicated to improving the lives of those in need through strategic leadership and compassionate service.

Shanice earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Limestone University and went on to pursue a Master of Social Work at the University of South Florida. Shortly thereafter, she obtained her Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) certification, furthering her commitment to advancing social justice and well-being for all.

Her career is fueled by a deep passion for empowering individuals and communities, ensuring that those most in need have access to the support and resources required for positive change.

Fun fact: Shanice is a huge Disney fan, always embracing the Disney magic!

As an Architect for over 20 years, Gene has been responsible for large projects multi-million dollar projects all over the State of South Carolina. Throughout his career, he has remained involved in his community both locally and statewide having served on various non-profit boards.  Gene is passionate about mentoring and supporting others and furthering equity for all people in South Carolina.  He resides in Columbia’s Melrose Heights neighborhood just around the corner from the Center with his wife, Nicole, and three children. 

Fun Fact: Gene loves to work with his hands. He built dressers for all three of his kids before they were born.  His most recent project was building his new workshop from the ground up.

Bio coming soon!

Almand works as an attorney and has maintained a private practice exclusively in the Family Courts of South Carolina for over 25 years. Almand graduated from the University of South Carolina and continued her studies through the University of South Carolina Law School. She is Board Certified in Family Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a member of the Family Law Institute of the LGBTQ+ Bar. Throughout her career, Almand has represented members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Family Courts of South Carolina, and, since 2020, she has partnered with the Harriet Hancock Center to support the Change Your Name Change Your Life Clinic by providing free or low cost legal services for transgender community members seeking legal name changes.

Fun fact: Almand is a self-proclaimed Deadhead!

Bio coming soon!

Krystle Holmes-Gay is a dedicated advocate for social justice and community empowerment with extensive experience in social work, outreach, and leadership. She earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and obtained her LMSW a year later. As the current Chair of the Midlands Area  Consortium for the Homeless (MACH), Krystle leads initiatives to combat homelessness and create sustainable solutions across 13 counties. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she actively organizes events and community meetings to uplift marginalized and underserved populations.

Fun Fact: Krystle loves to karaoke. 

Bio coming soon!

Stephen has been the senior minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation since 2019. He leads a welcoming and affirming congregation committed to diverse spirituality, diverse people,   and social justice. In addition, he also leads the spiritual care education programs for the Prisma Health Healthcare System, which he has done since 2004. Stephen has been actively involved in social action groups in Columbia, and has a deep love and appreciation for the good work of the Harriet Hancock Center.

Fun Fact: Stephen has three daughters, ages 23, 16, and 4, which keep him busy.

Sydney uses her Master of Social Work to identify and strengthen community partnerships in her position with the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) Research Center. She has experience in direct service provision, program evaluation, and data analysis. Before her current role with CAN, she worked on a child sex trafficking research grant with the USC Children's Law Center, assisted in managing a $4 billion federal award at the South Carolina Department of Education, and worked on the evaluation team at the Children's Trust of South Carolina. Sydney is passionate about fighting for equity, inclusion, and accessibility in South Carolina, a state she is proud to call home. She lives in Columbia with her partner, Jay, and their 17-year-old pup, Sparky.

Fun fact: Sydney did the tallest bridge bungee jump in the world!