2026 Women's Conference Panel Discussion

BCTV’s 2026 Women’s Conference panel discussion on October 27, 2026, featured local leaders Jean Felix, Laurel Ashley, Dr. Kanda Grant Taylor, and Courtney Hampton discussing women’s leadership, personal growth, public service, wellness, and community needs. Panelists described their paths into election administration, nonprofit work, finance and economic development, and wellness entrepreneurship. Felix discussed public communication and trust in elections, including outreach methods and the use of county facilities and poll workers; Hampton described Bluffton Self-Help’s rising caseload and adult education, literacy, and family-support programs; Grant Taylor emphasized financial literacy and addressing financial stress; and Ashley spoke about wellness and personal resilience.

The discussion also highlighted collaboration among community organizations, workforce and housing pressures, and the importance of respectful, accessible services. No procurement activity was identified: the transcript included no contract awards, solicitations, vendor selections, purchasing approvals, or procurement-related spending votes or motions.