Karina Garrison serves as president of the Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, leading the organization’s mission to encourage business and community success East of the Cooper. She earned a degree in English literature from Mildenhall College in the United Kingdom and was born and raised in England before moving to the United States.

Under her leadership, the chamber relocated to its first physical headquarters at 534 Johnnie Dodds Boulevard in Mount Pleasant in August 2024, establishing a brick-and-mortar operations center for meetings, events and community connections. The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce named Garrison Member of the Year in 2023.

She serves on the board of directors for Pattison’s Academy from 2023 to 2025, which recognized her as Community Partner of the Year in 2022. “Lead with love, not an agenda,” Garrison said of the best advice she has received.

Garrison defines success as making a positive difference in others’ lives through business growth support, opportunity connections and community encouragement.

Marilyn Hemingway earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of South Carolina before founding the Gullah Geechee Chamber Foundation Inc and Gullah Geechee Chamber of Commerce, where she serves as CEO and president.

Hemingway received a presidential appointment to the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission National Heritage Area and was elected chair of the Commission’s Economic Development and Tourism Alliance committee in 2024. She serves on multiple boards including the SC Energy Coalition, Just Transition Advisory Board Santee Cooper and SC Seagrant Consortium Advisory Board.

In 2024, Hemingway partnered with 7 Dimensions Outreach and Solar United National to develop South Carolina’s first renewable energy project of its type led by two Black women-operated organizations—a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station paired with a workforce development OSHA 10 certification course in Georgetown.

Her recent certifications include sustainability leadership from Furman University and economic development from the SC Department of Commerce. Hemingway credits her mother’s guidance: “You have the right, honor and responsibility to question authority.”

Karen R. Jenkins holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. As President and CEO of KRJ Consulting, LLC, she leads a 27-person organization specializing in business consulting with an innovative approach to helping organizations adapt to change while keeping people at the center.

Jenkins made history as the first African American woman to chair the Columbia Chamber of Commerce in its 121-year history. She serves on the Executive Board of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, where she chairs the Small Business Committee, and is a member of the National Small Business Association Leadership Council.

In early 2025, Jenkins founded The Synerverse, a professional development community for entrepreneurs and leaders navigating change, fear and uncertainty with courage and clarity. She is also a TEDx speaker on the topic of Leveraging the Power of Energy Within.

“Your mindset determines your momentum,” Jenkins said. “Where your mind goes, your energy flows and what you focus on grows.”

Neita Wiese brings extensive expertise in international affairs, government relations and economic development to her role leading Charleston Sister Cities International. Her career spans Fortune 500 companies including Hospital Corporation of America, Solvay Pharmaceuticals and Price Waterhouse Coopers, where she developed skills in communications, sales, marketing and management consulting.

Wiese has also contributed to the nonprofit sector through her work with the American Heart Association. She expanded her international business portfolio through export ventures in the specialty food sector, becoming a charter member of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Food Association.

In her current position, Wiese led a 2018 trade mission to Panama City, Panama, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, to promote economic growth and trade opportunities. She regularly hosts international business delegations and foreign dignitaries.

Wiese has served on numerous community boards including Charleston Women in International Trade as programs chair, the South Carolina Specialty Food Association as public relations chair and the Gibbes Museum of Art.