My name is Shadae Boakye-Yiadom and I’m a recent University of Michigan graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and minors in German Studies and computer science. I was born and raised in NYC, but moved to South Carolina to start my first full-time job at BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, where I currently work as an Engineering and Operations Management Associate.

I’ve always been one to hit the ground running when presented with new opportunities and experiences and moving to a new state a few months ago to start a new job is no exception. Since moving here, I’ve already gotten involved with organizations that engage in topics that matter to me, such as Safe Harbor, The Urban League of the Upstate and the GCDP.

Safe Harbor is a non-profit organization that helps domestic abuse victims and their children. As a Safe Harbor Ambassador, I inform audiences at local events about the services that we provide and the programs that we offer. The Urban League aims to advance equity by empowering black and other underserved communities through advocacy, education and economic stability. I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in their mentoring and college prep programs. Issues such as women’s rights, healthcare, and racial and economic justice are important to me and I’ve had the privilege to go canvassing for a candidate who supported these issues as well. I’ve also been elected Precinct President of Greenville 25.

I’ve never been one to conform to the status quo and simply accept something because that’s the way it’s always been done. I believe there is always a better, more innovative way to accomplish something. I also believe effective leadership means listening to the needs of those around you. Just two months after I started working at BMW, I’ve already reignited the initiative to increase paid parental leave by using a more novel approach. This came about after listening to expecting employees voice their concerns about the current satisfactory family leave policy. I am certain that innovation and compassion are the keys to turning South Carolina blue!

I’m running for 1st Vice Chair because I believe everyone in my community should be aware of who their community leaders are and how to get involved. The way we engage members of our community needs to be more innovative and acknowledge the differences among people of different generations, religions, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic status and take into account their varying needs. There is nothing wrong with not being able to relate to someone of a different background. The issue comes about when we can’t relate and we don’t care. I recognize that getting people to vote and take part in the decisions that affect their communities is a problem that doesn’t have a “one size fits all” solution. I’m running for 1st Vice Chair to bring more light to this issue, create innovative and compassionate solutions, and thus build a stronger and more unified Greenville County Democratic Party.