gempowerment spotlight

Brenna is the woman you want in your corner—your biggest cheerleader, your loudest supporter, and a true “girl’s girl.” She’s the powerhouse behind Hey, Hold That Door—a movement encouraging women to keep doors open for those coming behind them.

A domestic violence survivor, Brenna channels her strength into advocacy for My Sister’s House and raises two confident, community-minded daughters who witness her impact firsthand—from her TEDx Charleston talk to countless volunteer and leadership roles.

Named One to Watch by the Charleston Metro Chamber, Brenna serves on the THRIVE steering committee and co-founded The Helm, an executive mothers group. She’s a driving force for diversity, equity, and inclusion—and simply put, being around her makes you better.

Amy Stasiukaitis is the Chief of Staff at Low Country Case and Millwork (LCCM) in North Charleston, where she’s spent nearly two decades leading alongside her husband, David, with resilience and dedication in the commercial woodworking industry.

Beyond her career, Amy founded The Helm, a thriving network of 50+ executive mothers in Charleston, and serves as Vice Chair of the Harbour Club Board of Governors. She’s also the immediate past chair of Thrive, the Charleston Metro Chamber’s women’s series.

A devoted wife and mother of four (including their angel who would be 5), Amy exemplifies grace, strength, and community leadership—empowering women to lead with purpose and heart.

Nefateri Smalls is a powerhouse of resilience and joy who has dedicated her life to helping others move from their "now" to their "next." As the founder of the nonprofit Healing Hurts, she provides a vital "hand-up" to survivors of domestic violence and single-parent families through initiatives like her community diaper bank. Her leadership is defined by a deep, nonjudgmental care that creates a "safe space" for healing and growth.

An accomplished author of three books and a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, Nefateri is a master of life skills and independence. She uses her own journey of transformation to teach the importance of self-love and wholeness, showing our GEMs that their past does not define their potential. Her work is a testament to how one person’s "brilliance" can spark a domino effect of hope throughout an entire community.

Nefateri’s impact is truly GEMpowering, as she balances high-level leadership with a servant’s heart. Whether she is writing, coaching, or advocating for others, she leads with a "shine" that is impossible to miss. We are honored to spotlight her as a role model who exemplifies what it means to lead, serve, and "GEM-ify" the world around her.