Dr. Ann Marie Taylor | Chief Vision Officer, Horse Creek Academy
Keynote Speaker: Strong Women Are Not Born. They Are Built. Real leadership starts with vulnerability, courage, and the willingness to be fully seen. In this deeply honest and unexpectedly humorous keynote, Dr. Taylor shares personal stories of leadership, rejection, resilience, and identity while exploring the hidden pressures many women carry every day. Blending storytelling with research and authenticity, she challenges women to stop performing strength and start embracing connection, healing, and authentic leadership.
Bio: Dr. Ann Marie Taylor is an accomplished South Carolina educator, speaker, and visionary school leader known for her innovative approach to public education, school culture, and collective leadership. A former South Carolina Teacher of the Year, she currently serves as Chief Vision Officer of Horse Creek Academy in Aiken, where she has helped cultivate a culture centered on flexibility, connection, service, and shared leadership. Dr. Taylor began her career in juvenile justice before transitioning into education with a mission to create lasting change in the lives of students and families. Known for her authentic and people-centered leadership style, she has partnered with organizations across the state to help advance collective leadership initiatives and innovative educational practices. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, she continues to teach Criminology and Psychology of Happiness, staying closely connected to students and the classroom experience.
Danielle Thompson | CEO, Quixote Hospitality
Generations of Strength, Stories, and Leadership Panel: Danielle Thompson brings a powerful perspective on leadership, vision, and community impact through her work transforming downtown Sumter. As a business owner, developer, and community leader, she offers insight into perseverance, innovation, and what it means to build something meaningful while creating opportunities for others along the way. Her story reflects the balance of ambition, leadership, legacy, and investing deeply in the place you call home.
Bio: For more than two decades, Danielle Thompson has been committed to creating lasting dining, entertainment, and hospitality experiences that strengthen the Sumter community. After leaving a successful career in real estate and development, she pursued a vision for a flourishing downtown Sumter, beginning with the opening of Hamptons restaurant. Under her leadership, Hamptons became one of South Carolina’s premier restaurants and was recognized twice among the Top 100 Best Restaurants in the United States. Danielle continued investing in downtown Sumter through ventures including Sidebar, the Hyatt Place Hotel, Quixote Club, Sumter Original Brewery, and numerous community events such as Oktoberfest and Derby Day. Her work has earned statewide recognition, including the Master Merchant Award, Greater Sumter Chamber Business Person of the Year, and the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor.
Lauren Daylami | Director of Operations, Quixote Hospitality
Generations of Strength, Stories, and Leadership Panel: Lauren Daylami brings a thoughtful perspective on leadership, growth, and creating meaningful experiences through both business and community engagement. With a background in economic development and hospitality operations, she offers insight into balancing ambition, creativity, and authenticity while navigating leadership in evolving professional spaces.
Bio: Lauren Daylami is a Sumter native and graduate of Wilson Hall and Clemson University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing. She began her career with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, serving in multiple leadership roles while also earning her MBA from the University of South Carolina. In 2018, Lauren returned home to Sumter and now serves as Director of Operations for Quixote Hospitality. Known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and eye for design and function, she helps create memorable hospitality and event experiences throughout the community.
Patty Jaye Garrett Patterson | Retired Chief of Police
Generations of Strength, Stories, and Leadership Panel: A trailblazer in public safety and leadership, Patty Jaye Garrett Patterson brings decades of experience breaking barriers, mentoring others, and serving the Sumter community. As the first female and first African American Chief of Police for the City of Sumter, she offers powerful insight into resilience, leadership, legacy, and what it means to lead with both strength and compassion across generations.
Bio: Patty Jaye Garrett Patterson is the retired Chief of Police for the City of Sumter, with more than 32 years of distinguished service in law enforcement and seven additional years as Public Safety and Welfare Director. Throughout her career, she achieved numerous historic milestones, including becoming the first female and first African American Chief of Police in Sumter. Her experience spans roles as Assistant Chief, SLED Agent, SWAT Team Member, Juvenile Investigator, Deputy Sheriff, and instructor with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. A graduate of the FBI National Academy and a respected leader, speaker, mentor, and advocate, Patterson has served on numerous local, state, and national boards while earning recognition for her impact on public safety and community leadership.
Anastasia Patterson | Professional Angler & Entrepreneur
Generations of Strength, Stories, and Leadership Panel: From competitive cheerleading to professional bass fishing, Anastasia Patterson shares a unique perspective on identity, ambition, and redefining expectations. Through personal experiences in athletics, entrepreneurship, and traditionally male-dominated spaces, she brings an authentic voice to conversations around confidence, resilience, and carving your own path while honoring where you come from.
Bio: A proud Sumter native, Anastasia Patterson is a graduate of Thomas Sumter Academy and Presbyterian College, where she earned a degree in Political Science and International Business with minors in Pre-Law, Mandarin, and Theatre. A former National Cheerleading Champion and Worlds competitor, she was a four-year All-American in UCA and NCA Cheer and NDA Dance before transitioning into professional fishing. Today, Anastasia competes in the Bassmaster Opens Pro Division, Major League Fishing Toyota Series and BFLs, and the Carolina Bass Challenge, among others. Her work with the BassmastHER Initiative has helped encourage and elevate women in the sport while continuing to inspire others through her determination, authenticity, and trailblazing spirit.
ATHENA Women’s Leadership Award Recipient | Live Interview & Conversation
ATHENA Leadership Interview: Presented during the opening portion of the seminar and followed by a live interview experience at the conclusion of the day, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors a woman who exemplifies professional excellence, community impact, and a commitment to empowering others. This meaningful conversation offers attendees the opportunity to hear directly from this year’s recipient as she reflects on leadership, mentorship, resilience, and the experiences that shaped her journey. Together, we’ll celebrate not only achievement, but the legacy created when women open doors for others to rise alongside them.
About the ATHENA Leadership Award: The internationally recognized ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute meaningfully to their community, and actively support women in reaching their full leadership potential. Inspired by the qualities of strength, courage, wisdom, and enlightenment, the award honors leaders who create lasting impact while uplifting and encouraging others along the way.