COLUMBIA CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2026 CATHY NOVINGER TRAILBLAZER AWARD WINNER

Monique McDaniels Recognized for Outstanding Achievements During 8th Annual Power in Heels 

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia Chamber is pleased to announce the winner of the 2026 Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. This award honors an individual who has shown exemplary leadership in their industry, advocates for business, and positively impacts our community. The 2026 recipient is Monique McDaniels, Vice President of Community and Workforce Development for Goodwill Industries of South Carolina.

McDaniels is a purpose-driven workforce development professional and champion of life-changing opportunities. Through her work, she designs and delivers pathways that empower individuals to secure meaningful, lasting careers with transformations that extend beyond the workplace to positively impact families and communities throughout the Midlands and across South Carolina.

Raised by teenage parents, McDaniels understands firsthand the importance of resilience, mentorship, and accessible support systems. This perspective has shaped her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for individuals navigating barriers to career advancement. She believes comprehensive support and strong community partnerships are essential to helping people unlock their full potential.

With nearly 20 years of experience in creative engagement and workforce development, McDaniels has worked with nationally recognized brands and organizations including Chick-fil-A, institutions of higher education, and federal, state, and local governments. Today, she leads initiatives focused on workforce readiness, community engagement, and sustainable economic mobility through her work at Goodwill Industries of South Carolina.

McDaniels is a graduate of Francis Marion University and Clemson University and has completed programs including Leadership Columbia, the Project Management Institute, Columbia College’s LeaderSHIFT program for women executives, and the Riley Institute Fellowship.

“The Cathy Novinger Trailblazer Award celebrates business leaders who lead with vision, purpose, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others,” said Carl Blackstone, President and CEO of the Columbia Chamber. “Monique McDaniels exemplifies those qualities through her dedication to workforce development, community impact, and empowering individuals to build meaningful futures. We are proud to recognize her leadership and the lasting difference she continues to make across our region.”

The 2026 Power in Heels event, presented by Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, will be held at the Columbia Museum of Art June 18, 2026. Tickets are available at columbiachamber.com.