04/16/2026
That’s our own Jeanie Hunter!
We are proud to announce this year’s 🌟North Star Honorees 🌟 who are two extraordinary women whose work is shaping industries, communities, and the future:
Jeanie Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Synergy Development Partners. A visionary leader behind more than $600 million in construction and development projects, Jeanie has spent over two decades driving economic growth and expanding access for minority-owned businesses. Her influence extends beyond projects, as she is actively shaping a more inclusive and equitable future within the construction industry.
Tara Lyons serves as Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia and is a more than two-decade veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice. She has led major federal prosecutions involving violent crime, civil rights violations, and child exploitation, and played a key role in the federal hate crimes trial in the Ahmaud Arbery case. She previously served as First Assistant United States Attorney and is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Justice Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service.
Together, they embody what it means to be a North Star. They are guiding lights whose leadership shows us what’s possible through dedication, purpose, and a belief in the power of education.
📍 April 25, 2026 | Charleston, SC
An evening that brings together alumni, supporters, and champions of student success.
Because this night is more than a celebration.
It’s a moment to honor those who lead the way forward.
✨ Be in the Room.
Visit: https://scstategala.swell.gives/