Three highly successful South Carolina women will be honored at the 2020 Celebration of Inspiring Women on Monday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Conference Center. The honorees are Pamela S. Evette, lieutenant governor of South Carolina; Gayle L. Resetar, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Tidelands Health; and Jennifer P. Wilson, chief judge of the Myrtle Beach Municipal Court. The event is part of the 10th annual Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women presented by Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL) for Coastal Carolina University. Evette is scheduled to speak at the Women's Leadership Conference on Feb. 11. To learn more about the honorees, or for more information, visit wiplconference.com.

The annual celebration and awards were created as an important and lasting way to recognize women who have had a substantive and positive impact in South Carolina and beyond. Since the program's inception in 2011, 44 women have been recognized.

"Our 2020 honorees - Pamela Evette, Gayle Resetar, and Jennifer Wilson - are three very accomplished women trailblazers who continue to work for a better tomorrow for all," said Terri DeCenzo, WIPL's executive director. "Their individual success stories are truly inspiring. Collectively, they have committed themselves to helping to improve the lives of all those who call the Palmetto State their home. I look forward to recognizing them at our 10th annual Celebration of Inspiring Women."

Evette is the 93rd lieutenant governor of South Carolina and the first female Republican lieutenant governor. She previously served as founder, president, and CEO of Quality Business Solutions Inc., a payroll, human resources, and benefits services firm headquartered in Travelers Rest, S.C.

Resetar first joined Tidelands Health in 1990, and now has day-to-day operational responsibility for the system. She has held numerous positions including assistant administrator at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital. Resetar also led the construction and start-up effort for Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, which opened in 2002, and Tidelands Health Medical Park at The Market Common, which opened in 2019.

Wilson is in her fifth four-year term and is the only black woman to serve as a municipal judge for the City of Myrtle Beach. She helped to establish the city's Homeless Court, which allows repeat offenders to participate in a diversion program instead of jail time or paying a fine. Her background also includes serving as public defender and prosecutor, and owning a private practice as a criminal defense attorney.

The Women's Leadership Conference and Celebration of Inspiring Women brings together women from all walks of life for two days of education, professional and personal development, and networking. Entrepreneurs, professionals, community volunteers and activists, students, moms, and women experiencing a transition in their lives all enjoy this dynamic program with incredible opportunities to learn and grow.

WIPL was founded in 2007 under the leadership of CCU first lady Terri DeCenzo. It is committed to inspiring, connecting and empowering women to strengthen their individual and collective voices in leadership at CCU and in the community, state, region and beyond. Members include faculty, staff and community leaders who are committed to creating and supporting opportunities for women in all areas of leadership and across all disciplines, while continuing to invest in scholarships for CCU students. Since its inception, WIPL has awarded 281 students a total of more than $300,000 in financial support through a fully endowed scholarship and annual awards.