Talking Points
Mill Village Ministries’ community director Rhonda Rawlings raises her voice for good
RHONDA RAWLINGS SPEAKS UP—continually uplifting her community, her colleagues, and her friends. Throughout her career in communications—as the news and community affairs director at SummitMedia Greenville, the South Carolina communications director for Cory Booker’s presidential campaign, and now as the community director for Mill Village Ministries, whose myriad programs empower our underserved neighbors—Rhonda magnifies countless voices.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, which is a suburb just outside of New York City. I could leave my house, walk two blocks, and be in the Bronx—go Yankees! Fun fact: Mount Vernon is also the hometown of my favorite actor, Denzel Washington.
What led you to Greenville?
I have always loved South Carolina. My son and I have family here, and we moved from New York 15 years ago when he was 8 years old. I’m an only child, and I wanted him to have the experience of being around a large family and lots of cousins.
“Working with such an incredible group of individuals who have such great hearts for people and the community is a wonderful thing.”
Have you always been drawn to communications?
Yes! When I was a little girl, I would take a hair brush or spoon and pretend like I was talking into a microphone doing interviews. I was always fascinated with television and radio, and I knew it was my calling. I moved to Los Angeles after I graduated from Temple University and worked behind the scenes on multiple television shows and movies. I would get actors and actresses to do mock interviews with me. I was always practicing my craft (laughs).
What is compelling for you about radio?
Radio has been such a blessing in my life. It has given me an incredible platform to serve. Local radio in particular provides such a great asset to the community. It is a way to engage the listener with a mix of entertainment and valuable information. I was fortunate to work as the local producer for The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Mr. Joyner really perfected this form of purpose-filled radio.
Now I am thankful to have a segment on Salem Media with The Praise Party, which is a syndicated show that airs in over 20 markets across the country. My segment “Raise the Praise” is one that focuses on encouraging topics and relatable conversation to enhance the lives of listeners.
What is the most rewarding part of your job as community director for Mill Village Ministries?
The most rewarding part of my job is two-fold. One is working with such an incredible group of individuals who all really have such great hearts for people and the community. Also being able to see the benefits of the work we are doing is a wonderful thing. Hearing from people who are able to receive fresh produce from the food share program about the difference it is making for their family, or from an entrepreneur who has gained confidence from our Village Launch program, or seeing someone come in to trade their volunteer hours for a bicycle so they are able to get to and from work—all of these things are very rewarding.
What new programs are in store for 2023?
Mill Village Ministries has much in store for 2023. Our business program for entrepreneurs is expanding, as are our youth development and apprenticeship programs.
We have exciting events that are upcoming: our Culinary Concert event is coming in April; the Village Quench event will take place again in July; and we will host our first fundraiser for Village Launch, Village Ignite, at Genevieve’s at the Peace Center on February 16.
On a personal side, I am continuing to build my social media page Uplift Upstate, which provides news, information, and a look at the wonderful places and people that make the Upstate such an incredible place.
You’re passionate about travel. Where to next?
Travel is one of my favorite things to do! My next trip is scheduled in April to Cancun. I have never been, and I’m thrilled for the new experience. I’m also a Disney lover, so I may squeeze in an Orlando trip in the near future as well. Oh! I fell in love with Hawaii in 2022 when I visited Waikiki, and I’m planning to visit Maui later this year. I’m definitely a toes-in-the-sand kinda girl.
