Executive Leadership Team

Ms. Elána R. Frazier joined the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals in 2017 and currently serves as President of the chapter. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, she’s called Columbia, South Carolina home for 4 years now. Professionally, Ms. Frazier is a Project Manager. She consults with government agencies and private entities across the United States to improve strategies on workforce development, economic development, broadband expansion, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to her current role, her work informed policy and legislation in South Carolina as well as special projects and initiatives sustained by the Governor’s State Workforce Development Board. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Ms. Frazier also holds her Master of Science degree in Project Management from Boston University. During her spare time, Ms. Frazier also serves on the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee for her alma mater, Johnson & Wales University. She is passionate about social justice, initiatives that promote innovation, equity and inclusion, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Mrs. Shannon Morris Rush joined Columbia Urban League Young Professionals in 2021 and currently serves as Recording Secretary for the chapter. Professionally, Mrs. Rush is a Senior Benefits Specialist for a human resource consulting firm. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, she is a graduate of Columbia College, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. Mrs. Rush also holds a certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Shannon aims to make a positive impact in the community and is involved in numerous community-wide initiatives ranging from voter registration to youth mentoring. Mrs. Rush is the past Vice President of Carolina Women for Change and Empowerment, currently serves as a Board Member for Women On A Move, a member of Junior League of Columbia, and a Charter Member of Columbia College Black Alumnae Association. 

Ms. Alicia McQueen joined the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals in 2017 and currently serves as the Community Service Chair. As a resident of Columbia since 2011, she constantly participates in service activities that impact underserved communities in areas of economic development, homelessness, and educational materials deficit. Professionally, Ms. McQueen is the Program Manager for the Columbia Urban League's Project Ready program. She is also founder and Director of Pearls 803, Inc., a nonprofit mentoring group for teenage girls. Her team of 7 mentors encourage, empower, and engage young ladies into becoming the best versions of themselves. Ms. McQueen believes serving within her community is her passion and personal duty. She also believes the moment you realize your calling is the moment you truly start living.

Mr. Teddius D. Williams joined the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals in 2017 and currently serves as the Membership & Recruitment Chair. Professionally, Mr. Williams has worked in the healthcare industry since 2009 and is currently the Physician Practice Manager for Surgical Oncology, Trauma Surgery, and Emergency General Surgery for Prisma Health. He is also Chief Executive Officer for Career Connections by T. Williams & Co., where he consults with clients on assessing career values and offers resume writing, interview training, and career development. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, he is a graduate of Columbia High School and Virginia College. Mr. Williams is a strong advocate for young professionals and enjoys giving back to the community in any possible way and inspiring youth. He is a member of Big Homie, Lil Homie Mentoring Program, South Carolina Association of Medical Staff Services, and the National Association of Health Services Executives.

Ms. Candace Thompson joined the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals in 2021 and currently serves as the Communications Co-Chair. She started her entrepreneurial career in 2012 as a partner ambassador for a travel company and began her full-time career as an Artprenuer in 2017, starting her own mobile paint experience company, Canvases With Candace, LLC. Since starting CWC, Ms. Thompson had the opportunity to expand her company’s brand to Artist Life which includes apparel and art supplies. With CWC, she has been commissioned to create murals around Columbia and has been dubbed “The Word Artist”. In 2019, Ms. Thompson published her first book titled #ImpressYourself and in March of 2021, she aired her radio show, Artist Life Radio. She is a speaker and consultant and believes that entrepreneurship means solving problems and sharing your gifts with the world.

Mr. Danny McCrea joined the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals in 2021 and currently serves as Communications Co-Chair. A native of Kingstree, South Carolina, he also spent 11 years in the United States Army as a dental assistant. Professionally, Mr. McCrea is the Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director for Diesel Up Digital, where he tells stories through photography, videography, and cinematic video. He loves serving the community and helping young people organize their lives through mentoring and hands-on leadership. Mr. McCrea believes that media is a great form of communication if coupled with the right strategy and brand identity.

Dr. Robert Charles joined the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals in 2017 and currently serves as Treasurer of the Chapter. Professionally, Dr. Charles serves as the Vice President and Chief Business Officer for Northeastern Technical College, Inc. and is Principal Founder of The Robert Charles, CPA, P.A. Firm. A native of the Fairfield County area, Dr. Charles received his Bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Accounting from Francis Marion University and his Master degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Winthrop University. He also holds his Juris Doctorate degree from the Charlotte School of Law. Dr. Charles is the current pastor of The Rock Church, Inc.

Mr. Hamilton R. Grant reestablished the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals in 2017 as Chapter President and currently serves as an advisor to the Executive Leadership Team. Professionally, Mr. Grant serves as President for Grant Business Advisors, LLC (GBA), where he works with clients to understand their financial needs and works to develop a financial solution. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, he is a graduate of Richland Northeast High School and South Carolina State University. He also holds his Master of Business Administration from Alabama A&M University. Mr. Grant plays an active, passionate, and invested role in his community in many areas and is a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.