The WGFS Jan Scalisi Woman of the Year Award is an honor given to individuals who have unselfishly and tirelessly contributed to WGFS and Spartanburg Community Non-Profits. This award is a way to recognize and express gratitude to members who have clearly given of themselves beyond the norm expected of volunteers in Spartanburg County.

ABOUT JAN SCALISI

Jan represented Spartanburg City Council District 2 for five years and was re-elected unopposed to a second term in 2015. She worked as a freelance writer, editor, graphic designer, professional organizer, and communications consultant. Organizations from the Ford Foundation, Urban League of the Upstate, Spartanburg Day School, Stop the Violence, Spartanburg County Foundation, and Hospice of SC depended on her marketing expertise. She worked previously as an editor at the Greenville News, The Paper, and for WORD Radio. Jan was a tireless volunteer for causes dear to her including the Hub City Bookshop, Miss South Carolina Pageant with recognition for 32 years of involvement, Junior League, and Spartanburg Regional Hospice. She served on the boards of the Chapman Cultural Center, Women Giving for Spartanburg, New Day Clubhouse, South Carolina Artisan Center, Hatcher Garden, Handicapped Athletes Learning to Enjoy Riding (H.A.L.T.E.R.), and the advisory board for the Spartanburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. She received an Award of Achievement from Spartanburg Technical College for Outstanding Contribution of a Woman in Media, a South Carolina Business and Arts Partnership Award for The Paper Contribution of a Woman in Media, and Volunteer of the Year from the Miss South Carolina Organization. Former Mayor Junie White, lamented her passing in 2017, 'While she had firm convictions, she also had the ability to approach issues with an open mind. She would listen to all viewpoints and believed everyone should have a voice and be heard. We will miss her terribly, but at this time I take comfort in knowing that our community is a better place because of Jan Scalisi.'

ELIGIBILITY 

- Current WGFS members in good standing. 

- Individuals who have been members for at least five years in total.

WHO CAN SUBMIT NOMINATIONS? Any WGFS member with an active WGFS membership

Applications close March 2, 2026