OUR PURPOSE is to bring awareness to epilepsy and allow this to be a topic of conversation or dialogue. My is to ultimately have an organization that will support the epilepsy community.
OUR MISSION is to serve those affected by epilepsy in all communities in Charleston, SC through education, inspiration and advocacy.
The Team
Who We Are
JenVon Cherry
Founder & CEO
Write a bio for each team member. Make it short and informative to keep your visitors engaged.
Melissa Stephens
Vice President
Meet Rev. Melissa Harvin Stephens. She is a 17 year veteran teacher currently employed in Sumter County as a Reading Interventionist. Mrs. Stephens is also an associate minister in the African Methodist Church. In May 2022, she became apart of the Epilepsy/ Seizure Community. She strives to support others who suffer from seizures as well as educate our community about Epilepsy & Seizures.
Dwan Young
Secretary
Dwan Young currently serves as the Secretary for Epitome of Epilepsy. She is from Goose Creek, SC, and is a graduate of Goose Creek High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree from Allen University and her Master of Science in Management degree from Southern Wesleyan University. Dwan is currently employed with Kraft Heinz as an Associate Human Resources Business Partner. She is also a board member for a non-profit organization, Delightful Thinkers, that provides support to youth in South Carolina. Dwan has held many leadership roles throughout her career and personal endeavors. She is an active member of the Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She believes that in life, you should treat others the way you want to be treated. Her spiritual motto is Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV), For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Duane Harvin, Sr.
Treasure
Duane Harvin, Sr is the owner of Black Oak Insurance Services of SC. Duane has been in the insurance and financial services industry for over 25 years. After spending 10 years with Wachovia Bank, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to leave the bank and start a division of a mortgage company with locations in Columbia, Greenville and Charleston while also starting a company to do real estate construction and development. As a result of the economic crash of the late 2000’s opportunities in both businesses dried up. Duane then decided to explore opportunities in the insurance business, eventually joining State Farm. After 8 years with State Farm, he decided to open his own independent insurance agency, Black Oak Insurance Services of SC.
Black Oak Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency licensed in South Carolina and North Carolina specializing in property and casualty coverage. Being appointed with over 30 carriers allows them the flexibility to satisfy a wide variety of client needs, from home and auto to commercial coverage for business owners. Black Oak Insurance prides itself in providing a personal touch by taking time to learn the specific needs of each client in order to recommend appropriate solutions. Educating and empowering their clients is very important to them. The majority of their business comes from referrals, which is a direct result of their commitment to service first.
Duane, who is originally from Manning, SC, is a 1990 graduate of Manning High School. He attended Wofford College where he was elected captain of the football team and served on the Student Presidential Advisory Board. Duane received a degree in business economics from Wofford College in 1994. He earned an MBA from Webster University in 2002. In his spare time Duane works in the family business, Harvin’s Haven and loves to spend time with his children, son Duane, Jr an account executive at WIS-TV in Columbia, SC and daughter, Lore, a Page at NBCU in NYC.