Best and Brightest: Alie Springgate

Alie Springgate

Director of Advocacy

Able South Carolina

Greenville

Age 35

In my late 20s, I returned to school to earn a master's in social work, launching a career in disability rights advocacy. I began as an MSW intern at Able South Carolina and, within a little over a year, advanced through several roles to become the director of advocacy. Able SC has provided an incredible environment to grow as a leader, deepen my cultural humility, and strengthen my commitment to disability justice. As a proud woman with psychiatric disabilities, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, I am honored to contribute to a truly disability-led movement. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the opportunity to challenge societal perceptions of disability. I strive to invite others to the proverbial "table," where self-reflection, learning, and honest dialogue can lead us all to true inclusion and equity. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in disability studies and research the intersection of disability, religion, ethnicity, and gender. Whatever path my career takes, my purpose will remain the same: working to eliminate barriers so South Carolinians with disabilities can fully access, participate in, and belong within their communities.

Favorite Quote and Why: “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” — from "Sometimes" by Mary Oliver. I love everything that Mary Oliver ever wrote, but there's something about the simplicity and directness of her words here. The human existence is brief, but it's bright and full of things to love. I want to move through life with this kind of intentionality and purpose. I want my connections with other people to form deep roots, and I never want to stop learning how to be more: more curious, more soft-hearted, more devoted, more content with an unhurried and mundane life.

Definition of a Successful Leader: A successful leader is someone who can not only identify the people missing from the table where decisions are made, but also create opportunities for those people to belong and grow. This leader understands that when barriers to access are removed, everyone benefits together. I believe the best leaders approach their work with humility, curiosity, and courage. They are willing to challenge assumptions, welcome diverse perspectives, and acknowledge when they have more to learn. They lead by example, demonstrating integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to equity. As someone working in disability rights advocacy, I believe successful leadership means sharing power rather than accumulating it. It means ensuring that the people most affected by decisions have a meaningful voice in shaping them. Ultimately, I measure leadership by a person’s ability to leave people, organizations, and communities stronger, more inclusive, and better prepared to continue the work long after that leader has stepped away.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: I would tell her that I love her and that I’m grateful for the choices she made to lead us to where we are today. I would also remind her that, eventually, every hard thing passes and life moves forward — even when it feels like an eternity in the middle of it.