Rhonda Maree O’Banion, media relations manager for Dominion Energy South Carolina, was one of 10 honorees recently recognized during YWCA Greater Charleston’s fourth annual #WhatWomenBring event. The annual event recognizes powerhouse women from across nine industries in South Carolina who are leading the way for women in business, community and culture.
“I am incredibly honored to be considered among such outstanding women for recognition from the YWCA Greater Charleston,” O’Banion said. “Led by a woman who is passionate about their cause, this organization does meaningful work in their mission to empower women and eliminate racism. I encourage people to support their work to make a difference in the lives of women and people of color.”
In her role with Dominion Energy, O’Banion leads a team of communications professionals charged with amplifying the company’s commitment to the customers and communities it serves through media relations, issues management, executive communications counsel, strategic collaboration and more. She sits on the company’s Community Investment Board, Diversity and Inclusion Council and Social Justice Review Committee. She has taught communications courses as an adjunct professor, and is a past president for the South Carolina chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. Throughout her career, O’Banion has received recognition for excellence in the energy industry and communications profession. She is a Leadership Energy Carolinas graduate and a member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy.
During the virtual event hosted by WCBD News 2’s Octavia Mitchell, the 10 honorees participated in panel discussions on topics of gender bias, gender wage gap, succeeding as a woman of color and health disparities. On the topic of women—especially women of color—having success in the workplace and the importance of diverse voices, O’Banion remarked, “We have a voice that’s distinct and unique and adds value, and at a company like Dominion Energy that absolutely embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, it definitely matters to have those voices at the table and in the room.”
O’Banion is a Walterboro High School alumna. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina-Aiken where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and speech communication, and she holds a master’s degree in mass communication from the University of South Carolina. She and her family live in Irmo, South Carolina.
