315AW Command Chief earns Influential Woman in Business award

Published July 13, 2013
By Michael Dukes
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Chief Master Sgt. Gigi Manning, 315th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant, was named one of Charleston's Influential Women in Business at an awards luncheon on Daniel Island July 11.

The Charleston Regional Business Journal selected Manning as a winner in the Volunteer category.

Manning leads by example both on and off duty. When she is not governing and mentoring the 315 AW's enlisted Airmen she's very active in giving back to her community.

"I'm often told 'Thank you for your service.' This military uniform is indeed a voluntary thing, but I do this for my nation," said Manning. "This Influential Women in Business award is for volunteering in my community. I am a reservist, and I am not leaving. Everything I do is for my community."

Manning has volunteered since 2010 with the Darkness to Light organization where she educates and trains adults on how to prevent childhood sexual abuse. She continues to be an active volunteer on the subcommittee which organizes functions, recruits other volunteer members and hosts charity galas. In addition, Manning personally works with local business owners to acquire donations for fund raisers. She and her committee recently raised $311,500 at the 2012 Darkness to Light gala.

As a Chase After A Cure volunteer, Manning has helped raise awareness and much needed funds for childhood cancer research and critical equipment for MUSC Children's Hospital. As a key member of the auction items subcommittee, she personally contributed to raising $150,000 this past year.

Manning is a key fundraiser for the Low Country Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She has been helped them raise funds for nine years and has also generated awareness of their cause through social networking and enlisting volunteers to help during events. In preparation for the 2013 10th Annual Champagne Campaign Benefiting Cystic Fibrosis she helped raise $22,000.

"My time is more valuable than just giving money," the Chief said. "When I am face-to-face with members of my community, I have the opportunity to help inspire, motivate and bring forth positive change."

On Joint Base Charleston, Manning has overseen the 315 AW First Sergeant's Council and Chiefs' Group, bringing together the collective expertise of all 315 AW leadership. In this way, she has helped the wing to work through extremely difficult issues with ease, ranging from better quality of life for Airman, to improved organizational structures for all wing members.

SC Biz News, publisher of the Charleston Regional Business Journal, designed the Influential Women in Business Awards to recognize local women who have demonstrated professional excellence and leadership in their careers and community services.

Nominators were instructed to give specific examples of professional excellence, leadership, vision, community service and mentoring. The goal of the award program is that the annual awards will encourage other women to influence the business environment around them.

JBC Influential Women in Business