FORT MILL, S.C. – South Carolina Citizens for Life President Lisa Van Riper has received the prestigious She Leads Carolinas Award for her Christian pro-life and education leadership in a challenging secular
society.
Mrs. Van Riper received the award September 18, 2025, in Fort Mill, S.C., at the Christian Women of Distinction Banquet sponsored by She Leads Carolinas, a chapter of She Leads America, an international Christian women’s
organization.
Introduced for the award by Pastors Patrick and Heather Conley, Mrs. Van Riper chronicled her journey into the pro-life movement and what she came to see as “answering a call to defend unborn children and their mothers.” She spoke about researching the lethal 1973 Roe v. Wade
decision and discovering its total lack of legal protection of unborn children. That research, she said, enlightened her understanding of the “humanity of the unborn and the inhumanity of abortion to both the mother and the child.” She said she learned that most abortions are for birth control and abortion eventually would open the lethal pathway to euthanasia.
Mrs. Van Riper spoke of her vision for a culture of life after the 2022 Dobbs decision that overturned Roe and returned abortion regulation laws to the States. Recounting how the South Carolina General Assembly enacted the Fetal Heartbeat and Protection from Abortion Act in 2023, she said, “If we can’t protect the heartbeat of the unborn, the heartbeat of no one is protected. Without a heartbeat law, none of our
heartbeats are protected,” she said.
She concluded her remarks with the scripture from Isaiah 60:1-3: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and
His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”
She Leads America, according to its website, “is a company of women made up of many ethnicities, denominations, and backgrounds. As senior leaders engaged in 10 fields of interest including education, business, government, health and wellness, community outreach, social action, family, life and welfare, media and entertainment and Christian Ministry, we celebrate the accomplishments and
impact women of faith are having in all sectors of society. As women connect in celebration of what God is accomplishing through our lives, collaboration is ignited and change is accelerated to bring faith-based solutions to modern day challenges.”
Mrs. Van Riper was one of 15 women from South Carolina and
North Carolina honored at the Christian Women of Distinction Banquet including Ainsley Earheartt, co-host of FOX News “Fox and Friends.” Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, a past She Leads recipient, attended the dinner as well as Liz Doyle, Founder and President of She Leads America, and Dr.
Elizabeth Enns and Wendy Hawley, founders of She Lead Carolinas in 2023.
Mrs. Van Riper’s bio, printed in the dinner program, was read as she was introduced to receive the award. In addition to her work with South Carolina Citizens for Life, her distinguished
career with North Greenville University which awarded her an honorary doctorate in 2020, was emphasized. Here is the program text:
As President of South Carolina Citizens for Life for over 20 years, Lisa has been a tireless advocate for the sanctity of human life, guiding her organization
with unwavering commitment to influence public policy and inspire community awareness. Lisa's journey is a testament to faithful service and visionary impact.
With a distinguished career spanning education and community leadership, she has shaped lives and policies
across South Carolina. As a consultant for North Greenville University, where she once served as Director of Public Affairs and the Honors Program, Lisa has built bridges with governmental leaders and championed educational excellence. Her past roles, included leading welfare reform at the Putting Families First Foundation - earning a Distinguished Service Award from the National Governors Association, as well as shaping early childhood education on the South Carolina First Steps Board. A gifted
educator, Lisa has taught political science at North Greenville University and USC-Upstate, empowering students to engage thoughtfully with public policy. She has been active in teaching at First Presbyterian Church and serving with the Child Evangelism Fellowship. Recognized with South Carolina's prestigious Order of the Palmetto and the Woman of Achievement Award, Lisa’s contributions extend far and wide, building a legacy of vision and compassion. Tonight we celebrate Lisa Cooper Van Ripper,
a true servant leader who inspires us all to lead with purpose and to live in a way that expresses God's love on every side.
Others notable women who have received the She Leads commendation include FOX News personality Harris Faulkner, Senator Marsha Blackburn, and internationally known advocate for persons with
disabilities Joni Eareckson Tada.
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