Sue Berkowitz has made life better for thousands; now she's a USA TODAY Women of the Year
Sue Berkowitz is one of USA TODAY's Women of the Year, a recognition of women who have made a significant impact in their communities and across the country. The program launched in 2022 as a continuation of Women of the Century, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote. Meet this year's honorees at womenoftheyear.usatoday.com.
As a young adult, Sue Berkowitz was passionate about social justice. She wanted to pursue a career that would make a difference for individuals in need while promoting the greater good. She attended law school in Massachusetts before settling in South Carolina.
Her career path led her to become the director of the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center, based in Columbia. She now serves as the organization's policy director.
SC Appleseed works on behalf of low-income South Carolinians through litigation, political lobbying, and other advocacy. 'It's so important to have an organization like ours to ensure that low-income folks have the same access to legal and policy support as corporations or businesses,' she said.
In 2018, the South Carolina Bar Foundation honored Berkowitz with its DuRant Distinguished Public Service Award. 'Most people, upon accomplishing 10 percent of what Sue has accomplished so far in life, would be content to call it a great career in helping others," said George Cauthen, a member of the foundation's board. "She has made life better for thousands of South Carolinians in the areas of foster care, justice reform, consumer protection, transportation, homelessness, and others.'
For her ongoing work on behalf of those in need and in favor of social justice broadly, Berkowitz is this year's USA TODAY Women of the Year honoree for South Carolina.
The following interview has been edited for length and clarity:
I think that clearly my parents absolutely centered in me the desire that there be justice for all folk and helped me to appreciate that not everyone has all the opportunities we'd like everybody to have. That was incredibly important for me.
My faith – I was raised to believe that our obligation to the world is to repair the world and make it a better place. That's why we should all be here.
I'm proud holistically of the work and reputation of this organization – that we are here to work on behalf of those who are not always given opportunities to have a voice. We help to make sure their voices are heard.
We are an organization with dedicated, competent people who share those values. We're not afraid. Many times, people have said, 'You can't do that,' and we've said, 'Well, get out of our way because we're going to try' – and often, we can succeed. People deserve 150 percent of our effort every single time.
Putting the needs of others ahead of your individual comfort in order to produce a just and equitable society.
What motivates me every day to do this work is the people I've gotten to work with over the past few decades. My colleagues – but also people in the communities we work with. They motivate me. I ask myself, 'If I was put in this situation, how would I respond? Would I have the same dignity and clarity that the people I work with have?' It's been great to do this work with these folks.
One, I try not to lose my temper. That can be easier said than done. Sometimes I have to remember that it has nothing to do with me – it's about the people in communities we're trying to help.
When somebody says no to changes that need to happen, that's not an acceptable answer. We have to keep working to make those changes happen.
To think before I speak out – sometimes count to five and think things through. At the same time, if it feels right, then you have to speak out. You have to live with yourself and feel that what you're doing is just. There will be times when you feel beaten up, and probably that's OK. It means you're fighting the good fight.
I'm lucky to get to do what I love to do.
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: USA TODAY Women of the Year honoree: South Carolina's Sue Berkowitz
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Black sheep or blue lobster, for example Crossword Clue
In case you've faced some hurdles solving the clue, Black sheep or blue lobster, for example, we've got the answer for you. Crossword puzzles offer a fantastic opportunity to engage your mind, enjoy leisure time, and test your knowledge simultaneously. Now, let's delve into solving the Black sheep or blue lobster, for example crossword clue, featured as 43 Down in the USA Today Crossword on June 9, 2025. Answer: RARITY Daily Crossword Analysis from Sally Hoelscher Sudoku & Crossword Puzzle Answers This crossword clue page was generated automatically using information from You can send feedback to Sally Hoelscher at shoelscher@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Black sheep or blue lobster, for example Crossword Clue - USA TODAY
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
When is Juneteenth 2025? Is there mail? Are banks closed? All about the federal holiday
It's known as America's Second Independence Day, and it's coming soon. Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. It's the longest-running African American holiday, and it became a federal holiday a few years ago. Here's what to know about the holiday. Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in 2025, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. It is one of 11 federal holidays observed every year. The others are: New Year's Day Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Washington's Birthday/Presidents Day Memorial Day July 4 Labor Day Columbus Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Christmas Day Juneteenth will be marked on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Unlike other federal holidays, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving, which are observed on a specific day of the week, Juneteenth is celebrated on the actual day. Juneteenth commemorates the day — June 19, 1865 — when federal soldiers arrived in Galveston to take control of Texas and ensure the slaves were freed per the Emancipation Proclamation, according to the History Channel. Juneteenth — short for June nineteenth — marks the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. Juneteenth is a portmanteau of June 19, the day Union troops arrived in Galveston. It became known as "Juneteenth" by the newly freed slaves of Texas, according to the National Museum of African American History & Culture at the Smithsonian. President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. But its effect was limited, according to the National Archives. It only applied to states that seceded during the Civil War, leaving slavery intact for slave states that stayed with the Union. It also could not be enforced until Confederate states were under Union control, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Therefore, it took until June 19, 1865, for slaves in Texas to be freed. Slavery in America was formally abolished with the 13th Amendment, which was ratified Dec. 6, 1865. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17, 2021, according to USA TODAY, after Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act that same month. Juneteenth began rising to prominence in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, a Black man, sparked protests across the country against police brutality, USA TODAY reports. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., first introduced the Juneteenth bill in 2020 following the killings of Floyd and Breonna Taylor of Louisville, Kentucky. His initial attempt to pass the bill was unsuccessful. No. As a federal holiday, the U.S. Postal Service is closed that day, and there will be no mail delivered. FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available on June 19, according to the company's website. FedEx Office locations will also be open, USA TODAY reports. Juneteenth is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, meaning the organization that regulates the nation's banking system is closed, according to Banks aren't required to close for Federal Reserve holidays, but they often do. Transactions made during these holidays won't be posted until the next business day. Branches of Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase will be closed on Juneteenth, USA TODAY is reporting. Capital One Cafes will remain open. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on federal holidays and will be closed on Juneteenth, according to its website. Trash pickup may be delayed because of Juneteenth, depending on the hauler. Contact your municipality or private provider to learn more. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: When is Juneteenth 2025? Is there mail? Will banks be open? What to know
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ohio Lottery Pick 3 Midday, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 8, 2025
The Ohio Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here's a look at June 8, 2025, results for each game: Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening. Midday: 5-0-9 Evening: 3-3-4 Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening. Midday: 2-9-1-7 Evening: 8-9-3-1 Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening. Midday: 8-6-4-1-9 Evening: 2-7-2-7-4 Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 7:05 p.m. 06-08-11-13-18 Check Rolling Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 10:35 p.m. 05-11-20-42-43, Lucky Ball: 10 Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets. You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer. Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Enquirer digital news director. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio Lottery Pick 3 Midday, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 8, 2025