COLUMBIA, SC (WLTX) -- A woman who cracked a lot of glass ceilings here in South Carolina and gave back to the Midlands has died.
Cathy Novinger may not be a household name but she made a difference for many.
Novinger started as a file clerk at SCANA moving all the way up to Vice President. She became the CEO of Palmetto Agribusiness Council helping with the State's agribusiness.
Eleven years agom Novinger was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer. She immediately went to work to help spread the word about what is often referred to as the 'silent killer.' She has served as the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Central South Carolina since organized it 10 years ago. Ovarian Cancer affects about 1 in 72 women. Each year about 15,000 women die from this disease. She was 67 when she died from the disease.
In business and philanthropy Novinger earned many honors including: the University of South Carolina Honorary Doctorate Degree of Public Service, the 2011 Humanitarian of the Year, 2010 Ag Advocate of the Year, 2010 West Metro Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award, 2006 Ambassador of the Year, SC Historical Foundation Society Businesswoman of the Year, SC Schools Public Relations Association Outstanding Leader in Education, Ohio Council of Colleges Outstanding Private Career Graduate, SC Business & Professional Women’s Career Woman of the Year, Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Five Women of the Decade and Midlands Top 25 Influential Leaders.
The Ovarian Cancer Coalition posted on their page, 'We have lost our champion but her inspiration and message of hope will endure.'
