Mostly behind the scenes working with marketing, financing, partnerships and helping to raise capital. You might run into me around irmo at The Bistro or hanging out at the main Sharpvue HQ working. 

Fun Fact:

I love the color orange and every company I start has a hint of orange in it somewhere as my signature of ownership.  :)

In 2023, I enthusiastically became a part of the SHARPVUE Irmo International Festival team, focusing on expanding local business sponsorships. My role was instrumental in increasing funding for this dynamic event, with a key objective being to shine a spotlight on sponsors' brands. By fostering strategic partnerships, we aimed to create a win-win scenario where sponsors enjoyed heightened visibility and a boosted business image, while the festival thrived as a result of their support. Our mission is to make 2024 a year of remarkable collaboration, enriching both the festival experience and the local business community.

As the newly elected Mayor of Irmo I am very pleased to be part of our Annual International Festival. Speaking internationally, this past April my daughter and I spent 10 days in Europe.  This was no ordinary trip!  We followed in my fathers WW II footsteps from his landing at Utah Beach (September 1944 post d-day) through France, Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany.  We had researched his Army history for years in preparation for this trip.

As it turns out, Dad served in the Third Army under General George Patton. He was attached to the 80 Infantry, 319 Regiment ,Company E. As a rifleman and marksman he fought his way through these countries while being wounded in action twice and awarded two purple hearts. In all he spent two years abroad serving this great country.  This was an emotional trip for my daughter and I.  I would recommend everyone go see these countries and the history they have to offer.  We were treated wonderfully all along the way.

Dan Koon is a lifelong resident of the Irmo area. A graduate of Irmo High and Newberry College, Dan began his work career with the SC Governor’s Office in 1982 under Governor Richard Riley. In 1989 Dan began working for the SC Human Affairs Commission whose mission is to prevent and eliminate discrimination and to promote mutual understanding and respect among all South Carolinians. Retiring after 39 years of State Service in 2023, when he is not gardening or spending time with his family and friends, Dan is active in the church life of Bethlehem Lutheran in Irmo and serves on the Board of the Friends of the Lexington County Museum. 

An IT Senior Systems Analyst by day, I love any opportunity that involves bringing people of diverse cultures together. This international festival is dearer still because it happens right here in Irmo, a place my family and I have called home for the last 15+years.

My name is Kary Vega. I’m from Colombia South America. I’m a mom of three children and a grandmother of 4 wonderful kids. I’m a multilingual teacher. My hobby is playing instruments and singing. I love to participate and promote international cultural events.

I was born in the Irmo community, and I still live here. Educated in LR5 schools, SC State University and Benedict College. I have been active in the community for 40 years or more. Served on the LR5 School Board, and many other community related components. Retired from State Government...married, 3 adult sons, 3 grandchildren. I enjoy serving the people, traveling, golf, and family/church. Honored to serve on the Irmo International Festival Community.

Libby Hendley joined the Sharpvue Irmo International Festival program committee in 2023.  She has lived in the Irmo/Columbia area for over 40 years and worked with many organizations in the Midlands such as SC Career Kids, Interfaith Partners of SC, and Irmo Outreach.

 She was employed at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business for 35 years and retired in 2019 as the Director of the Professional MBA Program.  While there she partnered with many of SC’s industries and employers such as BMW and Boeing to provide educational opportunities for their employees.

Her daughter, Ivy Dalton, is a realtor in Irmo and granddaughter attends Oak Pointe Elementary School.  Libby enjoys gardening, reading and international travel.

Mary Kennerly, Ph.D. worked as a teacher and school administrator for 43 years in Richland and Lexington counties and in Dekalb County, GA.  She's an active community volunteer in her retirement.  She's lived in the Irmo community for the past 50 years.

Small business owner in Columbia and the surrounding areas for 18 years. Actively involved in the high school foreign exchange student programs for 9 years. I have a great love for exploring and sharing other cultures.

Paula Ludwig has lived in the West Columbia, SC area since 2013. She was born and raised in Michigan but has lived all over the United States and even Panama. She is the Event Coordinator for the Irmo International Festival. She has been an Event Coordinator for most of her life as well as an Administrative Assistant at a Native American Tribe in Michigan. She has two biological children but has emotionally adopted several people. She is very involved in her children’s lives and has started working with an exchange student program. She loves learning about other cultures and people.

My name is Stewart Wright. I am a native of Irmo, SC and a 1990 graduate of Irmo high school. I am a 31 year United States Air Force disabled veteran. I attend St Paul AME Church in Irmo where I serve as the Trustee Pro Tem. I'm a co-founder of a local group called WEGOTURSIX that assists veterans, law enforcement and first responders with TBI, PTSD, anxiety and depression. I enjoy community outreach, golfing and hunting.