In 2011, Leadership Atlanta launched the LEAD Atlanta Alumni Association in order to better serve the growing body of LEAD Atlanta alumni. Through programmatic and social events, the Alumni Association aims to maintain and maximize relationships among LEAD Atlanta alumni in order to better the metro Atlanta community. Continued opportunities for professional and personal development will allow alumni to continue their leadership growth and will encourage greater community engagement. Online communication hubs will allow LEAD Atlanta alumni to interact with and assist one another in their civic endeavors.
2021-2022 LEAD Atlanta Alumni Events Calendar
Interested in volunteering or helping to plan an event or program? Email LEADAtlanta@LeadershipAtlanta.org.
We appreciate your commitment as we grow the LEAD Atlanta Alumni Association! Your financial contribution and volunteer support are creating a legacy of leadership for future LEAD Atlanta members to follow.
DUAL ALUMNI
$2,000
Daniel Gordon ‘15, LEAD '09
$1,500
Justin Berman ‘14, LEAD '06
$1,000
Tharon Johnson ‘16, LEAD '10
$500
Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim ‘16, LEAD '10
Andrew Chang ‘19, LEAD '07
Yendelela Neely Holston ‘20, LEAD '13
David Jernigan ‘13, LEAD '07
Addison Meriwether ‘19, LEAD '09
Amy Phuong ‘17, LEAD '09
Hunter Pierson ‘16, LEAD '10
Mitchell Reiner ‘19, LEAD '15
Daniel Shoy, Jr. ‘17, LEAD '05
Scott Wandstrat ‘18, LEAD '09
$300
Nathaniel Smith, Jr. ‘09, LEAD '05
$250
Kevin Gooch ‘19, LEAD '13,
$200
Chris Appleton ‘19, LEAD '13
Raheem Beyah ‘14, LEAD '07
Andrew Broy ‘10, LEAD '06
Edwin Chang ‘19, LEAD '08
Kristina Christy ‘20, LEAD '05
Harold Martin ‘19, LEAD '12
Jamala McFadden ‘17, LEAD '09
Michael Paulhus ‘16, LEAD '12
Shyam Reddy ‘10, LEAD '05
John Stephenson, Jr. ‘10, LEAD '05
LEAD ATLANTA ALUMNI
$200
Gino Brogdon LEAD ‘16
Laura Butts LEAD ‘08
Jason Esteves LEAD ‘12
$125
Kevin Simmons LEAD ‘06
Mark Thomas LEAD '06
$100
Kimberly Adams LEAD ‘08
Aliya Bhatia LEAD ‘20
Lillianne Lewis Debnam LEAD ‘17
Elizabeth Dowdell LEAD ’19
Spencer Humphrey LEAD ‘08
Weslee Knapp LEAD ‘08
Lee Kolber LEAD ‘13
Courtney Showell LEAD ‘10
Rachel Sprecher LEAD ‘19
Kyle Stapleton LEAD ‘16
$75
Jaren Abedania LEAD ‘20
Antwan Aiken LEAD ‘18
Douglas Aldridge LEAD ‘14
James Alexander LEAD ‘11
Brittany Allgood LEAD ‘16
Benjamin Andrews LEAD ‘20
Miriam Archibong LEAD ‘19
April Atkins LEAD ‘11
Danielle Ayers LEAD ‘15
Melina Baetti LEAD ‘17
JaDawnya Baker LEAD ‘13
Angela Ballantyne LEAD ‘17
Andrew Barge LEAD ‘19
Eric Barton LEAD ‘11
Elise Blasingame LEAD ‘19
Greg Bluestein LEAD ‘16
Gregory Boler Jr. LEAD ‘20
Sofia Bork LEAD ‘19
David Bouchard LEAD ‘17
Stanislas Bouckaert LEAD ‘20
MacKensie Brandt LEAD ‘20
Melissa Brogdon LEAD ‘20
Barret Broussard LEAD ‘18
Kirk Brown LEAD ‘15
Maranie Brown LEAD ‘20
Fran'Cee Brown-McClure LEAD ‘18
Christopher Bruce LEAD ‘17
Zerita Buchanan LEAD ‘20
Anna Cable LEAD ‘20
Julianna Cagle LEAD ‘14
Angela Cain LEAD ‘19
Lindsey Caldwell LEAD ‘15
Sam Casey LEAD ‘16
Genny Castillo LEAD ‘16
Armando Castro LEAD ‘09
Merry Hunter Caudle LEAD ‘20
Courtney Clark LEAD ‘14
Alexis Cohen LEAD ‘12
Greg Cohen LEAD ‘17
Michael Colasso LEAD ‘17
Shira Concool LEAD ‘20
Kara Cooper LEAD ‘13
TJ Copeland LEAD ‘14
Noelle Corum LEAD ‘20
Tyler Courtney LEAD ‘15
Veronica Crafton LEAD ‘17
Candice Crawford LEAD ‘19
Susannah Darrow LEAD ‘16
Greg Davis LEAD ‘19
Kimberly Bourroughs Debrow LEAD ‘16
Andy Deutsch LEAD ‘13
Natasha DiFiore LEAD ‘17
Jason Dozier LEAD ‘15
Saira Draper LEAD ‘19
Jessica Dudley LEAD ‘17
Uchenna Ekuma-Nkama LEAD ‘16
Omar Esposito LEAD ‘15
Ariel Esteves LEAD ‘17
Lauren Estrin LEAD ‘11
Jake Evans LEAD ‘18
Stacey Evans LEAD ‘07
Britney Eyster LEAD ‘20
Patrick Fagan LEAD ‘13
Amir Farokhi ’13 LEAD ‘06
Julius Farrington LEAD ‘18
Brien Faucett LEAD ‘19
Joel Feldman LEAD ‘14
Jai Ferrell LEAD ‘17
Mary Elizabeth Flournoy LEAD ‘17
Clinton Fluker LEAD ‘17
Kurt Ford LEAD ‘14
Howard Franklin LEAD ‘05
Nicole Franks LEAD ‘05
Christian Fuller LEAD ‘20
Cicely Garrett LEAD ‘13
Evangeline George LEAD ‘19
Christopher Gilmore LEAD ‘19
Kevin Gillespie LEAD '13
Tevie Givens LEAD ‘17
Kyle Goldich LEAD ‘19
Erica Gordon-Roberts LEAD ‘05
Clara Totenberg Green LEAD ‘20
Jadrien Grimes LEAD ‘16
Jennifer Grove LEAD ‘18
Neichelle Guidry LEAD ‘20
Kofi Gyebi LEAD ‘19
Erika Hall LEAD ‘16
Geneva Hall-Shelton LEAD ‘12
Laura Hamm LEAD ‘10
Courtney Hammond LEAD ‘15
James Hammond LEAD ‘18
Jessica Hardaway LEAD ‘14
Lindsey Hardegree LEAD ‘15
John Hardman LEAD ‘12
Katie Hayes LEAD ‘13
David Hern LEAD ‘19
Megan Holder LEAD ‘11
Elizabeth Holland LEAD ‘06
Shalondan Hollingshed LEAD ‘17
Keocia Howard LEAD ‘20
David Howland LEAD ‘14
Elaine Hudson LEAD ‘17
Clayton Huffman LEAD ‘17
Candis Hunter LEAD ‘17
Sebastian Ibarra LEAD ‘20
Vandoline Ivey LEAD ‘19
Kimberly Jackson LEAD ‘17
Jenny Jang LEAD ‘17
Yeou-Rong Jih ‘20
Adam Johnson LEAD ‘20
Rich Johnson LEAD ‘15
Allyson Jones LEAD’ 19
Natalie Jones LEAD ‘20
Candice Jordan LEAD ‘13
Chenee' Joseph LEAD ‘12
Nicholas Juliano LEAD ‘15
Amanda Kay Seals LEAD ‘17
Mitchell Kaye LEAD ‘20
Al Keeler LEAD ‘18
Laura Kelly LEAD ‘20
Ann Kennedy LEAD ‘18
Katherine Kennedy ‘18
Erin Keyes LEAD ‘20
Justin Kilgore LEAD ‘18
Hilary King LEAD ‘18
Justin Kirnon LEAD ‘16
Joey Kline LEAD ‘19
Dany Koe LEAD ‘18
Hunter Lainhart LEAD ‘20
Sydney Langdon LEAD ‘16
Paul Larkin LEAD ‘19
Alina Lee LEAD ‘20
Drew Levine LEAD ‘15
Lauren Linder LEAD ‘15
Chaundra Luckett LEAD ‘19
Lindsey Luczynski LEAD ‘11
Ashley Mackel LEAD ‘20
Melissa Maheux LEAD ‘18
Shannon Makaila LEAD ‘12
Olivene Makerson LEAD ‘17
Angel Maldonado LEAD ‘14
Jatisha Marsh LEAD ‘14
Brittany Marshall LEAD ’19
Whitney Deal Marshall ‘09
Cedric Matheny LEAD ‘19
Steven McIntosh LEAD ‘19
Mallory McKenzie LEAD ‘19
Jennifer McNeely LEAD ‘16
Stefan Miller LEAD ‘20
Erin Mitchell Richeson LEAD ‘17
Azhar Mithaiwala LEAD ‘20
Maegan Moguel LEAD ‘19
Norledia Moody LEAD ‘14
Micah Moon LEAD ‘19
Katie Mooney LEAD ‘20
Aprille Moore LEAD ‘14
Traron Moore LEAD ‘09
Annie Laurie Murrah-Hanson LEAD ‘17
Ashley Nealy LEAD ‘18
Allison Ng LEAD ‘20
Travis Norvell LEAD ‘16
Zachary Nyein LEAD ‘20
Phillip Olaleye LEAD ‘17
Kathy Ortstadt LEAD ‘14
Jeroz Owens LEAD ‘19
Tari Owi LEAD ‘20
Pamela Palmer LEAD ‘20
Nikki Yu Palugod LEAD ‘19
Adam Parker LEAD ‘19
Matthew Pearl LEAD ‘14
Joshua Penny LEAD ‘20
Christopher Perlera LEAD ‘15
Michael Petrik LEAD ‘16
David Pierce LEAD ‘17
William Pierce LEAD ‘19
Meghan Pietrantonio LEAD ‘14
Daniel Preister LEAD ‘07
Jessica Purser LEAD ‘19
Tereance Puryear LEAD 11‘17
Becky Rafter LEAD ‘06
Lakeesha Ramdhanie LEAD ‘20
Amanda Rhein LEAD ‘06
Meg Robinson LEAD ‘11
Mitchell Robinson LEAD ‘19
Jessica Rossi LEAD ‘11
Blair Rothstein LEAD ‘09
Bethany Rupert LEAD ‘20
Shar'ron Russell LEAD ‘06
Vincent Russo LEAD ‘13
Bilal Saafir LEAD ‘20
Jacquelyn Renée Schneider LEAD ‘17
Amber Scott LEAD ‘20
Kashi Sehgal LEAD ‘13
Jason Seiple LEAD ‘12
Raj Shah LEAD ‘12
Lain Shakespeare LEAD‘12
Anurag Sharda LEAD ‘19
Karim Shariff LEAD ‘12
Aarti Sharma LEAD ‘19
Rani Shetti LEAD ‘20
Kim Shriver LEAD ‘20
Suneet Sidhu LEAD ‘19
Sara Simonds LEAD ‘17
Catherine Slocum Somuah ‘19
Lara Smith LEAD ‘14
Shirley Anne Smith LEAD ‘17
Stephen Smith LEAD ‘17
Jasmine Smothers LEAD ‘18
Rachel Sonenshine LEAD ‘12
Rashad Stallings LEAD ‘19
E.J. Stern LEAD ‘11
DeShawn Stevenson LEAD ‘19
Terri Stewart LEAD ‘12
Fabiola Charles Stokes LEAD ‘09
Jim Sturm LEAD ‘18
LaDonna Suggs LEAD ‘16
Karli Swift LEAD ‘18
Justin Tanner LEAD ‘12
Matthew Terrell LEAD ’20
Ariana Thomas LEAD ‘19
Emily Nybo Thomas LEAD ‘18
Jerry Tillery LEAD ‘10
Jessica Toal LEAD ‘17
Alex Trachtenberg LEAD ‘19
Darryl Tricksey LEAD ‘20
Samantha Trief LEAD ‘18
Justin Triplett LEAD ‘18
Joanie Twersky LEAD ‘17
Jacob Tzegaegbe ‘19
Sachin Varghese LEAD ‘14
Sabina Vayner LEAD ‘14
Juanita Velez LEAD ‘20
Lara Wagner LEAD ‘19
Lesley Wainwright LEAD ‘05
Candace Walker LEAD ‘19
John Walker LEAD ‘05
Donald Washington LEAD ‘19
James Watson LEAD ‘18
Jonathan Weidman LEAD ‘20
Matthew Weiss LEAD ‘13
Rachel Fox Weitz LEAD ‘15
Matt Westmoreland LEAD ‘15
Adrienne White LEAD ‘12
Anna Ruth Williams LEAD ‘13
Glenn Williams LEAD ‘19
Yvonne Williams-Wass LEAD ‘19
Sigele Winbush LEAD ‘19
Catherine Woodling LEAD ‘10
Jennifer Young LEAD ‘18
Ebonee Younger LEAD ‘18
$50 (Out of Territory)
Emika Abe LEAD ‘19
Francesca Danielle Allison LEAD ‘12
Lynnette Espy-Williams LEAD ‘13
Rebecca Guerra LEAD ‘15
Lindsey Knox LEAD ‘15
$35 (Out of Territory)
William Bryant, Jr. LEAD '07
Molly Chase LEAD '07
Zulna Heriscar LEAD '14
Ellen Hunter LEAD '11
Emma Lacey-Bordeaux LEAD '14
Gayla Robbins Mair LEAD '18
Heidi Koester Oliveira LEAD '15
Mathilde Piard LEAD '15
Margaret Yuan LEAD '12
Applications for the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2024 will open in January 2023.
Do you have questions about our programs? Contact us today!
Leadership Atlanta was a transformative experience for me. The one-of-a-kind journey helped me to see our region with fresh eyes as well as the assets and challenges that are uniquely ours. Now nearly a decade later, I continue to cross paths with my LA classmates in all aspects of my life. And I count many of them among the trusted colleagues I call on for counsel, collaboration or encouragement in my work. Having those dependable connections has made all the difference in my transition to my new role here at the Chamber. I like to say that once you’re a part of Leadership Atlanta, it stays with you for life. I’ve had the pleasure of helping to plan programming for later classes and to be involved with the evolution of the program. I was lucky to have Leadership Atlanta, and so are the other leaders who have been and will be a part of this experience.
Katie Kirkpatrick, Leadership Atlanta 2012President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Leadership Atlanta has impacted my life in many ways. I learned that my genuine efforts to lend my resources to people, places and initiatives has more impact than I could see for myself. Leadership Atlanta has made me a better mentor, a better professional, and a better human being in ways that I could never imagine.
Cassius Butts, Leadership Atlanta 2012Chairman & CEO, Capital Fortitude Business Advisors
Living an inspired life has always been central to my work, personal life, leadership, and pursuits in social-justice. However, my one-year (and beyond) Leadership Atlanta experience has become the catalyst for my personal and professional transformation in ways that I could not have imagined. It helped me move from the hypotheticals of "building thriving communities" into developing work without borders. To my surprise, it has pulled me out of my leadership silo into a mutually-interdependent universe where I now have a chance to collaborate and co-conspire with people and communities that are doing meaningful work in the areas that I am either unfamiliar with or do not have expertise in. Leadership Atlanta envisions a community where its passionate and energized leaders create spaces where change begins with you and you, in return, contribute to a radical transformation in the world around you. And that’s the hallmark of a transcendent life!
Sucheta Kamath, Leadership Atlanta 2015Founder/CEO, ExQ
Leadership Atlanta is a gift we give ourselves, which allows us to deepen our knowledge of Atlanta, develop lifelong meaningful friendships, and continue to give back to the community in which we live.
Wonya Lucas, Leadership Atlanta 2005President and Chief Executive Officer, Hallmark Networks
LEAD Atlanta was one of the most important experiences I have had in my career. It not only introduced me to new friends and peers, I was able to learn so much about the issues facing metro Atlanta today. I am truly grateful for the alumni network and the opportunities I continue to receive continuing opportunities I receive
Dov Wilker, LEAD Atlanta 2015Regional Director, American Jewish Committee
Growing up in Atlanta, I did not appreciate all the issues that our city and its citizens face. Leadership Atlanta provides a robust platform for community leaders to engage with each other in deep exploration of the real issues with a goal of creating a stronger Atlanta. For example, if it wasn't for Leadership Atlanta, I would not be directly involved in criminal justice reform. It's important to note that any good leader must be comfortable feeling uncomfortable and must get out of his or her comfort zone. Leadership Atlanta provides the opportunity for just that, and for that, I am grateful.
Justin Berman, Leadership Atlanta 2014, LEAD Atlanta 2006Founder & CEO, Berman Capital
Through Leadership Atlanta and as a military veterans leader on the national level, I learned how veterans can be both better supported by and better servants to the city. The program also helped me become a more empathetic, caring, and loving person in general, and certainly, in how I embraced my fellow Atlanta citizens. My classmates are now my family, and I love being with them and serving with them.
John Tien, Leadership Atlanta 2018Managing Director, Citigroup
Leadership Atlanta had such a profound impact on my life; one that keeps me inspired. I was pregnant with my son for the entire class year, leading all the way up to his birth three weeks before graduation. During this period of extreme change in my life, the program provided me with countless lessons of resilience, kindness, courage, creativity, joy and making good things happen.
Nzinga Shaw, Leadership Atlanta 2019Global Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, Marsh & McLennan
My Leadership Atlanta experience taught me that the right group of motivated people can indeed change the world! It also taught me that you can’t be a bystander in the world. It’s not enough to nod your head in agreement that change is needed. When you see a need for change, you have to take action - get busy and do your part, no matter how small, to help bring about change!
Kitty Chaney Reed, Leadership Atlanta 2016Vice President, Enterprise Operations, IBM
My Leadership Atlanta experience not only expanded my network and put me in tune with extraordinary, community-minded leaders with whom I’m still connected today, but also catalyzed my efforts through a greater understanding of our region’s most critical issues. Leadership Atlanta had – and is still having – a profound impact on how I’ve evolved as a leader.
Bob Jimenez, Leadership Atlanta 2004Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Cox Enterprises, Inc.
LEAD Atlanta opened up my world to a cross-section of people I never would have otherwise met. My classmates became confidants and collaborators, changing my own path in the process. While learning about our city is the fundamental attraction to LEAD, being exposed to peers and viewpoints from across professional sectors and backgrounds is transformational.
Amir Farokhi, Leadership Atlanta 2013, LEAD Atlanta 2006District 2, Atlanta City Council
Wow! is how I describe my Leadership Atlanta experience. My Wow! includes people, knowledge and experience. I met and continue to meet extraordinary leaders who are making a difference in our city and state every day. The knowledge gained throughout my year was life changing, and the experiences were unmatched. I am honored to be part of such an outstanding organization.
Soumaya Khalifa, Leadership Atlanta 2015Executive Director/Founder, Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta
If one is open, Leadership Atlanta has the potential to call you to a higher level of consciousness. As a result, you are compelled to want to become a transformational, rather than a transactional leader, because you are exposed to the realities of the social, racial, and economic inequities in our city and throughout society. It was great connecting and working with other leaders to exchange thoughts and ideas to make a difference in our city, nation, and world. I value the mission focused, purpose driven friendships that were developed as a result of my Leadership Atlanta journey.
Bernice A. King, Leadership Atlanta 2020Chief Executive Officer, The King Center
My Leadership Atlanta year was a truly wonderful experience. I was blessed to have an amazing group of very dedicated and involved classmates. Equally important was the opportunity to learn so much about the important challenges facing the greater Atlanta area. It was as if someone had pulled back the curtain to give a true view on the issues affecting the ATL. I immediately became an alumni volunteer, and though I left Atlanta for a time, jumped right back in on my return to the city. I’ll continue to be involved until they roll me away.
William "T" Thompson, Leadership Atlanta 2006Retired, President & CEO, Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy
Leadership Atlanta is an extraordinary and life-changing experience. The people, program design, and high standards elevate even the most accomplished leaders to an entirely new level of thoughtful decision-making and impact. Fortunately, the learning continues as the alumni programming and relationships created through the program are of the highest quality.
Dan Gordon, Leadership Atlanta 2015, LEAD 2009Executive Director, Jabian Consulting
LEAD Atlanta changed my life by giving me a new lens through which to view myself and my city. Expect to get to know Atlanta like you've never known her before and do so alongside a diverse group of brilliant people committed to uplifting our vibrant communities. The best part? The LEAD experience just keeps getting better as an alum.
Natasha Alladina, LEAD Atlanta 2017Attorney Recruiter, The Partners Group
LEAD Atlanta was an eye-opening experience that provided me a deep dive into some of the most significant challenges facing our city, while simultaneously allowing me to build strong relationships with peers committed to bringing positive change to our community. I left the program informed, inspired and confident in the future of Atlanta.
Adam Parker, LEAD Atlanta 2019Director, Carter
There are few experiences in my life that compare to my time with Leadership Atlanta. Having spent much of my life living in Atlanta, I saw the challenges that faced the city on a daily basis and wondered how I could best help with overcoming those challenges. The knowledge I gained and the relationships I built through Leadership Atlanta are what have allowed me to make a positive difference not just in the City of Atlanta, but the state of Georgia and the entire country. I can say with certainty that I would not be where I am today without Leadership Atlanta, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone looking to build a better city, a better career, and a better self.
Tharon Johnson, Leadership Atlanta 2016, LEAD 2010Founder & CEO, Paramount Consulting Group, LLC
Leadership Atlanta's mission is to "inspire its members to exercise real leadership committed to serving the common good." That commitment to serving the common good feels especially critical now. Leadership Atlanta challenged me to think differently about what it means to lead in service of our community, and it introduced me to an incredible group of partners, teachers and friends with whom to do it. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.
Julia Houston, Leadership Atlanta 2019Chief Transformation Officer, Equifax Inc.
LEAD Atlanta far exceeded my expectations and helped me recognize a new confidence in myself that continues to benefit me both personally and professionally. The experience is unlike any other. The caliber of speakers, experts and programs is unparalleled. As a result, LEAD Atlanta for me will always be a formative and profound chapter that will influence my life and those around me forever.
Rachel Sprecher, LEAD 2019Executive Director of Partnerships and Development, Atlanta Public Schools
Leadership Atlanta was the most impactful program in which I’ve ever participated. Notably, Leadership Atlanta challenged me to look at our region’s issues comprehensively -- from all angles -- rather than framing them with a narrow viewpoint influenced by my experiences. Moreover, Leadership Atlanta connected me with other like-minded leaders that share the goal of improving these issues in order to create a better Atlanta.
Chris Ahrenkiel, Leadership Atlanta 2017Executive Vice President, Selig Enterprises
For me, Leadership Atlanta is a unique lens for understanding the city as a multi-layered community of communities. No experience I’ve had can compare in terms of giving perspective about Atlanta’s past, present and future possibilities. Just as valuable, the Leadership Atlanta network is a source of ongoing insight as well as wonderful relationships that touch practically every driver of the city’s dynamism. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and will keep me connected to the breadth and depth of civic life, for which I am forever grateful.
Alba Baylin, Leadership Atlanta 2018Vice President, Community & Stakeholder Relations, The Coca-Cola Company
The Leadership Atlanta experience is unique and impactful. I learned the most from the diverse backgrounds of my classmates -- who are now my close friends. The professional commitment was significant, but what I received in return for the time invested cannot be easily quantified. In learning more about the challenges in our community and what is needed to move forward, I was inspired to give more of myself to helping others. In other words, I was inspired to lead.
Bjay Pak, Leadership Atlanta 2017U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia
LEAD Atlanta is one of the best programs I’ve been involved with while living here in Atlanta. I’ve built authentic and meaningful relationships with people I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet under normal circumstances. Because of the well-crafted program and immersion days, I’ve been able to see the city in a new light and feel hopeful for the future of Atlanta; a city I love, cherish and am committed to improving for future generations.
Sofia Bork, LEAD Atlanta 2019Engagement Readiness Consultant, Truist Bank
Leadership Atlanta was a life-altering experience for me. The education and deep conversations around the challenges that have plagued our city and region for far too long were extremely enlightening and lit a fire inside of me to be a catalyst for positive change. The work of Leadership Atlanta is challenging, but forces reflection that spurs personal growth. The individual growth pushes a collective drive to attack issues of racial inequity. Many of our efforts have already helped to facilitate major changes in our city and state. The friendships, bonds and relationships we developed within my class and throughout the alumni network of Leadership Atlanta will ensure that this work will continue to be our personal and collective focus for years to come. The potential of Atlanta and our state is tremendous, and Leadership Atlanta is a critical foundational element in developing the Leaders of our region to fulfill this great potential.
PJ Bain, Leadership Atlanta 2020Chief Executive Officer, PrimeRevenue, Inc.
The Leadership Atlanta experience is difficult to describe. If you want to experience the thrill of parasailing, you have to make the leap yourself. Sitting on the boat and watching someone else go for it is not enough. The same is true of Leadership Atlanta. I jumped into a life changing experience. The perspectives I gained by learning from others with very different viewpoints was invaluable. It’s helped me see all things differently and more fully. Most importantly are the incredible friendships I’ve made. They will last a lifetime. When Leadership Atlanta ended, I felt like I did after my wedding. The ending of both experiences was very emotional. However, I realized after my wedding came a new way of life. My marriage was about to begin. The same is true for Leadership Atlanta. It’s not an ending; it’s a beginning. I can’t wait to see where my Leadership Atlanta journey will take me next.
Wendy Stewart, Leadership Atlanta 2017Atlanta Market President & Co-head Southeast Region, Global Commercial Banking, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
As a Leadership Atlanta alum, I am excited to remain engaged and to continue finding ways to strenghen our community.
David Lee, Leadership Atlanta 2017SVP, External Affairs & Executive Director, Atlanta Hawks Foundation
LEAD Atlanta opened my inspiration to explore entrepreneurship. Surrounded by uniquely, creative individuals that I have never met, I could not resist the urge to learn about their personal journeys while continuing to cultivate my own. I still connect with multiple people in our group for guidance and motivation.
Maegan Moguel, LEAD Atlanta 2019Strategic Partnership Manager, Porsche Cars North America
“No brakes!” is the best way to describe the incredible journey that I experienced as a fortunate member of the Leadership Class of 2013! From day one, I was exposed to the riveting real-life pillars of our community, which parallels the many complex issues of our society. In particular I found the richness and engagement of my classmates who had the strength to be so transparent and authentic as a gift that everyday fires my passion to lead and be the change agent of the future.
John Brewer, Leadership Atlanta 2013Chairman and CEO, Vantage Private Capital Group
My participation in Leadership Atlanta was one of the most transformative events in my life. It exposed me to new issues, ideas, challenges, opportunities, and most importantly, people. My advice is to apply to join the program. Life is short. If there ever was a moment to follow your passion and do something that will matter to you and to our city, that time is now.
Michael Hobbs, Leadership Atlanta 2008Partner, Troutman Sanders
LEAD Atlanta has given me a community in Atlanta unlike any other. I have established life-long friends who are doing interesting and amazing things in and for our beloved Atlanta. It is through LEAD Atlanta that I learned more about our city's greatest needs and established relationships to help solve those problems.
Julianna Cagle, LEAD Atlanta 2014Vice President of Programs, The Goizueta Foundation
My LEAD Atlanta experience helped reaffirm my life’s purpose. Over time, I have been able to establish lifelong connections and collaborate with some incredible leaders who are doing some amazing work within the Metro Atlanta region to continually make it the BEST place to live in the world. LEAD Atlanta helped me understand that I have been called to use my influence to help positively impact the lives of others.
Jadrien Grimes, LEAD Atlanta 2016Head of Business Operations, North Metro Academy of Performing Arts
Leadership Atlanta changed my life. It significantly increased my awareness and understanding, not only of the challenges and issues that black and brown people face that I never had to, but also all the other challenges across our beloved metro Atlanta community. It drove me to make greater and more impactful action. It also made me a better mom, employee, supervisor and friend.
Sheila Weidman-Farley, Leadership Atlanta 2004Senior Vice President, Georgia-Pacific
As Leadership Atlanta reflects upon a 50-year legacy of forward progress, I am grateful for its forward thinking to invest in the city’s next generation of leaders with the creation of LEAD Atlanta. The investment has paid continuous dividends by cultivating a rich network of young professional, community, and civic leaders who leverage their collective genius and diverse leadership experiences to bring Dr. King’s vision of the beloved community to fruition. I will always say ‘Yes’ to LEAD and am honored to pay it forward.
Kim Adams, LEAD Atlanta 2008Global Employee Experience Leader, Equifax Inc.
LEAD Atlanta helped me develop one of my most significant networks. The experiences provided us the opportunity to learn about our city while thinking the through impact of solutions, the importance of collaboration, and how to lead well. The individuals from LEAD Atlanta go on to be influencers in their places of work and in our community. Programs like this are essential to passing the baton to the next generation of leaders in our city.
Gloria Cox, LEAD Atlanta 2015Corporate and Foundation Giving Leader, Chick-fil-A
Leadership Atlanta shakes your core while wrapping its arms around you, revealing your blind spots and making you a mirror for others. It requires you to bring your authentic self - along with a desire for introspection and refinement - in order to experience the transformation. This program challenges you, enlightens you, and guides you to a zone of discomfort in a way that inspires you to take your leadership and commitment to action to a new level. All the while, it creates a space to develop deep bonds of friendship - the kind that feel as close as family and help you carry each other forward on the next phase of this journey. I remain grateful for this meaningful experience.
Afshan Ali, Leadership Atlanta 2018Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SkyHealth, Inc