Georgia Trend 2023 40 Under 40

SAMIR ABDULLAHI, 38

Director, Select Fulton, ATLANTA

As director of Select Fulton, Fulton County’s economic and development initiative, Samir Abdullahi recruits new jobs and capital investment to the county, preparing incentive packages and directing its $3.2 million Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding. Over his 10-year career, he has spearheaded efforts that have created thousands of jobs in Georgia – and hundreds of millions of dollars in new investment – through the high-profile corporate relocations and expansions of firms including Boston Scientific, Fiserv, Halyard Heath, Microsoft, ASOS, Pandora, Deluxe Corp. and Inspire Brands. In partnership with Goodwill of North Georgia, he promoted digital literacy classes designed to help people improve their job prospects. Abdullahi holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in public policy from Georgia State University. – KR

CHARBEL AOUN, 27

Founding Director, Georgia First Generation Foundation, BUFORD

As a first-generation college student himself, Charbel Aoun brings his training in education and mentoring to this nonprofit in Gwinnett County. As a student at Georgia State University, he founded a club to provide resources and connections for high school students, helping enable their success in college. Trained as a psychologist, Aoun is an expert in digital literacy, data visualization and organizational development who has been published in scholarly journals. He’s currently pursuing a doctor of pharmacy degree from PCOM (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine), where he is a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Equity, Inclusion and Justice. He serves as vice chair of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Pharmacy Student Forum, on the Board of Advisors of the Gwinnett Young Professionals and as a Chamber Ambassador of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. – ABS

SOFIA MARIE AUN, 33

Community Affairs Manager, Truist, ATLANTA

Sofia Marie Aun’s passion for her community keeps her busy. She leads efforts to help allocate philanthropic funds from the Truist Foundation and the Truist Trusteed Foundations to their intended grant recipients, meeting with community organizations to identify their needs. She is the liaison for Truist Government Affairs activities in Georgia, visiting the state Capitol on a weekly basis during the legislative session to represent the bank’s interests. She also represents Truist with the Atlanta Corporate Donors philanthropy network and the Atlanta Committee for Progress civic partnership. A lover of parks, Aun serves on the board of directors at Park Pride and is a trustee of Oakland Cemetery. She is a member of the American Jewish Committee ACCESS steering committee and is a Catholic Charities of Atlanta Leadership Class alumna. She is also an alum of LEAD Atlanta and a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2023. – SH

ALSTON AUTEN, 32

Attorney and Partner, Morgan & Auten, COLUMBUS

Alston Auten’s involvement in the Columbus region reflects her strong affinity for the community. Her numerous nonprofit and civic involvements include serving on the board of The Family Center and as board chair for Feeding the Valley Inc. She is also an active member of the Rotary Club. She is a graduate of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program and a former board member of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals, often assisting the chamber with events for area business owners. An advocate for small business, Auten’s practice encompasses legal matters pertaining to real estate, mergers and acquisitions and employment law, among other topics. Previously with Whelchel, Dunlap, Jarrard & Walker LLP in Gainesville, she is a graduate of Georgia Tech and Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law. – ABS

ADRIENNE AVERY, 38

Senior Director of Student and Family Engagement, Odyssey Atlanta, ATLANTA

At Odyssey Atlanta, Adrienne Avery draws on her extensive experience in education to engage and challenge students in need. A nonprofit that partners with Atlanta Public Schools, Odyssey serves first- through 12th- grade students, providing over 375 students with a six-week summer program on the Westminster Schools campus. Besides managing recruitment, academic enrichment programs and year-round after-school enrichment, Avery has created programs like The Good Trouble Fellowship, a student social justice initiative. Recently sworn in as a DeKalb County court-appointed special advocate, she earned a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and completed another master’s in education at Kennesaw State University earlier this year. Her work experience includes positions at the Bennett College for Women and the Madison Square Garden Co., both in New York City. – ABS

TIFFANY BARNEY, 35

Director, Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy, Cobb County School District, KENNESAW

As the child of educators, it was Tiffany Barney’s longtime dream to give back through education, and she does so through the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy where she now serves as director. Barney was instrumental in opening the college and career academy in the second-largest county in Georgia, managing an education program of approximately $30 million. Her Dress for Success program provides students with professional attire, mock interviews, industry expert meetings and opportunities to spend time at the offices of potential future employers. She was recognized as the Administrator of the Year for College and Career Academies in 2022, selected for the Association for Career & Technical Education’s VIP Administrators Class of 2023 (and recognized as one of the youngest ACTE fellows in 2023). Barney has five degrees from the University of Georgia, including a Ph.D. – SH

KATIE BISHOP, 33

Co-Founder and Chief Buzz Ambassador, Yalla Public Relations, COLUMBUS

Columbus native Katie Bishop never expected to build her career in her hometown, but it’s the best career move she ever made. As co-founder of Yalla Public Relations, Bishop has helped build the firm into a dynamic company of young women who use storytelling and marketing to achieve their collective mission of empowering small businesses. Serving as a board member for multiple community organizations, including Better Work Columbus and Giving Kitchen, she has been able to nurture her unwavering passion for the people and future of her community, proving to be a driving force behind many local initiatives as well as some of the largest and most well-known events in the Chattahoochee Valley area. “I love to have conversations about why Columbus is the perfect place to live, work and play,” says Bishop. – KR

KEN BLAIR, 35

Director Of Strategic Initiatives, Wesleyan College, MACON

Leader, community activist and educator Ken Blair is Wesleyan College’s first director of strategic initiatives, but his work takes place both on and off campus as he strives to inspire the next generation – particularly first-generation and low-income minority youth – to become leaders. A native of Warrenton, Blair has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Mercer University, an MBA from Brenau University and is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in higher education administration and educational leadership. He is devoted to helping students and has championed a series of programs and events to set up students – especially those who are the first in their family to go to college – for success and to celebrate their efforts. He is co-chair of Mercer’s African American Alumni Network, a 2022 graduate of Leadership Macon and is a board member of the Macon Transit Authority. – KR

STEPHEN BRADSHAW, 34

Vice President and Commercial Lender, Queensborough National Bank and Trust, AUGUSTA

No day is a typical day for Stephen Bradshaw as he works with businesses large and small, new and old, to meet their financing needs. During his career at Queensborough National Bank and Trust, the bank has crossed both the $1 billion and $2 billion marks in asset size. This second-generation community banker is a graduate of Leadership Augusta and Leadership Columbia County and was recently featured in Augusta magazine as one of 10 Young Professionals to Watch in 2023. Bradshaw has volunteered for the Red Cross since 2016 and was appointed a member of the board in 2021. He also volunteers at the bank’s Golden Harvest Mobile Pantry event and its Stuff the Bus school supply event with United Way. This year, Bradshaw and his wife celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary, and he is the proud father of three. – SH

GENNY CASTILLO, 37

Regional Engagement Director, Southern Economic Advancement Project, ATLANTA

Genny Castillo’s passion for building relationships has been recognized throughout her career, and as the regional engagement director for the Southern Economic Advancement Project (SEAP), she coordinates the organization’s local programming to improve economic security and access to healthcare. A former senior advisor to Stacey Abrams’ gubernatorial campaign, Castillo served as Latinx Constituency director, leading one of the most engaged Latinx constituency programs in the country. For her work as COO with the nonprofit leadership academy Blue Institute, where she trained young people in the South and Southwest for political careers, Crooked Media named her one of The Top Five Latinas Reshaping Politics. Castillo has volunteered with Hispanics in Philanthropy, the Latino Victory Fund and the Latin American Association. As policy chair for Hispanic Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE), Castillo received the HYPE Award from the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. – DH

ELON CIRIACO, 29

Senior Global Product Manager, Equifax, BROOKHAVEN

Elon Ciriaco is pursuing a career in fintech that she’s dreamed about since college, but her leadership in the Atlanta community extends beyond her position as a senior global product manager at Equifax. Ciriaco is the board chair of the Technology Association of Georgia’s Young Professionals Society, strategic partnerships liaison for Equifax and Women in Technology (WIT) and professional development chair for the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She makes time to volunteer with organizations like St. Jude and Atlanta Mission and uses a positive attitude and strong work ethic to make a difference and encourage others. She goes above and beyond at work, too, serving on a number of Equifax’s councils and employee resource groups. Ciriaco was a finalist for the TAG 2022 Emerging Leader of the Year award, Equifax’s March 2022 Woman of the Month and selected for the WIT 2022 Women to Watch list. – DH

SETH CLARK, 38

Executive Director, Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative, Macon-Bibb County Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tempore, MACON

Commissioner Seth Clark was elected as mayor pro tempore in 2021. In addition to working on municipal issues, Clark has been instrumental in advancing the efforts to turn Ocmulgee Mounds into Georgia’s first national park. Under his leadership as executive director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park has nearly doubled in size. The initiative reflects both a close partnership with members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and bipartisanship on a national level, as demonstrated by the unified support of U.S. Reps. Austin Scott (R-8th District) and Sanford Bishop (D-2nd District). The park will spur ecotourism in Middle Georgia, increase access to treasured hunting and fishing lands and support the vitality of Robins Air Force Base. – SH

APRIL COLEMAN-BULLARD, 38

Psychologist, Georgia Autism Center, PEACHTREE CORNERS

Called Dr. April by her patients at the Georgia Autism Center, Coleman-Bullard assesses and treats children and young adults with developmental and learning differences, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder and anxiety. She has also worked with colleagues to build an assessment training program for graduate-level psychology students. She was in private practice for nine years. She has also worked in schools, community mental health clinics and social service agencies, including the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. A graduate of Georgia State University, her board memberships include SPECTRUM Autism Support, Education and Resources, where she received the 2022 first-quarter Board Excellence award. Coleman has contributed to Autism Spectrum News and Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine and is working on a children’s book. – ABS

JOSEPH CORTES, 39

Executive Director, Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, ATLANTA

“Since 2015, the number of craft breweries in Georgia has grown from 45 to over 130,” says Joseph Cortes, executive director of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild. “These small breweries generate more than a billion-dollar economic impact annually on the state, local communities, and the tourism and hospitality industries. I’m here to serve as the voice for Georgia’s Craft Breweries through advocacy, education and awareness.” In addition to being an effective advocate for craft breweries, Cortes’ love of building grassroots movements, politics and policy led him to work on several political campaigns, including that of former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan. Cortes is also a lifelong musician, having started in college as a music major and trumpet player, and is currently a tenor in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. – KR

RYAN COX, 39

Founder and Director, Gwinnett Chatt Outreach, DACULA

Ryan Cox loves living in Gwinnett County, and he loves his neighbors. So when this longtime resident saw a social justice gap, he decided to do something about it by launching Gwinnett Chatt Outreach (“Chatt” being a nod to his hometown of Chattanooga), an organization dedicated to bridging the social justice gap. One of the ways he does this is by teaching teens life lessons through the game of golf. Cox is also interested in connecting teens to the business community through innovative career development initiatives that break generational poverty. He partners with community leaders and businesses to develop and conduct public service programs that include mentoring, college visits and behind-the-scenes visits to companies. “My goal is to help Gwinnett communities be healthy, well cared-for, informed and thriving,” says Cox. – KR

LAUREN CRAMER, 33

Middle School Science Teacher, Bay Springs Middle School, VILLA RICA

Lauren Cramer has only been teaching seventh-grade science at Bay Springs Middle School in Villa Rica for six short years, but in that time she has garnered accolades and awards that befit a much longer tenure, including 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year for her school, where she also sponsors the Junior Beta Club. She says one cherished recognition was receiving the “Ms. Bobcat” Favorite Teacher Award from students in 2019 and 2020. Cramer is nationally STEM-certified and was selected for the coveted 2023 Don Cargill STEM Scholar Award for Georgia educators. This year, she was selected by the National Science Teaching Association as a STEM Fellow. “I believe all students can make a difference in this world and all young voices should be heard,” says Cramer. “I aim to provide my students with hands-on activities and real-world experiences to foster skills to make them successful, life-long learners.” – KR

JEREMY DANIEL, 37

Assistant to the Director for Strategic Initiatives, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia, WATKINSVILLE

A cornerstone of leadership is placing the needs of others first – a trait Jeremy Daniel has embodied throughout his career at the University of Georgia. Daniel was instrumental in the creation of the UGA’s Mentor Program, and as its first director helped grow the internationally award-winning program to over 30,000 total interactions between more than 4,500 UGA students and mentors. Daniel’s current role is focused on advancing the Vinson Institute’s mission, where he has developed and led leadership and workforce programs across the state, but his commitment to public service knows no limits. The father of four is a mentor to children through the Clarke County Mentor Program (CCMP) and Downtown Academy. He currently serves as the CCMP board chair and on the Athens REACH Scholarship Board. Daniel is a member of Leadership Georgia Class of 2023. – DH

JASON MINH DO, 36

Owner and Agent, Jason Do Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., SNELLVILLE

One of Jason Minh Do’s professional goals is to be the first name on everyone’s mind when thinking about insurance and financial services, especially in the Asian community. A longtime resident of Gwinnett County, Minh Do has more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry and is currently the owner and agent of Jason Do Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Recognized as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen in 2016 by then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp, Minh Do was also president of the Youth Vietnamese American Association from 2018 to 2022. An active volunteer with the Vietnamese-American Community of GA, he promotes Vietnamese heritage and culture and participates in numerous community events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his staff volunteered to help hundreds of clients and community members with limited English fluency to complete unemployment applications. – DH

EDWARD DRAKE II, 38

Founder and CEO, YNOTT? Foundation, ATLANTA

Edward Drake was a healthy college student preparing to play football when he was unexpectedly diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease. Asking “why me?” led him to realize “why not me?” Inspired to help others in similar circumstances, Drake founded YNOTT? (Youth Needing Organ & Tissue Transplants) in 2007. Since then, Drake has led initiatives promoting transplant donation, hosted sporting events and health fairs to promote disease prevention and worked with Medicare and Medicaid representatives on various issues affecting patients. A spokesman for the Honor the Gift Campaign, a national coalition that advocates for transplant patients and donors, Drake successfully lobbied Congress in 2020 for the Immuno Bill (H.R. 5534), which extended coverage of medications for kidney transplant recipients. – DH

SHERMIKA DUNNER, 37

Strategy and Innovation Brand Manager, Kimberly-Clark, ATLANTA

Shermika Dunner “aims to be of service,” and she’s hitting that target both professionally and personally. Empowering women and girls is her priority as a member of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s Inspire Atlanta class of 2023. As a board member of United Way of Greater Atlanta’s African American Partnership since 2022, she plans networking and volunteer experiences to lift young men out of poverty. Dunner is serving her third term as director of marketing for the Atlanta chapter of the National Black MBA Association, a nonprofit organization creating intellectual and economic wealth for the community. Her desire to “lift as we climb” is also evident in her career at Kimberly-Clark, where she leads the company’s African Ancestry Employee Network of over 2,500 employees. She also co-leads Kimberly-Clark’s MBA intern recruitment program. – SH

WALT FARRELL, 39

Vice President of Community and Economic Development, Georgia Power, ATLANTA

Before Walt Farrell began his career at Georgia Power in 2015, joining what he calls the “best economic development team in the country,” he’d been busy: climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiking the Appalachian Trail and completing a triathlon. Moving into his current role in 2022 coincided with a historic year for Georgia Power’s economic development efforts, supporting projects that created over 45,600 jobs and $27.1 billion in capital investment. Farrell’s team is responsible for recruiting business to the state. Working with state, regional and local partners, his team helps hometowns across Georgia grow and prosper. In 2018, Farrell was appointed by then-Gov. Nathan Deal to serve on the Georgia Lottery Corp. board of directors and served as chair from 2019 to 2023. He now serves as treasurer of Leadership Georgia and is on the board of directors for CareerRise. – SH

CHRISTOPHER FORD, 38

Senior Project Officer for the, Property and Procurement Services Division, USDA Forest Service, ATLANTA

In his current role, Christopher Ford coordinates national projects for the Property and Procurement Services deputy director. Previously he coordinated national projects totaling over $51 million in Puerto Rico and Florida after hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria and Florence. As a liaison he has helped drive economic development by facilitating projects like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Iguaca Aviary Renovations and the El Portal Visitor Center Design Build Contract (both in Puerto Rico). Locally, Ford serves as the mentoring and networking chair of both the Georgia Southern University Parker College of Business Young Alumni Board and Network of Black Alumni Board of Directors. He is community affairs chair for the Lawrenceville Duluth Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., where he helps mentor young men. Ford has also been recognized as part of the Atlanta Federal Executive Board Leadership Government cohort in 2020. – ABS

MELISSA FOX, 34

Counsel, Eversheds Sutherland, ATLANTA

Recently named among the Ones to Watch in mass tort litigation and class actions for defendants by The Best Lawyers in America, Melissa Fox has amassed a bevy of awards and recognitions since graduating with high honors from Emory University’s law school in 2015. At Eversheds Sutherland, Fox works on both business and commercial litigation matters as well as regulatory compliance. She also works with clients on the rapidly changing patchwork of state and federal laws affecting the cannabis industry. Fox is a deeply committed advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Georgia. She serves on the board of the Stonewall Bar Association and is former chair of the Atlanta Leadership Committee of Lambda Legal. – KR

BLAKE FULENWIDER, 39

Executive Director, Governmental Affairs Northeast Georgia Health System, ATLANTA

Since joining NGHS in 2022, Blake Fulenwider has drawn on his experience advising, creating and administering federal and state healthcare policy. That includes serving on then-U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal’s staff, transitioning to health policy advisor, deputy commissioner of the Department of Community Health (DCH) and healthcare reform administrator after Deal became Georgia governor in 2010. He later founded his own advisory agency, going on to serve as state Medicaid director and chief health policy officer of DCH, where he led the first comprehensive reorganization of the Medicaid division in more than 20 years. Fulenwider helped gain federal approval of two novel waivers through the Patients First Act championed by Gov. Kemp, addressing access, affordability and quality of healthcare throughout the state. He also led NGHS’ legislative agenda during the 2023 session of the General Assembly, advocating for policies supporting the healthcare organization’s mission. Fulenwider has a bachelor’s in business administration from UGA’s Terry College of Business. – ABS

WALKER GARRETT, 39

Equity Partner and Managing Partner, Morgan & Morgan, COLUMBUS

This Columbus native has a substantial to-do list thanks to his community involvement. While serving on the board of the General Practice and Trial Section of the Georgia Bar Association, R. Walker Garrett was the first city captain for the Ask-a-Lawyer pro bono service day in his hometown. He has chaired educational seminars for fellow bar members with the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Garrett serves on the board of MyTeamTriumph, an organization that funds wheelchairs and race entry fees for disabled individuals, and he participates in the races as well by helping racers cross the finish line. He has a passion for literacy – he served two terms as board chair of the nonprofit Literacy Alliance – and he serves on the board for Meals on Wheels, as well as volunteering to deliver meals to homebound seniors. A proponent for consumer advocacy, he’s a long-serving board member of Georgia Watch. – SH

NISHA GIUSTINO, 39

Director, Human Resources, Nine Line Apparel and Founder, Operation Kid Forward, SAVANNAH

A six-year Army veteran with two combat deployments, mother of three, military spouse of a retired special operations veteran, full-time professional and nonprofit founder, Nisha Giustino has spent her life putting the well-being of others first. Professionally, Giustino now leads HR operations for a team of 175 at Nine Line Apparel. In 2021, she founded Operation Kid Forward (OKF), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged youth. She collaborates with law enforcement, community partners and school administrators to identify and help children and teens in need, whether that means supplying them with school necessities or facilitating life-enhancing social experiences. “I got my altruistic drive from my grandparents,” says Giustino. “My long-term vision is to build a community center for at-risk youth that will serve as a safe and supportive environment that’s transformative.” – KR

TACARA HARRIS, 36

Partner, King & Spalding, ATLANTA

TaCara Harris is the sole Black female partner at King & Spalding’s flagship Atlanta office, practicing product liability litigation, representing pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer product industries. She co-chairs the firm’s African American Affinity Group and co-leads the Women’s Health Initiative. Harris’ pro bono work and volunteer experience show her commitment to public service: She volunteers with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, voter protection coalition Election Protection, Street Law’s Diversity Pipeline Program, Gate City Bar Association’s Justice Benham Law Camp and Atlanta Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program. Passionate about giving back to those who’ve served in the military, she serves at Emory University’s Volunteer Clinic for Veterans. She was appointed to the Atlanta Bar Association Litigation Section’s 2023-2024 Board of Directors as a member-at-large, making her one of the first two Black women elected to the board, and she is a 2023 graduate of LEAD Atlanta. – SH

ALEX HILL, 35

Director of Investments

Icarus Alternative Investments, ATLANTA

As director of Icarus Investments, Alex Hill draws on 10 years of experience at Patterson Real Estate Advisory Group, where he helped close over $2.8 billion of capital for more than 100 commercial real estate transactions. He also founded Yonder Yoga in 2019, which now has five locations employing 135 people. A University of Georgia graduate, Hill was captain of the Bulldog tennis team that garnered back-to-back national titles, receiving the Joel Eaves Award for the male athlete with the highest grade-point average. Prior to his time at Patterson’s, Hill began his career with SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (now Truist Securities). A volunteer with the National Youth Organization as a basketball coach, Hill also served on UGA’s Terry College of Business Young Alumni Board from 2014 to 2017. – ABS

JASMINE MOORE, 28

Program Manager for Superior Court Diversion Programs, Douglas County District Attorney’s Office and Founder & CEO, Grateful Hands Inc., DOUGLASVILLE

Jasmine Moore works to break the cycle of repeat offenders by connecting people with vital services and resources to help them address underlying issues, such as trauma or addiction, that have led to criminal behavior. Moore organizes programming, assists with monitoring program participants and offers accountability, support and resources to many in need. A coordinator with the Child In Need of Services program, she helps some of the community’s most vulnerable children and volunteers at the city of Douglasville’s Camp Terrific for children with intellectual disabilities. Moore is a strong advocate for inclusion and founded the nonprofit Grateful Hands Inc., which works to bridge the gap between individuals with diverse abilities and the world through education, advocacy and empowerment. She was recognized by the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce as one of the top young professionals of the year in 2022. – DH

SHAWANA MOORE, 37

Director DNP Program and Associate Professor School of Nursing, Emory University and President/Chair, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, ATLANTA

Shawana Moore, who holds a doctorate in nursing practice, is a nationally recognized expert on transforming healthcare for women. Through the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, where she serves as the organization’s first Black female leader, she’s led landmark position statements on abortion care, structural racism and implicit bias in women’s healthcare, prevention and management of opioid misuse and opioid use disorder among women and eliminating preventable maternal deaths. Moore also has served in national leadership positions for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and the National Black Nurses Association. At Emory, she is preparing doctor of nursing practice graduates to lead system-level change to transform the practice of nursing. – SH

PAMELA PEYNADO, 37

Judge, Atlanta Municipal Court, ATLANTA

A native of the Dominican Republic, Pamela Peynado brings life experience as well as professional knowledge to her work as an attorney with Lee & Peynado Immigration Law Group, now owning 50% of the firm where she once worked as a receptionist. Peynado serves as an Atlanta Municipal Court judge and has appeared as a legal expert on CNN, ABC, NBC, Telemundo, Univision and at national conferences. Peynado was selected as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers, named to Georgia State University’s 40 Under 40 Alumni Class of 2022 and recognized as one of the top 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia for 2022 by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Peynado is founder of The Love Project 404, which provides scholarships, pays local families’ rent and bills, and mentors young, minority, female students. – KR

DANIELA RODRIGUEZ, 29

Executive Director and CEO, Migrant Equity Southeast, SAVANNAH

As an advocate and champion for the South Georgia migrant community, Daniela Rodriguez has been working in the nonprofit and organizing fields for over 10 years, many of those as
a volunteer. As an immigrant from Mexico, during her first year at Armstrong University she co-founded Savannah Undocumented Youth Alliance, a grassroots organization that advocated for the rights of undocumented college students in the state. In 2021 she co-founded Migrant Equity Southeast, a Savannah-based nonprofit focused on the rights of the migrant and refugee communities of South Georgia. The group works to bring health, educational and financial resources to those in need, serving over 15 counties. A former ProGeorgia fellow, Rodriguez is also a member of Savannah’s Hispanic Task Force and the Racial Equity Taskforce and serves on the community advisory board of The Savannah Morning News. – ABS

JOHN ROSE, 31

Associate, Fox Rothschild, ATLANTA

A versatile attorney representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, John Rose uses his acumen and experience to make a difference in both the legal profession and Georgia as a whole. Rose has represented clients in multimillion-dollar lawsuits, notably helping Rick Ross secure not only dismissal of a defamation lawsuit, but victory in the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals for use of a sample on a mixtape – a decision that set new legal precedent regarding sampling in the music industry. As a member of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association, Rose frequently volunteers his time to speak on professional, business and music industry topics. He cofounded S.A.D.E.’s Hope, which helps young victims and survivors of domestic violence, and Collective Gallery, a “record label”-style agency for photographers. – DH

JORDAN RUSSELL, 36

Administrator, Riverview Health & Rehabilitation Center, SAVANNAH

Jordan Russell brings a personal touch to the healthcare industry, supporting not only patients but other professionals. A licensed nursing home administrator, he manages the 190-bed Riverview Health & Rehabilitation Center in Savannah where he ensures that residents have access to the highest quality of care as well as life-enrichment opportunities – like this year’s prom, held in May, where Savannah Mayor Van Johnson crowned the prom king and queen.

Russell is a member of the Georgia Health Care Association and serves on the executive committee of the Region J Healthcare Coalition, and is a member of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce. A trustee for Savannah Business Group as well as Georgia Chapter secretary for the American College of Health Care Administrators, Russell received the 2023 ACHCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. – DH

VICTORIA SAXTON, 36

CEO, Small Business Assistance Corp., SAVANNAH

Victoria Saxton’s business acumen and leadership led to her being named CEO of the Small Business Assistance Corp. Her most recent program focused on the financial needs of trucking and logistics companies, including creating a logistics workshop. Saxton serves on the committee for the board of Step Up Savannah, a nonprofit promoting economic opportunity in Chatham County. The city of Savannah is partnering with Step Up Savannah to launch a new minority co-op, Ignite Advantage. Saxton says she was brought on for her knowledge of the needs of a minority-owned business. She’s now a part of Savannah’s Racial Equity and Leadership Taskforce subcommittee on Economic Empowerment and Wealth Development. Saxton was in the Savannah Area Chamber’s Leadership Savannah 2019-2020 class, is a board member for Buy Local Savannah and teaches financial classes at Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship. – SH

ANDREW SMITH, 33

Attorney, Greenberg Traurig, ATLANTA

Andrew Smith, a commercial litigator, grounds his professional work in community involvement. Since joining Greenberg Traurig in 2017, he has participated in LEAD Atlanta’s 2023 class, working with Dar un Noor Academy in Midtown to develop a strategic plan, building local involvement and student retention. Smith also takes on pro bono matters representing LGBTQ+ individuals and often provides legal representation to those in the transgender community. Another interest is the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyer Foundation where Smith is on the Leadership Council, providing legal services to low-income tenants and survivors of domestic violence. As chair of the Executive Committee for Quality Care for Children (QCC) he’s helped provide underserved populations in Atlanta with quality childcare. A graduate of UGA and the UGA School of Law, Smith has served as president of UGA’s Young Alumni Committee and mentors two UGA law students. – ABS

JESSICA DENBO SMITH, 37

Senior Manager, Digital Marketing, UPS, ATLANTA

Jessica Denbo Smith has used expertise and compassion to make a lasting impact on her workplace at UPS and within the Atlanta community. By guiding digital marketing strategy, she’s driven growth in small business revenue, and as a member of the Corporate UPS Grants Committee helped award grants to local nonprofit organizations like Second Helpings Atlanta, supporting their mission to reduce hunger and food waste. Smith is a founding leader of the new UPS business resource group Working Parents and Caregivers in the U.S., which has brought valuable resources, speaking events and education to employees since January 2023. She co-chairs the group’s subcommittee focused on providing resources specifically for working parents and caregivers of special needs children. Inspired by her own family’s journey navigating her daughter’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, she’s passionate about supporting others with similar needs. – DH

GERLANA VARGAS, 33

Nurse Practitioner, United HealthCare and Co-Owner, Thirstology Infusions & Wellness Lounge, TIFTON

A family nurse practitioner since she was 23, GerLana Vargas, who holds a doctorate in nursing, takes a personal approach to her profession, serving not only as a healer but leader and advocate for the medical community. Vargas was part of the first international leadership class for the Florence Nightingale Foundation in London. She is known for her work addressing the global misuse of antibiotics and has implemented protocols in the nursing profession to decrease antibiotic resistance. As president of United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses in the Friendly City Tift area, she advocates for nurse practitioners on the local, state and national levels and recently helped get legislation passed that simplifies license authorization for nurses. She also co-owns Thirstology Infusions & Wellness Lounge, providing vitamin infusions and wellness education to citizens in Tifton. – DH

ASHLEY WOITENA, 39

Senior Vice President, VisitColumbusGA, COLUMBUS

Since joining the team at VisitColumbus 15 years ago, Ashley Woltena has distinguished herself with service and achievement. While working fulltime she completed her MBA and served two terms as president of the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB) in 2022 and 2023. A native of LaGrange, her enthusiasm for showcasing the Chattahoochee Valley area extends to caring for those in the most vulnerable communities; for over 14 years she has worked with a local chef to deliver freshly made Thanksgiving dinners to those in need. The charity evolved into a partnership with local food bank Feeding the Valley Inc., creating “The Big Gobble” holiday event benefiting over 2,000 area residents. Her community service includes work as a local board member for Girls Inc., a nonprofit that supports girls with national mentoring and enrichment. – ABS

BECCA ZAJAC, 34

Executive Director, Dragonfly Trails,COLUMBUS

As executive director of Columbus’s Dragonfly Trails, Becca Zajac oversees the implementation of the city’s 65-mile trail master plan, promoting recreation, transportation and connectivity in the region. Passionate about designing public spaces that create community, she worked with the city of Columbus to develop a public art ordinance and has since led the installation of five popular public art projects along the Dragonfly Trails. Zajac serves on the leadership team for Columbus 2025 and chairs the Vibrant & Connected Places Action Area where she is helping pilot an initiative to increase access to public art murals by local artists. In 2022, she was the recipient of the J.R. Allen Award for Outstanding Young Leader of the Year and recognized as Columbus & the Valley’s 5 Under 40. – KR