Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Atlanta for 2024. Atlanta stands as the eleventh largest in the United States and ranks among the top 25 economies globally, coming in at number 22. Several prominent industries are at the forefront of the city’s economic prosperity, including technology, research, financial services, film and television, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and transportation. Known as the “Hollywood of the South,” Atlanta is rapidly gaining prominence and recognition, driven by the remarkable women leaders at the helm of this transformation.
This year, we honor the contributions of Stacey Young Rivers, a Warner Bros. Discovery executive. As Head of People Growth and Enterprise Skills Strategy for all employees globally at Warner Bros., Rivers combines her experience in entertainment, technology, and human resources to create impactful solutions in corporate learning and education.
Additionally, we highlight Smita Srivastava, Senior Director of Global People and Culture Capabilities at The Coca-Cola Company. With over a decade of experience in human capital strategy, transformation, and the future of work, Srivastava transforms business by placing people at the center of her work.
We further acknowledge the accomplishments of Delta Air Lines executive, Maya Dukes. As the Managing Director of Global Brand Strategy, Creative, and Social Media, Dukes focuses on empathetic storytelling while building diverse, industry-leading teams.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Atlanta for 2024.
1. Deisha Barnett
President, Global Communications (CCO), UPS
Deisha Barnett is an accomplished leader and corporate board director who counsels CEOs, shapes strategies, advocates for inclusion, and builds high-performing teams. She is a passionate driver of transformation and results. Barnett is the President of Global Communications at UPS, where she leads all facets of storytelling targeting the company's over 500,000 employees and countless external stakeholders around the world. Barnett’s team creates content that drives brand relevance, sparks employee engagement, and reinforces UPS's purpose of moving the world forward by delivering what matters.
Previously, Barnett led the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s brand communications team and was the organization’s first head of DEI. Her work spanned communications, marketing, and the Millennial and Gen Z-targeted movement, ChooseATL. She was also the architect behind ATL Action for Racial Equity, which aims to address the effects of systemic racism in the Atlanta region and beyond. For nearly a decade, Barnett was a senior leader in Walmart's communications team. Crisis and financial communications, consumer public relations (PR), philanthropy communications, DEI communications, and CEO positioning are among the areas that fell under her leadership. Barnett’s fingerprints helped position Walmart as an innovative business, a trusted brand, and a responsible corporate citizen. Barnett started her career in Ketchum’s consumer brands and multicultural marketing practices. She is known for her authentic leadership and impactful approach to storytelling. PRWeek described her as a “pro who represents the future of PR.”
Barnett is a member of the Arthur W. Page Society and PRWeek CCO Network Roundtable. She was named the 2022 Woman of Excellence by the United Way of Greater Atlanta. Her nonprofit board service includes the Atlanta Conventions and Visitors Bureau, the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications, the Atlanta Press Club, the Grady Health Foundation, the Alliance Theatre, and the Communications Committee for Super Bowl LIII. Barnett is a proud wife, mom, and alumna of Clark Atlanta University (CAU). She has a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. Her alma mater honored her with its 2022 Pathways to Excellence Award, one of the highest honors given to CAU alumni. She also serves on the university's board of advisors, and she is on the board of directors for Urban Skin Rx, a skincare brand for diverse skin tones.
2. Smita Srivastava
Senior Director, Global People & Culture Capabilities, The Coca-Cola Company
Smita Srivastava is the Senior Director of Global People and Culture Capabilities of The Coca-Cola Company, a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. With over a decade of experience in human capital strategy, transformation, and the future of work, Srivastava is a trusted advisor, innovator, and culture driver. She has successfully navigated complex and strategic transformations around new organizational structures, operating model changes, business process reengineering, culture, capability, and technology by placing people at the center of her work.
Srivastava started her career in 2007 as a research assistant, clinical intern, and outreach graduate assistant at Eastern Illinois University. From there, she went on to Performance Growth Partners Inc. Before joining The Coca-Cola Company, she was a senior consultant of organization transformation at Deloitte Consulting. As a consultant, Srivastava is passionate about designing and delivering meaningful people experiences to her clients and stakeholders by engaging in a human-centered design approach at every step of her process. She thrives on solving workplace, workforce, and culture issues across different organizations.
Srivastava graduated from Eastern Illinois University with an MA in Clinical Psychology, and she graduated from Illinois State University with an MS in Industrial Organizational Psychology. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Mumbai.
3. Maurene Adams
Chief Executive Officer, International Salon, LLC
Maurene Adams is the Chief Executive Officer of International Salon, LLC. She is a certified trichologist practitioner who helps men, women, and children with hair loss regain their beautiful hair. In her current role, she uncovers, analyzes, and interprets hair and scalp maladies. She assists with the regrowth of clients' hair who have alopecia areata (AA), androgenetic alopecia (AGA), traction alopecia, and telogen effluvium (TE).
Adams is also a certified hair loss restoration specialist. In this role, she assists clients in feeling and looking their best by creating custom-made cranial prostheses for those experiencing alopecia universalis or alopecia totalis, or who have burns causing hair loss. She treated a client who is a two-time cancer survivor, and after three months of treatments, the client regained her hair. A male client experiencing male pattern baldness saw his hair return after 50 days of treatment.
Adams can also help determine the foods that aid in restoring beautiful hair and getting health on the right track. Before joining International Salon, LLC, she was an owner at Irie Styles Caribbean LLC. She graduated from Walden University with an undergraduate degree in healthcare management.
4. Aviyon Cochran
Director of Security, Allied Universal
Aviyon Cochran is the Director of Security of Allied Universal, a leading security and facility services company that provides proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow clients to focus on their core business.
Cochran is a resourceful and creative problem solver with expertise in fostering a culture of excellence, efficiency, and collaboration, always adhering to Allied Universal's code of ethics, core values, and standards. She reassures staff, customers, and visitors that there is a strong security presence within their organization, and she maintains a concise understanding of security measures from operational needs while developing customer-specific curricula and standard operating procedures. She leads people to recognize their strengths, builds high-performance staff, and drives execution with discipline.
Before joining Allied Universal, Cochran was a security officer at AlliedBarton Security Services. She graduated from Georgia State University with an undergraduate degree in social work.
5. Susan Ferlianto
Partner, Multistate Tax Services, Deloitte
Susan Ferlianto is the Partner of Multistate Tax Services at Deloitte. She has expertise in state tax (SALT), passthrough entity taxes, tax planning, tax compliance, partnership tax, corporate tax, income tax, franchise tax, local taxes, tax technology, tax accounting, nexus, apportionment, unity, tax credits, audit defense, and voluntary disclosures.
Ferlianto has worked in various industries, including private equity, real estate/REITs, lending funds, infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, consumer products, technology, and foreign inbound investments. She is known for her leadership, mentoring, public speaking, and authorship. Skilled in project management and passionate about tax, proudly identifying as a tax nerd, she also volunteers with VITA and is a certified public accountant (CPA).
Ferlianto started her career in 2005 as a tax consultant at Ryan. From there, she eventually rose to SALT senior tax associate at Alvarez & Marsal, her most recent position before joining Deloitte. She graduated from Covenant College with an undergraduate degree in business and accounting.
6. Jade Gentry
Partner, SAP Customer Capability Lead, PwC
Jade Gentry is a Partner in PwC's Technology Consulting practice in Atlanta and specializes in helping clients develop and execute new operating models to achieve growth and profitability objectives. At PwC, their purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems.
Gentry has actively performed on and managed strategic process improvement and system development engagements spanning finance, IT, and marketing functions. She has spent the majority of her PwC tenure working across many industries focused on transformative growth initiatives to address their challenges on new operating models, solution innovation, organizational development, and large-scale program management.
Before joining PricewaterhouseCoopers, Gentry completed her degree in accounting, computer information systems, and international business from Indiana University. She also participated in a study abroad program in Australia, attending Wollongong University, and she obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Lean Six Sigma from Villanova University.
7. Christina Shim
Chief Sustainability Officer, IBM
Christina Shim is IBM's Chief Sustainability Officer. Before IBM, Shim was managing director for Palladium International, a global impact firm. She built the Commercial Innovation Practice, supporting companies with sustainability and ESG strategies and execution. Her global experience includes time with several top-tier management consulting firms, including Booz Allen Hamilton, Bain & Co., and PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York, London, Singapore, and Washington DC. She also worked at the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington DC.
Shim has extensive experience in defining new strategies and go-to-markets, implementing operational teams to support those strategies, bringing together relevant stakeholders across functions/sectors/geographies, and identifying and plugging gaps. She is a serial intrapreneur and innovator, specializing in sustainability and ESG, growth and transformational business strategy, investment strategy, incubators and accelerators, and ecosystem-based implementation. Her clients and partners have included Fortune 500 and Global 3000 firms, private equity firms, nonprofits, federal government organizations, and start-ups.
Shim serves as an independent director for 1-800-Flowers.com, a NASDAQ-listed company, has mentored entrepreneurs at various venture funds, and has served on the board as an advisor to fintech and climate tech startups, accelerators, nonprofits, and Princeton and Columbia University around sustainability and responsible investing. Shim graduated from Columbia Business School with an MBA in International Markets and from Princeton University with an undergraduate degree.
8. Michelle Sapir
Head of Brand & Reputation Engagements & Experiences, Google
Michelle Sapir is the Head of Brand and Reputation Engagements and Experiences at Google. She first joined the company in 2007 as a marketing events coordinator.
With a robust background in experiential marketing, Sapir leads a team at Google that crafts and executes strategic engagement opportunities resonating across civic platforms and government affairs. Her team also oversees all US-based public policy and government affairs live engagements and reputational marketing.
Sapir’s career highlights include years of DNC and RNC strategy and activations, presidential debate sponsorships, White House engagements across administrations, intimate salons, symposiums on tech and related policy, immersive product launches, and AI experiences. Previously, Sapir was an event manager at Haute on the Hill. She earned an undergraduate degree from Barnard College, Columbia University.
9. Shirley Strachan
Global Partner Development Leader, Security, Microsoft
Shirley Strachan is the Global Partner Development Leader Security of Microsoft, an American multinational corporation and technology. In her leadership roles at Microsoft, and throughout her 30-year career in the industry, she has prioritized harnessing the power of technology to drive meaningful enterprise results. She does this by building and leading top-performing, diverse, and widely distributed sales teams that work with partners and customers to deliver intelligent systems and solutions.
Strachan is a passionate leader, a raving fan of technology, sales, business development, and strategy, who has also relished the opportunity to experience a multitude of cultures having lived and worked in numerous geographies during her career. In her 13 years with Microsoft, Strachan has held multiple leadership positions managing partner and customer engagement teams. Before Microsoft, she co-founded a successful retail solutions start-up, where she served as VP of sales and business development for six years. Preceding that, she held a variety of leadership positions with Fujitsu across geographies, including the UK, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
Before joining Microsoft, Strachan was a VP of global business development at Reflexis Systems Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with Fujitsu as a VP of sales. Strachan graduated from the University of Phoenix with an undergraduate degree in business management.
10. Danielle Haley
VP, Senior Relationship Manager, Global Commercial Banking, Bank of America
Danielle Haley began her professional career 15 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager of Global Commercial Banking at Bank of America, one of the world's largest financial institutions.
Haley is committed to providing financial solutions that will support the growth and effective management of middle-market companies in the Georgia market. She started her career in 2009 as a senior underwriter in corporate banking at PNC.
Haley graduated sum cum laude from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She also completed the ABA Business of Banking Program and the Gwinnett Young Professionals Leadership Program.
11. Karen Fitz-Donath
Senior Assistant VP & Senior Analytics Consultant, Wells Fargo
Karen Fitz-Donath is the Senior Assistant Vice President and Senior Analytics Consultant at Wells Fargo. She first joined the company in 2022. Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, community-based financial services company with approximately $1.9 trillion in assets.
Fitz-Donath is a business strategy executive with experience in developing strategic corporate objectives, financial reporting, and managing cross-functional projects to drive business transformation. She has expertise in consulting, financial, government, manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, defense, and supply chain industries. She has a talent for leading organizational projects from initiation through implementation phases.
Previously, Fitz-Donath was a financial analyst at Compass Group. Before that, she was a project manager at Lockheed Martin Corporation. Earlier in her career, she worked with VIAVI Solutions as an EDI project manager. Fitz-Donath earned an MBA from the University of Georgia, an undergraduate degree in international business and economics from SUNY Brockport, and an undergraduate degree in geography from McGill University.
12. Erica Crosling
Senior Director, Region Communications, Comcast
Erica Crosling is the Senior Director of Region Communications for the Big South Region. She is a storyteller, leader, big picture, and strategic thinker with a demonstrated, successful track record in creating and executing initiatives that drive corporate narratives, internally and externally, and engage employees across large enterprises. She has a solid background in strategic planning and implementation of external communications plans utilizing creative and innovative tactics. She has strong relationships with media throughout metro Atlanta and surrounding areas and holds excellent pitching and media coordination abilities. Crosling is a decisive team leader with senior-level expertise in budgeting and financial management, as well as a hands-on manager with experience in developing and executing employee recognition and incentive programs
Previously she was Director of Communications for AT&T where she was the employee communication lead for enterprise-wide content channel evolution strategies, including digital, virtual, and desktop signage. Prior to that, she was the Director of Executive Communications for Cricket Wireless for 7 years.
Crosling holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Sociology from Rutgers University. She is also on the Executive Board of InspireEdu.
13. Romvadee Overbey
Senior Director of Business Development, Internet of Things, AT&T
Overbey has 30 years of business experience in strategy, business development, and project and program management. Her experience spans multiple industries with special expertise in telecommunications, retail, and consulting. She has most recently been recognized as a leader in the IoT (Internet of Things) space. Her gifts lie in her leadership ability and her cross-functional general management skills.
Overbey is currently a Senior Director of Business Development supporting IoT at AT&T. She has experience across multiple industry verticals and both consumer and industrial use cases. She has supported a variety of AT&T's larger customers in the Connected Car and Reseller/Wholesale space. In this capacity, she has developed a strong knowledge base of emerging business models with respect to subscription management and integrated SIM models. She is an expert at helping companies develop innovative business models to support emerging business trends utilizing new technologies. Previously, she was the director of retail customer experience, responsible for strategies and initiatives to improve customer experiences in AT&T Retail stores. In this role, she launched initiatives that helped to take AT&T from last to first place in the JD Power and Associates Customer Service and Purchase Experience categories.
Overbey has held various positions in the Mobility unit of AT&T, including sales operations, affiliate relations, and merger support. Additionally, she worked in corporate strategy and planning for the former Bellsouth. Before she joined AT&T companies, she enjoyed a successful career in consulting, and also with several smaller companies focused on internet-based business models. Overbey holds an MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.
14. Theresa Spralling
President & Chief Executive Officer, The Spralling Group, LLC.
Theresa Spralling is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Spralling Group, LLC. She is a dynamic senior leader driven by a set of core values, including honesty, accountability, respect, integrity, and positive outcomes. Spralling earned a 4-year journalism scholarship to attend the University of Alabama. She continued her education at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she received a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Behavioral Science. She completed postgraduate studies and received an array of certifications, including engineering, conflict transformation, and an ASTD (American Society of Training and Development) Coaching Certificate. As a recent retiree from AT&T, Spralling is focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, and organization development and creating powerful impacts for others.
For over 30 years, Spralling has extensively worked at the intersection of engineering, technology, sales, DE&I, and human capital, helping to forge strategic alliances, design and sell engineering solutions, enhance people skills, and build a powerful workforce. She is a founding leader of the "From Tolerance to Understanding" movement at AT&T, working to highlight the power of critical conversations to raise awareness and reach understanding. Her achievements are comprised of a plethora of leadership awards, prestigious honors, and top recognition among various professional affiliations, including the Top 100 Women of Influence Award, the Top Women to Watch Award, the Leadership Impact Award, and most recently, the Catalyst for Change Leadership Award.
Spralling currently serves as vice chair for the Board of Trustees at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and she was recently appointed a board member of the Students Without Mothers organization. One of her proudest career achievements is leading the Women of AT&T National Organization to award-winning success and growing the organization from 6,000 members to over 25,000 members during her leadership.
15. Victoria Jones
VP, Brand Marketing & Strategy, ABM Industries
Victoria Jones is the VP of Brand Marketing and Strategy of ABM Industries. ABM is one of the world's largest providers of integrated facility services. Jones is a marketing leader with extensive experience in business-to-business marketing, brand strategy, corporate strategy, positioning, research, naming, M&A, advertising, branding, brand governance, and creative leadership for Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies.
Originally from Antwerp, Belgium, Jones fuses customer empathy and brand planning with a unique combination of creativity and analytical aptitude to help clients grow better brands and businesses. She is keen to see beyond the surface, read between the lines, do homework beyond first impressions, and seek more profound meaning. She is a leader who inspires ideas that deliver distinction and growth.
Before joining ABM Industries, Jones was a consultant at Brand Strategy Consultant. Before that, she was an SVP of brand strategy at Phase 3 Marketing and Communications. Earlier in her career, she worked with The Jones Group, Inc. Jones graduated from Hofstra University with an undergraduate degree in business and corporate communications and from Atlanta College of Art with an undergraduate degree in advertising.
16. June Kim
Managing Director, UHY Consulting
June Kim is a Managing Director with UHY Consulting and leads the firm’s BlackLine Practice. Her delivery team has designed and implemented BlackLine, one of the top accounting automation platforms, for hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies. She focuses on identifying cost efficiencies, maximizing productivity, and implementing sustainable process improvements while maximizing use and adoption.
Kim’s goal is to ensure clients are leveraging technology and finance automation solutions that strengthen and transform their companies. She has a Master’s in Science of Accounting from Eastern Michigan University. Kim is a Certified Public Accountant with both the Georgia State Board of Accountancy and the Michigan State Board of Accountancy. She is a certified BlackLine Implementation Professional and is frequently called upon to speak at BlackLine conferences and events, including a presentation on one of the largest BlackLine projects integrating different instances of BlackLine for two recently merged, global telecom giants.
Kim has hands-on attest and taxation experience for complex entity structures serving a variety of industries, as well as preparation, review, and tax projections for C corps, S corps, and consolidated corporate tax returns, including foreign reporting requirements.
17. Jennifer Fann
Senior VP, Atlanta Health Solutions Practice Leader, Aon
Jennifer Fann is the Senior Vice President and Atlanta Health Solutions Practice Leader for Aon. She first joined the company in 2019. Aon provides health, wealth, human capital, and risk consulting services with approximately 500 offices worldwide, serving 120 countries with 50,000 employees.
Fann leads strategic growth and operations, which includes managing her team and employer relationships, delivering on Aon United's culture, brand, and growth, and ensuring client service and innovation. Fann's core competencies include human capital, well-being, sustainability, employee benefits, process improvement, customer relationship management, merger and acquisition integration, workforce resilience, employee engagement, and onsite health. She has led many strategic projects and key client relationships to produce outcome metrics for a healthy and safe workforce. She is also passionate about serving the communities in, which she works and lives, and she holds executive board positions at The Drake House and National Charity League, Inc.
Previously, Fann was a vice president and national account executive at Cigna. Before that, she was a principal at Mercer. Earlier in her career, she worked with CIGNA Healthcare as an underwriter. She is a graduate of Harvard Business School's executive leadership program where she learned modern business strategies to foster innovation, integration of new technologies, product development, pricing, customer experience, marketing, economics, and the world's 8 major economies, accounting, negotiations as well as ethics. She also earned an undergraduate degree in business from Belmont University.
She enjoys building communities! Whether it is through corporate teams, business partners or Board service, she brings people together. Jennifer serves as a high-impact business executive and creative industry innovator delivering results for prestigious organizations. She builds strong teams and organizations, with a focus on competitive advantages, team architecture, and future-focused strategies. Her personal passions include cultivating a deep love of travel, hiking, yoga and enjoying brunches with extra bacon.
18. Courtney Hendricks
Procurement Director, Talent Acquisition & Talent Development, WPP
Courtney Hendricksis the Procurement Director of Talent Acquisition and Talent Development of WPP, a creative transformation company that uses the power of creativity to build better futures for their people, planet, clients, and communities.
Hendricksis is a results-oriented procurement leader with over 20 years of expertise in crafting and executing global category management strategies. She has a proven track record in cultivating and sustaining impactful business partnerships, coupled with a keen focus on driving comprehensive value realization initiatives. Known for her analytical acumen and process-driven approach, she consistently delivers measurable results in dynamic procurement environments. She has collaborated with business partners across various industries, including textiles, manufacturing, utilities, hospitality, and retail.
Before joining WPP, Hendricks was a senior manager consultant at Jabian Consulting, LLC. Before that, she was a director of indirect procurement of corporate services at LogicSource, Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with Milliken & Company as a process improvement specialist. Hendricks graduated from Strayer University with an MBA in Supply Chain Management and from the College of Charleston with an undergraduate degree and a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Biology.
19. Varsha Bidarakoppa
Principal & Director, Booz Allen Hamilton
As a Principal at Booz Allen’s civil health business, Varsha Bidarakoppa leads the technology team focused on engineering, product, data and analytics, security, and innovation to enable technology transformation. She is responsible for technology strategy, product road maps and development, and technology operations with a keen focus on creating efficient products and platforms, underpinned by Agile methodologies, Cloud, and DevOps initiatives.
Varsha has supported capture and proposal development for high-value opportunities at both federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Commercial clients. Her success in realizing business outcomes is a result of her customer focus, collaborative, and data-driven leadership, whether it is growing and scaling existing footprints or incubating and accelerating new initiatives.
Varsha has over 25 years of experience in diverse strategic and operational leadership roles in the Health, Telecom, Transport, and Resource domains. Before joining Booz Allen, she served as Senior Manager at Accenture Technology group., where she oversaw the technology strategy and operations for Tier1 Telecom, Transport, and Resource industry clients. Prior to Accenture, Varsha held multiple senior technology leadership roles at Motorola, Huawei, and LG.
Varsha earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Karnataka University, India.
20. Ashleigh Peppers
VP, Business Development, Integrated Portfolio Services, JLL
Ashleigh Peppers is the Vice President of Business Development for Integrated Portfolio Services at JLL. She first joined the company in 2013 as an associate project manager. JLL is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. Peppers’ role focuses on partnering with retail clients to identify a holistic approach to their unique needs within the retail life cycle. Her expertise in creating connections and aligning client needs with the right resources and approach is her most valuable skill.
Peppers spent a decade with the JLL construction project management team, engaging in opportunities with retail clients focused on new store expansion, renovations, and rebranding programs. Her extensive experience in program management has enabled her to apply similar successful strategies to other retail clients with similar business needs. She specializes in leading sophisticated, diverse, and complex stakeholders to drive action, decisions, and results. Her passion lies in creating connections between people, with the hope that these connections foster meaningful relationships.
Previously, Peppers was a membership services coordinator at the Georgia Hospital Association. She was awarded the 2015 National PDS Diversity and Inclusion Award and the 2016 Spotlight Program Prism Award. Both awards recognize excellence in advancing diversity and inclusion.
21. Maya Dukes
Managing Director Global Brand Strategy, Creative & Social Media, Delta Air Lines
Maya Dukes is the Managing Director of Global Brand Strategy, Creative, and Social Media of Delta Air Lines, the US global airline leader in safety, innovation, reliability, and customer experience. With a sharp focus on empathetic storytelling and an eye for building diverse, industry-leading teams, Dukes led the expansion of Delta's in-house agency WindowSeat during the pandemic. She transformed a 15-person creative services group into a thriving, 60-person in-house agency as Delta's first creative director.
Dukes is an accomplished leader who has been a cornerstone of the creative strategies for numerous multi-billion-dollar brands, including Macy’s, The Home Depot, and, most recently, Delta Air Lines. Before joining Delta Air Lines, she was a creative director at Jack Henry & Associates. Before that, she was a senior creative director at Comcast. Earlier in her career, she worked with Macy's as a senior graphic designer.
Dukes graduated from Georgia State University with an MA in Marketing and from Mercy University with an undergraduate degree in organizational management.
22. Dr. Stacey Young Rivers
Head of People Growth & Enterprise Skills Strategy, Warner Bros. Discovery
Stacey Young Rivers is Head of People Growth and Enterprise Skills Strategy for all employees globally at Warner Bros. Discovery. Warner Bros. Discovery, a premier global media and entertainment company offers audiences the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content, brands, and franchises across television, film, streaming, and gaming. The new company combines WarnerMedia’s premium entertainment, sports, and news assets with Discovery’s leading non-fiction and international entertainment and sports businesses.
Rivers is a distinguished executive with over 15 years of experience in technology, people development, and career development strategies. Holding a PhD in Educational Leadership, she has dedicated her mission to creating impactful solutions in corporate learning and education with a special focus on students. As a learning leader, she has spearheaded numerous successful projects, significantly impacting employee engagement and the development of critical skills. She pursued a PhD to deepen her understanding of how learning and technology can be harnessed to enhance career outcomes. Her research contributed valuable insights into industry-academia collaborations supporting students’ career development.
Rivers holds several honors, including “Woman of Color in STEM Technology All-Star” for her career contributions. She is active on several nonprofit boards and committees focused on technology, education, and entrepreneurship. Her thought leadership and advocacy in promoting equity in AI and education have earned her a board seat on the Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization supporting women business owners. Using her expertise as a learning leader, researcher, blogger, author, and speaker, Rivers aims to influence the global dialogue on the role of Gen AI in human learning with a focus on career development. Her current body of work exemplifies a deep commitment to using technology and learning as a force for social good.
23. Lea Eblin
VP, Product Management & Chief Product Owner for HRO, ADP
Lea Eblin is the Vice President of Product Management and Chief Product Owner for HRO at ADP, a comprehensive global provider of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions that unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and benefits administration, and a leader in business outsourcing services, analytics, and compliance expertise.
Eblin is responsible for defining and achieving the strategic business objectives that span revenue growth, client retention, market share, and product innovation for the HRO business unit. She is an accomplished global marketing, customer experience, and operations executive with extensive success in implementing new products, technologies, and services in emerging markets. She has operational experience and the ability to continuously improve P&L while meeting and exceeding business and financial goals.
Before joining ADP, Eblin was a vice president of product-regulatory services at Equifax. Before that, she was a vice president of global marketing operations, strategy, and planning at Citrix. Earlier in her career, she worked with eSoftsolutions, Inc. as a senior consultant. Eblin graduated from Walsh College with an MBA in Global Operations Management and from Ohio State University with an undergraduate degree in education.
24. Ada Allen Mills
VP & Business Experience Planning Manager, PNC
Ada Allen Mills is the Vice President and Business Experience Planning Manager at PNC. She first joined the company in 2018 as an outside sales ambassador supervisor for the GA market. For nearly 160 years, PNC has been committed to providing its clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals.
Mills is a business analyst manager responsible for employee engagement and development. She coordinates and supervises cross-functional teams to improve business planning methods. She executes key business initiatives growth strategies and programs that drive business objectives.
With years of experience in banking, she has held a management role for over 16 years in various capacities. Previously, Mills was a brand manager at Regions Financial Corporation. Before that, she was a brand manager at SunTrust Bank. Earlier in her career, she worked with Bank of America as a recruiter.
25. Ellen Spurlock
Principal Design Lead, Chick-fil-A Corporate
Ellen Spurlock is the Principal Design Lead of Chick-fil-A Corporate, the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality, and unique franchise model.
An experienced creative leader, Spurlock guides interdisciplinary teams across Chick-fil-A and its partners to best represent the brand in physical environments. She finds passion in helping teams effectively utilize the creative process by identifying goals and addressing them through design strategy, storytelling, and exploration.
Before joining Chick-fil-A, Spurlock was an art director of brand communication and design at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. She also worked with Alternatives Design as a designer. Spurlock graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with an MA in Exhibition Design.
26. Christina Carswell
Director of Internal Audit, ICE
Christina Carswell is a Director of Internal Audit at Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE), a Fortune 500 company that designs, builds, and operates digital networks that connect people to opportunity. In her role, Carswell is responsible for Sarbanes-Oxley and regulatory compliance, along with the Quality Assurance Improvement Program. She is an engaged and successful leader with more than a decade of experience in the accounting sector.
Within her leadership role in internal audit, Carswell undergoes daily collaboration with upper management, external auditors, and her team. She has multiple years of experience presenting to Boards, as well as the Audit Committee. As a leader, she strives to build relationships across the organization and work with employees to grow and develop skills. She is a leader of vision and maintains a high level of accountability for her teams and herself.
Carswell started her career in public accounting with Ernst & Young in Tax Services. She continued to grow her career by joining ICE in the Tax and Treasury Department and then transitioned to a role within Internal Audit. She holds her Bachelor’s of Accounting and Master's of Taxation both obtained from the J.M. Tull School of Accounting at the University of Georgia. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Georgia.
27. Sheraline Barthelmy
Senior Director, Business Operations Finance & Technology, Cox Enterprises
Sheraline Barthelmy is the Senior Director of Business Operations Finance and Technology of Cox Enterprises, which provides low latency compute and storage platforms for the rapidly growing edge-cloud market. Barthelmy’s role ensures that Cox continuously develops customer-centric products throughout the entire lifecycle and customer journey. She is adept at aligning strategic direction with execution. Value delivery and optimization have been key focuses in her current role. Additionally, she manages all marketing campaigns, prospect engagement, and thought leadership.
Before her current role, Barthelmy was VP of technology strategy and product delivery at FLEETCOR, a financial services company that provides secure digital payments to suppliers and their employees. She developed the $200 million North America Fuels Technology budget and identified and mitigated risks to deliver innovative products. Barthelmy also worked at Cox Automotive Inc., where she progressed from senior manager in the technology finance sector to senior director of global PMO and finance. She created the strategic vision for her respective functional areas in finance and HR and played a key role in the M&A activities for Cox Automotive's DealerTrack merger.
Barthelmy holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from Michigan State University and an MBA from St. Edward’s University. She has also attended programs at Cornell University, Emory, and MIT.
28. Sonia Griffin
Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company
Sonia Griffin is the Associate Partner of McKinsey & Company, an American multinational strategy and management consulting firm that offers professional services to corporations, governments, and other organizations.
With a proven track record of driving B2B commercial transformations, Griffin thrives on solving complex challenges for clients while helping clients deliver on their growth agendas. She focuses functionally on growth strategy, pricing, growth analytics, and sales enablement, and she has extensive experience across industries/chemicals/building material manufacturers and distributors.
Before joining McKinsey & Company, Griffin was a process engineer at The Dow Chemical Company. Early in her career, she completed multiple R&D internships at Procter & Gamble. Griffin graduated from the University of Michigan with an MBA in Strategy and General Management and from the University of Florida with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
29. Kate Pulio-Deighton
Senior Director, Crisis & Litigation Communications, FTI Consulting
Kate Pulio-Deighton is a leader of the Crisis and Litigation specialty practice within the Strategic Communications segment of FTI Consulting, a global management consulting firm. In her role, she advises companies navigating high-profile crisis situations and complex commercial, operational, reputational, and financial issues.
This includes supporting clients facing operational disruptions, safety threats, litigation, government investigations, leadership transitions, reductions in force (RIFs), regulatory compliance and enforcement actions, cybersecurity incidents, malfeasance, misconduct allegations, organized labor campaigns, and employee relations issues, among other high-stakes circumstances.
At such critical moments, Kate and her colleagues work alongside a company's executive, communications, and legal teams to develop and execute communications strategies that ensure the client's messages are clear and consistent and reach the intended audiences. She also helps her clients enhance their state of crisis readiness, delivering comprehensive crisis management plans, scenario-specific response playbooks, and tabletop exercises that simulate “real world” crises.
With a B.A. in Journalism - Strategic Communications from the University of Missouri ("Mizzou"), Kate is equipped with a distinct understanding of media landscapes, managing reporter relationships, and how organizations can convey truthful – yet impactful – messages. She often serves as a spokesperson and communicates with media members on her client's behalf.
Kate's clients operate across a range of industries, including healthcare, retail and consumer goods, manufacturing, construction, transportation, energy, technology, media and telecommunications ("TMT"), and legal and financial services.
30. Angela McBride
VP, Business Development, Acosta
With a diverse background in sales and leadership roles, Angela McBride is currently the Vice President of Business Development at Acosta, a sales and marketing agency that acts as a catalyst to boldly connect brands, retailers, and consumers, fueling growth and building long-term value throughout North America and Europe.
Previously, McBride was with GE Appliances, a Haier company, where she held leadership positions such as director of sales development and commercial director of water heating. She also worked as the director of sales and sales operations at a nonprofit organization in 2018, where she focused on career readiness and leadership development. Before that, she was the director of sales operations in North America at ABB, where she implemented processes to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. McBride has a track record of exceeding sales budgets and generating new business opportunities. She also has experience in implementing e-commerce productivity strategies and utilizing the Six Sigma methodology.
McBride also has experience as an executive coach and leadership development consultant through McBride Agency, LLC. She has worked with large companies, such as Starbucks, Microsoft, Bayer, and General Electric. Earlier in her career, she held various sales and leadership positions at Shell Oil Company, Frito Lay, GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies, and General Electric Company. McBride holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University.
31. Alexandra Khoury
Wealth Management Advisor, Senior VP, Merrill Lynch
Alexandra Khoury is the Wealth Management Advisor and Senior Vice President of Merrill Lynch, and she is a member of the Merrill Global Corporate and Institutional Advisory Services (GCIAS) group, a dedicated team of financial advisors who focus on delivering corporate benefits education and individual advice and guidance.
Khoury is committed to thoroughly understanding the priorities of individuals and families, providing them with personalized attention and disciplined, customized investment strategies. She provides access to the investment resources of Merrill and the banking convenience of Bank of America to help address the various aspects of clients' financial lives. She works with clients to help identify their primary goals and then commits herself to crafting strategies designed to help clients pursue desired outcomes while building, managing, and preserving their wealth for current and future generations.
In addition to attention to investing, Khoury can offer clients access to the expertise of Bank of America, which can provide strategic and personalized banking and lending guidance focused on your needs. She is a Certified Financial Planner and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPC designation. Khoury is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BSBA in Finance.
32. Yaarit Silverstone
Senior Managing Director – Accenture Strategy, Talent & Organization, Accenture
Yaarit Silverstone is the Senior Managing Director for Talent and Organization within Accenture Strategy. Accenture is an Ireland-based professional services company that offers solutions, such as IT consulting and system integration for industries, including retail and energy. Silverstone’s role focuses on developing talent and organization effectiveness and transformation offerings and capabilities that help clients bring their people strategies and aspirations to life.
With more than 30 years of consulting experience, Silverstone specializes in diagnosing complex organizational performance issues and designing, implementing, and sustaining leadership development programs, as well as large-scale journey management, human capital strategy and transformation, and, talent management solutions. During her 20 years at Accenture, she has held leadership roles in the firm’s Talent and Organization Performance service line, as well as in the chemicals, life sciences, resources, and products industry groups. Before joining Accenture, she led Gemini Consulting’s North American Human Capital practice and ran her consultancy.
Silverstone holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and Business Administration from Rand Afrikaans University and the University of the Witwatersrand.
33. Sarbeth Fleming
Senior Associate Dean of Admission & Director of Onboarding & Student Flourishing, Emory University
Sarbeth Fleming is the Senior Associate Dean of Admission and Director of Onboarding and Student Flourishing at Emory University, a top research and an inquiry-driven, ethically engaged, and diverse community whose members work collaboratively for positive transformation in the world through courageous leadership in teaching, research, scholarship, healthcare, and social action.
Fleming has over 25 years on many different points on the educational spectrum. In her previous work experience, she held many positions in the college admissions field, including the associate dean of admission and financial aid and the director of multicultural admission at Davidson College, the associate director of admissions at the US Coast Guard Academy, the director of admissions at Clark Atlanta University, and the assistant director of admissions at The Ohio State University. After spending most of her time on the college side, Fleming wanted to venture into the high school aspect of college counseling. She served as the associate director of college counseling and a history professor at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta for seven years.
Fleming obtained a BA in Political Science, magna cum laude, from Winston-Salem State University and both a JD and a MA in African-American Studies from The Ohio State University.
34. Judy Katz
Senior Director of IT, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University
Judy Katz is the Senior Director of IT at Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University. With Emory's emphasis on nurse leadership, service learning, and global health, students are prepared to serve a wider community, shape the future of nursing, and make an impact on patients at home and abroad.
Katz has over 35 years of experience as a healthcare operations and information systems consultant. Her areas of expertise are operations improvement and automating business and clinical processes in hospital and physician practice organizations. She organized the first internal consulting group at a major academic physician practice and her team developed an approach to identify patient access, flow, and revenue cycle improvements while reducing costs. The analytical approach yielded millions of dollars in revenue and cost reductions. At Cerner, Katz held a new executive role designed to be the single point of contact with a major client. Her success with creating executive relationships, managing projects, mentoring both client and Cerner associates, selling new solutions, supporting installed solutions, and passionately working for her client’s goals and satisfaction.
Previously, Katz was a client results executive at Cerner Corporation. Before that, she was a practice director at The Emory Clinic. Earlier in her career, she worked with KPMG Peat Marwick as a manager. Katz has a Bachelor's degree in Math and a Master’s degree in Health Systems Management. She has used her education and skills to help over 100 healthcare organizations. Her kindness, positive attitude, and interest in helping others have impacted thousands of colleagues and client associates.
35. Whitney McDowell-Robinson
VP, Student Development & Engagement, Brenau University
Dr. Whitney McDowell-Robinson serves as the Vice President for Student Development & Engagement and an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Brenau University in Georgia. Prior to this appointment, she worked for Tougaloo College in Mississippi; whereby, she held numerous roles including Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services. Dr. McDowell-Robinson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Tougaloo College, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jackson State University, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Urban Higher Education also from Jackson State University.
Active in an array of professional and civic organizations, she serves as the Treasurer for the Hall County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Done in a Day Chair (community volunteerism lead) for the Junior League of Gainesville Hall County, the Cookie Leader for Troop 11917 of the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, the Chapter Councilor for the Kappa Kappa Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, and a Board Advisor for the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). She served as the 2022-2023 Corresponding Secretary for the Jackson (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., 2020-2022 Director – College for the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Board of Directors, 2020-2021 Jackson Workforce Leadership Academy Fellow for the Aspen Institute, and the 2018-2019 President of the Mississippi Association of Colleges & Employers (MACE). Additionally, she is a member of the Mississippi Association of International Educators (MAIE), the National Career Development Association (NCDA), the Mississippi Counseling Association (MCA), the Southern Association of Colleges & Employers (SoACE), the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the Florida Memorial University Education Advisory Council, and a mentor within the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP).
Among numerous keynotes, publications, presentations, and grant awards, Dr. McDowell-Robinson is also the recipient of the 2021 Lifestyle Education and Resource Services’ Community Service and Enhancement Award, 2020 NACE/Spelman Johnson Rising Star Award, the 2018 Outstanding Career Services Professional (MACE), a 2017 Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Mississippi Hall of Fame Recipient, and a 2017 Tougaloo College “40 Under 40” Award Recipient. Additionally, she is a national board-certified mental health counselor, and she often volunteers her services with local community organizations.
36. Andrea Krasnoff
Executive Director, Senior Client Partner, NTT DATA Services
Andrea Krasnoff is the Executive Director and Senior Client Partner of NTT DATA Services, a trusted global innovator of business and technology services. Krasnoff is entrusted with designing and delivering strategic solutions that help clients achieve their business goals. With more than 25 years of consulting experience, she excels at bridging strategy and execution, which she leverages to oversee account performance and collaboration, portfolio strategy and management, and complex program delivery.
Throughout her career, Krasnoff has helped organizations across industries solve complex, enterprise-wide business challenges. She has guided several clients, including a Fortune 50 communications industry leader, through methodology transformations. She has also led multiple business process and systems transformation programs, including a nonprofit company acquisition/integration and a business-technology program assessment of a large-scale ERP implementation. Previously, Krasnoff was a client partner at Aspirant. Before that, she was IT portfolio services director at TrueBlue Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with CAP Gemini America as a senior manager.
Krasnoff is a member of the PMI Atlanta Chapter and has spoken about project management, portfolio management, and PMO assessments for various PMI Chapters and other professional organizations. Her thought leadership on how to refine project management processes to incorporate sustainable thinking is published in Sustainability Integration for Effective Project Management, edited by Jennifer Tharp and Gilbert Silvius. Krasnoff earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University.
37. Ava Arjmand
VP, Relationship Advisor, Northern Trust
Ava Arjmand is the Vice President and relationship Advisor of Northern Trust. As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, and investment solutions, Northern Trust is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to their enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity.
Arjmand’s role at Northern Trust extends beyond fiduciary services to encompass comprehensive financial and estate planning. Her team's commitment to maximizing wealth for ultra-high-net-worth families is grounded in a collaborative approach, engaging with clients' professional advisors to craft bespoke strategies.
Before joining Northern Trust, Arjmand was a vice president of portfolio manager research at Edge Capital Group. Before that, she was a vice president and client relationship manager at Rockefeller Capital Management. Earlier in her career, she worked with Merrill Lynch as a senior registered private wealth associate. Arjmand graduated from The University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in marketing and finance.
38. Tiffany Woods
Senior Director, Southeast Forestry, National Wildlife Federation
As the Southeast Director of Private Lands Forestry for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), Tiffany leads programs that intertwine the conservation of forested habitats with the economic and ecological needs of private landowners across the Southeast. During her tenure, she has fundraised and built a multi-million dollar program through grant writing and project implementation.
With a Master’s degree from the University of Georgia (UGA) Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and an undergraduate degree from the UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, she has over two decades of hands-on experience in forestry, prescribed fire, landowner engagement, and program growth and management. Tiffany approaches her work with an emphasis on collaborative conservation, and by recognizing that the most effective environmental stewardship successes occur when diverse organizations, partners, and individuals unite together for a common goal.
The Southeast Forestry Program has seen the implementation of projects that restore the iconic longleaf pine ecosystem on private lands and most recently, community-owned forests and projects on Historically Black Colleges & Universities. She is the co-founder and co-lead for “Longleaf for All”, a working group for America’s Longleaf Restoration Initiative, which is creating a movement of awareness and positive change for historically underserved landowners, professionals, and students in the historic Longleaf pine range. Tiffany's vision extends to large-scale initiatives focused on restoring native forest landscapes while directly addressing barriers to access, inclusivity, and equity. Bridging the gap between conservation goals and the interests of landowners has been a hallmark of her career at NWF.
39. Emily Richardson
Vice President, Colliers
Emily Richardson is the Vice President of Colliers, a leading diversified professional services and investment management company. Richardson joined Colliers in 2016 as an associate in the Office Services Group. Combining professional experience with educational training, she utilizes a consultative style to help clients better understand the broader range of the decisions that create a real estate transaction.
Richardson offers eight years of experience in real estate services, including construction management and furniture procurement. Her passion in the market is to connect her client's business operations with a real estate strategy that builds an intelligent workplace solution. Previously, Richardson was a senior associate of landlord services at Colliers International. Before that, she was a VP of business development at Office Images. Earlier in her career, she worked with Turner Construction as a project manager.
Richardson graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with an MS in Building Construction and from Florida State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
40. Michelle Gethers
Chief Diversity Officer & Head of Corporate Responsibility, Visa
Michelle Gethers serves as Chief Diversity Officer and Head of Corporate Responsibility for Visa, a world leader in digital payments. Gethers leads the company’s global strategy for growth in inclusive and diverse talent, social impact, and environmental sustainability.
Before joining Visa, Gethers served as the president and CEO at United Way of Greater Greensboro, where she and her team focused on partnerships to end poverty. She also held a variety of roles over 21 years at American Express, including senior vice president and general manager of card operations. She also has experience as an entrepreneur with a consulting firm, as a certified public accountant, and as an author.
Gethers currently serves on the board of directors for the Wyndham Championship PGA Tour and the board of trustees for her alma mater, Long Island University, where she received an undergraduate degree in accounting.
41. Eva Madison
Director of Compliance & Enterprise Master Data Management, Graphic Packaging International
Eva Madison is the Director of Compliance and Enterprise Master Data Management at Graphic Packaging International. Headquartered in Atlanta, Graphic Packaging Holding Company designs and produces consumer packaging, made primarily from renewable or recycled materials.
Madison is a corporate finance professional with experience in accounting information systems, project management, internal controls, financial modeling, analysis, budgeting, and planning. She possesses strong analytical, modeling, and statistical skills. Before joining Graphic Packaging International, she was a director of accounting and information assurance at PowerPlan Inc. Before that, she was a manager of analysis at Georgia-Pacific LLC. Earlier in her career, she worked as a senior auditor.
Madison graduated from Emory University with an MBA and from Kennesaw State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
42. Maisha Riddlesprigger
Head of Academics, Overtime Elite
Maisha Riddlesprigger currently serves as the Head of Academics for Overtime Elite (OTE), a transformative sports league in Atlanta, GA that offers the world’s most talented young basketball players a pathway to becoming professional athletes and high-level college recruits. As the Head of Academics, she designed and launched OTE Academy in 2021, a personalized in-person education academy that provides elite high school athletes with a high school education/diploma and an extended education in financial literacy, media/social media training, mental health and wellness, and an understanding of the business of basketball. In the last two NBA drafts, OTE has seen four of their former athletes drafted in the top 10 of the NBA Draft.
Previously in Washington, DC, she served as principal of two DC Public Schools in Wards 7 and 8, with a focus on turning around high-poverty schools, targeting student achievement, family engagement, mental health support for students and families, and student satisfaction rates.
The most recent school that she led was awarded the EmpowerK12 Bold Performance School Award in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 for significantly exceeding expected student proficiency levels on the annual state assessments. In 2019 she was recognized as the District of Columbia Public Schools Principal of the Year and was a finalist for the Washington Post Principal of the Year. The following year her school also was honored with the Together with Families award for their work empowering and engaging families in their community. As a result-driven leader, she served as a formal mentor to newly appointed school leaders in the District of Columbia. She has also worked with community leaders across business sectors as a member of the Seeding Disruption Fellowship, a cross-sector group of city leaders to generate, seed, and catalyze disruptive practices for the purpose of dismantling systems of racial inequity in Washington, DC.
Community engagement and empowerment are an important part of her professional and personal passions. She currently serves as a board member for CARE Anacostia (Community, Advocacy, and Resources for Education), an organization dedicated to providing educational resources, influencing policy, and advocating for students in high-poverty schools. She was profiled as one of the Notable Women Shaping DC as a result of her work in the field of education and community engagement and has served as a featured speaker on innovation in education and the work of anti-bias and racism in schools at national conferences and online webinars.
43. Kumari Williams
VP, VIBE (Value, Belonging, Inclusion & Equity)/Atlanta Site Leadership Committee, Workday
Kumari Williams currently serves as the Vice President of VIBE (Value, Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity) at Workday, where she is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and equitable workplace culture. Workday is a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, helping customers adapt and thrive in a changing world. With her extensive experience in this field, Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her role and is dedicated to driving positive change within the company and beyond. She is a thought leader in diversity and inclusion and is passionate about creating opportunities for all individuals to thrive and succeed.
With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, she joined Workday in 2021. Williams provides leadership to the Programs and Operations team while ensuring alignment with the overarching VIBE strategy across the enterprise. Multiple areas fall under her leadership, such as the Employee Belonging Council (EBC) program, which plays a crucial role in promoting belonging, the Disability Inclusion team, which is focused on creating an equitable experience for all regardless of ability, and Workday’s Giving & Doing program. Her unique skillset lies in being both strategic and operational, which are necessary competencies to drive forward enterprise DEI work.
Before joining Workday, Williams held the position of senior director of global talent management and diversity, equity, and inclusion at HARMAN International, where she oversaw DEI initiatives for over 30,000 employees. Before this, she worked in a senior-level role in talent acquisition. Williams graduated from Wayne State University with an MBA in Management and from Grand Valley State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration and human resources management.
44. Kali Franklin
VP, Human Resources, On Location
Raised in Southwest Atlanta, educated at The Paideia School, Georgia State University, and University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, Kali Franklin is a proud Atlanta native who credits her educational and cultural upbringing for much of her professional success. Wife to her childhood sweetheart, Wali Bashir, mother to a two-year-old daughter, Hali Elizabeth, her family planted roots in Midtown Atlanta, where they enjoy the conveniences of city-living with their two Cocker Spaniels, Spartacus and Zoë.
In her professional life, as Vice President, Human Resources for On Location (“unparalleled access to the best and biggest events in sports, music and lifestyle”), Kali is responsible for fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As a champion of people, both in process and development, she thrives at creating meaningful connections within the company and communities which are served. Leading in customer-focused industries such as retail, technology, sports, and entertainment, she is tasked with designing reliable HR infrastructure and building people strategies that are underpinned by organizational goals and priorities. By crafting resources that help managers better assess talent, she reduces the cost of attrition. By curating developmental experiences that add depth and capability for top talent, she increases the value of retention. By educating employees on the intricacies of health insurance, she decreases the spending on one of the largest labor-related line items. By influencing senior leaders to embrace more representation and diversity, she drives profitability of products and services offered to our customers. It is through the investment in people that most businesses succeed or fail and as the champion of the most valuable asset, the people, she contributes to the bottom line by leveraging her business acumen to propel engagement and boost productivity.
Over the course of her twenty plus-year human resources career, she has proven to be a resourceful partner who is results-oriented, influential, and vision driven. Her exciting background includes successful assignments within a small and informal family business, on the operations and supply chain side of a national retailer (Target), instrumental in the launch of a new business division for a global technology company (Microsoft), and as the functional leader for three well respected sports and entertainment companies (Arthur Blank's Sports and Entertainment businesses, NYC Football Club and Overtime Elite). In each of these experiences, she has proven to be a transformational leader with a track record of developing and implementing strategic human capital plans, establishing accountability, identifying solutions to resolve problems, and cultivating a diverse workplace that enables all team members to contribute at their full potential.
Equally committed to her community, Kali serves on several boards in the Atlanta area- YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, The Gateway Center, Hammond House Museum and The Paideia School Alumni Council. Proud of her ability to quickly identify and interpret business obstacles, Kali is often reflective of the challenges that she has faced and the leadership philosophy that has pulled her through is, “If you can only find one solution to the problem, you don’t fully understand the problem or the opportunity”.
45. Teresa Ostapower
Chief Information Officer, Diebold Nixdorf
Teresa Ostapower has over 13 years of executive leadership experience in digital and technology and over 30 years of experience in technology leading IT strategy, software development, architecture, digital, and technical operations. She is currently the CIO at Diebold Nixdorf and is responsible for IT strategy, planning, and execution, as well as modernization to digital and cloud technologies to enable business sales and operations. Diebold Nixdorf automates, digitizes, and transforms the way people bank and shop, offering proven expertise and comprehensive portfolios in cutting-edge product technology, multi-vendor software, and service excellence for financial and retail customers.
Ostapower was previously the SVP of technology Transformation, architecture, and operations at AT&T, aggressively modernizing software delivery to drive speed, cost, and quality improvements. She led numerous transformation initiatives across AT&T. From 2013 to 2017, Ostapower was AT&T’s first chief digital officer, where she was responsible for the Business Strategy, Sales/Marketing, CX/UX, Analytics, and Development/Operations teams to enable best-in-class digital capabilities for consumer and business segments.
Over her 33-year career, Ostapower is known for being a passionate and humble leader with a proven track record for results. She is recognized for the successful execution of major transformations, willingness to disrupt/challenge/innovate, analytical insights, and an energetic “get the job done” mindset. Ostapower graduated from the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in management information systems.
46. Kelly Jamieson
Senior VP, Operations, InVeris Training Solutions, Inc.
Kelly serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations for InVeris Training Solutions and has been a member of the Operations Team since 1996. Kelly’s talent as a leader was recognized early, and by 1998, she was promoted to Manager of Procurement. Along her journey were a series of promotions, and in 2011, she was promoted to Director of Materials.
In 2012, she was sent to another location to determine the issues and report back on an action plan. In 2013, Meggitt PLC recruited her for a role in corporate as the Director of Sourcing, and she was transferred to be responsible for the strategic planning and execution of procurement planning across 14 business units.
In 2014, Kelly returned to InVeris (then Meggitt) to head up the operations team as Sr. Vice President. Managing a team of over 100 employees in various countries. Her team has had success in executing record-breaking quarterly production deliverables in a short turnaround time while maintaining a safe workspace and quality product. In 2020, she was instrumental in executing the sale of the company and was responsible for much of the transition.
Prominent in her skill set is her people skills towards her employees, peers, and management. With her continuous drive to ensure that all aspects of the business are integrated and working to plan, she is an exceptional communicator and makes timely and decisive decisions. Her proactive management style, professional demeanor, and strong work ethic result in high-performing teams.
47. Laura Livers
Chief Revenue Officer, Intouch Insight
Laura Livers, Chief Revenue Officer, joined Intouch Insight in July 2021, bringing a wealth of experience in customer experience utilizing a myriad of research methodologies.
Prior to joining Intouch Insight, Laura served as the EVP, of US Qualitative Solutions for Schlesinger Group following the acquisition of Focus Pointe Global, where she served as Chief Executive Officer. Laura has led the successful integration of eight companies and panels to deliver one seamless, exceptional brand experience for clients. She believes in the power of data and is passionate about empowering her team to help clients bring the voice of the customer into the boardroom. Her objective is simply to provide the world’s best service offerings through intelligent recruitment, emerging technologies, world-class project management, compliance excellence, and trusted relationships.
Laura’s expertise in marketing research and data collection includes partnering with all types of researchers, including insights providers, brand and consulting agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. Prior to joining Focus Pointe Global in 2009, Laura served as President of mystery shopping firm Shop‘n Chek Worldwide, now MarketForce.
Specialties: Leadership, M&A/Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Operations, P&L/Budgeting, Sales & Marketing, Quality Assurance, Personnel & Performance management.
48. Chesley Gaddis
VP, Sales & Partner, Intrepid
Chesley Gaddis boasts nearly 20 years of experience in employee benefit consulting. In 2006, she began her career at Intrepid in an advocacy role, initially viewing it as a temporary role while searching for her “dream job.” However, she soon discovered that professional fulfillment stems from the people you work with rather than the specific tasks you perform. After being promoted to a consulting role, she realized it wasn't the right fit. Recognizing her unique strengths, Chesley created a role that leveraged her English and Creative Writing background to improve the communication and marketing of benefits to clients, becoming Intrepid’s Communications Director.
After a successful decade as Director of Communications, Intrepid’s president, Liz Frayer, encouraged her to transition into business development. Today, Chesley leads the sales team, focusing on building genuine relationships rather than pursuing quick sales. Her passion lies in connecting with people and fostering lasting relationships.
A lifelong Atlantan, Chesley resides in Inman Park with her husband, Owen, and their two children, Holland (6) and Hamilton (4). Chesley is a proud alumna of Sweet Briar College, an all-women’s liberal arts school, where she graduated in 2003 with a degree in English and Creative Writing, and learned the enduring value of female friendships and community.
49. Brooke Grant
VP, Consulting & Compliance, Intrepid
Brooke Grant is a results-driven consultant with nearly two decades of experience, leading her team in delivering outstanding service and benefit programs at Intrepid. Her exceptional organizational and communication skills, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, have earned her a reputation for achieving client goals and navigating complex challenges. As Intrepid’s VP of Compliance, Brooke’s commitment to excellence extends beyond successful renewals. She is dedicated to continuous improvement, staying abreast of industry compliance changes and updates to ensure best practices for every client.
Brooke holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Georgia. Following her love for animals, her career began in animal pharmaceuticals, where she worked for two years before transitioning to Intrepid. A lifelong learner, Brooke has earned numerous designations and certificates to enhance her expertise in the health insurance industry.
An Atlanta native, Brooke now resides in Roswell with her husband, Johnathon, and their son, Ryan. When she isn’t driving her son to a soccer-related event, she enjoys riding her horse and spending time with her dogs.
50. Dee Ann Turner
Founder, CEO, Dee Ann Turner & Associates
As Founder and CEO, Dee Ann Turner leads her organization, Dee Ann Turner & Associates, LLC, writing books, speaking to over 50 audiences per year, and consulting and coaching leaders globally. She is the author of the best sellers, It’s My Pleasure: The Impact of Extraordinary Talent and a Compelling Culture (2015), Bet on Talent: How to Create a Remarkable Culture and Win the Hearts of Customers (2019), and Crush Your Career: Ace the Interview, Land the Job and Launch Your Future (2021).
Turner is a 33-year veteran of Chick-fil-A, Inc. Before retirement, she was vice president of talent and vice president of sustainability for Chick-fil-A, Inc. Selected as the company’s first female officer in 2001, she was instrumental in building and growing Chick-fil-A’s well-known culture and talent systems. During her long career, she worked closely with Chick-fil-A’s founder and other key leaders as an architect of their organizational culture. Turner was responsible for thousands of selections of Chick-fil-A franchisees and corporate staff members. Additionally, she led talent management, staff learning and development, diversity and inclusion, and culture and engagement. Before her retirement, she launched and led Chick-fil-A’s Sustainability and Social Responsibility function.
Turner also hosts the Crush Your Career Podcast and is the talent expert in residence at High Point University. In 2023, Turner was named to the Georgia Titan 100. The married mother of three grown sons and one daughter-in-love, she serves various nonprofit boards and can often be found on her standup paddleboard on Lake Hartwell.