Leadership Atlanta

✨ A meaningful close to an unforgettable year — congratulations, Leadership Atlanta Class of 2026! ✨

This weekend’s closing retreat and graduation brought it all full circle. From the opening moments to the final walk across the stage, every experience reflected the growth, connection, and purpose that define this class.

We kicked off by spotlighting Community Leadership Projects, where classmates shared the impact they’ve made alongside organizations across Atlanta—advancing work in education, youth development, housing, and beyond.

Throughout the retreat, participants leaned into what matters most:

💬 Classmate Connections Continued — deepening relationships that will last a lifetime

🌟 Leaving Your Legacy: What’s Next? — reflecting on how to carry this experience forward

🤝 Becoming Alumni — stepping into a lifelong community of leaders

🪞 Reflection Circle — sharing personal growth and transformation

A special highlight was hearing from Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, whose commencement address challenged and inspired the class to continue leading with purpose and making an impact in our city.

And finally, the moment it all built toward… 🎓a powerful Graduation Ceremony celebrating not just the completion of a program, but the beginning of what comes next.

From study groups to late-night conversations, from project work to personal breakthroughs—this class showed up fully, supported one another, and embraced the journey.

Special thanks to Closing Retreat co-chairs Daniel Preister '23 and Joy Wilder Lybeer '23 who generously donated their time and expertise to plan the commencement as well as Tameka Rish'20, Condace Pressley'16, S. Rob Todd'24, Corteney Stewart'15, Deanna Anderson'18, DeRetta Cole Rhodes, MBA, PhD'24, H. Yvonne Bryant Johnson'97 and many others who took time out to join the class at Lanier Islands to contribute to their moment. And of course to Gairy Moore'20 who served as Program Chair all year!

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Your leadership is just getting started. 💙

Even superwomen need rest too! ✨

This weekend, a group of Leadership Atlanta alumni women hit pause for an afternoon of rest and connection featuring a sound bath!

We love seeing our alumni continue to get together again and again!

Atlanta is home to a vibrant arts, cultural and greenspace ecosystem🌿🎭

Today, members of the Class of 2026 and alumni were able to see that firsthand through an immersion program hosted by Jennifer Grant Warner '20 at Fernbank Museum of Natural History! The group started the morning with an immersive ballet experience courtesy of Atlanta Ballet and then explored the museum's WildWoods. Finally, class members were treated to an audience with top leaders in our arts and culture ecosystem Atiba Mbiwan, Mary Pat Matheson '06 and Tom West '25 about how critical these institutions are essential to our region’s vitality.

Did you know that three of the candidates running for Governor of Georgia are Leadership Atlanta alumni? Keisha Lance Bottoms, Clark Dean and Jason Esteves!

We couldn't be prouder and that's why Leadership Atlanta was inspired to host a nonpartisan gubernatorial forum that brought together over 500 influential leaders from across the region for a night of thoughtful dialogue and civic engagement.

Special thanks to the candidates who participated Keisha Lance Bottoms, Clark Dean, Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves, and Michael Thurmond.

Catch the replay here:

4-14-26 Debate.mp4

A powerful close to our 2026 CEO Roundtable series with Jason M. Girzadas with Deloitte.

His message was clear: leadership starts with people. At Deloitte, “we take care of each other”—because behind every name tag is a human being. The work isn’t just about economic gain; it’s about heart, purpose, and showing up for one another.

He also challenged us to think bigger about our role in the communities we serve. We can’t just come in and out—transactional engagement is a violation of trust. Real impact requires being embedded, building relationships, and showing up consistently.

Many thanks to Deloitte and Gairy Moore '20 for making this event possible!