Douglas County Chamber Honors 2026 CelebrateHER Award Recipients

Douglasville, GA – The Douglas County Chamber proudly recognized the recipients of the 2026 CelebrateHER Awards during the Celebrate YOU! Women’s Conference held June 3-4 at the Douglasville Conference Center. The awards honor women who are making extraordinary contributions through leadership, service, innovation, advocacy, mentorship, and community impact. The CelebrateHER Awards recognize women in seven categories: EncourageHER, EducateHER, InnovateHER, DisruptHER, ConnectHER, ActivateHER, and EqualizeHER.

The 2026 Celebrate YOU! Women’s Conference brought together women from across the region for two days of professional development, personal growth, networking, inspiration, and celebration. Attendees participated in breakout sessions, leadership discussions, wellness-focused programming, and the annual CelebrateHER Awards reception recognizing women who are creating meaningful change in their organizations and communities.

“Celebrate YOU! is about investing in women, celebrating their accomplishments, and creating opportunities for connection, growth, and inspiration,” said Sara Ray, President & CEO of the Douglas County Chamber. “Our CelebrateHER honorees represent the very best of Douglas County and beyond. Their leadership, service, and commitment to others continue to strengthen our community, and we are honored to recognize their achievements.”

The Douglas County Chamber extends its appreciation to the sponsors, partners, speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees whose support made this year’s conference possible.

2026 CelebrateHER Honorees
EncourageHER
Recognizing women who inspire, uplift, mentor, and encourage others through their leadership and actions.

Donna Barr
Executive Director of the West Georgia Scholarship Foundation, Donna Barr has dedicated her career to empowering young women through mentorship, scholarship support, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities. Through programs including Ms. West Georgia, Ms. Douglas County, Ms. Carroll County, and Ms. University of West Georgia, she has helped countless young women build confidence, discover their strengths, and pursue excellence.

Teneshia Murray
As owner of T’s Brunch Bar and a business coach, Teneshia Murray has created a supportive community where women are encouraged to pursue their goals with confidence, resilience, and purpose. Through mentorship, accountability, and practical business guidance, she empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and achieve success.

EducateHER
Recognizing women who empower others through education, mentorship, learning, and personal development.

Leslie Nelson
Founder and CEO of Pivotal Connections, Leslie Nelson is dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and future generations through leadership development, parenting and family coaching, and personal growth programs. Her work spans nonprofit leadership, military service, youth leadership initiatives, coaching programs, and authorship, impacting communities across generations.

Konswella Gilchrist
As Managing Director of Community Services for Douglas County Government, Konswella Gilchrist oversees numerous county departments while remaining committed to mentoring, educating, and empowering those around her. Her collaborative leadership style and investment in professional growth continue to strengthen teams and services throughout Douglas County.

InnovateHER
Recognizing women who embrace new ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and create innovative solutions.

Tina L. Greer
As CEO of Greer Business Solutions, Tina Greer helps entrepreneurs and organizations modernize operations, embrace Human-Centered AI, and create sustainable growth strategies. Through consulting, mentorship, and leadership development, she empowers organizations to innovate while keeping people and purpose at the center of decision-making.

Kimberly New
A seventh-generation Douglas County resident, business owner, and Georgia House Representative, Kimberly New is known for championing practical solutions and meaningful change. Her efforts to secure funding for the Douglas County Arts and Culture Campus and advocate for legislation supporting Georgia families demonstrate her commitment to innovation and community impact.

DisruptHER
Recognizing women who challenge the status quo, drive change, and advocate for meaningful progress.

Teresa Smith
As Executive Director of SHARE House for more than 20 years, Teresa Smith has transformed services for survivors of domestic violence through expanded access to safety, healing, legal support, and advocacy. Her leadership has helped secure more than $28 million in funding for life-changing programs that continue to impact women, children, and families throughout the region.

Tanika Gray Valbrun
Founder of The White Dress Project, Tanika Gray Valbrun is an award-winning journalist, producer, and advocate whose work has transformed conversations around women’s health and fibroid awareness. Through national and international advocacy efforts, she has helped advance research, policy discussions, and awareness surrounding reproductive health issues affecting women worldwide.

ConnectHER
Recognizing women who build relationships, foster collaboration, and strengthen communities through connection.

Tracy Crooks
Tracy Crooks has dedicated her career to connecting organizations, businesses, residents, and leaders through community engagement, strategic planning, and partnership development. Her work has supported initiatives in healthcare, education, public service, economic development, and community wellness throughout Douglas County.

Jessica Dent
As Community Health Improvement Coordinator, Jessica Dent leads Live Healthy Douglas and brings together organizations and stakeholders to address critical community challenges. Her leadership in establishing the Feed Douglas Cooperative has expanded collaboration among charitable food providers while increasing access to resources for residents in need.

ActivateHER
Recognizing women who take action, create impact, and drive meaningful results within their organizations and communities.

Katrina Harley
As Director of Douglas County E-911, Katrina Harley has spent more than two decades advancing public safety and emergency communications. Her leadership has driven critical improvements including Next Generation 911 capabilities, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced emergency response systems that directly benefit Douglas County residents.

Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon
Director of Victim Services for the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia and founder of The ATIR Community, Dr. Rita Davis-Cannon is a leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to victim-centered services, resilience, empowerment, and community wellbeing. Her work continues to create meaningful change across Georgia and within the local community.

EqualizeHER
Recognizing women committed to creating more equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.

Jazmyn McCloud
As Health Equity & Community Engagement Director for Cobb & Douglas Public Health, Jazmyn McCloud leads initiatives focused on improving health outcomes, strengthening partnerships, and addressing disparities through community-driven solutions. Her leadership continues to expand access and opportunity throughout the region.

Rebecca Wheeler
Dean of Adult Education at West Georgia Technical College, Rebecca Wheeler has dedicated her career to expanding educational access and workforce opportunities for adult learners. Through innovative programming and strong community partnerships, she has helped thousands of individuals overcome barriers and pursue brighter futures through education.
For more information about the Celebrate YOU! Women’s Conference, the CelebrateHER Awards, or the Douglas County Chamber, visit the Chamber’s website or call 770.942.5022.

For a full list of speakers, sponsors, and to learn more about Celebrate YOU! Women’s Event, please visit https://bit.ly/CelebrateYOU2026 or contact the Douglas County Chamber at 770.942.5022.

About the Douglas County Chamber
The Douglas County Chamber promotes an inclusive business community that collaboratively drives economic growth, sustainability, and innovation for a lasting positive impact in the Douglas region. Through advocacy, leadership development, networking, and business support programs, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for business success and community advancement.