Douglas County Chamber Recognizes CelebrateHER! Women’s Award Honorees

The Douglas County Chamber is pleased to announce the recipients of the CelebrateHER! Women’s Awards. The CelebrateHER! Women’s Awards recognize 14 women who lead the way in business, equity, innovation, and community. Categories included EncourageHER, EducateHER, InnovateHER, DisrputHER, ConnectHER, ActivateHER, and EqualizeHER. The honorees were recognized at the CelebrateYOU! Women’s Event, presented by Wellstar Douglas Hospital on June 6th.

The CelebrateYOU! Women’s Event focused on helping women to thrive in a space of well-being through self-advocacy, self-care, and self-awareness. Attendees enjoyed an interactive women’s showcase, a phenomenal message by keynote speaker, Ciji Townsend, a seasoned communications professional, life coach, and wellness advocate. She solves problems, provides counsel, and executes strategic communication tactics as a corporate communicator while keeping her own, her team and her partners’ well-being top of mind. Townsend shared her expertise and platform to motivate and inspire women to reset, rest, and relearn balance.

Chamber President and CEO, Sara Ray commented, “The Douglas County Chamber is honored to present an event for women to engage, empower and connect. I am so excited to celebrate our 14 honorees in the CelebrateHER! Women’s Awards – there are some fantastic, inspiring women in Douglas and this award offers the opportunity to recognize those individuals. Congratulations to all our honorees!”

This year’s event would not have been possible without the support of the Douglas County community, local business leaders, and sponsors. The Douglas County Chamber appreciates the support from our business partners including: Wellstar Douglas Hospital, GreyStone Power Corporation, Douglas County Government, Legacy Case Management, Scott Evans Nissan, POSolutions Inc., DeNyse Companies, Gordon Food Services, Melissa Prosser Photography, and Andbeyond Studios.

Meet our CelebrateHER Honorees:

2024 EncourageHER –

These Honorees give support, confidence, or hope to those around them… the true positivity queens of Douglas!

Georgana Arnold

As a Douglas County native, Georgana has dedicated herself to serving her community through her local barbecue business and non-profit ministry, providing hot meals to those in need. In addition to being a Partner in Education, she serves as Vice-Chair of the Board at the Good Samaritan Center, where her leadership during emergencies has been exemplary. Despite the challenges of running a business, a hectic schedule with five children and still finding time to serve. She encourages others with her trust in the community, her faith and her constant commitment to her hometown is truly inspiring.

Nia Brown

Jocelyn Wallace

Her unwavering dedication to supporting individuals affected by substance use disorder and their families has made a transformative impact in Douglas. Jocelyn’s compassionate demeanor and ability to provide both practical assistance and emotional support are unmatched. She constantly uplifts and empowers others, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Jocelyn embodies the essence of encouragement, spreading support, confidence, and hope to those around her. Her selfless dedication to making a difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring.

2024 EducateHER

These women share the power of intellectual, moral, and social instruction to those who surround them! Helping those around them understand, helping those around us learn.

Lisa McDonald
Lisa McDonald has been an advocate for education in our community for nearly three decades, with a remarkable 18 years dedicated to the charter school sector. As the co-founder of Brighten Academy Charter School, Lisa’s leadership transformed the institution from a small startup with 240 students into a thriving educational haven for over 815 students. Her heart for education shines through in all she does, from her exceptional contributions to the education of students in Douglas, to her commitment to mentoring new leaders in the Georgia charter school community.

Michelle Elliott

Through her ministries and coaching endeavors, Michelle has dedicated herself to providing invaluable financial education to the Douglas County community since 2012. Her commitment to helping individuals and families achieve financial freedom has resulted in over $1 million in debt being eliminated. Michelle’s selfless efforts extend beyond private coaching sessions, as she has generously conducted seminars and workshops at no cost, empowering hundreds to take control of their finances. Her teachings have uplifted countless individuals, providing them with the tools and knowledge to achieve true prosperity.

2024 InnovateHER –

These women break the mold, are not afraid of new and different, and their outside the box thinking shows in the successes they have had in their careers!

Dr. Janet Memark

Dr. Memark is a trailblazer in public health, embodying innovation and dedication while leading Cobb & Douglas Public Health. From combating epidemics and overseeing 29 diverse programs, to addressing health disparities, her visionary leadership has transformed communities and inspired change. Dr. Memark’s commitment to innovative community empowerment secured a $1M/year grant to combat maternal and infant mortality among black women. With transparent leadership and dedication, Dr. Memark is forging a path toward a healthier, more equitable future for all, personifying the qualities of a true InnovateHER.

Lauren Burden

Lauren Burden is not just a leader; she’s a catalyst for innovation and progress. With a huge heart for the Douglas community, she continually seeks new ways to connect and champion the area through her role as the Director of Communications and Community Relations for the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office. Lauren bridges the District Attorney’s Office and the community through her efforts in the social media and her presence at various events, ensuring the community stays informed about office activities and local events. Lauren’s dynamic ideas and dedication to connecting Douglas through social platforms make her a true InnovateHER award recipient.

2024 DisruptHER –

Women who truly push the envelope. The queens of breaking the mold, driving progress, and change.

Julia Areh

Julia’s remarkable efforts to break down barriers for the inclusion of ALL people have been steadfast and consistent. She is a change maker, empowering those around her who are voiceless and willing to stand up in the face of adversity. Through her work in progressive educational initiatives and inclusive policies, she has driven progress in global companies and organizations. Her approach to problem-solving, dedication to championing others and the relentless pursuit of progress, position her as an exemplary recipient of the DisruptHER Award.

Jasmine Moore

Jasmine is a trailblazer in inclusive community initiatives and the CEO of Grateful Hands, Inc. Through her nonprofit and in serving the Douglas community, Jasmine pioneers change through inclusive job fairs and educational partnerships, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Jasmine dismantles barriers and fosters an inclusive society, making our community more accessible for those with disabilities. Her change and impact in Douglas community make her a worthy honoree of DisruptHER!

2024 ConnectHER –

The QUEENS of bringing people together, establishing relationships, promoting growth and so much more!

Vonda Thorpe

As the founder of Royal Accents LLC, an award-winning event management company, Vonda excels in bringing people together, establishing relationships, and promoting growth. A dedicated volunteer, Vonda is known for her ability to connect leaders and create impactful relationships, making her a true QUEEN of connection in the Douglas community. With her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to her community, Vonda Thorpe’s contributions make her a standout candidate for the ConnectHER Award.

Diane Daniel

With 25 years of entrepreneurial experience, Diane Daniel shines at empowering countless individuals and transforms businesses by connecting leaders and fostering impactful relationships, leaving a legacy of positivity in Douglas County. Diane shows her dedication to building a stronger community by connecting people and businesses in need to resources. This is evident not just through her international business consultancy, but also by generously providing free cleaning services for cancer patients, making her a worthy recipient of the ConnectHER Award.

2024 ActivateHER –

Experts at multi-tasking and doing what it takes to get the job done. Our two recipients are the epitome of doing this as well as being influential movers and shakers in Douglas.

Terreta Rodgers
Terreta has been instrumental in driving significant growth and change in Douglas County and beyond. As Head of Community Affairs for Amazon in the Metro Atlanta region, she leads integrated external engagement and public policy strategies, driving Amazon’s substantial investment in Georgia. Terreta’s passion for community engagement is evident as she tackles local challenges and empowers small businesses. Known for connecting people to essential resources, she serves on several boards, championing youth development. On top of all her hard work, she is a Notable Georgian and Woman of Influence which also make her stand out as a true recipient of the ActivateHER Award.

Taurus Madric-Morris

Taurus has not only been the owner and Director of Operations of Douglasville Boxing Club for over a decade, but she also serves as a youth minister. Taurus is dedicated to voter education and empowerment. As a Marketing Instructor at West Georgia Technical College and CEO of MadMorMe, a non-profit focused on education and mentoring for teenagers, she inspires students and clients toward positive lifestyles in health, education, and business. Taurus’s multifaceted contributions to her community exemplify what it means to be an ActivateHER.

2024 EqualizeHER –

Celebrates women with a drive to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all.

Beverly Tate

Beverly’s mission is to empower individuals to live their best lives — both personally and professionally — while making a lasting impact on the communities they serve. With her knowledge and skills, this dynamic woman continues to inspire and make a real difference in the lives of the people she meets. Beverly has served Gordon Food Service for over 20 years. She impacts her community through her work in ensuring equal opportunities for all and supports inclusive efforts across companies, institutions, and opportunities. Her work spans numerous boards, daily interactions, and a deep commitment to inclusivity and support services for all, including women, men, education, and employment. Beverly views every situation through multiple lenses and strives for equal opportunity for everyone, embodying the spirit of a true EqualizeHER.

For a full list of speakers, sponsors, and to learn more about Celebrate YOU! Women’s Event, please visit https://bit.ly/CelebrateYOU2024 or contact the Douglas County Chamber at 770.942.5022.

Douglas County Chamber Recognizes CelebrateHER! Women’s Award Honorees