{"id":5029,"date":"2023-06-29T22:07:17","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T02:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgamag.com\/?p=5029"},"modified":"2023-08-04T10:44:19","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T14:44:19","slug":"south-georgia-womens-leadership-initiative-starts-inaugural-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgamag.com\/index.php\/2023\/06\/29\/south-georgia-womens-leadership-initiative-starts-inaugural-program\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00a0South Georgia Women’s Leadership Initiative Launches Inaugural Program\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The South Georgia Women\u2019s Leadership Initiative<\/b><\/a> (SGWLI) is embarking on a new era of women-driven leadership in South Georgia. SGWLI seeks to instill confidence and capability in women across South Georgia to grow and thrive professionally and personally, and in turn, create a more vibrant and flourishing region and support, empower, and amplify the impact of women across South Georgia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The newly founded organization, sponsored by Georgia Power Company, held its inaugural kickoff luncheon on June 8, at the Albany at the Creekside Center at Chehaw Park, with over 90 women from across the region present.<\/span><\/p>\n

Georgia Power Region Vice President Audrey King was the keynote speaker and encouraged women to \u201cleave the ladder down\u201d for other women to come along. <\/span><\/p>\n

Georgia Power Tifton Area Manager Toni Reid shared, \u201cHaving the opportunity to connect and grow with other women, enhance strengths and collaborate with leaders across the area will provide a unique opportunity to accelerate growth in our area that will lead to many positive impacts. While this program is designed to empower women, having space for everyone to be involved was essential. We look forward to partnering with community and business leaders across the region.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The luncheon featured a dynamic panel of women from across South Georgia who spent time talking about their respective paths to leadership and the opportunities others have given them along the way. Panelists included Tift County Commissioner Melissa Hughes, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) President Tracy Brundage, Albany State University (ASU) President Marion Fedrick, Tifton City Manager Emily Beeman, T31 Owner and Fashion Designer Elena Carne Lorenz, and TMC Tax Accountants Owner Elaina Lockart.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With a message of encouraging women to focus on what needs to be done, Albany State University President Marion Fedrick shared how important it is to give others a chance. \u201cSurround yourself with the right people and challenge yourself to see them for who they are and what they have to offer.\u201d Across the panel, each woman spoke to faith and perseverance as key components of their success.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the panel concluded, Reid announced the launch of the South Georgia Women\u2019s Leadership Initiative. As a first-of-its-kind leadership initiative for our region, we seek to create a program that will establish a stronger network of women who can work to elevate issues around economic and social equity for the region and create a platform where women support women by helping them thrive in their own leadership journeys.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SGWLI aims to achieve this goal by:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n