Introducing the 2022 Class of Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellows

The Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation, welcomes the second largest class in program history to tackle Atlanta’s most pressing needs! The 21 members of the 2022 class of Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellows represent diverse backgrounds and industries including education, entrepreneurs, engineering, law enforcement, marketing, technology, and more! As diverse as the candidates, they all share a common desire to move Atlanta forward by building capacity for Hands On Atlanta nonprofit and school partners. Our 2022 partners include InCommunity, Out of Hand Theatre, Eco-Addendum, YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Clarkston Community Center Foundation, Inc., HOPE Atlanta and Medshare International.

During the nine-month program, the Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellows will learn more about the challenges facing our community, experience hands-on professional development and leadership training, and become better equipped to serve on a nonprofit board. In addition, the fellows will fundraise for Hands On Atlanta and build meaningful relationships within the cohort and across the Hands On Atlanta network.

Meet the class:

Alice Audu

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Alice is an educator with six years in education; four years dedicated to teaching. She is currently a Special Education teacher teaching in the Metro Atlanta area. Alice is the co-founder of an online restaurant review and directory site that showcases the Nigerian dining experience called Item Seven. She volunteers as a mentor for secondary school students through a Nigerian organization called Give Girls A Chance.  Additionally, she volunteers with Africa’s Mental Health Matters where she works with the USA diaspora team to raise awareness on the importance of protecting the mental health of Africans in and out of the continent.  

Alicia Glover

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Alicia serves as the Financial Analyst at LocumTenens.com. In this role, she provides analytical, forecasting, reporting, and project support to senior management. Alicia cares deeply about financial literacy and economic equality and volunteers with various non-profit organizations throughout metro Atlanta that advance these causes.

Aprille Moore

InCommunity

Captain Aprille Moore has over 15 years of law enforcement experience and currently serves as the Assistant Unit Commander for the Training, Background and Recruitment Unit with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. During her personal time, she serves as a Community Ambassador with youthSpark, an Ambassador with Black Girls RUN! Atlanta and holds leadership roles in local chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and Association of Junior Leagues International. She also holds a Master of Public Administration from Troy University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Georgia State University. Aprille prides herself on being able to bring a unique perspective to her profession through not only advocating for progressive thought amongst her peers, but also fostering community connections that build trust. 

Corinna Matthies

InCommunity

Having worked in the construction industry for more than 35 years, Corinna has great insight into the needs and wants of her clients; but most importantly opened her eyes to the needs of my community. Since having completed tradespeople in Germany many years ago, her training has been instrumental in sustaining a decent life for family. Corinna believes by opening training programs to anyone seeking a reliable form of future income, is imperative. She currently serves under DEMA, Fire Search and Rescue Reserve, local police, and is under consideration (applicant) with Peace Corp.

Darryl Johnson

Out of Hand Theatre

Darryl is a STEM Exploratory Designer at D.E.L.T.A. STEM Academy in Lithia Springs, GA, where Darryl teaches Engineering and Computer Science for K-4 students. He is also the founder and Lead Designer at The Path: An Agent of Change, Inc., a nonprofit focused on designing tangible and equitable solutions that transform systemic issues into systemic growth for all.  Darryl is a husband and father who uses his knowledge, experience, and education to focus on changing society provide children (including his own) with an equitable opportunity to thrive and be successful.

Gabrielle Roger

Eco-Addendum

Gabrielle is a passionate and enthusiastic community advocate, servant leader, marketing and communications guru and lover of all things that empowers effective change. She serves in several community and civic organizations such as the NBCW, NCNW and JLD. She is the owner of Fifth Generation Consulting, Inc., a marketing consulting company that takes nonprofits and small business brands to the next level. Gabrielle holds a BS in Print Journalism, MS in Communications and is a graduate of Leadership DeKalb Class of 2021.

Ghameerah McCullers

YMCA of Metro Atlanta

Being an athlete for 15 years, Gharmeerah developed five essential skills that stuck with them for the rest of their life. Discipline, leadership, being able to work with a team, hard work, and attention to detail. While attending Central State University to obtain their B.S., Business Administration degree, Gharmeerah played collegiate D2 basketball and led the team to a championship. Currently, Gharmeerah works remotely as a Full Stack Engineer for Office Space Software.

Jessica Garcia

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Jessica currently works as an immigration paralegal and is passionate about serving her community. In the past three years, Jessica served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for The Leadership, Advancement, and Development of our Young Sisters (LADYS) Program based in Charlottesville, VA. In 2020 she was part of the inaugural cohort of Majority Leaders, Ignite's 10-week cohort-based virtual training to expedite the path to political leadership, GALEO's Institute for Leadership, and is a Georgia Poderosa Fellow with Poder Latinx. In 2021 she was part of the spring 2021 United Way of Greater Atlanta's Volunteer Involvement Program. 

Kasey Anderson 

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Kasey is a Specialist of Training and Engagement at Mercedes-Benz Stadium within the Guest & Team Member Service Department. Kasey serves as a trainer for the Frontline Team Members, training on our Core Values and Welcome Home Service Philosophy. Kasey has always had a great passion for the community since beginning to volunteer at the young age of 13 as a Camp Counselor at the YMCA. She has since made it a passion to volunteer for many other opportunities (Super Bowl Atlanta, Miami, Covenant House Sleep Out, and more) She is also part of the Overwatch Committee with Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As long as there is an opportunity to better the community, Kasey will continue to lend a helping hand. 

Kelly P. Ellis

Blue Heron Nature Preserve

Kelly Ellis is a marketing professional with over twenty years of experience in developing and managing marketing and brand initiatives. Most recently, she has been a skilled-based volunteer with over a dozen nonprofits, achieved the CNP (Certified Nonprofit Professional) accreditation and logged many hours welcoming clients in a local food pantry. Her commitment to making an impact and driving successful outcomes in mission driven organizations is unwavering.  

Krista Pierce

HOPE Atlanta

Krista is a Volunteer Services Representative with Georgia Power Company where she handles the day to day operations of the Georgia Power Ambassadors. The Ambassadors is a 501C10 volunteer organization made up of company retirees and their spouses. We have 18 chapters statewide and they perform service projects in the communities we serve.  In the community, Krista is a member of the Metro West chapter of Citizens of Georgia Power, a volunteer for Make a Wish Georgia, and a member of the Circle of Sisters organization with the Atlanta Mission.  

Natalie Moore

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Natalie is a Project Manager who works in the Electrical Service industry.  As a seasoned finance professional with many years of experience she has worked in various industries such as supply chain, transportation, software, utility, and hospitality.  Her commitment to making a difference in her community has afforded her the opportunity to serve on the Northwest Metro Habitat for Humanities Family Selection Committee, Ebenezer Baptist Church Community Outreach Committee, Miss Fulton County Scholarship Committee, while continuing to volunteer at Atlanta Community Food Bank, and several other civic and community organizations.  

Pam Medlock

Clarkston Community Center Foundation, Inc.

Pam is originally from Washington, DC. She’s been in Atlanta for about 3 years and is the proud mom of two daughters – her youngest lives in Florida and her oldest lives in California. Pam is an Executive Assistant with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and in her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with Hands On Atlanta, traveling, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, & watching old movies.

Rhizlane Brachmi

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Rhizlane is a civil engineer based in Doraville, GA. She had a first encounter with volunteering while in college as part of her community service requirement, and that experience opened her eyes on all the ways she can contribute to her community. What followed was really cool volunteering opportunities ranging from gardening to serving underprivileged children at a holiday celebration and everything in between. 

Sara Henderson

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Sara is passionate about one thing: Helping others. In her professional life, she helps organizations create impactful and engaging learning experiences that enable colleagues to grow and succeed. Outside of work, she helps her community by volunteering regularly with a variety of organizations across Atlanta. She served with Hands on Atlanta’s TeamWorks! program for five years, most recently as the Steering Committee Co-chair and is a volunteer at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA).

Shalanda Dixon

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Shalanda is a certified coach and facilitator of learning and Faculty Director of Service Learning. She has over 14 years of experience in higher education. As Director of SL, she serves as the campus spokesperson and liaison for service learning and volunteer initiatives. Her passion for serving in the community continues outside of work, whereas, she and her family volunteer regularly with various organizations.

Shannon Smith

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Shannon recently returned to the Atlanta area after spending several years in New York City. Since being back in Atlanta, she has volunteered with the Center for Civil and Human Rights, Books for Africa, and other projects through Hands On Atlanta. Shannon is an attorney with experience in employee benefits, executive compensation, and labor & employment law; she has also represented veterans in claims for VA benefits.

Sydney Williams

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

Sydney is an experienced professional with a background in both the retail and consumer goods industries. She currently works in brand marketing for AHA Sparkling Water at the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, GA. Outside of her work, Sydney has a fierce passion for mentoring the next generation of young leaders and has dedicated countless hours towards this cause. She holds a BA in International Studies and recently received her MBA with a concentration in Brand Management. 

Tanjanae Walker

Hands On Atlanta - DISCO Program

San Diego, CA native Tanjanae Walker is a student of Africana Studies at Georgia State University. As an Engagement Ambassador for GSU, Tanjanae supports generous donors to the university with the giving process. As a grassroots organizer, Tanjanae combines their passion for fundraising, community and wholistic healthcare by facilitating a mutual aid program that moves to address the long term mental, physical, and financial health of Black families and individuals. Tanjanae is grateful for being welcomed into the Civic Leadership Program and knows it is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and serve with the community they now call home. 

Tracee Wilson

HOPE Atlanta

Tracee is a professional with proven experience in building relationships and developing successful strategies. In her most recent role at Southern Company Gas, she has had the opportunity to lead project teams that successfully implemented programs for long-term growth. She is committed to making a difference and being a contribution in her community and the world. Philanthropy is close to her heart and she currently serves on the Board of AABE Atlanta and volunteers through various organizations that include United Way, Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.

Yolanda Peek

Medshare International

Yolanda is a manager at a healthcare facility and manages a team with members in the Atlanta, Columbus, Athens areas of Georgia and Tennessee. She has volunteered for many opportunities via Hands On Atlanta, and other organizations, for many years. Yolanda is passionate about getting resources (food, supplies—educational, medical) to those who are resource insecure and elevating knowledge and personal self -perspective of all members of society.

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POWERED BY

The Civic Leadership Program is made possible by Presenting Sponsor, Constellation.

Constellation, an Exelon company, is a leading supplier of electric, natural gas, and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States. Through their support of the Civic Leadership Program, Constellation has further demonstrated their commitment to sustainability, not just of natural resources, but of the Atlanta communities and families.