The 2024 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation, has officially kicked-off with the largest cohort of Civic Fellows in program history.

Growing by 50% from our 2023 class of graduates, 31 Civic Fellows will be partnered with nonprofits and schools across metro Atlanta to help tackle our city’s most pressing needs. From October 2023 through May 2024, the fellows will each host at least 1 project per month (with their partner), attend monthly professional development and leadership training workshops and fundraise a minimum of $500.

Nonprofits and schools being supported this year are:

• AgLanta

• Out of Hand Theatre

• Black Girls Smile

• Giving Hands Food Pantry

• Eco Addendum

• Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

• Latin American Association

• C.H.O.I.C.E.S.

• Livable Buckhead

• The King Center

• Wylde Center

• Piedmont Park Conservancy

Hands On Atlanta Discovery at:

• Kindezi at Gideons

• Kindezi West

• Clay Harmony Leland Elementary

• Parklane Elementary

• Brookview Elementary

• Love T. Nolan

• Belmont Hills

• Usher Collier

• Scott Elementary

• Asa G. Hilliard

In 2023, 18 Civic Fellows engaged over 2,000 volunteers to serve more than 6,000 hours - saving our partners $170,000 in volunteer labor. In addition, they raised $18,000 for Hands On Atlanta. We’re excited to see the impact our 2024 cohort will create across metro Atlanta.

Without further ado, introducing the Civic Fellows participating in the 2024 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program.

Adrienne Dore

Team Leader, Southwest Airlines

Aglanta

Adrienne Dore is a California Native that has relocated in 2013 and planted roots to become one and of service with her local Community of Atlanta, GA. Adrienne is a Team Leader that prides herself in mentoring, developing, and supporting her team to reach their goals and contribute positively to company goals at Southwest Airlines. Adrienne is proud serve on Southwest Airlines President Council, Leader Advisory Board and as a Volunteer Ambassador. Adrienne enjoys volunteering with organizations that support impoverished Communities through Atlanta like Love Beyond Walls, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Hands On Atlanta.

Ashley Miller

Administrative Assistant, Georgia Power

Out of Hand Theater

Ashley Miller provides direct administrative support to the External Affairs leadership team of Georgia Power, ensuring their smooth operations and enabling them to focus on major business objectives as an Executive Administrative Assistant. Ashley’s passion for making a positive impact extends beyond her work and family life, actively engaging in volunteer work at Legacy Ridge at Alpharetta Senior Living along with assisting The Empty Stocking Fund.

Brandi Henderson

HR Manager, Daimler Trucks North America

Black Girls Smile

Brandi Henderson is a human resource professional, hailing from the Carolinas. She fell in love with Atlanta seven years ago and decided to make it her forever home. Since making this city hers, she’s become committed and passionate about serving the community and those in need. She currently volunteers with several organizations including Cool Girls and Grls Give Inc.

Brittany Hartman

Corporate Ethics and Compliance Manager, The Home Depot

Discovery - Kindezi Gideons

Brittany Hartman is a Compliance Manager at The Home Depot. She’s originally from Atlanta with a Liberian-American heritage. She holds degrees in both Psychology and Biology from Clemson University and is deeply committed to her community, family, volunteerism, and philanthropy. Brittany serves as a board member at Dekalb Brilliance Academy and as a member of Open Hand Society with Open Hand Atlanta. Her experiences as a Liberian-American have instilled in her a strong sense of the interconnectedness of all people, and she values diversity and inclusivity. Brittany is a true advocate for positive change, both in her professional career and within her community.

Chantelle Hawkins

Manager of Patient Access Services, Northside Hospital

Giving Hands Food Pantry

Chantelle Hawkins is native of Huntsville, AL. and currently resides in the Metro Atlanta area. She is a servant leader in Healthcare Revenue Cycle at Northside Hospital Atlanta. Beyond her profession, Chantelle is passionate about service and philanthropic endeavors. To this end she sit on the Board of Directors for Premier Leadership Foundation and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority Inc. and Junior League of DeKalb County. During her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling abroad and serving internationally.

Christopher Simser

VP Business Control Manager, Bank of America

Eco-Addendum

Chris Simser is an Atlanta native and is currently a Vice President and Business Control Manager with the Enterprise Payments group within Bank of America. Chris holds a BBA degree from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia and an MBA from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida. Chris has routinely received the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for exceeding two hundred volunteer hours annually and actively volunteers with Trees Atlanta, International Rescue Committee (IRC), CARE USA, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. In any free time, Chris loves to spend time outdoors doing almost anything as well as spending time with family.

Crystal Mccorkle

Client Service Consultant, Global Payments

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Crystal McCorkle is a committed and dynamic strategic leader, change-agent, and visionary with a passion for enabling inclusion, equity, strategy, and accountability in the fields of community service and philanthropy. Crystal's strategic leadership abilities shine through her roles as Community Pillar Chair for the Global Payments Onyx Network, External Partnerships Chair for the Global Payments Women’s Network, President Advisory Council Member & JEDI Task Force Leader of PayTech Women, Community Outreach Chair for the Marietta-Roswell Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Board President of Atlanta Run Club and Employment Engagement Coordinator for the United Way of Greater Atlanta for TSYS, to name a few. 

Danette Shockley

Project Manager, Dupree Security Group

Latin American Association

Danette is originally from Brooklyn, New York and has made roots in Atlanta in 2009.  Since moving to Atlanta, she has been very active in her community as an advocate for the unsheltered as well as allocating food sources for the low-income and impoverished families here in Atlanta, GA.  In 2013, she started the Teen Queen Experience back-to-school conference and Warming Up Atlanta to involve her family and friends in community efforts to uplift and support our neighborhoods. Danette is the founder of AZLR CARES, a non-profit formed to bring resources and aide to the unsheltered and sheltered homeless individuals in Atlanta. She is also Junior Board Vice Chairwoman for Hemophilia of Georgia. Danette is currently studying Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship at DeVry University and is expected to graduate August 2024.

Eboni Johnson

Project/Program Manager, Independent Contractor

Discovery - Kindezi West

Eboni Johnson was born in Atlanta (Grady Baby!) and raised in the Metro Atlanta area, having gone to schools in Clayton and DeKalb counties. She obtained her post-secondary education at The University of Georgia, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and minoring in Child and Family Development. Eboni's career experience includes working in administrative and operations roles in the education, state government and healthcare industries. She is now an Independent Contractor providing program/project management, coordination, and administrative support services. She has engaged with various organizations doing the hard and heart work, especially for the most vulnerable. This has ranged from being part of the Black Educational Support Team (B.E.S.T.) tutoring program to Habitat for Humanity to currently being an education advocate as a Parent Fellow with redefinED and GeorgiaCAN. 

Edgar-Keiron Robinson

Digital Strategy Consultant, Infosys

Discovery - CLAY HARMONY LELAND

Edgar-Keiron's background encompasses ten years of teaching, covering subjects ranging from Conversational English and Kinesiology to User Experience Design. Additionally, he's led a design collective, providing valuable strategic insights to numerous businesses, he currently uses these skills as a digital strategy consultant specializing in digital transformation. These multifaceted experiences underscore his unwavering dedication and proven leadership abilities, making him well-prepared to contribute significantly to the Civic Leadership program. Holding a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Health and PE from Valdosta State University and having completed a UX/Ul/Web-Dev continuing education course at the prestigious Georgia Institute of Technology, he's showcased his dedication to ongoing personal and professional growth by currently pursuing a project management certification and actively participating in a civic leadership program.

Elecisha Pope-Bradford

Senior Building Management Specialist, General Services Administration

Discovery - Parklane

As a Senior Building Management Specialist at General Services Administration, Elecisha has over 23 years of experience in managing, overseeing, and delivering complex and high-value facilities management and federal acquisition projects in the Southeastern United States. Additionally, she serves as the President of GSA’s Volunteers in Service, leading their flagship community outreach program of a reading literacy partnership with Dunbar Elementary School in Atlanta, GA. She also serves as the financial secretary for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Lambda Sigma Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Stockbridge, GA.

Jacinta Lewis

Flight Attendant, Southwest Airlines

Discovery - Brookview

Jacinta Lewis is a dedicated Georgia native with a deep commitment to serving her community. She currently resides in the South Fulton area; Jacinta has cultivated a passion for helping others that shines through in both her professional and volunteer work. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management, a testament to her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world. She is currently a valuable employee of Southwest Airlines. In addition to her professional endeavors, Jacinta enjoys serving her community, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Jason Thomas

Dean of Students, Heritage Preparatory School

The King Center

Jason is a native of Southwest Atlanta and has a tremendous heart for the people and communities around the metro area. He values diversity and servant leadership and feels called to be a place maker, bridge builder and people connector. Jason has served in a variety of leadership roles in youth development and pastoral ministry for nearly 25 years. He enjoys volunteering for causes that benefit families and children. In recent years, Jason has been a consistent volunteer with Urban Recipe, Hugs and Hope, Atlanta Mission, and as a baseball coach with Brookwood Baseball Association. Jason is a food, culture and sports enthusiast. When he is not working or volunteering, you can likely find him exploring new restaurants, local festivals, and sporting events alongside his wife and three sons.

Jeff Cantin

Major, City of Atlanta Police Department

Wylde Center

Major Jeff Cantin has been in emergency services for 29 years, spending the last 23 years with the Atlanta Police Department. He currently oversees all the community outreach programs for the police department. He is also the executive director of the Atlanta Police Athletic League, working with at-risk youths in the city through sports.

Kayla Tomlinson

Manager, Bookings & Event Contracts, Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Discovery - Clay Harmony Leland

Kayla is the Manager of Bookings and Event Contracts in the Major Events department at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, originally from Stone Mountain, GA.  She graduated from Howard University with a degree in Sports Management in 2018. In her free time, you can find her at the movies, traveling, listening to R&B or Hip Hop music, singing, dancing, and completing DIY projects. Her friends often say that she has a “warm, comedic, and nurturing soul.”

Kennedi Harris

Campus Recruiting Consultant, Southern Company

Discovery - Love T. Nolan

Kennedi is a Campus Recruiting Consultant for Southern Company. As an Atlanta native, she has a passion for serving the community that raised her. Kennedi commits to serving others as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and is currently the vice president of Georgia Power’s local volunteer organization.

Kiara Jones

Senior Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Wealth Management

Discovery - Belmont Hills

Kiara Jones is a North Carolina native living in the Greater Atlanta area for over nine years. Kiara graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Minor in Spanish. She is a Senior Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo that assists the community in financial education, investment strategies and financial planning. Kiara has a heart for serving the community and is an avid believer in serving the community that you live in. Kiara currently volunteers with the Junior League of Greater Atlanta, United Way of Greater Atlanta and North Carolina Central University Atlanta Alumni Chapter along with other non-profits that support efforts for child well-being, women and homelessness. 

Latesha Higgs

Teacher, Clayton County Public Schools

Discovery - Brookview

Latesha Higgs, a Baltimore native and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is an author, mental health speaker/advocate and podcaster who has been seen and heard on multiple platforms speaking and advocating for those living with a mental health condition as well as suicide prevention. As a speaker and advocate, she shares her lived experiences of surviving her brother’s death by suicide as well as personally managing Bipolar 2 disorder. By employing scripture, therapy, and medication to live a life of recovery, she inspires others to do the same through teaching, mentoring, and coaching. Latesha is also a facilitator, presenter, and trainer for several NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) programs. She currently teaches and resides in Clayton County, Georgia where she has served on the Budget Advisory Council as well as the District Advisory Council of Clayton County Public Schools.

Malan Hess

Financial Analyst, Capstone Logistics

Discovery - Belmont Hills

Within Capstone Logistics, Malan serves as a Financial Analyst, specializing in financial modeling, forecasting, and data analysis. His day to day involves translating both operational and financial data into actionable insights which support the strategic decision making processes of their Senior Management team. During his leisure hours, he devotes his time to volunteering with nonprofit organizations throughout the metro Atlanta area. His primary areas of focus include addressing food inequality, promoting education, and fostering financial literacy.

Meadow Williams

Behavior Technician, Butterfly Effects

Discovery - Usher Collier

Meadow Williams is currently a senior studying Psychology at Georgia State University. While chasing her academic goals of getting a Doctorate in Psychology, Meadow also serves as the 2nd Vice-President for the National Council of Negro Women and the Public Relations Chair of Gamma Sigma Sigma, National Service Sorority Inc. Meadow was recently recognized for her commitment to serving her community with the National Council of Negro Women through opportunities like the Wylde Center, Hands On Atlanta Discovery and Medshare.

Melodee Lovett

Inbound Contact Representative, Humana Insurance

Discovery - Scott Elementary

Melodee Lovett is a native of Decatur, Georgia and a bachelor’s degree candidate of Health sciences from Georgia State University as of December 2023.  With a future to pursue her master’s degree in nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner of Obstetrician Gynecology, Melodee has a passion for helping others and leading with a servant’s heart. Melodee has worked in healthcare for the last five years, working with Emory Healthcare and Humana,  where she currently works as a Medicare concierge specialist for Molina Healthcare. Melodee enjoys traveling, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, spending time with family and friends, and giving back to the community.

Michael Kerfeld

Sr. Product Manager, The Home Depot

Piedmont Park

Mike Kerfeld is an Atlanta native who currently resides in Midtown with his tabby beast, Apollo. He is a Senior Product Manager for The Home Depot online and has extensive volunteer experience through several Atlanta service organizations. Food insecurity is his main passion, exhibited by his time spent volunteering with and contributing to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. He also enjoys living in close proximity to Piedmont Park where he can be found often taking walks and spending time with friends.

Myia Jones Dunwoody

Operator Qualification Training Analyst, Southern Company Gas

Discovery - Scott Elementary

Myia serves as the Analyst for Training Technology of Southern Company Gas (SCG). Myia serves on the leadership team of Atlanta Gas Light “DNA”, a multi -generations employee resource group that builds and bridges cross generational alliances, while supporting programs such as The Nicholas House and other community and civic organizations. Myia has been recognized as a “rising leader” and is a graduate of SCG LPP (Leadership Preparation Program) and EMERGE.

Nakeisha Mobley

Customer Account Specialist, WestRock

Discovery - Kindezi West

Nakeisha Mobley works as a Customer Account Specialist for WestRock, and servant leadership has always been her preferred leadership style. She has volunteered for years with her church's foundation, through Hands On Atlanta and also through work. Nakeisha volunteers because she likes to make good use of the time that she has available, and she’s motivated by positive outcomes. She wants the skills, qualities, and attributes she has acquired over the years to be put to good use, and continuing to work as a volunteer will help her to achieve that goal.

Nastassja Cockrell

Compliance Specialist, Georgia Department of Human Services

Discovery - Parklane

Nastassja Cockrell is a native of Dayton, Ohio but has resided in Atlanta since 2012. Nastassja holds a bachelors and masters degree in social work. Nastassja has worked with the Georgia Department of Human Services for the past 11 years in various roles. Nastassja's most recent role is in Residential Childcare Licensing as a compliance manager. Nastassja's passion has always been protecting the most vulnerable populations. Nastassja actively volunteers with Grl Give, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta. Nastassja serves as the Vice President of the Sugarloaf Chapter of Grls ATL and the membership director of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc.

Niea Bullock

Program Coordinator, Silence The Shame, INC

Discovery - Asa G. Hilliard

Niea Bullock, a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, attained a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Growing up Niea always knew she wanted to help and give back to the community, which is why she now has gathered many volunteer hours in the Atlanta, Georgia area. As an AmeriCorps graduate, she learned how significant it is to tackle our country’s most challenging tasks by being involved and facing the problems head-on. Niea is now working at one of Atlanta’s amazing nonprofits that is dedicated to increasing mental health literacy and decreasing the stigma around speaking about mental health, Silence The Shame, INC.  

Omar King

Senior Revenue Analyst, UPS

C.H.O.I.C.E.S.

Omar is a proud native of Memphis, Tennessee. He currently serves as a Senior Revenue Strategy Analyst at UPS where his work supports the execution of Go-To market strategies. Additionally, Omar serves as an Instructor in The ATLytiCS Data for Hope Education Program. The program is committed to empowering ATL residents to pursue work in the data analytics field. In any capacity, Omar is thrilled to assist members of his community explore opportunities in tech. In his free time, Omar collects vinyl records, is an avid movie buff, and Tennessee sports fanatic.

Rene Anderson

Customer Experience Supervisor, Southern Company Gas

Livable Buckhead

Rene Anderson is a Customer Services Supervisor with Southern Company Gas, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Passionate about continuous learning and development, in this role Rene coaches, trains, mentors and empowers diverse individuals with professional and personal development.  Consistently looking for opportunities to grow and impact others, Rene is excited about the role of a Civic fellow as it will allow her an opportunity to leverage her current skillsets while strengthening project management and leadership skills. Continuing to refine leader skills will support Rene continuing her passion of being a positive impact to the community. Rene is an ongoing volunteer in the community and works with various public, private and non-profit organizations. A native of Alabama, Rene loves spending quality time with her family and in her spare time enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures.  

Shameka Fahie

Financial Manager II, Georgia Institute of Technology

Discovery - Asa G. Hilliard

Shameka is a native of East Point, GA and is a true southern lady with Caribbean roots as her parents are from Saint Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands and Tortola British Virgin Islands. Shameka is an accounting/finance professional with 15+ years of providing efficient services to government, for-profit, and higher education institutions. She is a Financial Manager where her responsibilities include managing the financial operations for the College of Sciences in the Office of Dean at GA Tech. Shameka enjoys volunteering through organizations like the Tri-Cities High School Alumni Association (TCHSAA), Junior League of DeKalb County (JLD), and the Champions Club with the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA). Shameka is currently the VP, Finance and Operations for the Junior League of DeKalb County. Her previous leadership positions includes Treasurer, Provisional Training Co-Chair and Arrangements Committee Chair.

Tamill Harris

Teaching Assistant/Professor, Clark Atlanta University

Discovery - Usher Collier

Tamill is a native of Atlanta and a PhD Candidate at the Dr. Mack Henry Jones Department of Political Science at Clark Atlanta University. Tamill’s research is centered on inequities in urban centers that impact marginalized communities, with a focus on the intersections of race, economic mobility, and policy. Her work seeks to illuminate the systemic factors contributing to disparities in areas such as income, housing, and access to essential services. Through rigorous analysis and a commitment to social justice, Tamill strives to advance evidence-based solutions for creating more inclusive and equitable urban environments.

Tonia Holloway

Outreach RN and Health Educator, Contract Nurse

Discovery - Love T. Nolan

Tonia Holloway graduated from Mercer University in 2016 with her Bachelors in Nursing and from Georgia State University with her Bachelors in Education. Helping, healing and nurturing our youth and elders in the community has been a consistent passion and purpose in Tonia’s life and career. For the past 10 years Tonia has worked in the field of health and education, serving as a whole person wellness advocate, educator and community health and wellness equity activist. She attributes her holistic teaching and living style to her love for traveling and exploring different cultures around the world-which has molded her wellness business, community outreach projects and personal beliefs. Tonia aspires to inspire all those she reaches to care for, and advocate for, themselves. 

To learn more about the Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program visit https://www.handsonatlanta.org/civic-leadership