Hands On Atlanta

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Introducing the 2025 Hands On Atlanta Civic Fellows

Kahiah Polidore

The 2025 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation, has officially begun! From October 2024 to May 2025, 31 Civic Fellows will drive positive change by organizing at least one volunteer project each month with their partner organizations. Alongside this, they will participate in monthly leadership and professional development workshops, and each Fellow will raise a minimum of $500 to support Hands On Atlanta’s mission. Click here to give them a head start!

Last year, 30 Civic Fellows made a remarkable impact by engaging over 3,000 volunteers who served more than 9,000 hours, saving our nonprofit and school partners $255,000 in labor costs. Additionally, they directly supported Hands On Atlanta, raising a record total of $33,000! We’re excited to see the 2025 cohort continue this legacy of impact across metro Atlanta.

This year's program will support the following nonprofits and schools:

  • Out of Hand Theatre

  • Helping Mamas

  • Chosen Vessels

  • Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

  • Livable Buckhead

  • Wylde Center

  • Piedmont Park Conservancy

  • Free Bikes 4 Kidz

  • Park Pride

  • West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

Hands On Atlanta Discovery Schools:

  • Love T. Nolan Elementary

  • Belmont Hills Elementary

  • Usher Collier Elementary

  • Scott Elementary

  • Kimberly Elementary

  • Kindezi at Gideons

  • Peyton Forest Elementary

  • Clay Harmony Leland Elementary

  • Parklane Elementary

  • Brookview Elementary

Aaliyah Mckenzie

Project Coordinator, JLL

Discovery - Brookview

Aaliyah McKenzie is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she developed a strong passion for volunteerism through her involvement in the Big Sister Litter Sister mentoring and service based organization. Her dedicated to the organization led to her role as the head of the volunteer committee, where she honed her leadership and organizational skills. Following her graduation, Aaliyah sought to continue her commitment to community service and became actively in with Hands On Atlanta Discovery Program. AS a project manager, she balances her professional responsibilities with her volunteer work, contributing to the community whenever she is not traveling for work.

Ashley Hunter

Content Strategy Manager, The Home Depot

Discovery - Brookview

Ashley has 12 years of experience in the marketing field, driving award-winning results through strategic development and execution for major media and retail brands such as Nickelodeon, CNN, and currently, The Home Depot. Alongside her professional accomplishments, she is deeply committed to community service, mainly through her work with educational programs for youth. She volunteers with organizations like Hands On Atlanta and the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, reflecting her dedication to empowering the next generation.

Briana Maddix

Program Leader, Live Healthy Gwinnett

Piedmont Park

Passionate about nutrition and holistic health, Briana serves as a Program Leader at Live Healthy Gwinnett, where they lead initiatives aimed at promoting wellness and healthy living within the community. With a degree in Sociology from Georgia State University, Briana combines their academic background with a deep commitment to improving public health through education and innovative program development.

Celene Craig, MPH, MS

Health Communications Specialist, Chenega Corporation

Discovery - Peyton Forest

Celene is a passionate advocate for public health and community empowerment, with a particular focus on advancing the well-being of African American and Latina communities. She has been an active leader in civic organizations, including the United Way Young Professional Leaders, where she participated in the 2013 Volunteer Involvement Program, the Urban League of Metro Atlanta Young Professionals, and the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College. Her commitment to underserved populations has been at the forefront of her work, both in her community involvement and professional career.

Cecilia Hodges

Manager, Support Teams, Accushield

Discovery - Parklane

Cecilia is deeply committed to community service, volunteering several times a month with GrlsGive, where she serves as an active member of the planning committee. She also dedicates time each month to serving at Atlanta Recovery. Cecilia engages in various community activities such as feeding the homeless and tutoring. Her efforts reflect a strong passion for giving back and making a positive impact in the community.

Chasity Holland-Jones

Helping Mamas

Chasity is a native of Virginia Beach, VA. She and her family relocated to Atlanta in February 2020. While adapting to life in Atlanta at the height of the pandemic, Chasity became interested in doing more for the Atlanta metro community. Specifically, she’s passionate about providing unserved and underserved communities with the resources and tools needed to flourish. She serves as co-chair of the Community Service team for CEI’s Law & Policy department and has supported community service projects for Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS), Covenant House, Helping Mamas, and Street Law. Chasity holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from St. Leo University (FL) and a Master of Arts in Business Law from Regent University (VA).

Chauncey L. Kelsey

Navy Veteran

Chosen Vessel

Chauncey is a Navy veteran who has worked in various fields and no matter where his path has led him, he has always had a passion for serving his community. As a Home Depot employee, Chauncey continues to help his community by volunteering his time with Home Depot in the Atlanta area. These “Team Depot” events include working with Hands on Atlanta for MLK Day, the Empty Stocking Fund, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and most recently Atlanta Mission. Chauncey is also a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. where he not only volunteers his time with his fraternity, but also volunteers his time by working with the National Pan Hellenic Council of Greater Atlanta.

Cindy Evans

Senior Technical Product Manager, Amazon

Discovery - Peyton Forest

Cindy Evans is a Senior Technical Product Manager at Amazon, specializing in designing technical solutions in the advertising data privacy space. Passionate about increasing awareness, education, transparency, and choice in data privacy and cybersecurity, she has also served on the boards of the Manhattan Associates Women’s Initiative Network, Professional Services Advisory Board, and GA Southern University Parker College of Business Young Alumni Board. Recognized as a Georgia Southern 40 Under 40, Cindy enjoys mentoring early-career professionals and has a strong passion for process innovation and knowledge sharing. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her husband Daniel and their dog Ally in Decatur, GA

Claire Dent

Discovery - Kimberly 

Claire Dent, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, has over 15 years of experience in education, customer service management, and nonprofit project coordination. A product of Atlanta Public Schools, she holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Atlanta Metropolitan State College, a Bachelor's in Early Care Education from Mercer University, and a Master's in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University. An active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Claire participates in community service and mentoring young girls. She is also deeply involved in Hoosier United Methodist Church, where she serves as Vice President of the Ladies Usher Board, Co-Chair for the Youth Usher Board, and a Vacation Bible School teacher.

Crystal Ivey

Digital Strategy Consultant, Infosys

Discovery - Usher-Collier

Crystal Ivey is a native of Atlanta who grew up in the metro Atlanta area. With a decade of experience as a Brand Marketing Leader, she has successfully managed major consumer packaged goods brands. Her heart for serving has been a hallmark of her career, always seeking ways to serve the consumer genuinely. Crystal has been actively involved in her community and currently serves as the President of The Women of University of Georgia Alumni Leadership Council and on the Angel Tree Ministry at her church. In her free time, she enjoys new adventures and cherishing moments with her close-knit family and friends.

Darci H Smith

Director of 3DE Volunteer Partnerships & Operations, Junior Achievement of Georgia

Discovery - Love T Nolan

Darci Smith is the Director of 3DE Volunteer Partnerships & Operations at Junior Achievement of Georgia, where she manages volunteer recruitment, corporate partnerships, and operations for the 3DE high school model in metro Atlanta school districts. Passionate about community engagement, she has volunteered with DeKalb County schools, the DeKalb County Public Library, Junior Achievement’s programs, the Donna Center for Women, and The Warrick Dunn Charities, Inc. Darci is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Business & Industry, and a proud wife and mother of three boys.

Gia Adkins

ESOL Itinerant, The Kindezi Schools,

Discovery - Peyton Forest

Gia, a proud Atlanta native, brings 15 years of experience as an elementary educator in the metro area. She earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Tennessee State University and her M.Ed. from Georgia State University. Currently, she serves as an ESOL Itinerant for The Kindezi Schools, providing language skills to English Language Learners. While she’s passionate about teaching young children, Gia is now shifting her focus to Food & Nutrition. Her goal is to support her community by offering guidance on managing chronic diseases and making healthy food choices.

Jarred Rankin

Special Projects Manager, Corporate Affairs – Georgia Power

Discovery - Love T Nolan

Jarred Rankin is the Special Projects Manager at Georgia Power, leading strategic initiatives and communication efforts to tell the company’s story to key audiences. With over nine years of experience in the utility industry, he has driven organizational change, led cross-functional teams, and demonstrated exceptional leadership. An active community contributor, Jarred serves on the State Board of Citizens of Georgia Power, engages in local outreach, and is dedicated to youth mentorship and social justice, advocating for underrepresented communities. His commitment to professional excellence and community service drives his impactful leadership.

Jennifer D. Smith

Program Manager, OneDigital

Discovery - Belmont Hills

Jennifer Smith began her career at OneDigital as an HR Generalist, where she quickly discovered her passion for creating positive employee experiences. Promoted to Program Manager two years ago, she now manages corporate programs focused on employee engagement and motivation. Known for her initiative and collaborative approach, Jennifer has also volunteered with Hands On Atlanta for the past four years, leading projects for events like Juneteenth and MLK Day. Outside of work, she enjoys photography and volunteers at her daughters' dance studio and school band, driven by her desire to inspire her teenage daughters to pursue their passions fearlessly.

Jessica A. Mitchell

Campus Outreach & Engagement, Google

Out-of-Hand Theater

Jessica Mitchell is part of Google's Campus Outreach & Engagement team, where she helps build a diverse pipeline for internships and entry-level roles. A Georgia State University graduate with a degree in Economics, Jessica previously worked as an Economist for the City of Atlanta and College Park. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served on several boards, including Georgia State’s Computer Science Industry Advisory Board, Young Alumni Council, and MIT's Industry Advisory Board for Minority Education. Actively involved in her community, she partners with The Junior League of Atlanta and Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. In 2022, she was recognized as one of Georgia State University’s 40 Under 40.

Joanne Louis, MBA, CPC

Accountant

Discovery - Clay Harmony

Joanne Louis is an accountant and Double Owl of Kennesaw State University, holding a BBA and MBA, and is currently pursuing an MEd in Educational Administration and Policy at The University of Georgia. She has held numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of Membership and Training Director for The Junior League of Atlanta, Vice President of Rho Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Treasurer for the State Charter School Foundation of Georgia. Joanne is involved with organizations like the Midtown Atlanta Rotary Club, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and Toastmasters International. A graduate of the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute and Atlanta Women’s Foundation Inspire Atlanta Program, she enjoys supporting local nonprofits and spending time in Atlanta’s arts scene.

Kevin Schofield

Revenue Accountant, Therapy Center of New York

Free Bikes 4 Kidz

Kevin Schofield is a Financial Strategist with expertise in the legal, regulatory, government, and financial services sectors. Currently a Revenue Accountant at Therapy Center of New York, he leads cross-functional teams and implements data-driven financial solutions to drive organizational change. Specializing in financial analysis, project management, and process improvement, Kevin enhances operational efficiency and performance. A 2024 graduate of the University of Georgia’s Professional MBA program, he is also a proud Morehouse alumnus from Jacksonville, FL. Actively engaged in the Atlanta community, Kevin volunteers with organizations addressing sustainability and food insecurity and serves as a film screener for the Atlanta Film Society.

Kia Jones

Manager, 55 Milton Community Garden

Wylde Center

Kia Jones is a nature enthusiast with a strong background in urban gardening, beekeeping, and community engagement. As the manager of the 55 Milton Community Garden, she implements sustainable practices to increase community involvement and productivity. Kia excels in developing seasonal grow schedules and leading initiatives that connect people to nature through the arts. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Hospitality Administration from Georgia State University, she combines her knowledge of community dynamics with her passion for cultivating vibrant green spaces.

Kinnis Leonard

Senior Credit Risk Analyst, Wisetack

Park Pride

Kinnis Leonard is a Senior Credit Risk Analyst at fintech startup Wisetack, with eight years of experience in the financial services industry. A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in Finance, he drives risk management and financial strategies. Kinnis is also committed to community service, serving as Co-chair of the Emerging 100 of Atlanta’s Community Service and Finance & Data Committees, as well as the Young Professionals Board for Meals on Wheels of Atlanta. He also leads outreach initiatives at LIIV Atlanta, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact both professionally and in his community.

Lauren Matthews

Sales Account Executive, Giving Docs

Discovery - Scott 

Lauren Matthews is a dedicated community leader and Sales Account Executive with a passion for empowering others through service. With a strong foundation in nonprofit fundraising, she has contributed to impactful initiatives, such as coordinating volunteer efforts to support voter engagement and mentoring small nonprofit organizations in strategic planning and growth. Additionally, Lauren has been actively involved in animal welfare, providing care and advocacy for homeless pets. Her deep commitment to community engagement is evident in her efforts to foster meaningful connections and amplify the voices of those she serves. Lauren’s dedication to volunteerism and leadership is at the core of her mission to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Matthew Adjin

West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

Matthew is an avid environmentalist who volunteered with My Green Earth as an RCE SDG Fellow, focusing on sustainable food forests and climate initiatives in metro Atlanta. A recent Georgia State University graduate with degrees in Accounting and Computer Information Systems, along with certificates in Fintech and Event Management, he aims to use his skills to create data visualizations that highlight environmental advancements. As a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and Treasurer of the Pi Alpha Alumni Foundation, Matthew is dedicated to providing financial literacy and environmental education opportunities for high school students.

Morgan naleimaile

Compliance and Privacy Center of Excellence, Cox Enterprises

Livable Buckhead

Morgan Naleimaile is a professional at Cox Enterprises’ Compliance and Privacy Center of Excellence, supporting the Records and Information Management and Ethics and Compliance programs. Previously, she served as a Records Officer for the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. Since relocating to Georgia three years ago, Morgan has been actively involved in community service, focusing on environmental conservation and supporting organizations like United Way. Her dedication to volunteerism reflects her commitment to improving education, financial stability, and health in her community.

Natasha L. Ballard

Information Technology Consultant

Discovery - Usher-Collier

Natasha L. Ballard holds a BBA in Computer Information Systems from Howard University and has a decade of experience as an IT Consultant, managing technology solutions for public sector organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and startups. With over fourteen years of service in metropolitan areas, she founded CoLabUnity, a social nonprofit focused on community development and family services, aiming to provide equitable, accessible solutions to reduce generational poverty in historically disadvantaged communities.

Nicolle Holt

Senior Corporate Counsel, Cox Enterprises Inc.

Discovery - Scott 

Nicolle Holt is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, and has been practicing law in the state for over 25 years. She currently serves as Senior Corporate Counsel for Cox Enterprises Inc., representing Cox Communications, Inc.’s Cox Business Division, a telecommunications company. Throughout her career, Nicolle has been dedicated to her community, actively engaging in various initiatives within Southwest Atlanta. Her professional and community involvement reflects a deep commitment to both her career and the city she calls home.

Olivia Buckmon

Real Estate Consultant, Beacham and Company

Discovery - Kindezi @ Gideons

Olivia Buckmon has been a key figure in the Atlanta community for over 30 years, combining her deep market knowledge with a commitment to excellence. Since starting her real estate career in 2005 after a successful tenure at AT&T, she has earned a reputation for integrity and exceptional service, offering precise home valuations as a certified residential home evaluator. Olivia is also a dedicated community advocate, supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Hands On Atlanta, and serving as a founding board member of Students Without Mothers and 100 Black Women of Stone Mountain.

Dr. Rashonda D. Harris

Founder and CEO, Purple Sheep Consulting

Discovery - Belmont Hills

Rashonda D. Harris is the Founder and CEO of Purple Sheep Consulting, specializing in higher education research administration and compliance. With over 26 years of experience, she empowers organizations through strategic planning and operational management. Rashonda is also deeply committed to community service, focusing on educational equity and mentoring programs.

Tiana Thomas

Manager of Talent Management, HD Supply

The Girl Scouts

Tiana Thomas is a native of Western New York and currently resides in Decatur, GA.  Tiana has over 14 years of HR experience and currently serves as Manager of Talent Management with HD Supply.  Additionally, Tiana is a Cause Entrepreneur with One Hope Wine.  Tiana is currently the Chair of Fundraising for Junior League of Dekalb County and a member of Ladies Who Golf ATL.

toni hawes MBA, BSN, RN

Registered Nurse

Discovery - Kimberly

Toni Hawes, a Registered Nurse with 24 years of healthcare experience, has spent the last decade in healthcare technology, specializing in clinical consulting, informatics, and strategic sales. Currently a Sr. Clinical Sales Manager of Enterprise Accounts at Baxter, Toni relocated to south Atlanta in 2018 and actively volunteers with Hands On Atlanta and the National Black MBA’s Atlanta chapter, focusing on women’s leadership and mentoring programs. She is also a STEM mentor for high school students in Waukegan, IL. Passionate about bridging socioeconomic gaps, Toni finds fulfillment in volunteering and mentoring across communities.

Tyisha (Ty) Johnson

Transmission Resource Scheduler, GA Power

Discovery - Kindezi @ Gideons

Tyisha (Ty) Johnson has been with GA Power for 14 years and currently serves as a Transmission Resource Scheduler, overseeing project resource assignments to ensure timely and budget-conscious completion. Previously the President of a citizens chapter in Metro Atlanta, she now serves as an advisor on the board. Ty also leads professional development for an employee resource group and actively volunteers with organizations like Children Without Beds, Learning In Color, Covenant House, and local schools. Passionate about helping those less fortunate, she appreciates working for a company that values community involvement.

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