MARTA is partnering with the state of Georgia and Delta Air Lines to provide direct transportation from College Park rail station to the largest state run COVID-19 vaccination site at the Delta Flight Museum, located at the airline’s general offices near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. “We have enjoyed a long partnership with Delta that has strengthened during the pandemic as we faced similar challenges providing transportation while protecting public health,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker. “MARTA is proud to help provide convenient accessibility to this site at the Delta Museum and will continue to support the vaccination efforts of our fellow transportation and jurisdictional partners and the state of Georgia.” Free MARTA bus shuttles will depart College Park Station every 15 minutes Monday through Friday during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to make the approximate 2-mile trip to the vaccination site. Shuttles will depart from the parking lot in the rear of College Park Station near the electric vehicle charging station. Customers can catch the shuttle for the return trip to College Park Station where they were dropped off at the vaccination site. Vaccine registration is now open to all Georgia residents aged 16 and older. For information on to register visit www.myvaccinegeorgia.com. MARTA is also partnering with DeKalb and Fulton Counties and the City of Brookhaven to provide convenient access to COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. The DeKalb County Board of Health has a large vaccination site located at Doraville rail station on the Gold Line, with plans to expand to Indian Creek Station on the Blue Line. To make an appointment visit https://www.dekalbhealth.net/covid-19-vaccine/. The Fulton County Board of Health has a mass vaccination site at Mercedes-Benz Stadium that customers can easily access by taking the train to the Mercedes-Benz/State Farm Arena/GWCC/CNN rail station and walking the short distance to the vaccine location. To register for an appointment visit https://gta-vras.powerappsportals.us/. Additionally, there is a free COVID test site located at Brookhaven Station for quick, safe drive-up or walk-up testing. A reminder that masks are required to be worn on the MARTA system and at all COVID testing and vaccination sites. For MARTA rail and bus schedules and COVID requirements on the transit system visit www.itsmarta.com. This is sponsored content.

Last week, the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) announced ATL Action for Racial Equity, a multi-year, multi-step action plan designed to help address the ongoing effects of systemic racism impacting the Black community. In just a few days since launch, 30 additional metro Atlanta-based companies ranging in size and industry joined the initiative – to-date totaling more than 180 participating organizations. These companies and leaders will leverage the size, scale and expertise of the region’s business community to advance racial equity. Invitations to the initiative remain open, and MAC is inviting all businesses across metro Atlanta to sign on.  ATL Action for Racial Equity focuses on measurable actions across corporate policies, inclusive economic development, education and workforce development – critical areas in addressing the region’s immobility and inequity challenges. See quotes below from the region’s business leaders on why they chose to participate and why this initiative is important, now more than ever. Reach out to [email protected] to learn more. Ed Bastian, CEO Delta Air Lines and 2021 Board Chair, Metro Atlanta Chamber: “In metro Atlanta, our differences are our strength. We work together to make our community and the world better. We are not perfect, but we are committed to preserving and holding up this region’s legacy, especially now. As we tackle economic recovery, public health and the disproportionate impacts on our Black community, our business community must do its part. This is a moral and economic imperative as we work to grow our region’s competitiveness today and into the future.”   Jimmy Etheredge, CEO North America, Accenture: “Accenture is proud to collaborate with the Metro Atlanta Chamber and business leaders across Atlanta to take action on building a more equitable future for our community. Together, we are acting, we are leading, and we are driving change.”  Steve Koonin, CEO, Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena: “We proudly support ATL Action for Racial Equity and promise that our franchise will continue taking the steps and supporting the causes that lead to equity for all in our city.”  Rohit Malhotra, Founder and Executive Director, Center for Civic Innovation: “The Center for Civic Innovation mission and day to day operations are designed to fight for an equity-centered Atlanta. The business community in Atlanta has a long and complicated history with equity in our city— we’re glad to see the Metro Atlanta Chamber call on companies and institutions to take measurable actions that align with their publicly stated values and sentiments. It is in this city’s best interest for this effort to succeed.”  Jenna Kelly, President, Truist Northern Georgia Region, Truist Bank: “At Truist, we firmly believe in building more just, inclusive, and equitable communities by standing for social justice, denouncing racism in all forms, and partnering with people and organizations who are as committed to equity we are. As we continue to have intentional dialogue around the role we can play in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we’re excited to join the ATL Action for Racial Equity to do our part in making a positive difference throughout Atlanta.”  Mary Schmidt Campbell, President, Spelman College: “If metro Atlanta is to close the region’s stark wealth gap, we all have to commit to bold innovative solutions. Spelman College, committed to the educational excellence of the 2000 Black women who attend the College, is also committed to the educational excellence of students in our neighborhood schools. For the past three years, our students have enjoyed major success in improving the reading scores of students in our neighborhood Washington Cluster Schools. We intend to launch a program that will accomplish improvements in math proficiency. This commitment to the improvement of K-12 education is aligned with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce’s business and community imperative to advance racial inclusion. We are proud to partner with MAC in their strategic approach to advocating for equity.”  Kyle Porter, CEO, SalesLoft: “The social justice and equity issues facing our companies, city, and nation are complex and intense. At SalesLoft we are committed to the necessary introspection, self-reflection, and action to be a more inclusive company because we believe it’s the right thing to do for our team, customers, and marketplace. SalesLoft is joining the ATL Action for Racial Equity because our internal efforts will be magnified and our progress accelerated through collaborative community work. Our community will become our ally and accountability partner providing the space to heed best practices, share wisdom, and generate ideas that will positively impact us all.    Russ Torres, President, Kimberly-Clark Professional: “At Kimberly-Clark, we believe racial equity and justice are moral issues that must be addressed through comprehensive actions to enact meaningful and sustainable change. We are moving with urgency. Therefore, we are proud to partner with ATL Action for Racial Equity in this mission. Their disciplined, multi-year plan leverages the collective strength of metro Atlanta employers to support focused corporate policies that foster inclusive workforce and community development. With more than 1,500 Kimberly-Clark employees in the metro Atlanta area, this initiative is uniquely personal to us. We believe the success of our company depends on creating workplaces, communities, and experiences where inclusion and diversity are evident and thriving. Together with ATL Action for Racial Equity, we look forward to creating a vibrant and more inclusive region that offers opportunity, growth, and long-term value for all.”  Elie Maalouf, CEO, Americas, InterContinental Hotel Group: “We applaud the Metro Atlanta Chamber on this initiative and stand with our peers in the Atlanta business community to advance diversity and inclusion. This commitment and collaboration reflect IHG’s values and inclusive culture, and builds on our own efforts to bring lasting, sustainable progress for the region and our colleagues.”  Paul Bowers (Chairman and CEO) and Chris Womack (President), Georgia Power: “At Georgia Power, we deeply value the diversity of our team and the communities we serve. That’s why we are committed to creating an environment where employees and customers feel a sense of belonging and can be their true authentic selves.  We’re proud to be a part of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s ATL Action for Racial Equity efforts to do the same here in Atlanta. We believe businesses working together to ensure equality is how we can make a collective impact, and we’re …

By A.J. Robinson The news of Henry Aaron’s passing in January hit me like a hard foul ball into the stands along the first base line. Like so many boomers of the 50’s and 60’s living in the South, I grew up listening to the Braves on the radio. Back then, the “Hammer” was the first superstar to come onto the Southern sports scene. The Braves were not particularly good or consistent in that era, so “Hank” coming to the plate provided most of the excitement of any game. He was so much more than just a great home run hitter. He could do it all. Consistently, he would make the ball pop off his bat in straight line drives to all parts of the field.   So, in the Fall of 1973 when I entered Emory as freshman, little did I know that the following spring would offer me the historic chance of witnessing 715. Yes, I know a lot of people say they were there that night at the old Stadium, but I really was. As a first-year fraternity brother, I was required to sell beer at Braves game as part of a chapter fundraiser. Fortunately for me, the drinking age was 18 back then (side note – I’m pretty sure we drank more than we sold!) I’ll never forget what it was like to be part of such an historic sports moment, nor will I forget how cold and windy it was that night. The stadium emptied out immediately after that home run, which greatly impacted beer sales and my fundraising efforts. But I was definitely in the right place at the right time on April 8, happened to be in the right place at the right time on April 8, 1974. I remember leaving the Stadium and thinking that I had seen something that may not ever be seen again.   Flash forward to middle age adulthood and my desire to purchase a Mini Cooper.  A friend of mine advised me that Hank had a BMW franchise in Union City and if I was in the market for one, that I might as well buy it there because I may get a glimpse of you know who. I did better than that, I was able to get a photo taken (this was before cell phones, so the salesperson had to take it and send a copy to me). As we shook hands and lined up for the picture, I recall saying something stupid like, ”Hank, do you remember how cold it was April 8th, 1974? You know I was there with you that night?” He gave me one of those looks like ”yeah, sure thing, you know how many people have told me that”?!  My last personal encounter with the Hall of Famer came years later when I wandered down with my son Nathaniel to the VIP box once again in the old stadium (you know, where Ted and Jane used to sit) and there was Hank, again just waiting for the game to begin. Then came another Forest Gump moment for me and my young son to capture in a memorable picture.  I remember having to stop myself from clamoring, “Hey Hank, remember me? I bought a Mini-Cooper from you a few years back.”  Since Henry Aaron’s passing, many have written about his records as a ballplayer, his rightful place as an icon in American and Atlanta history, and his courage and determination in the face of all kinds of obstacles. For me, he was all of that but even more importantly, he was my authentic, lifelong hero, whose humble nature, and larger than life achievements continue to inspire a young boy from the hills of East Tennessee.    This viewpoint originally appeared in the April 9 edition of the Atlanta Business Chronicle.   This is sponsored content. 

Last year Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc. (ANDP) launched an unprecedented project to develop or preserve 2,000 affordable apartment units and single-family homes by 2025. The organization’s project is part of its commitment to closing the homeownership and wealth gap, as well as addressing rental affordability in metro Atlanta. With less than a year of work toward the goal, more than 600 units have been completed or are in some stage of development. ANDP’s Closing the Gap plan includes the development or renovation of 250 single-family rental homes, 500 single-family homes targeted for homeownership, and the creation or preservation of 1,250 multifamily apartment units throughout metro Atlanta, with priority neighborhoods most at risk of future displacement of low-income residents. “The Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership’s (ANDP) commitment to dramatically increase its scale and impact is a strong complement to the City’s One Atlanta Housing Affordability Action Plan,” said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “Thank you to ANDP for partnering with the City to meet the growing housing affordability needs of Atlanta residents.” In addition to its focus on the City of Atlanta, ANDP deploys resources in South DeKalb and other at-risk communities in the region. “We’ve watched as ANDP has worked diligently over the last five years to hone its systems, grow its capacity and increase its scale. This is an exciting step forward and an example of what is needed if we are going to collectively meet the affordable housing need in the City and the region,” said Sarah Kirsch, Executive Director of ULI Atlanta. ANDP’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved the ambitious plan to scale production to 2,000 homes by 2025 to meet more of the City and region’s housing need. “Research has shown that as many as one-in-two Atlanta households and one-in-three regional households are housing cost-burdened, paying more than 30 percent of monthly household income for housing expenses,” said James L. Rhoden III, Managing Principal of The Macallan Group and ANDP’s Board Chair. “The need is clear, and the time for action is now. The neighborhoods and families we serve across the Metro Atlanta region have a critical need for more quality affordable homes, including opportunities for homeownership. Our innovative plan utilizes ANDP’s decades of proven experience and strong development partnerships to achieve significant scale.” A central component of ANDP’s plan is a continued focus on homeownership. Metro Atlanta’s decline in Black homeownership reflects national trends. Black homeownership is more than 32% lower than that of Whites according to US Census data and is lower today than when the Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. The decline in Black homeownership contributes more than any other issue to the growing wealth gap between Blacks and Whites, as housing is the primary asset of middle-income families. The median wealth of White households ($171,000) is ten times higher than that of Black households ($17,000). “Homeownership is proven to increase educational achievement, healthy outcomes, and civic participation. More importantly, it is the single-largest driver of economic opportunity and generational wealth, especially in low- and moderate-income families,” said ANDP president and CEO John O’Callaghan. In an ANDP study of its 2009-2018 homebuyers, those remaining in their homes at least five years saw an average wealth gain from homeownership of $88,797. ANDP’s 2,000 unit plan has an estimated development price tag of $438 million. Through access to low-cost enterprise capital, competitive Federal program dollars, local and state resources, social impact investing, and other bank debt sources, 82 percent of the funds have been identified. More than $46M to be leveraged for the project are highly competitive Federal funds not otherwise accessed in Atlanta. The organization plans to initiate a philanthropic campaign to generate the balance of the funds needed. “Every family deserves access to safe, quality, affordable housing. We know homeownership, in particular, is foundational for families. Now is the time to act. ANDP’s strength is in the dozens of risk-sharing, mission-driven partnerships we have with other nonprofits and private sector developers and contractors. It is an ambitious but achievable goal,” said O’Callaghan. “At the end of the day, it’s about what you are willing to risk to meet this incredible need.” This is sponsored content.

In honor of Women’s History Month, I want to discuss how women have been impacted by this pandemic and what we can do to help bring a different perspective and approach to equity in the workplace. We’ve heard much about how African American and Latinos are being disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic, both physically and financially. This phenomenon did not develop in a vacuum nor overnight. The pandemic has simply uncovered and exacerbated a strain already present in those communities. The same is true of women, especially minority women in the workplace, over the last 12 months or so. It’s no secret that women have faced significant challenges in their struggle for equality in this country. While there is an appearance of equality, research shows that there is still a significant disparity between the pay of men and women for comparable jobs. According to PayScale, last year, women made 82 cents on the dollar compared to men. Even in jobs where women make up the vast majority of the skilled labor force in a given sector, they still consistently make less than their male counterparts. To compound the problem further, minority women are overrepresented in the fields hardest hit by the pandemic (childcare, nursing, hospitality, etc.). This has created a recipe for disaster that will long outlast the pandemic which families will feel for years to come. It goes without saying that gender pay equity in the workplace must be addressed. In the meantime, however, we must turn our attention to corporate leadership and consider a different view of “social responsibility”. A call for authentic empathy and understanding is required for meaningful change and progress. Women are some of the hardest working people we know. They wear multiple hats and are usually “on” 24/7. The pandemic has only exponentially ramped up this juggling feat and tossed more pins. Women are often spouses, mothers, managers, team leads, executives, a chair of some nonprofit committee— at the same time on any given day. As difficult as that is to balance, add to that an invisible virus that has claimed the lives of millions that can creep into one’s home and silently wreak havoc. Now, these same active, working women are running their households in overtime, serving as protector-in-chief, impromptu substitute teacher while their children are virtually learning, and for many, caregiver to an elderly parent. Women are simply exhausted, and they don’t have the luxury of just saying “I quit.” Too many people near and dear to their hearts are depending on them. Unfortunately, the inability to quit their role as mother, nurturer, and caregiver, has caused many women to make exits in other places where they find meaning and economic empowerment — their day jobs. According to the National Women’s Law Center, the female workforce has dropped to 57% within the last year. That’s the lowest it has been since 1988. It’s estimated that we may not see this figure rebound back to normal numbers until 2024. The economic setback for women who have chosen to leave the workforce is startling. But even more startling are the number of women who have been pushed out of work by the pandemic. We’ve seen more than 1.4 million women pushed out of the workforce in general, and more than 150,000 Black women in particular. This is cause for alarm because we’re losing valuable expertise and years of experience simply because we were unprepared to support the women in our workforce. Those of us in leadership had and still have the power to reverse the trend and make the workplace more amiable and accommodating for women given their unique circumstances and the roles they play in our society. What we’re missing is empathy-driven work policies that help create better work environments, even when working remotely.  This is not a problem that we should be facing in 2021. In large part, the blame falls on corporate culture and the lack of women being invited to, sitting at, or heading the table of decision making. They must be a part of the conversations, especially those involving them and their own lives and livelihoods. We need their voices in the workplace. We need their value systems and priorities to help guide policies. We, as leaders in the workplace, need to check our blindspots and have more women speak to their experiences and accept them as valid and real, not trivialized addendums to our organizational agendas. Our women employees and executives need to feel a sense of security and value in the workplace. When workers feel a sense of belonging, support, and care, they tend to perform better and are free to focus on the work that matters to them and not just on the next household emergency they need to tend to. When we work on inclusive corporate policies that address the needs of women we signal to them that they aren’t quotas, rather they’re valued as people who have real world needs. The last consequence of the pandemic that I want to discuss is how this pandemic is pushing minority women out of entrepreneurship. As I mentioned earlier, women make up a considerable portion of the workforce for certain fields. The same is true for their entrepreneurial endeavors. The pandemic has taken a toll on the energy expenditures of women but also their revenue. Over the last several decades, the number of Black women small business owners has skyrocketed, which also translates to more jobs and increased capital flow in Black neighborhoods. When you look at the landscape of things and look at the facts this makes sense. Black women are among the most educated, yet face the most challenges in climbing the corporate ladder. So rather than asking for a seat at the table, many chose to build their own.  The pandemic has caused many of the gains we’ve seen in small business development to be at risk of going backwards. Black women tend to create businesses in the sectors that have been hardest hit, resulting in widespread layoffs and …

By Judy Monroe, MD In a special episode of the CDC Foundation’s podcast, Contagious Conversations, I spoke with Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH, the 19th director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this interview, Dr. Walensky discusses the career path that led to her new role as CDC director, her experience working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and her vision for the agency that works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats. This episode was released as part of National Public Health Week. Dr. Walensky is an influential scholar whose pioneering research has helped advance the national and global response to HIV/AIDS. Prior to CDC, Dr. Walensky served as chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. She served on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted research on vaccine delivery and strategies to reach underserved communities.  In her role leading CDC, Dr. Walensky’s perspective is so important for all of us right now during this critical time in the COVID-19 pandemic. In the interview, she shares that in a recent CDC report, in the first six months of 2020 life expectancy of all Americans dropped one year. We also discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare many health inequities. She shared that compared to white Americans, Hispanics have been 2.3 times more likely to die during this pandemic and African-Americans two times more likely to die. In the field of public health, we are all working to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Dr. Walensky also shares some important advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career in public health. “We are in this pivotal time right now, where you look around and you know that you can do so much good in the world by addressing public health,” said Walensky. “You know you can take people who didn’t have resources and improve their health, and there is nothing more fulfilling than laying your head on the pillow at night and knowing that your actions of that day improve the health of somebody else or improve the health of tomorrow.” To listen to Contagious Conversations, subscribe or download on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcasting app. For more information, visit www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations.   Judy Monroe, MD, is president and CEO of the CDC Foundation.   This is sponsored content.

Loneliness and social isolation were already widespread in older adults before COVID-19. We look at the reasons—and what we can do about it. By Kate Sweeney Retirement! Time to reconnect with family and friends, travel to destinations we’ve long dreamed of, and do that volunteer work we’ve been meaning to do, all while maybe sleeping in a little; it’s exciting to imagine. What we do not envision is social isolation and loneliness. Unfortunately, according to a recent study, nearly one in four adults aged 65 and older is considered to be socially isolated. During the past year, as many people and especially older adults avoided social interactions to keep themselves safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now especially at risk. We sat down with Katie Perumbeti, Lifelong Communities Coordinator with the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Aging & Independence Services group, to find out what’s causing this epidemic of loneliness among older adults — and what we can do to fight it. What exactly is “social isolation,” and how is it different from loneliness? KP: While social isolation means actually being alone or having few social contacts, loneliness is a subjective feeling—it’s often defined as the discrepancy between one’s actual and desired level of connection. Someone may enjoy being physically alone to a degree, but when they are alone more than they want to be or feel like they don’t have enough quality relationships, loneliness can creep in. Many of us think of retirement as a time of adventure and fun. What causes social isolation and loneliness to creep in? KP: For a lot of people, retirement is a really enriching time — and it should be. But as we navigate the life changes that often come with aging, like losing the ability to drive, devoting time to care for an ill spouse, or moving into a new community where we don’t know anyone, social isolation can quickly become a real problem. Societal barriers such as ageism and lack of opportunities for older adults to interact with others and contribute to their communities can exacerbate social isolation and feelings of loneliness. Beyond being really unpleasant on a personal level, social isolation and loneliness can lead to health issues for people, too, right? KP: That’s right. Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, cognitive decline, and dementia. One stat we often talk about is the fact that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And these health issues due to loneliness — that are totally preventable — lead to more hospitalizations and medical visits, which put a strain on our medical system’s resources. ARC just released a policy brief about all this, and one thing that we learned in doing the research is that each month, Medicare spends approximately $134 more for each socially isolated older adult than it would were the person socially connected. So, it’s a health issue. But it’s more than that, too, right? And it’s not just healthcare-oriented solutions we should consider. KP: Oh, yeah. It’s a matter of looking at how to connect people on many levels. From a planning perspective, do we have safe and connected neighborhoods, with sidewalks and pedestrian access to places where people gather socially? Do we have accessible and affordable transportation options? And as COVID-19 has highlighted, do we have ways for people to connect virtually, whether that’s over the phone or the internet? Are there safe outdoor spaces to visit with others? All neighborhood features that people like at any age, by the way. KP: Absolutely. This isn’t just for older people. It’s for all of us — and we all hope to live long lives, right? So, this is essentially planning for our own future. People can also help by reaching out to individuals that may be socially isolated or feeling lonely through things like ARC’s volunteer phone outreach program One2One, where people call older adults and people living with disabilities a couple times a week and develop these great relationships. But programs like that, or encouraging isolated individuals to participate in group classes or volunteer programs like AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, can all make a difference. What can be done at the policy level? Lawmakers should consider policies that enable people to participate fully in their communities, maintain existing relationships, and create new relationships – both in-person and virtually. That could be policies that increase high-speed internet access, like reduced broadband rates and free public Wi-Fi in places people gather. Also just supporting community planning — whether it’s through zoning, use of public land, or funding projects that help residents of all ages to engage with others. I’m talking about things like creating parks or other gathering places and ensuring there are sidewalks, lighting, benches, and safe crossings that connect homes and services. Learn More and Make a Difference Learn more about social isolation and loneliness in this new policy brief from ARC. Consider providing companionship over the phone as a One2One volunteer. Give back to your community as a volunteer with AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. This is sponsored content.

Date and time: Start: March 5, 2021, 3:00 PM EST End: March 5, 2021, 4:00 PM EST Via Zoom Dentons’ Public Policy practice is excited to invite you and your colleagues to the next edition of Dentons Dialogue: a series of dynamic conversations breaking down front burner policy issues around the US. Join us for our upcoming segment, where members of Dentons’ Public Policy, Capital Markets and Real Estate practices will discuss the latest policy developments surrounding financial services and housing.Our experienced speakers will share their unique perspectives and examine the practical implications and considerations for businesses going forward. Speakers Jana Cohen Barbe | Partner, Real Estate (Chicago) Ashley D. Bell | Partner, Public Policy (Atlanta) Gary L. Goldberg | Senior Policy Director, Public Policy (Washington, DC) John Holahan | Partner, Capital Markets (Washington, DC) Kellee A. Padgett | Partner, Real Estate (Atlanta) Moderator John R. Russell, IV | Principal, Public Policy (Washington, DC) About Dentions Dialogue: US Policy Perspectives Launched by Dentons’ Public Policy practice, Dentons Dialogue provides fast-paced perspectives that combine policy viewpoints with practical implications to keep clients up-to-speed on key sectors and issues. Dentons Dialogue follows the release of our annual US Policy Scan report, a clear, comprehensive and reader-friendly view of what US public policy will look like in 2021 and the people who will be driving change. Click here to learn more.  We want to hear from you We hope to see you during future installments in the Dentons Dialogue series. To receive updates directly to your inbox and to submit topics of interest for future programs, please click here. Questions Please contact Maddie Holihan at [email protected] Register Now.

By Erin Dreiling, marketing and communications manager, Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Marilynn Winn thinks big. When she created a nonprofit organization in 2012, she knew the name had to have scale and Women on the Rise was born. Winn has devoted herself to ensuring that formerly incarcerated women of color have a voice. In the early days of her organization, that meant a key role in the “ban the box” advocacy efforts to remove questions from hiring applications that ask if applicants have a criminal record. The City of Atlanta was the first in the south to adopt the policy. After its adoption, Women on the Rise also helped to figure out how to implement it and other non-discriminatory measures. For Winn, this is personal. She knows how a mistake can impact your future. She recalls trying to figure out how to tell her peers during a round of volunteer board service that she was formerly incarcerated – that she was like the very people they were trying to help. She says that lived experience is one of her biggest strengths now. She knows how to look at the “whole person.”  The programming at Women on the Rise includes everything from support groups to welcome home packages for those who have recently been released, but Winn can see her next big goal right outside her office window. Women on the Rise is leading the campaign to close and repurpose the Atlanta City Detention Center, known as ACDC, into a Center for Wellness, Equity and Freedom.  The jail’s population has gone from 700 a night to just 19 to 30, partially through the grassroots organizing of Women on the Rise and other partner organizations. Winn calls efforts like mental health services and modifications to policies that put people in jail for traffic violations “starving the beast,” as they divert those with lesser offenses away from the jail. There is still a long way to go, although Winn has worked with abolitionist architects Designing Justice Designing Spaces, who have completed a final report with a rendering of the new Center for Wellness, Equity and Freedom.  Winn knows they will get there. After all, she thinks big. “I’ve never closed a jail before,” Winn says, “but I’m determined to make a change.”   This is sponsored content.

A little over a year ago, Emory’s 15,000-square-foot student innovation center, The Hatchery, opened its doors to provide programs and space to fuel creativity and support Emory innovators and entrepreneurs at every stage of their journeys. The opening of The Hatchery kicked off an exciting start to the 2020 spring semester, but COVID-19 soon hit. A space designed for free-flowing collaboration was faced with no students on campus, remote learning and social distancing requirements. Shannon Clute, director of The Hatchery, turned the challenge of operating under a suppressed environment into an opportunity to double down on innovation process, co-design and experiment. “To be successful in innovation and entrepreneurship in a remote setting, we had to focus even more deeply on the needs of students,” says Clute. “Throughout 2020 we were able to launch many new student initiatives to support innovation and entrepreneurship, even in a pandemic.” The Hatchery was able to serve nearly 1,200 students from both campuses in every school, undergraduate and graduate, with 22 programs to target specific student innovator and entrepreneur needs. It also supported 24 student projects (with 12 more kicking off soon) and provided more than 550 hours of coaching for student founders, leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. Making innovation and entrepreneurship accessible for all From the start, The Hatchery differentiated itself from other centers by embracing a broad approach to innovation and entrepreneurship. The center can support the full spectrum of innovation from inspiration to startup, and at every stage emphasizes the importance of diversity, inclusion and social impact.  “Emory attracts changemakers, and we want everyone at Emory to feel like innovation and entrepreneurship are for them,” says Paul Welty, vice provost for academic innovation. “Innovation is a skill that is needed in every career, and whether you’re a student who wants to learn a new skill, make connections, seek advice or start a new service or product to change the world, The Hatchery is equipped to assist all student ventures at all stages.”  Yifei Gao, a student in the Emory College Class of 2023 majoring in economics and computer science, says, “Working with The Hatchery has allowed the creative side of me to roam free and receive the support I needed for all of the projects I am passionate about. Ever since I was little, I was obsessed with connecting others and the arts. The Hatchery allowed me to establish a nonprofit startup called Art for Heart, which uses art to fuel activism, and co-found the student organization AltKEY that supports sustainable fashion.”  Anna Rhoads, an Oxford College student majoring in business, works with The Hatchery through an internship where she collaborates with students and staff to improve Emory club life.  “In just one year, The Hatchery has proved to be an integral part of Emory’s campus,” Rhoads says. “With all the changes that have happened over this past year, innovation and efficiency are more important than ever. The Hatchery is at the forefront of that innovation, and I have never witnessed an organization that is so dedicated to the wellbeing of students and their goals. I’ve learned so much about innovating, business and how to put my ideas and goals into action by working with The Hatchery.”  Brian Le, a music composition and business administration major, shares that, “If it wasn’t for The Hatchery, I wouldn’t have been able to meet so many incredible, innovative and passionate people at Emory. From students to staff members, I’ve met so many that are passionate for change, and it’s really helped me find a community that stretches past academics or clubs. I’m invested in the Emory community more than I’ve ever been because of how excited I am for what my fellow innovators do in the future.”  Services The Hatchery provides include: Courses and training on innovation and entrepreneurship skills Personalized mentoring and coaching Material and financial support for student ventures Physical space for collaboration, a makerspace with prototyping materials (including a 3D printer), presentation and event spaces, and classrooms Connections outside Emory to companies, organizations and alumni Peer-to-peer entrepreneurship and innovation community, to support students and organizations Insights and tips from industry thought leaders with shows such as “Emory Innovators” and “Might Could: Stories of Innovation in the ATL” “As successful as this first year has been, we have no doubt that even more exciting times lie ahead,” says Clute. “We’ve been putting in place the programs and resources student innovators and entrepreneurs need, and we’re now ready to scale up operations with the return of students to campus.  By fall semester, we’ll be serving all students, of all schools, at all points in their innovation and entrepreneurship journey.”  To learn more about The Hatchery, visit https://hatchery.emory.edu/.   This is sponsored content.

By David Jernigan, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta For many companies and organizations, the past year has provoked critical conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and inspired many to take necessary steps to address systemic racism.  While the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has been advocating for racial equity for over 80 years, we too have been on our own DEI journey over the past year.  With nearly 90% of our youth identifying as African American or Latinx and the large majority of our employees coming from racially diverse backgrounds, this past year has been a deeply introspective period for our organization.   As the new President & CEO for BGCMA and as a white male who is on my own personal learning journey, attempting to lead a diverse organization through this essential DEI work has been humbling in so many ways. Although we have so much more progress to make, as an organization there are many truths that have crystalized for us this past year and will be central to our work ahead: Yes, Black lives really do matter… And so do Asian American lives.  And so do LGBTQ lives. And so do the lives of our Latinx youth and our white employees.  Yes, the lives of everyone matter. But we cannot ignore the recurring events of violence and injustice toward the Black community. These events are an unpalatable reminder of the systemic oppression and dehumanization that has plagued the Black community for centuries. Therefore, we felt compelled last summer to publicly state to all of our stakeholders that we, as an organization, stand firmly with the Black community and that we embrace the belief that Black lives matter. We knew that when we printed a T-shirt with the phrase “Black Lives Matter” on it, some would think that we were dabbling too far into politics, others would assume we were aligning to a left-leaning organization that does not support law enforcement, or still others would be concerned that we were implying that other lives don’t matter.   When we weighed the risks of alienating some of our supporters by taking a very public position in support of Black lives, it was the guidance provided by one of our board members that ultimately served as our anchor. She reminded us that as an organization that serves largely African American youth, we are sending a very strong message to all of our kids and teens that “YOU matter!”   And what about the other kids who do not identify as Black?  What a powerful teachable moment to help them understand the historical and current context that would compel us to have to clarify that Black lives matter and that such a statement wasn’t at the exclusion of other people.  Indeed, with the increase in inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric, harassment, and violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities since the start of the pandemic, we have also stood up against hate in these communities and have taken steps to educate our youth around the issues that have given rise to the #StopAsianHate movement.  It matters a lot that the kids, families, and communities we serve see and experience our unequivocal commitment to their dignity and rights as human-beings, which is why we cannot waiver in our willingness to declare that their lives matter.   Our language matters… The past year has really challenged us to reflect on how we talk about our work, especially the kids and families we serve.  Is it okay to call them “disadvantaged”? What about “at-risk”?  Should we refer to their communities as “poor” or would it be more accurate to say they are “neighborhoods of historic disinvestment?” And what about our mission?  Is it offensive to say that we are “saving kids’ lives” and what does that suggest about their own agency and that of their parents and community?   For some, this conversation gets quickly exhausting and feels too much like trying to be “politically correct,” but for those who are being “talked about,” it matters a lot.   Yes, it is offensive when we make assumptions about our kids and teens’ stories or fail to recognize the strengths of the village that is helping to raise them.  And if we truly think that we alone are saving kids’ lives, perhaps we should pause and reflect on what that means we believe about the role that their families, churches, schools, and other community agencies play in supporting the youth that we have the privilege of serving each day. For a non-profit organization like BGCMA that relies on the generous support of donors to keep doors open, this can be a challenging process to navigate because there is an assumption that to pull on the heartstrings of a donor, we must create a narrative that paints the bleakest possible picture of the constituents we serve.  If left unchecked, this narrative can not only exaggerate the role that our organization plays within the support network of our constituents, but more importantly it can unintentionally dishonor the very people we serve, and in its extreme form can do damage to kids and teens who may internalize messages about their self-worth based upon the narrative we perpetuate.   The past year has taught us that our language is much more than just the words we put down on paper; our language reflects our mindset and our beliefs about a community we serve, which is why this has not been an easy process, and at times has even been painful.  An honest conversation about language can easily put people on the defensive who are genuinely trying to communicate about a cause that matters to them.  But for those who have embraced the process and authentically listened to understand how their message is landing with others and what assumptions might be behind their language, it has been such a powerful learning process that got quickly beyond the surface of word choice into the core of our belief systems and values, which …

By Wendy Stewart, Atlanta Market President for Bank of America  Women’s History Month is a celebration of the contributions and progress being made by women across the globe, and this is especially true given the past year with coronavirus-related disruptions.  Balancing work and life can be challenging for mothers even in the best of times, but it became even more so in the past year. Women experienced higher coronavirus-related job losses in 2020, while also bearing more childcare and home management responsibilities than men. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 2.4 million women exited the workforce during the past year, compared to less than 1.8 million men. In Atlanta, women make up 51.5% of the population, yet they earn nearly 20% less than their male counterparts. It is crucial that women are not forced to choose between their financial wellbeing and caring for the ones they love in an uncertain economy. That difficult choice can be addressed with progressive workplace policies, such as the childcare reimbursements or adult care services programs for aging parents that Bank of America provides its employees.  Investing in women is not just the right thing to do; it also makes for good business because diverse and inclusive workplaces are essential in meeting the needs of today’s clients, communities and key stakeholders. Bank of America recognizes the significant role women play in advancing thriving economies. It’s why we continue to invest every day in helping them make meaningful contributions within our company and in their communities at large. For example, the bank partners with more than 350 colleges and universities around the world to recruit diverse talent, and our most recent summer intern class was 47% female. Locally, we partner with Georgia State University, Georgia Tech and Spelman College to attract the best female talent, which is critical to sustaining our company, making Bank of America a great place to work and driving responsible growth. We have programs designed specifically to support the retention and career development of female employees, such as our women’s employee network, which is more than 36,000 members strong, as well as other professional development opportunities to help engage, develop, retain and support our female talent across the company.  Outside of the workplace, we must give women the tools they need to achieve their own economic success as well. Financial security means more than money for women; It represents financial independence, freedom and empowerment in a world that often does not prioritize their prosperity. Financial institutions can be a major catalyst on this front, such as Bank of America’s initiatives focused on gender lens investing strategies or the Tory Burch Foundation Capital Program, which pledged $100 million in affordable loans to female entrepreneurs.   In Atlanta, we are continuing to invest and partner with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, YWCA of Atlanta, as well as women-led organizations like Atlanta Technical College, Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, Atlanta Land Trust and Grove Park Foundation. By supporting these organizations and the women they support, we all achieve our collective goal to advance women’s roles in business and in the community. In addition to supporting these groups, we can personally advance this cause by engaging women in important financial discussions, promoting strong financial habits and encouraging women leaders to become mentors for others down the line. It is also crucial that we urge women to begin planning early for unexpected future challenges, such as career interruptions and higher healthcare costs. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us make a difference in Atlanta by putting women’s lifelong financial wellness front and center. Financial health will not only be vital to achieving equality; it will prove essential to preserving balance and advancing economic opportunity for generations to come.   This is sponsored content.