As we close the books on 2025, the economic outlook for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) is equal parts promising and precarious. The newly released State of Minority Business Report by the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) offers a comprehensive and sobering look at where we stand as a business community, as a state, and […]
Category: Thought Leadership
Posted inHigher Education
Georgia State University Collaborates With Google to Expand Access to AI, Computer Science Education
Georgia State University has announced $6 million in funding from Google to establish the AI Innovation Lab. The initiative is designed to expand access to computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) education for more students in the local community. Through this partnership, Georgia State will implement an after-school AI and machine learning (ML) education program […]
Posted inPeople, Places & Parks
What Keeps the Atlanta Beltline Moving
As the Atlanta Beltline turns 20, let’s take a moment to reflect on what’s been accomplished so far and what lies ahead. This anniversary is more than a milestone: It is a celebration of a collective vision. Neighborhoods connected, parks created, trails built and communities strengthened. It’s also a call to action, because public and […]
Posted inGlobal Health & Development
Honoring the Legacy of a Pioneer in Public Health
As we reflect on the life and career of Walter Reid Dowdle, PhD, EIS ’91, we are reminded of the profound impact an individual can have on the world. Few individuals have left an indelible mark as Walt. His remarkable career, characterized by unwavering dedication, innovative thinking and a commitment to improving health outcomes, stands […]
Posted inHigher Education
Uncovering truth, inspiring action: Cold cases class transforms lives of students
The power of story. That’s what Joey Seidman took away from one of his most meaningful classes at Emory, the Georgia Civil Rights Cold Cases Project class, taught by Hank Klibanoff, teaching professor in the Creative Writing Program. “I think the biggest emotion that I got coming out of it was just, you know, how urgent this […]
Posted inPeople, Places & Parks
“My mind has been blown by this program”: Nine park leaders graduate from Park Pride’s Park Stewardship Academy
By Hannah E. Jones, Park Pride’s Marketing & Communications Manager “What I’ve gained from the Park Stewardship Academy program is nearly immeasurable, and to be a steward of something is a true honor. My mind has been blown by this program,” said Marianna Lee with the Friends of Mountain Way Common. On Saturday, nine park […]
Posted inSecuring Atlanta's Future
2025 State of Education in Metro Atlanta Report Highlights Urgent Challenges and Effective Bright Spots
By Taylor Hall Metro Atlanta continues to make progress in some education outcomes, yet wide and persistent gaps remain. The 2025 State of Education in Metro Atlanta report outlines the most pressing obstacles facing students today—and elevates the strategies showing real promise in improving learning and opportunity across the region. Learn4Life released its ninth annual […]
Posted inHigher Education
Graduation Gift Empowers Atlanta’s Rising Entrepreneurs
When Georgia Tech alumnus Christopher W. Klaus announced he would personally cover the incorporation costs for graduating Tech students who sought to launch a startup, he wanted the gift to ignite their entrepreneurial spirit and elevate Atlanta’s startup culture. For hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs, including Raghav Balasubramaniam, founder and CEO of Overcast, and Shreyas Mavanoor, […]
Posted inCorporate Community Impact
Carol D. Reiser Youth Service Awards Provide Hope As We Look to the Future
By Cheryl Kortemeier, Executive Director, Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta (CVC) Each year, the Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) of Atlanta chooses to end each year on a positive note by inviting the community to an annual Holiday Luncheon. During the luncheon, the CVC announces the winners of the Carol D. Reiser Youth Service Awards, recognizing […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
New Paths to Homeownership on English Avenue — Two Modular Homes Point Toward What’s Possible
In historic English Avenue, two new single-family homes rose into place in a single day this November — a striking moment in a neighborhood where high-quality, affordable homeownership has long been out of reach for many of the people who love this community most. For Westside Future Fund (WFF), the installation wasn’t simply about construction […]
Posted inSmall Business
GMSDC Hosts Annual Meeting on December 11, Closing a Historic 50th Anniversary Year
The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) will close its milestone 50th anniversary year with its 2025 Annual Meeting & Year in Review on Thursday, December 11, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The event will bring together corporate leaders, small businesses, community partners, and long-time supporters […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
220 Sunset Avenue Earns Historic Designation — Honoring a Legacy While Building Community
Today, we are proud to announce a milestone in our journey to honor Atlanta’s rich civil rights heritage: 220 Sunset Avenue has officially received historic designation. This recognition is more than symbolic — it cements the building’s role in preserving the story of leadership, family, and community on the historic Westside. For the Westside Future Fund (WFF), […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
November Summit Recap: Investing in Inclusive Growth — How Invest Atlanta is Advancing Economic Opportunity on the Westside
On Friday, November 21, the Westside Future Fund (WFF) welcomed community members, partners, legacy residents, and local leaders to the monthly Transform Westside Summit. This month’s program featured Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President & CEO of Invest Atlanta, in a conversation with WFF President & CEO John Ahmann discussing “How Invest Atlanta is Advancing Economic Opportunity on the Westside.” The morning […]
Posted inHistoric Westside
Six Years Strong: How a Community Partnership Ensures No Family Goes Without on Thanksgiving
For six consecutive years, the WFF Volunteer Corps and Hudson Grille have answered the same call: to show up for Atlanta’s historic Westside during the season of gratitude. This year, they answered it bigger than ever. Over just two days, the partnership distributed 1,900 complete Thanksgiving meals to 247 households — a milestone that reflects […]
Posted inSmall Business
GrowForward: Investing in the People Behind Georgia’s Small Business Success
For 50 years, the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) and its nonprofit partner, the Georgia Education Foundation (GEF), have stood beside small business owners across the state, helping them find opportunity, build connections, and strengthen their communities. Behind every contract, every partnership, and every milestone is an entrepreneur working tirelessly to build something meaningful. […]
Posted inHigher Education
Emory purchases former Egleston Hospital
Emory University purchased the properties at 1405 Clifton Road and 1712 Uppergate Drive from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, both parties announced on Thursday, November 13. Emory and Children’s have been in discussions about the former Egleston Hospital site since the opening of the Arthur M. Blank Hospital in September 2024. The property consists of two […]
Posted inFinancial Inclusion
Operation HOPE Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant Recognized as One of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Leaders in 2025
Operation HOPE is proud to announce that its Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant has been named one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Leaders in Business in 2025. The annual designation recognizes 25 influential leaders across business, education, public service and healthcare who exemplify the leadership qualities Americans value most. Mr. Bryant […]
Posted inSecuring Atlanta's Future
The 2025 Early Childhood Checkup—Two Significant Takeaways
Every year, GEEARS publishes the Early Childhood Checkup, an assessment of Georgia’s support for its youngest children and their families. With a quick scan of cute baby faces shaded green, red, or yellow, Georgians can see if certain indicators have shown improvement, declined, or remained static. While we’re pleased by the green babyface that indicates […]
Posted inGlobal Health & Development
At a Tipping Point: Why Charitable Healthcare Providers Matter More Than Ever for Women’s Health
By Stacey Koehnke, MedShare CEO/Executive Director In recent years, a convergence of global and domestic policy shifts has placed women’s health—particularly maternal and child health—under mounting pressure. Budget cuts, program disruptions, and international funding restrictions have created ripple effects that disproportionately impact vulnerable women, girls, and families. Amid these growing challenges, free and charitable clinics […]
Posted inFinancial Inclusion
Why Homeownership Still Matters: Reflections from the EMPIRE Realtists 65th Anniversary
Last weekend, I joined the EMPIRE Board of Realtists here in Atlanta to celebrate their 65th anniversary. They were kind enough to honor me with an award for leadership and impact, but throughout the night, I was reminded of something important: awards don’t change the world. People do. Communities do. Movements do. Realtists have been part of […]
