It’s International Women’s Month, which means it’s the perfect time to showcase how Atlanta’s best movers and shakers are women at the top of their games.
You already know that Atlanta is one of the best cities in America when it comes to women-led businesses, but do you know who’s who? To give you a hand, we’ve rounded up some movers and shakers that are doing their thing in Georgia’s largest city.
These Powerful Women Are Making It Happen In Atlanta
The common thread among them all is that they have a passion for what they do and they love them some Atlanta.
They are businesses owners, entrepreneurs, and more. We called them Our Top 5 Movers & Shakers. Let’s meet them.
Summer Jackson-Cole
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
As a Journalist, I’ve learned that everyone has a story! I love what I do because I get to use my creativity to share those stories, provide information to the community and witness historical moments up close. I was inspired to work in communications when I won my first district-wide speech contest at 8-years-old. At that moment, I realized the power of using your voice! When my high school classmates voted me as “Most Likely to Host a Talk Show,” I knew that my future would include lights, camera and action!
Finally, What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
May I pick two things? Favorite thing about Atlanta #1: The synergy within the creative community.
Favorite thing about Atlanta #2: The Weather! As a Chicago Girl, I love experiencing all four seasons with milder winters here in the ATL!
Keiarra McLean
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Occupation/gig: Blogger
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
I run a rising media platform called FLURRY, which seeks to uplift and highlight POC voices in the creative community. We aim to be a safe space for underrepresented voices, to feel supported and beautiful, angry and sad, + every emotion in between. I was inspired by the talented creatives I started to come across the city of Atlanta.
Finally, What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
My favorite thing about Atlanta is the creative underground scene. Everyone is their own celebrity in Atlanta, and it is beautiful to see!
Make sure you check out flurrylifestyle.com!
Ronnika A. McFall
Hometown: Biloxi, Mississippi
Occupation/gig: Communications and Media Relations Specialist
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
My passion is very basic. My passion is to help someone else, but in my own special way. I help people through innovative campaigns, I help people by guiding them in their messaging and thoughts. I help people by listening and executing that thought.
I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have it figured out. If your passion is not figured out, take a step back to notice what you like to do effortlessly. Take away the layers and look at the core thing you enjoy doing. If you like to help people, like me, figure out how you want to help them. I believe if you start there you can begin to develop your path towards success.
Finally, What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
The opportunities here. My journey started in Biloxi, Mississippi. I currently live in Atlanta with my husband of three years. I work as a communicator for the American Red Cross and I currently run my public relations agency part-time. I started my career in marketing and communications right out of college, and I noticed very early that Atlanta was a place full of networking and opportunities. I believe character is built in Atlanta. You learn who you really are, the good and the bad. I realized early in my career that personal branding was important, investing in myself was important, and treating my projects the way I would want my projects to be treated is important. My business grew because of word of mouth and because of that, the opportunities are endless.
Jessica ‘Jess’ Davis
Occupation/gig: Owner/Founder of GameHer, Manager of Youth Basketball Operations, Cleveland Cavaliers
Why do you think women are underrepresented in gaming and what inspired you to create GameHer?
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
Finally, What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
Danielle Coke
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Occupation/gig: Illustrator/Social Justice Advocate
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
I love creating illustrations about hope and justice because I feel the need for both in the world today. With equity, empathy, and anti-racism taking center stage this past year, it’s become important for me to create art that uplifts these ideals while keeping hope and optimism at the center of it all. It’s helped me to process and express myself, while also creating resources and inspiration for others!
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
My favorite thing about Atlanta would have to be the Beltline. It’s like it never ends- there’s always somewhere new to eat and somewhere different to bike!! I also love getting to grab juice from Lucky Lotus or a donut from Five Daughters Bakery at Ponce City Market.
Check out OhHappyDani.com!
How To Support Extraordinary Atlantans Doing Extraordinary Things
If you’re going to support local businesses in Atlanta, the main thing you may want to do is just get out in the community. Go to the maker’s events, drive around the cities and walk in a local park.
The people doing the most extraordinary things are out there being extraordin
If you’re interested in supporting some great places to eat in your local area, here are the best black-owned restaurants in Atlanta.
You also may be interested in the best black farms and farmers in Atlanta. And we can’t forget about the top grocery stores.
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Know of a person or business doing it big? Contact CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.