Women's History Month 2023

For Women’s History Month, we are excited to introduce you to influential women across Georgia. Our team asked each woman about her hopes for the future of work, goals, and advice on finding balance. Additionally, who they would like to thank for helping them get to where they are today.

Check back soon! We will be updating this page all month with spotlights from women who are influencing Georgia and growing communities.

Dr. Jann L. Joseph, President of Georgia Gwinnett College

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Self-care. I consistently exercise to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. I self-reflect and mediate to stay grounded. I also cherish precious time with my family and friends. I do not take anything for granted. By doing these things, I bring a complete, renewed and focused Jann into the room.

What is your hope for the future of work for women? In the C-Suite and on track for greater leadership roles sooner rather than later. Not enough women get the support they deserve in their early and middle management years, and we need to change that. The most talented women are slipping through the cracks and giving up. Women need a space where their talents are recognized and valued from day one. I want to see women enter the leadership pipeline sooner, with a fuller pool of talent and with more parity. Women need advocates and sponsors who can offer them exposure to the right people and professional development opportunities designed to perpetuate their growth. As a woman leader, I take ownership in mentoring other women and speaking at workshops and events to share my story and encourage them along their journey. When we – men and women alike – follow this approach, we will begin to see a change and brighter future for women in leadership roles.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: Increasing success for my students. When my students are successful, it elevates my community and beyond. I wake up each day fighting for Georgia Gwinnett College students. My work is to ensure that each one has the opportunities they need to successfully achieve their goals. Whether in the classroom or engaged in experiential learning, our students will be prepared for the workplace. They will become leaders while they are students and will carry those leadership skills out with them as graduates to become entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals in our community and around the world – the ripple effect will be remarkable.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? I have publicly thanked my mother many times. I have her to thank for my ambition. She saw more in me than she could see in herself. She pushed her children to be resilient, to have tenacity and to fight for our voices. The first thing I learned to read was a sign she had on the wall in our house – “Perseverance is the key to success.” I was fortunate to thank her before she passed away and for her to see that I was using the lessons she taught me.

Gabrielle Claiborne, CEO, Transformation Journeys Worldwide

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Making sure I'm focusing on the necessary self-care, i.e. meditation, journaling, mirror work, etc., so I can discern "what is mine to to do" and not get distracted with the multitude of shiny objects that bombard us everyday. This external stimuli, if allowed to run amuck, can turn our world upside down, causing us to suffer emotionally and physically. Knowing this, I make it a practice of running the noise of my surroundings through the filter of my heart and ask, "Is this in alignment with my authentic self?". Knowing that my heart will not mislead me, I lean into that which makes my heart sing and honor its voice. This act of self-care allows me to live my live inside out and strike a healthy balance of how I show up each day...doing "what is mine and ONLY what is mine to do!"

What is your hope for the future of work for women? Embrace the expansiveness of the sisterhood...in ALL of its magnificent forms and intersections. As a transgender woman, navigating a culture where we are conditioned to believe that any experience other than that of a straight, cisgender female, is one of an imposter or interloper...and even a threat to our binary culture's identity or safety, I like to remind folks of Emma Lazarus' quote, “Until we are all free, we are none of us free.” The lily doesn't look at the rose and say, "you're not a flower because you do not look like me!" No, we look at each of these flowers in awe over their respective majestic beauty. Further, my lived experience is not to diminish or delegitimize another person's experience. If anything, it is to differentiate our individual uniqueness and beauty as that of the lily and the rose, and together bring beauty and harmony to the field...our world.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: I'm championing OUT Georgia Business Alliance's TGX360 Employment & Entrepreneurship Initiative, an initiative that is focusing on positioning every trans and gender expansive (TGX) Georgian for economic empowerment—regardless of their lived experiences and skillset—through equitable access to resources, support, and opportunities, allowing themselves to fully and safely participate in the workforce and to advance their career or entrepreneurial endeavors.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? Linda Herzer - Linda has always seen me for not only who I am but also for who I can become. She has been instrumental in my journey of authenticity by always encouraging and elevating me so I can show up in this world as my highest and best self. She has taught me the importance of living in the moment...embracing the lessons of each day as life happening "for" me and not "to" me...as invitations for my growth. This advice has positioned me to show up on bigger stages and play in larger arenas...knowing that if or when I fall down, that "face-down" moment can be either a detriment to my growth are an invitation to my greatness!

Hilda Abbot, Founder & CEO, RudHil Companies

Balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Prioritizing. Setting up your day with what will make the most impact not only for the company, but the team members is key to finding balance.

What is your hope for the future of work for women? I hope to see more women in positions currently being dominated by men. Having the right representation in all positions ensures that our future generations see themselves as leaders in different industries.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: I am currently working on opening what will be the first Hispanic and Woman-Owned commercial real estate firm. Our Hispanic Women are one the fastest growing entrepreneurs and having the right representation within the commercial sector will be the key to a successful business.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? I have been fortunate enough to have several mentors in my professional and personal life. I strongly believe that we all learn from each other's experiences. But the most influential woman in my life is my mother. I do thank her every day for the being my #1 cheerleader and empowering to be better woman.

Gretchen Corbin, President & CEO, Georgia Lottery Corporation

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: One thing I do to strive for balance is recognize Rome, Italy nor Rome, Georgia wasn't built in a day. So, I prioritize the most important items to accomplish within the work day and then make a sincere effort to transition out of work thoughts to be present for my family.

What is your hope for the future of work for women? I hope to see more working women in he future continue to call upon their expertise and individual personalities as a combination for strong leadership. I have noticed that when women are productive in their work and kind to all in the workplace, success follows.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: To achieve the Georgia Lottery's FY24 goal of returning $1.521B to the state of Georgia for education.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? There are so many male and female friends in the economic development space who have helped me and continue to encourage me today. I am thankful for every female who has ever worked at GDEcD, DCA, TCSG, and GLC for being dear colleagues and the females outside of the organizations who championed me. But if I can only thank one in the economic development space, it would have to be Elyse Cochran because she was the first person who saw potential in me to be an economic developer. Elyse answered my call when I was young and needed direction the most, introducing me to the field of economic development and teaching me business development, while serving as an example of a female leading an organization. Elyse's introduction guided me down the path of serving our great state of Georgia and introduced me to all of you, my dear friends in Georgia. To Elyse and all of you, I will forever be grateful.

Farah Allen, CEO, The Labz

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Prioritize self-care: It's crucial to take care of your well-being. Schedule time for exercise, meditation, therapy, or take breaks to recharge.

What is your hope for the future of work for women? There is a need for increased representation of women in leadership positions, equal pay, and equitable opportunities in the workplace and with funding, if you are a business owner. Companies should also provide more flexibility, mentoring and career development opportunities and parental leave policies. It is important to address unconscious biases and discrimination in the workplace, promote diversity and inclusion, and provide a safe and supportive work environment for all. With such measures, women can thrive in their careers and contribute to a better work culture.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: My big goal is to transform the Labz into a technology enterprise with a worldwide reputation. I am committed to this ambitious task so that I can help shatter the barrier that obstructs the progress of women and minorities in becoming successful leaders in the software sector.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? Delta Airlines' Supply Chain Manager, Shani Landell, is the person I am grateful to for endorsing Labz to the company. This resulted in the Labz becoming the preferred Employee Perks site for Delta Airlines inclusion as an option in Delta's vendor selection process. This is in part to Delta’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Delta Airlines and Shani Landell are an organization that I admire and strive to emulate.

Lisa Smith, Senior Vice President, Region External Affairs and Community Engagement for Georgia Power

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: I am consistent in scheduling "intentional moments". To me, work life balance is an ever-elusive goal. In order to recharge, I keep commitments to myself by planning a vacation with my family to a new place at least once a year. I also schedule time with friends at least once a month. These "intentional moments" allow me to have something to look forward to, have down time, and mentally and physically renew for the next work stint.

What is your hope for the future of work for women? In 10 years, I hope to see more women CEOs, particularly in non-traditional industries. Currently there are approximately 10% of Fortune 500 companies that are led by women. This percentage is being celebrated as "first time in history". My hope is that in 10 years, this representation will be so large that it is considered the norm. The diversity in thought and experience that female leaders provide is necessary.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: I am currently working with my alma mater to increase the number of female engineering graduates through an endowed scholarship. I am not only garnering financial support, but also identifying ways for mentorship to ensure success of these students.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? Bentina Terry, Senior Vice President of Customer Strategy and Solutions for Georgia Power has been instrumental in providing ongoing mentoring and job opportunities throughout my career. She has been a role model in making time to engage with me and to connect me with other key community and company leaders.

Laura Mitchell, CEO & Co-Founder, The LO

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Making time for levity. Being a community leader in the LGBTQ+ space can have some heavier days, so finding time for levity, joy, and just appreciating "the good stuff" all around us helps to bring balance in my life. That, and travel to new places-there's nothing like an adventure to give you fresh perspective and a good reset!

What is your hope for the future of work for women? I hope that the future of work for women not only has exponentially more female leaders, but also that women in all ranks are embraced for their perspectives and styles of intelligence, and that we stop having to contort ourselves to be the leaders that males have typically been. Imagine a world with authentic female leaders everywhere, and all of the downstream impacts of that. That's the world I hope we see in 10 years.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: One big goal I am working on right now is building an online platform/app that connects queer women to friendships and community near them (The LO.). I have a strong belief that we all need a sense of safety and belonging to thrive (cue Maslow), and while many folks in the mainstream have that readily within their current families, jobs, churches, etc. it is not a given for LGBTQ+ folks. Our mission at The LO. is to connect queer women to community so that they can thrive.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? My wife Jessica who is an amazing partner not only in life but also in business, my best friend Linda who has always cheered on my big dreams no matter who ambitious. My mom who has been a great example of a woman who didn't allow any gender-based limits to be imposed upon her in life. They say you are who you surround yourself with so I make it a point to surround myself with strong women who are dedicated to supporting other women.

Anne Goodstein, Creative Director-Partner, H20 Creative Group | Founder, VIA Connects

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Work-life balance is doesn't apply for me! The creative process flows / seeps into my many center of interest, I love working on projects, weekdays, weekends. When I feel overwhelmed I "take it to the mat" restoring the energy from my yoga practice.

What is your hope for the future of work for women? I want to see women in public affairs, leadership and decision-making positions. They should be in the center of decisions that will affect their lives and community.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: Developing/creating a women centric resource center focused of developing opportunities for women to grow personally and professionally.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? Ande Noktes, Libby Cole, Charlotte Nash, Carrie Lofstrom, all inspired me to start my entrepreneurial journey. They each have had a role in bringing the VIA Connects Conference to life on March 25 in Brunswick GA, and I can't wait for others to meet them and be inspired by their stories.

Jennifer Zeller, Strategic Solutions Manager, Georgia Power Community & Economic Development

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Gratitude exercises are a practice I stated. You begin with writing down a few things you are grateful for and use your time to reflect on the past few days or week while remembering what you are especially grateful for.

What is your hope for the future of work for women? I hope to see more women leading Fortune 500 companies as their authentic selves.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: This year I have been focusing on self-care to balance at work and home. I even started taking dance classes that are exercise, but also a great way to care for myself and have some fun.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? Oh! I have a LONG list that goes back to grade school when I migrated to this country from Canada. My best friend Suzy who is a PhD leadership coach and continues to bolster me. All my close girlfriends who send me support and love constantly. Teachers, college professors...there’s so many! My list of men is as long as my list of women career wise, although there is something bonding and personal about my list of women because we have a shared lens of the world.

Sophia Thomas, Executive Assistant, Georgia Power

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Prioritize!

What is your hope for the future of work for women? Be viewed as an irreplaceable and valued partner in business and marriage.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: Rising through the rank and file of Southern Company.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? Marge Bellock, SVP Discover Card Services, Inc. One day Marge asked me to stop by her office. She told me she saw great things in my future and to get out of my own way. That motivated me enough to finish my Bachelor's Degree. Since that time, I have truly continued to grow my career and be my best self every day!

Vanessa Wagner, Marketing Program Manager, Georgia Power Community & Economic Development

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: Get outside! I volunteer at least once a week at the Farm at Oatlands North - a sanctuary farm for retired, neglected and abused animals. Being outside surrounded by horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, and cats melts any stress away. It's as much a sanctuary for the volunteers as it is the animals.

In 10 years, I hope to see more women: Stop apologizing and be comfortable with failure. There is nothing wrong with being polite (after all, we are in Georgia and known for our Southern Hospitality!), but I'd like to see women empowered to not feel guilty because they couldn't do EVERYTHING and allowed more space to fail. I feel that women carry a heavier weight than our male counterparts to get things right, or perfect, the first time.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: Reaching all 39,000 diverse-owned businesses in Georgia with our GrowGeorgia.com platform. Grow Georgia is a one-stop location for small business owners to find statewide resources focused on minority and diverse business growth.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? Susan Henson, Retired Regional Director at George Mason University. When I first started in economic development, we worked together to reinvigorate an incubator and SBDC program. Susan was generous with her time, confidence, and network. Her belief in what I was capable of achieving led me to go after things I may not have otherwise.

Nicole Pearson, Marketing & Communications Manager, Customer Strategy & Solutions, Georgia Power

Finding balance is a goal we all work towards. One thing I do to strive for balance is: I have two phones - work and personal. This makes it so much less tempting to get distracted by work when I'm with my family or friends during the weekends or on vacation. Being able to put my work phone away or turn it off is a great way to set boundaries that help me find balance.

What is your hope for the future of work for women? I hope to see everyone who identifies as a woman with equitable access to the education, training, support systems, and opportunities they need to find fulfilling jobs with equitable pay.

Tell us about one big goal you're working toward right now: My biggest goal right is to create environments at home and work where my family, friends, and coworkers feel 100% at ease being their authentic selves. So much growth happens in safe spaces and I want to be part of that growth for the people closest to me.

If you were to thank another woman for helping you get to where you are, who is it, and why? I'd like to thank Christy Terrell. She hired me for a role at Southern Company in 2001. From day one, she appreciated my unique perspective and creativity - always empowering me to be my authentic self.