Congratulations to our 2025 Hands On Atlanta Civic Leaders!

On Wednesday, June 11, we gathered at Georgia State’s Center Parc Stadium to celebrate an amazing group of changemakers, our 2025 Civic Leadership cohort. After eight months of service, growth, and impact, they've graduated from Civic Fellows and stepped into their new role as Civic Leaders.

From October to May, this dynamic group led hands-on projects alongside nonprofit partners, invested in monthly leadership and professional development workshops, and collectively raised an incredible $29,394 to support Hands On Atlanta.

Now, with sharpened skills and deeper connections, they’re stepping forward to lead with purpose, creating a more equitable and engaged Atlanta!

Check out the nonprofits supported this year: 

Fellows also supported some of our partner Title 1 schools through our Discovery program.

Wednesday was full of fun, with our proud sponsor of the Civic Leadership Program, Constellation joining us for the day! First their team served with nonprofit partner Urban Recipe, and later attended the graduation, bringing gifts for the graduates! The graduation ceremony included an energetic recap from graduates Crystal Ivey, Jarred Rankin, and Jessica Mitchell, sharing moving stories of impact!. Program alumna Shameka Fahie (Class of 2024) returned to share insights on navigating “Life After the Civic Leadership Program,” inspiring this year’s graduates to carry their experiences forward. The event concluded with a powerful keynote from Amal Yusuf, a member of the Hands On Atlanta Board of Directors, who spoke to the lasting value of civic leadership and community-driven change.

Along with highlighting the impact created by our fellows and memorable words shared by leading Atlanta influencers, recognition was given to the top fundraisers and the recipients of this year’s Impact Award.  

Top Fundraisers

  • Jarred Rankin ($10,000 from 1 Supporter)

  • Lauren Matthews ($2,180 from 67 Supporters)

$1,000 Club

  • Tyisha Johnson ($1,090 from 37 Supporters)

  • Celene Craig ($1,015 from 32 Supporters)

  • Nicolle Holt ($1,400 from 17 Supporters)

  • Gia Adkins ($1,120 from 19 Supporters)

  • Jennifer Smith ($1,325 from 14 Supporters)

  • Olivia Buckmon ($1,175 from 13 Supporters)

 

Impact Awardees

  • Chaucey Kelsey

  • Claire Dent

  • Joanne Louis

  • Kinnis Leonard

  • Tiana Thomas

We’re excited to see the impact our 2025 cohort continues to create across metro Atlanta.

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

Applications are open for the 25-26 cohort. Deadline July 11, 2025

The Hands On Atlanta Civic Leadership Program, powered by Constellation is 10-month, immersive professional development/leadership training program that builds community leaders while supporting the needs of nonprofit and school partners. Civic Fellows get hands-on experience and also participate in leadership training and mentoring provided by Hands On Atlanta staff, program alumni and partners.

PROUD champion PARTNERS