Meredith Johnson serves as the Executive Director of Horizons Atlanta, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing summer learning loss for K-8 students in the metro Atlanta area. Horizons Atlanta offers tuition-free programs hosted on the campuses of independent, public, and charter schools, as well as colleges and universities. By focusing on literacy, mathematics, and swim skills, Horizons Atlanta aims to mitigate educational inequities and positively influence the educational trajectory of its students. 

Before her current role, Meredith was the Executive Director of Alumni Relations at the University of Georgia from 2014 to 2023. In this position, she oversaw a range of programs including student engagement, outreach to young alumni, regional initiatives, special events, and collaborative resource development projects. Meredith also contributed to the University of Georgia’s Development and Alumni Relations division in various capacities.

In addition to her professional achievements, Meredith has been an active community leader. She served as president of the National Charity League’s Dunwoody Chapter, where she coordinated philanthropic projects with 15 metro Atlanta organizations, involving 250 mothers and daughters in the process.

Meredith is an alumna of the University of Georgia, holding a Bachelor of Science in Human and Family Sciences and a Master’s degree in Adult Education. She and her husband, Terrell, have two children: a daughter attending the University of Georgia and a son at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. Meredith is also involved with Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church, serving on the Vestry and chairing the Endowment Board.

Dr. Malika Reed Wilkins holds dual roles as Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief Strategy Officer for the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). She heads the agency’s governmental affairs, strategic planning, corporate and community engagement, sponsorships and fundraising, board member relations, and communications. Wilkins has more than 25 years of experience in public policy, organizational communications, business development, revenue generation and building long-standing partnerships in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Dr. Wilkins joined ARC in 2016, and previously served as the Managing Director of Mobility Services and Georgia Commute Options. Prior to onboarding with ARC, Wilkins served the State of Georgia in various executive-level roles with the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), and the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS).

She is currently a member of the Buckhead Rotary Club, an appointed Commission member for the Georgia Driver’s Education Commission, board trustee for the Atlanta Technical College Foundation, Board Director for WTS International, and Past President and member of WTS Atlanta. Dr. Wilkins is also a member of COMTO Atlanta, Public Relations Society of America and ULI Atlanta.

Dr. Wilkins received a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communications from the University of Georgia, a Master’s of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University and a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University.

Dr. Wilkins resides in metro Atlanta with her husband Anthony, daughter Malia and “furry” son Roscoe.

Kendall Jacobs is the Sr. Director of Culture, DEI and Talent Enablement for The Aaron’s Company headquartered here in “Atlanta” (Cobb Galleria, but that’s a debate for another day).

He has enjoyed over 21 years with Aaron’s serving in roles from internal audit, M&A, strategy and labor management.

Kendall received his Finance degree from the University of Alabama and his MBA from Kennesaw State, and he has completed graduate courses focused on DEI from E-Cornell and SHRM. He is also involved in several local councils focused on DEI including the Georgia Diversity Council and the Georgia Chamber’s DEI Committee.

In his role at Aaron’s, Kendall oversees all things DEI-related, which includes overseeing six employee resource groups. His multi-faceted role allows him to better weave inclusionary practices into the fabric of the organization. 

Ironhill Brewery and Restaurant - Perimeter

1224 Hammond Dr NE , Atlanta, GA 30346

Born in Ypsilanti, MI, Michael Watson is a proud graduate of Grambling State University. He began my financial role as a personal banker with one of the world's leading financial institutions. Along the way, he enhanced his relationship-building skills and learned the importance of how proper financial education & literacy impact lives.

As a financial advisor for Watson Wealth Management with Northwestern Mutual, a Top 40 Under 40 Advisor in Atlanta, and a Million Dollar Round Table recipient, Michael and his team service the community by meeting with clients to discuss financial goals, investment timelines, and risk tolerance. He and his team use a four-step approach in working with their clients to understand complex financial issues and how they can affect life goals — whether a client is working to achieve current financial success or to protect and preserve assets over the long term.

The Watson Wealth Management team aspires to change the narrative around wealth accumulation with a goal of helping 1,000 families and individuals create and protect generational wealth.

Michael and, his wife, Arilyn are the proud parents of Ailaya & Mya. Michael enjoys watching sports, working in his home in Powder Springs, and spending time with his family. The Watson family are active members of Word of Faith Church - where Michael is a member of The Bronner Business Institute.

Michael is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., he serves on the Board of Trustees for Atlanta Technical College, a member of Powder Springs Small Business Council, and Sergeant at Arms for South Cobb Toastmasters club.

He has always been a Detriot Lions, Pistons, Tigers and Red Wings fan. As a proud graduate of Grambling State University he is an avid supporter of HBCU schools.