Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1184234
A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M | 4 9 for women of color it's even less. As the founder of Real IMPACT, I want to close the gender gap in STEM right here from Middle Georgia, and I want that impact to reach into more rural counties, like my home county of Wilcox. I am passionate about cultivating and creating more resources to benefit underserved and rural communities. I want the excitement that comes with producing a successful student athlete to exude among us when we are cultivating a computer programmer, electrical engineer, chemist and physicist. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GOOD LEADER? A good leader empowers people to accomplish their goals and to seek only the mere satisfaction of that inspirational moment. I agree with John Quincy Adams: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." A great leader knows when someone else's strength complements their own weakness and doesn't feel threatened. A great leader cultivates even greater leaders! WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? My greatest achievement has been becoming a mother of two beautiful, strong and independent daughters who inspired the founding of Real IMPACT. At times, it's one of the hardest journeys that God gave me. For me, I couldn't let being a single mother become a crutch that would make me stagnant from continuing the path that God has for me. WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES THAT GOT YOU WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? My faith in God. My determination to succeed. My execution to ability. TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACTIVITIES IN THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY WHAT YOU'RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT. It's my pleasure to advance segments of this community by serving as a board member for a few local nonprofits, volunteering with my Rotary Club and also giving back to my alma mater, Mercer University. I am especially honored and privileged to serve as a small group leader for Mercer's leadership ERIN KELLER, 33 Non-Prof it/Community Development, Vice President for Development, NewTown Macon program, Leadership Mercer. This volunteer opportunity is unique, as it offers me the chance to combine my love for Mercer, leadership, mentorship and Macon all into one. AS YOU LOOK TO THE FUTURE, WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GOALS? I am most looking forward to continuing to do my part in helping Macon thrive as a community.