Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1538147
Simone Russell W E S L E YA N C O L L E G E ' 2 6 I'm going into my senior year at Wesleyan, studying business administration with a focus on strategic management. My proudest accomplishments are my leadership roles—vice president of SGA and president of the Black Student Alliance. Community service has been central to my college experience. I hope to address representation for Black women in Macon. I'm local—I went to Westside High—and I want to open doors for mentorship and visibility for students like me. Career-wise, I want to go into tech with a civic focus—bridging the gap between advanced tools and underserved communities. Tech can feel intimidating or inaccessible, and I want to make it approachable and useful for everyday people. H I T T I N G T H E I R S T R I D E AGE 40-65 These leaders found their voice and influence in midlife as cheerleaders for their community, dedicated to showing up for the cause. We asked what they would share with someone unsure of their journey: Scott Mitchell People always say, "Take the first step." But I think what matters is the next step. Your first step might be in the right direction, but then life changes. What really matters is what you do after that. I'm most proud of the work we've done with Macon Pride. For over 20 years, people tried to build something sustainable, and we finally figured out the right formula. A diverse group sat around a table six years ago, and now we have something that will be a lasting legacy for Macon. Macon is a place where people truly care about their neighbors. I've never felt community like I have here. People don't just live near each ot her— they support one another like family. If I could tell people one thing: Find something you're passionate about that makes a difference, and go do it. Don't wait for someone else to solve a problem. We need doers. August/September 2025 | maconmagazine.com 55