Celebrating Women Leaders
Part 1 - March 18, 2026
As a firm founded and led by women, we recognize the importance and impact of women leaders in our communities.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are proud to highlight women who are making meaningful contributions and driving change, each nominated by their colleagues and communities. In this first installment, we are honored to highlight:
Brenda Johnson, Workforce Development Strategist
Sydney Ku, Doctoral Research Associate at Georgia State University
Jori Mendel, Chief Community Development Officer at Roots Investment Community
Michelle Prater, President & CEO of the North Georgia Community Foundation
Blythe Keeler Robinson, President & CEO of Sheltering Arms
Meisa Salaita, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Science ATL
Keep reading to learn more about these inspiring leaders, and check back next week as we continue to highlight more women making an impact!
Brenda K. Johnson is CEO of The Collaborative Training Company, a workforce strategy and professional development firm that helps employers and jobseekers navigate today’s rapidly evolving job market. She has trained 500+ jobseekers, from entry-level candidates to senior-level professionals, on resume AI-optimization, interview readiness, and how to compete in modern hiring processes.
A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Johnson is a graduate of Purdue University and serves as a board member of the Metro Atlanta eXchange for Workforce Solutions. She also served as a regional director for Year Up United, supporting work-based learning opportunities and providing direct coaching to emerging professionals. She is committed to removing barriers to livable-wage careers and believes work is a powerful driver of confidence, financial stability, and long-term economic mobility.
“Brenda is a Purdue-trained Engineer turned Workforce Development Strategist who has served many businesses and nonprofits in Atlanta. Brenda has personally impacted my life by hiring me for consulting work, being a mentor, and speaking my name in rooms which I’m not often in. She is always ready to help in any way she can and that help is given with altruism and kindness. ”
Sydney Ku is a Doctoral Research Associate and PhD candidate in neuroscience, as well as a dedicated advocate for equity in the sciences. With more than five years of research-intensive training, her experience spans experimental design, data collection and analysis, grant writing, mentorship, and project management.
In addition to her research, Sydney brings more than three years of professional advocacy experience, including leading justice-focused initiatives, co-founding an organization centered on accessibility and equity, and guiding teams toward inclusive practices. She is also a skilled speaker, facilitator, and educator, with experience in curriculum development, classroom instruction, and training.
“Sydney is constantly thinking critically about her role in academia and finds ways to pioneer initiatives that make spaces more accessible, equitable, and conscious for all. She is also the Co-Founder and Co-President of the Association for Scientists of Color at Georgia State University. ”
Jori Mendel is a partner and chief growth and community development officer at Roots Investment Community, the first REIT that builds wealth for both investors and renters. She is also Chief Relationship Officer of FreeRent.org.
Drawn to Roots' mission of financial stability, she oversees business development, partnerships, civic engagement, and PR. As a leader of FreeRent, Roots' nonprofit affiliate, Jori has guided the organization in providing $380K+ in rental relief to 78+ families, earning recognition for her commitment to community impact.
“Jori is incredibly passionate about her work and her community - she is paving the way to help renters build wealth while they rent, provide opportunities for families facing hardship to rebuild their financial foundation, and create pathways between the for-profit and non-profit sector to help our community as a whole thrive. She is a great connector, leader, and inspiration to other women in leadership roles, also serving in community groups that highlight the power of women leaders. Jori is amazing and all those who get to work with and around her are lifted up! ”
Michelle R. Prater is the President and CEO of the North Georgia Community Foundation (NGCF). Originally from Ohio, Michelle has earned degrees in marketing and management from the University of North Georgia and an MBA in Leadership Development from Brenau University. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership at the Lilly School of Philanthropy, Indiana University.
Since joining NGCF in 2015, Michelle has transformed the foundation by tripling its assets and establishing it as a premier nonprofit resource in North Georgia.
She serves as a Brenau University Trustee, Philanthropy Southeast Community Foundation Council Member, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier board member.
“Before I started working for North Georgia Community Foundation, I would always admire Michelle and would think what an honor it would be to work for her. Now, three months in, I have had more coaching than I ever had. Michelle cares for her employees and builds a relationship based on trust. Michelle has given true feedback and works through issues professionally. She is a true exemplar of what a passionate community leader is. She is devoted to explaining our mission to newcomers and helping in ways that show true devotion to our community. Because of that, Michelle has made an impact by helping strengthen communities and is still looking to build bridges across gaps. Now, I am proud to work and notice all the wonderful things that Michelle has done, and it inspires me to work as a community catalyst and keep grinding to help those who can contribute to our community.”
Blythe Keeler Robinson is an innovative and passionate leader with more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management. She is an equity advocate and a nationally recognized leader in early education and two-generation approaches to educational success and economic security.
Robinson is the President and CEO of Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1888, Sheltering Arms is one of Georgia’s largest and most respected nonprofit organizations serving nearly 2,300 children daily, ages six weeks to five years old, and their families in 11 early care and education centers across metro Atlanta.
As a dedicated servant leader, Robinson believes in giving back to the community. She volunteers with local organizations focused on children and mentors girls and women. Robinson also serves as the President of the International Women’s Forum, Georgia Chapter.
Submitted by Theresa Prestwood, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Sheltering Arms
Meisa Salaita, PhD is Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Science ATL. Meisa has made it her mission to help others see and appreciate the beauty of science by making it a part of everyday cultural experiences. Through her work founding and directing Science ATL, she spends her days convincing everyone else to fall in love with science as well. To that end, Meisa also writes, has produced radio stories, and hosted TV shows — all in the name of science. In addition to her work with Science ATL, Meisa is a producer for The Story Collider, a science storytelling podcast.
Meisa has a Ph.D. in chemistry from Northwestern, and was recently named by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of 20 Women Who Mean Business in Atlanta.
“Meisa is two parts heart and one part science, with a dash of get-stuff-done attitude - a cocktail that keeps Science ATL moving forward with purpose. She birthed the idea for an Atlanta Science Festival 15 years ago and has built a sustainable nonprofit out of sheer determination to ensure that more people can come to love science as she does. Meisa is a visionary, a storyteller, and a dancer. She prioritizes caring for our staff, participants, volunteers and partners, and keeps us centered on our mission. Her way of humanizing our communications combined with her attention to detail have made Science ATL a beloved community partner to many.”
