Celebrating Powerhouse Women Archives - Page 8 of 14

Municipal and Magistrate Court Judge Erica Dove

September 30, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Municipal and Magistrate Court Judge Erica Dove

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Erica Dove/Municipal and Magistrate Court Judge

Municipal and Magistrate Court Judge Erica Dove will begin her term as Gwinnett State Court Judge in January 2023.

Erica was born in Washington, D.C. and moved to Georgia in 1980. She has been a resident of Gwinnett County since 1981 where she attended elementary, middle, and high school. Upon graduating Howard University law school and passing the Georgia Bar in 2002, she began her career at King & Spalding, LLC. Later, she served as a misdemeanor prosecutor in the State Court of Gwinnett County for 10 years, where she served on the DUI Accountability Court team, and assisted in the creation of the Mental Health Diversion program utilized in Gwinnett State Court.

She also served as a prosecutor in several Municipal Courts including Norcross, Suwanee, Lilburn, and others. In 2015, she established her own law firm, The Law Office of Erica K Dove, handling various types of matters, working on the Indigent Defense list, serving as an advocate for clients with Special Needs and Mental Health issues, and also Veterans on the State Court Veterans Accountability Court team. Since 2015, she has handled over 1,000 matters in Gwinnett State Court alone. In 2022, she was sworn in as Associate Municipal Court Judge in the cities of Lilburn and Chamblee.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Gwinnett Community Arts Leader Aura-Leigh Sanders

September 16, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Gwinnett Community Arts Leader Aura-Leigh Sanders

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Aura-Leigh Sanders/Gwinnett Community Arts Leader

A Georgia native, Aura-Leigh Sanders was born in Macon and grew up on her family’s 250-year-old farm in Eatonton with two younger brothers and lots of animals. After graduating from Gatewood Academy, she started college at Mercer University, where she has deep roots: Her great-great-great grandfather was the first Mercer President, Billington McCarthy Sanders.

Currently the Owner and Director of the Dizzy Gypsy Art Gallery, Aura-Leigh graduated with a BS in Psychology from Georgia College & State University and studied art history and architecture as part of Georgia Tech Lorraine’s Study Abroad program in Metz, France. As part of her degree, she interned at Marietta RYDC as a Juvenile Detention Counselor, where she learned “in the trenches” counseling skills that informed her decision to go to graduate school, where she earned her Masters in IT from AIU with the goal of blending psychology with technology.

From there she became the Director of the Internet Specialist Program at Lanier Technical College for five years, where she learned the ropes of the post-secondary education world and taught students of all ages, from 16 to 73 years old. In 2006, Aura-Leigh joined the corporate world as a UX designer for clients like AT&T, Sony, United Health Care, US Bankcorp, Hilton, Red Bull, and others. In 2014, while still continuing her corporate career, she took over the newly-founded Dizzy Gypsy Local Awesomeness & Creative Studio on the Lawrenceville Square as a volunteer Director and became active in the local community.

She recently served as the Business Operations Director for Local Restaurant Group (Local Republic, Strange Taco Bar, LR Burger, and Laundry Events) and continues to organize Dizzy Gypsy events featuring local art and artists at Gwinnett businesses and venues.

Aura-Leigh has lived in Lawrenceville since 2002 with her husband and two children, a daughter attending Georgia State University and a son in high school, both of whom are active musicians and artists.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

The Whole Food Health Coach and 2-Time Cancer Survivor Stephanie Wolfe

August 19, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

The Whole Food Health Coach and 2-Time Cancer Survivor Stephanie Wolfe

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Stephanie Wolfe/The Whole Food Health Coach

Stephanie Wolfe holds credentials from the National Board of Medical Examiners as a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She holds a Master Certification with Dr. William Sears, MD and served on the staff of the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute as a coach for the coaches and was the Exam Prep Facilitator for those studying to take their board exam. She is an Approved Provider for Continuing Education for Board-Certified coaches around the world.

Stephanie is a small business owner in private practice in Gwinnett County where she is has won the “Best of Gwinnett” award the past 4 years for her work as The Whole Food Health Coach, now in its 8th year. Her advanced training, professional education, and personal experience has made her a proven leader in her field, and a creator of curriculum that is making it possible for individuals to reach their health and wellness goals in record numbers.

Stephanie is a 2-time cancer-survivor, Harley-rider, and even holds a Commercial Driver’s License. She and her husband, Jack, were high-school sweethearts and have been married for 48 years! She has two grown sons and two daughters-in-law and is “Nana” to their 3 grandchildren. She is an author, speaker, trainer, and coach for major companies, law firms, and government entities in the Atlanta area.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Jasmine Billings, Community Development Manager for the City of Lawrenceville

August 12, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Jasmine Billings, Community Development Manager for the City of Lawrenceville

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Jasmine Billings/Community Development Manager for the City of Lawrenceville

Jasmine Billings is a vibrant, intentional community builder, passionate about growth in the community through building relationships, developing partnerships, supporting youth advocacy, and strategic civic engagement & awareness. Serving as the Community Development Manager for the City of Lawrenceville, Jasmine is experienced in event management, business engagement, and is passionate about community outreach. Through connectivity and shared experiences, her drive is to educate and engage with youth and create awareness through workforce development. Her positive, initiative-driven attitude highlights her commitment to creating a holistic approach to self-determination and collective action.

Jasmine currently serves as the Chair for Gwinnett Young Professionals, Mainstreet Manager for the City of Lawrenceville, Board Member of Gwinnett United in Drug Education (GUIDE), Interim Board Chair of Impact 46, and Glance Gwinnett Committee Member.

Jasmine is a Gwinnett native, graduating from Brookwood High School, avid about the success of Gwinnett County, and the community she serves. She attended Georgia Southern University obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management, and Georgia State University obtaining a Master of Science in Sports Administration, and is currently obtaining her Master in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

She enjoys being a pet mom to her dog, Oliver, being with her family and friends, traveling and other activities and experiences, creating lifelong memories.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Margaret Washburn, Managing Partner at Washburn Law Offices & Municipal Court Chief Judge

August 6, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Margaret Washburn, Managing Partner at Washburn Law Offices & Municipal Court Chief Judge

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Margaret Washburn/Managing Partner at Washburn Law Offices & Municipal Court Chief Judge

Margaret Washburn is the Managing Partner at Washburn Law Offices, a general trial practice dedicated to family law, business litigation, probate, criminal defense, personal injury and workers comp in Lawrenceville, GA. Margaret is a graduate of Emory University School of Law, J.D., Oglethorpe University, B.A., cum laude, and Lakeside High School. She is the Chief Judge, Municipal Court for the City of Sugar Hill; Associate Judge, Duluth and Berkeley Lake; and a recipient of numerous awards from Gwinnett County Bar Association, and Council for Municipal Court Judges of Georgia. Margaret was voted “Best of Gwinnett” for legal representation 2014-present. She also participated in People to Know; Past President, GCBA, Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club and Council for Municipal Court Judges, and has over 70 published articles. Her memberships also include Leadership Gwinnett 2020, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, 1818 Club, Gwinnett Leadership of Women, and TPC Sugarloaf.

She has two sons and two daughters-in-law who are attorneys, and three grandchildren. At home she enjoys tennis, writing and running, and is a dedicated Georgia Bulldog.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Ashley Hamilton, Tournament Director of Mitsubishi Electric Classic

July 8, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Ashley Hamilton, Tournament Director of Mitsubishi Electric Classic

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Ashley Hamilton/Mitsubishi Electric Classic

Ashley Hamilton joined the Mitsubishi Electric Classic team in October 2019. Her extensive history in event management includes her role as the Director of the First Tee of West Virginia and as the Director of Special Events for The Greenbrier & The Greenbrier Classic in White Sulphur Springs, WV. Ashley received her BS from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and currently resides in Auburn, GA with her husband and 3 dogs.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Colleen Japuntich, President of NEMA, Inc.

June 24, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Colleen Japuntich, President of NEMA, Inc.

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Colleen Japuntich/NEMA, Inc.

Colleen Japuntich is currently serving as the President of NEMA, Inc., an asset-based Logistics Company located in Duluth, GA. Colleen has been with the company for 16 years and she began her career with NEMA as the Administrative Assistant to the Owner and Executive VP. Over her tenure with NEMA, she grew her role and her experience and advanced up the “corporate ladder” in a relatively quick timeline. She became the Executive Assistant after a few years with the company and took on all of the Human Resources Functions. She was then promoted to VP of Operations and took on the role of Project Manager for the Implementation of Truckmate, a Transportation Management System. When the President announced her retirement, Colleen was honored to be named President and took over in June of 2019.

Colleen moved around a lot as a child, a typical “military brat”. Rather than let it get her down, she learned to adapt quickly to change and see opportunities in the challenges of life. Those challenges have driven Colleen to strive for greatness in every role she has embodied – from employee, friend, spouse, mother, daughter, student, boss, leader, you name it. She goes after every challenge and opportunity with integrity, tenacity, extreme organizational skills, and always, a positive attitude.

Colleen has a degree in Accounting and is currently pursing a degree in Business Management with a Supply Chain/Logistics concentration to be able to bring even more of herself and her knowledge to her current role at NEMA. Colleen strives to be a servant leader and to always do what is best for the company she runs and the people who work there. She is constantly reading, attending classes, working with a business coach, and finding ways to be an even better leader, friend, and all-around person.

Her most recent achievement has been running a successful Logistics business during a Global Pandemic, while battling breast cancer. Any one of those challenges are hard enough on their own – but combine all three – what a challenge. But as most things in Colleen’s life – she digs in, gets to work, and overcomes the challenges often beyond anyone’s expectations of her, and sometimes even her own expectations.

Colleen is now a Cancer Survivor and is always eager to lend an ear, heart, or hand to anyone newly diagnosed to help them get through the overwhelming news of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. She recently participated in Gwinnett County’s Relay for Life and plans to lead a team for the 2023 Relay for Life. Colleen is married, and her husband also works at NEMA, Inc. as the Operations Manager. She has an 11 year-old daughter who wants to grow up and be a rocket scientist or marine biologist. Colleen loves to travel, read books, listen to music, and spend time with loved ones whenever possible.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Cynthia Kaye, CEO of Alive Studios Zoo

June 3, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Cynthia Kaye, CEO of Alive Studios Zoo

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Cynthia Kaye/Alive Studios Zoo

Cynthia Kaye is the founder and CEO of Alive Studios Zoo, an award-winning company that uses patented, augmented reality technology (3D without the glasses) to teach foundational reading and math skills. As the “Chief Zoo Keeper,” Alive Studios Zoo has been honored as Best of Show at ISTE 2019 and featured on ABC World News Now. Cynthia has been showcased in various newspapers and magazines, including The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Her previous company, Logical Choice Technologies, was named one of the Top 40 EdTech Companies in America, Top 15 Fastest-Growing EdTech Women-Owned Companies in North America, and profiled in the Inc. 500.

With a B.S. in Elementary Education, certification in Memory and Classroom Learning, graduate of MIT’s “Birthing of Giants” entrepreneurial program, and mother whose adopted sons from Latvia struggled with English language acquisition, Cynthia has been passionate about creating innovative technologies to increase engagement and learning. Working with educators across the U.S. and in 26 countries worldwide, Cynthia’s goal is to help teachers build the foundational literacy and math skills that all children need for continued success inside and outside the classroom.

Cynthia currently resides in Georgia with her husband, Ron, Alive Studios CTO. She is the mother of 4, Nonna of 2, and personal zoo keeper of her brood of chickens and one crazy rooster.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by

Gwinnett County Chief Magistrate Kristina Blum

May 13, 2022 by Mike

Celebrating Powerhouse Women

Gwinnett County Chief Magistrate Kristina Blum

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Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it’s in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere.

Judge Kristina Hammer Blum/Gwinnett County Chief Magistrate

Kristina Hammer Blum is the Chief Magistrate of the Gwinnett County Magistrate Court. Judge Blum began her legal career in 1994. Although she practiced in a variety of areas, she spent most of her time in the federal courts, specializing in the representation of city and county governments and public officials. After spending seven years as a Senior Assistant County Attorney for Gwinnett County, she was appointed to the Magistrate Court in 2005 and became the Chief Magistrate on January 9, 2013. As Chief Magistrate, she presides over one of the busiest courts in the State of Georgia (handling approximately 100,000 matters a year).

Judge Blum lived all over the United States growing up as a proud “Air Force Brat”. She chose Gwinnett County as her forever home because of its vibrant and inclusive community, for which she remains very involved and committed. Judge Blum is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Gwinnett and she has served on the Leadership Gwinnett Steering Committee as the Retreats Co-Chair since 2011. She is an Executive Board Member of the Rotary Club of Sugarloaf and she has served on the Advisory Boards for the Gwinnett Reentry Intervention Program (“GRIP”), Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, and United Way. For three years, she was the production coordinator for the Hi Hope Service Center’s annual Gwinnett’s Kid’s Got Talent Show benefitting adults with developmental disabilities.

Judge Blum is a Past President of the Georgia Magistrate Council and served as a member of the Judicial Council of Georgia from June 2015 until June 2017. She previously served on the Justice for All Strategic Action Plan Work Group for the State Bar of Georgia and is presently a member of the Access to Justice Advisory Board for the Judicial Council of Georgia. Judge Blum is also a frequent instructor for the Georgia Institute for Continuing Judicial Education, where she was awarded the Excellence in Judicial Education Medallion.

As Gwinnett’s first female Chief Magistrate, in 2014, the League of Women Voters honored Judge Blum with their Legacy Award. In 2015, the Council of Magistrate Court Judges presented her with their “Workhorse of the Year” Award. In addition, Judge Blum received a Public Service Award from the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in 2016.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women is presented by