On a vibrant Saturday afternoon at Truist Park on May 31, the power of youth leadership and equity-driven mentorship came to life as Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students gathered for the Moving Her Forward Capstone Celebration. Curated and led by Tahajnah Spence, Community Affairs Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (MOEDI), the event marked the culmination of a groundbreaking leadership program designed to cultivate the next generation of women leaders across Atlanta.
A Leadership Model Rooted in Equity and Empowerment
Launched earlier this year, the Moving Her Forward Capstone is a fully virtual, self-paced program that combines pre-recorded workshops, skill-building modules, and interactive mentorship opportunities. Developed by Spence with the support of the Mayor’s Women of Atlanta Advisory Council and APS leadership, the curriculum is grounded in culturally responsive learning and real-world application.
The digital platform was maintained in close collaboration with Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, APS Program Director of Student Engagement, who also served as a key mentor to participating students. Through four thematic modules, students explored:
- Her Voice, Her Power — Focused on building public speaking and communication skills, this module empowered students to overcome stage fright, organize their thoughts, and confidently share their voices with the world.
- Her Resilience, Her Healing – Centered on mental health and wellness, this module provided students with mindfulness tools, emotional self-care strategies, and techniques to build resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
- Her Confidence, Her Courage – Inspired by Atlanta’s Ignite Her Future: International Day of the Girl Celebration, students explored authenticity, self-empowerment, and the confidence to advocate for themselves and others.
- Her Service, Her Impact – This final module encouraged students to step into leadership roles through civic engagement, volunteerism, and equity-driven advocacy, challenging them to become powerful agents of change in their communities.
Celebration at Truist Park: A Moment to Remember
All students who engaged with the capstone were invited to a networking session with C-suite executives led by MOEDI and made possible through the Atlanta Braves’ partnership. Each student had the opportunity to bring a guest and enjoy an afternoon of recognition and mentorship before the Braves took on the Boston Red Sox.
The program featured diverse panel of women leaders who shared career advice and inspiration:
- Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, Atlanta Public Schools
- Oneisha Chapman, National Society of Black Engineers, Atlanta
- Sierra Green, The Coca-Cola Company
- Danita Knight, YWCA Greater Atlanta
- Gabrielle Slade, Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Candace M. Stanciel, Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Ellori White, Media Girls Network
Throughout the networking session, students engaged in meaningful conversations with mentors who offered professional insights, personal encouragement, and a vision of what’s possible for young women in Atlanta.
Honoring Student Leaders
The day’s most moving moments came during the student recognition segment. The following students were honored for completing the full capstone experience and demonstrating exceptional growth:
- Anissah B., Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
- Samariyah B., Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
- Shamya H., South Atlanta High School
- Naomi L., Jean Childs Young Middle School
- Kristin M., Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
Special recognition was given to Laila S. of Drew Charter School, who received a ceremonial letter from Mayor Dickens for her powerful contributions to both the International Day of the Girl Celebration and the Moving Her Forward Summit.
Additionally, Katie Hearn, Manager of Gameday Staffing and Club ADA Coordinator with the Atlanta Braves, was presented with the Equity in Action Award for her exemplary partnership and support throughout the capstone journey.
To follow their journey and support the next phase of Moving Her Forward, connect on social media at @atlequity.
