Last Tuesday, Mayor Andre Dickens joined hundreds of residents, partners, and community champions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Grove Park Heroes Community Awards — a night dedicated to recognizing the people who are transforming one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods.
Hosted by the Grove Park Foundation, the annual celebration spotlights individuals and organizations whose work reflects the Foundation’s core mission: revitalizing neighborhoods through education, housing, health, and economic mobility.
A Neighborhood Model for Change
For nearly a decade, the Grove Park Foundation has advanced a place-based model for community transformation that combines public, private, and philanthropic partnerships. By focusing on the neighborhood as the unit of change, the Foundation has helped deliver new affordable housing, early learning programs, and workforce opportunities — all designed to ensure residents can thrive without displacement.
Mayor Dickens applauded the Foundation’s impact, noting that “government simply cannot do it all” and that Grove Park’s success demonstrates what’s possible when communities and partners unite behind a shared vision.
Celebrating Local Champions
This year’s honorees represented the heart of that vision. Among them were CJ and Kelli Stewart, recognized for their work with youth through the LEAD Center for Youth; Eric Pinckney, honored for his leadership in economic development; and Leah LaRue, the City of Atlanta’s own Neighborhood Relations Director, named a “Community Champion” for her long-standing commitment to Grove Park.
“There’s probably no one at City Hall who understands Atlanta’s 245 neighborhoods better than Leah,” Mayor Dickens said. “But I know Grove Park holds a special place in her heart. It’s home.”
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Icon Award to Wendy Stewart, who was celebrated for her dedication to equitable economic development and corporate citizenship that lifts entire communities.
Building a City of Opportunity for All
As Mayor Dickens reminded attendees, “Heroes don’t have to wear capes. They show up, stay the course, and do the work.”
From residents who have lived in Grove Park for generations to new partners investing in its future, the 2025 Grove Park Heroes exemplify Atlanta’s collective commitment to building safe, healthy, and connected neighborhoods — the kind that allow every Atlantan to share in the city’s progress.
