Earlier this week, Mayor Andre Dickens joined more than 1,600 civic, corporate, and nonprofit leaders at the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s (AWF) annual Numbers Too Big to Ignore luncheon — a signature event that funds programs improving the lives of women and girls across metro Atlanta.
Now in its 29th year, the luncheon continues to spotlight how collective action and investment in women lead to stronger, more resilient communities. This year’s featured speaker, Hoda Kotb, inspired the audience with stories of resilience, gratitude, and joy — themes that echoed throughout the afternoon as Mayor Dickens emphasized Atlanta’s shared responsibility to create pathways for every woman and girl to thrive.
A City That Moves Forward When Women Do
“Atlanta is a group project,” Mayor Dickens said. “AWF is one of the clearest examples of that in action — connecting people and resources around the organizations building pathways for women and girls to succeed. When women and girls move forward, Atlanta moves forward.”
The Mayor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership and economic mobility, aligning with his vision of One city with one bright future — safe, healthy, and connected neighborhoods where opportunity reaches every household.
Celebrating the Inaugural Moving HER Forward Award
This year marked the debut of a new partnership between the City of Atlanta and AWF: the Moving HER Forward Award, created through the City’s Policies for the Advancement of Women & Girls Committee.
Presented by Mayor Dickens alongside committee co-chairs Paige Alexander and Duriya Farooqui, the inaugural award recognized The Coca-Cola Company for its decades-long commitment to advancing equity, leadership, and opportunity for women across the globe.
For more than 30 years, The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and Coca-Cola UNITED have contributed over $4.6 million to AWF programs that strengthen families and empower women. The company also maintains gender parity on its board of directors and continues to champion inclusive leadership practices worldwide.
Catalysts for Change Across Metro Atlanta
AWF CEO Kari Love joined Mayor Dickens and local leaders in celebrating the corporate and community partners who continue to expand opportunities for women and girls. The luncheon also honored nonprofit organizations driving measurable progress across sectors—from education and health care to housing and workforce development.
Through these partnerships, AWF has helped thousands of women and girls secure safe housing, access education, and achieve economic stability — advancing a stronger, more equitable Atlanta.
Learn more about the Atlanta Women’s Foundation and ways to support programs improving the lives of women and girls across the region at www.atlantawomen.org.
