The City of Atlanta took a bold step in advancing gender equity by hosting the Moving Her Forward Summit: The State of Women and Girls, led by Mayor Andre Dickens, the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (MOEDI), and the Women of Atlanta Advisory Council. This two-day summit brought together advocates, changemakers, community leaders, and residents to honor the progress made—and to accelerate momentum toward a more equitable future for women and girls in Atlanta.
Held in the heart of the city, the summit opened with a high-energy reception celebrating the Council’s year of impact. Guests were treated to a dynamic fireside chat with Egypt Sherrod, award-winning real estate broker, television host, and advocate for women’s empowerment. The evening spotlighted key initiatives driven by the Council, including mentorship programs, equity-centered policy recommendations, and strategic partnerships designed to close opportunity gaps.
Day two of the summit featured a robust agenda of interactive breakout sessions, expert panels, and intergenerational dialogue. Topics ranged from entrepreneurship and economic mobility to leadership development, wellness, and legacy building—all explored through a lens of inclusion and lived experience. Notable voices included Morgan Shaw Parker, President and CEO of the Atlanta Dream; acclaimed actress and philanthropist Gail Bean; Drew Charter Student Laila Shannon; and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who offered powerful reflections on civic leadership and resilience.
What set the Moving Her Forward Summit apart was its focus on action and sustainability. Beyond inspiration, participants were equipped with tools and resources to drive real change in their communities, workplaces, and schools. Attendees left with renewed purpose and deeper connections to others who are equally committed to dismantling barriers and lifting up the next generation.
The Women of Atlanta Advisory Council, which convenes diverse leaders from public, private, and nonprofit sectors, will continue to advance the ideas generated during the summit. In the months ahead, the Council will launch a series of engagement efforts, resource campaigns, and leadership development programs to carry this work forward.
As the City of Atlanta looks to the future, the Moving Her Forward Summit stands as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to equity. Together, we are moving Atlanta forward—by centering women and girls in the story of our city’s progress.
