This article was submitted by: Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, Program Director of Student Engagement and Co-Advisor of the Student Advisory Council (SAC)
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the energy of leadership, resilience, and empowerment radiated from Truist Park as several remarkable high school girls from Atlanta Public Schools (APS) were honored at the Moving Her Forward Capstone Celebration.
This unforgettable afternoon, sponsored by the Atlanta Braves and curated by Tahajnah Spence, Community Affairs Manager in the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (MOEDI), recognized students who completed a groundbreaking leadership program designed to elevate and empower the next generation of women leaders.
The capstone experience was created by the City of Atlanta’s Women’s Advisory Council, co-chaired by Morgan Shaw Parker, president and COO of Atlanta Dream WNBA and Tameka Harper, Global Chief DEI Officer at The Coca-Cola Company, and supported by MOEDI. In collaboration with these entities, Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, APS Program Director of Student Engagement, developed and maintained the digital learning platform. Dr. Templeton was essential role in mentoring and engaging students as they progressed through the program.
Empowerment in Action: A Four-Part Journey
Targeted toward girls ages 14–18, the Moving Her Forward Capstone provided a research-based, virtual leadership experience designed to amplify the voices of Atlanta’s future changemakers. Through pre-recorded workshops, self-paced activities, and interactive mentorship, participants developed key life skills in four core modules:
- Module 1: 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. - Module 2: 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. - Module 3: 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. - Module 4: 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.
A Celebration to Remember at Truist Park
The culminating event at Truist Park was not just a reward, it was a celebration of transformation. All students who engaged with the capstone materials were invited to bring a guest and enjoy an exclusive afternoon of mentorship and recognition, followed by the Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox game.
The program kicked off with welcome remarks and mentor introductions, featuring an accomplished lineup of professionals from across the city:
- Danita Knight, YWCA Greater Atlanta
- Ellori White, Media Girls Network
- Gabrielle Slade, Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, Atlanta Public Schools
- Oneisha Chapman, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) – Atlanta
- Sierra Green, The Coca-Cola Company
During the guided networking session, mentors engaged in rich one-on-one and small group conversations with students, offering career insights, personal stories, and actionable advice designed to inspire and uplift.
Recognizing Excellence and Impact
A special part of the day included honoring standout students who successfully completed the capstone experience. Each was recognized for their dedication, growth, and leadership:
- Anissah B. – Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
- Kristin M. – Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
- Naomi Lewis – Jean Childs Young Middle School
- Shamya H. – South Atlanta High School
- Samariyah B. – Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy
In addition, Laila S., a student from Drew Charter School, received a Special Recognition plaque from Mayor Andre Dickens for her powerful voice and leadership presence during both the International Day of the Girl Celebration (October 2024) and the Moving Her Forward Summit (March 2025).
The celebration also featured the Equity in Action Award Presentation, where Katie Hearn, Gameday Staffing and Administration Manager with the Atlanta Braves Corporation, was honored for her exceptional leadership, passion, and hospitality throughout the capstone experience.
Moving Her Forward—Into the Future
The Moving Her Forward Capstone is more than a program, it is a powerful movement to cultivate bold voices, foster emotional well-being, and activate civic leadership in young women across Atlanta. With strong partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and with cultural institutions like the Atlanta Braves, the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is ensuring that the city’s future is inclusive, equitable, and led by young women who are ready to speak up, stand tall, and lead with purpose.
To follow the movement and celebrate these young leaders, connect on social media at @atlequity.
