The Inspire Atlanta community impact and fundraising program engages women leaders across Atlanta to advance the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s mission of creating lasting change for women and girls.

The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) announced today that its Inspire Atlanta Class of 2026 raised more than $800,000 in support of AWF’s mission to be a catalyst for change in the lives of women and girls across metro Atlanta, a record-breaking amount for the program in its ninth year. Inspire Atlanta is a community impact and fundraising program that brings together women leaders who want to use their influence, networks, and resources to create meaningful change through philanthropy and collective action. In return, Inspire Atlanta offers opportunities for personal growth, meaningful connections, and deeper awareness of the issues facing women and girls in metro Atlanta. Through their participation, the Class of 2026 demonstrated the power of community-driven investment in strengthening outcomes for women, girls, and families across the region.

Leading the charge in this record-breaking fundraising endeavor were the following individuals with incredible dedication and passion for the mission of AWF:

• Alejandra Aguirre, representing Novelis, emerged as the top fundraiser, raising an impressive $80,113 – a new record high for the program.
• Boann Oliver of ANDMORE raised $65,030 as the runner-up.
• Demery Hatfield of Norfolk Southern claimed third place, raising $60,401.

 

“Inspire Atlanta showed me the incredible impact that happens when people come together to invest in women and girls,” said Alejandra Aguirre. “Supporting the Atlanta Women’s Foundation means supporting stronger families, greater opportunity, and long-term change in our community. I’m honored to have been part of a class so passionate about making a meaningful difference across Atlanta.”

The 2026 “Spirit of Inspire” Award was presented to ANDMORE’s Boann Oliver in recognition of the encouragement, leadership, and sense of community she brought to the Inspire Atlanta program. Chosen by her classmates, Boann inspired others to think bigger, fundraise boldly, and fully embrace the journey while consistently supporting and motivating those around her. 

“Participating in this program has been a truly transformational experience,” said Boann Oliver. “It gave me a deeper understanding of the realities facing women and girls across metro Atlanta while also reinforcing the power of community and collective action. As someone who was born and raised in Atlanta, it means so much to support an organization that is creating meaningful change in the city that has given so much to my family and me.”

This year, AWF also introduced The Becoming Award, presented to Peaches Green in recognition of her extraordinary personal growth throughout the Inspire Atlanta journey. Peaches embraced every opportunity with courage and authenticity, growing into a confident and impactful community leader while inspiring those around her through her vulnerability, thoughtfulness, and grace. Additionally, the Awareness Catalyst Award was presented to Sue Tairu of AbbVie for her outstanding ability to mobilize her network and drive impact with limited corporate support. 

“The women who participated in the Inspire Atlanta Class of 2026 demonstrated what is possible when passion meets purpose,” said Kari Love, CEO of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation. “Through this experience, they not only raised critical funds to support our mission, but also grew as leaders, advocates, and changemakers for women and girls across metro Atlanta. Together, they are helping build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant future for our community.”

The funds raised through Inspire Atlanta will primarily support programs that focus on education, after-school programming, life skills, and access to mental health and physical health services. For more information about Inspire Atlanta and the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, visit www.atlantawomen.org/inspire-atlanta.

Inspire Atlanta Class of 2026 Fundraising Accomplishments 

Legacy Circle
Participants raised more than $45,000 

Alejandra Aguirre
Peaches Green
Demery Hatfield Heffern
Boann Oliver
Afryca Wagstaff-Lynch

Inspiration Circle
Participants raised between $35,000-$44,999

Alicia Clark
Heather Rich

Influence Circle
Participants raised between $20,000-$34,999

Sakina Carter
Alison Clark
Billie Pritchard
Sarah Resczenko
Shalini Sampat
Martina Jimenez Sperry
Sue Tairu
Kristen Vigilant

Impact Circle
Participants raised between $10,000-$19,999

Cat Catoura
Quranna Coley
Jackie Duncan
Erica Gunnison
Lisa Hawk
Mitzi Herrig
Atiyah Kennedy
Melissa Klaw
Cybil Lieu
Yvonne Njau
Neha Sachdeva
Anna Salmon
Taylor Shivers
Sherrone Torres
Maria F. Valero
Laura van der Mandele
Jodi-Ann Wray