By Lynn Lewis, Founder of Lunar Real Estate Group, LLC

Finding Greater Purpose Through AWF’s Inspire Atlanta Program

I’ll never forget the moment it clicked. Driving home late after another long day at work, tired yet unable to quiet my mind, I heard an ad on NPR for Inspire Atlanta. At the time, I was juggling a successful career and the relentless demands of raising two young children. From the outside, everything seemed to be in order—professional success, a growing family—but something was missing. I was searching for something deeper, something that could bring everything together.

That’s when I first learned about the Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF). Their mission to be a catalyst for change by empowering women and girls experiencing poverty spoke to me in a way I hadn’t expected. It wasn’t just about charity; it was about investing in women to create sustainable, transformative change. The idea that a community could be rebuilt by lifting up its women felt like the exact kind of movement I wanted to be part of. I knew that night that I had to get involved.

The Power of Women Supporting Women

Joining Inspire Atlanta was transformative. Initially, I saw it as an opportunity to advocate for women in need. But what I didn’t expect was how profoundly I, too, would grow in the process. The experience didn’t just teach me how to be an advocate for others—it taught me how to advocate for myself. Through my continued involvement with AWF, I’ve shattered personal barriers, embraced discomfort, and discovered the power of stepping into spaces I once found intimidating. There is no greater gift than finding your voice—and helping others find theirs.

The journey with Inspire Atlanta didn’t just ignite my passion for philanthropy—it changed my entire approach to life and work. I found the confidence to step away from my corporate role and launch my own company with the courage to prioritize my own voice and vision. In order to serve my clients better and create the balance I craved, I had to trust myself and take the leap.

Fast forward to today, my company proudly hosted a table at the AWF’s 28th Annual Numbers Too Big to Ignore Luncheon, contributing to the $1.75 million raised in support of 80,000 girls living in poverty across Atlanta. It’s a full-circle moment—one that makes me grateful not only for what I’ve accomplished but for how Inspire Atlanta helped guide me toward living with purpose, on my own terms, and giving back in ways I hadn’t imagined.

The Urgency of AWF’s Mission

More than one in four single moms in the metro area live in poverty, and the consequences are staggering. Women experiencing poverty are twice as likely to struggle with mental health challenges, making it even harder to break free from financial instability. The cycle continues—until someone intervenes.

The AWF’s collective impact is a shining example of women’s philanthropy at work, providing women with the support they need to not only survive but thrive. Its mission goes beyond temporary relief. It’s a movement that creates long-term opportunities, helping women break the cycle of poverty and achieve economic self-sufficiency. And to me, that’s everything.

Your Invitation to Make a Difference

I hear so many female leaders talk about wanting to step outside of their comfort zones but not knowing where to start. If my story resonates with you, consider this your invitation to take that step. Whether you’re ready to apply to Inspire Atlanta or nominate someone you believe deserves this opportunity, I promise you’ll witness a transformation of your own. As women, we are stronger together, and the ripple effect of our efforts is immeasurable. The impact you make today could change the trajectory of another woman’s life tomorrow.

About Lynn

Lynn is the founder of Lunar Real Estate Group, LLC, a boutique real estate consultancy and management firm focused on helping small to mid-sized real estate companies, family offices, and inherited asset enterprises maximize the value of their holdings. With 20 years of experience in commercial property and asset management, she has led a variety of projects across the Southeast, including ground-up development, acquisitions, dispositions, asset repositioning, commissioning, and adaptive reuse conversions. Lynn’s expertise spans multiple sectors, including office, retail, mixed-use, and multi-family, as well as medical offices, data centers, and industrial properties. Lynn is a purpose-driven leader specializing in connecting people and places, strategic planning, value enhancement, and process enhancement for intricate assets and challenging team dynamics.

*Sites used: State of Girls in Metro Atlanta 2023 Executive Summary and Women-Powered Prosperity in Metro Atlanta reports published by Atlanta Women’s Foundation

*The Inspire Atlanta Class of 2025 is currently in session. The Nominations for the Inspire Atlanta Class of 2026 open in the summer of 2025. If you have questions about the program, please contact Shandy Arwood at sarwood@atlantawomen.org.