From Making a Difference to Knowing How: Boann Oliver’s Inspire Atlanta Experience 

As recruitment continues for the 2027 Inspire Atlanta class, 2026 Spirit of Inspire recipient Boann Oliver reflects on the meaningful connections, personal growth, and community impact that made her experience unforgettable. Nominations are open through November 24. 

What does it mean to make a difference in your community? For Boann Oliver, the answer became much clearer through her experience with the Atlanta Women’s Foundation’s (AWF) Inspire Atlanta program. 

A lifelong Atlantan, Boann has always felt a deep connection to the city and the community that shaped her. As a mother to a daughter, she also understands the importance of creating a brighter future for the next generation of women and girls. When the opportunity to participate in Inspire Atlanta finally aligned with her schedule and her employer’s encouragement, she knew it was an experience she wanted to embrace. 

Through the program, Boann gained a deeper understanding of both the incredible strengths of metro Atlanta and the challenges women and girls continue to face. More importantly, she discovered how philanthropy, community engagement, and individual leadership can come together to create meaningful, lasting change. 

“As someone who was born and raised in Atlanta, Inspire Atlanta gave me a deeper understanding of both the incredible strengths of our city, as well as the significant challenges many women and girls continue to face,” Boann shared. “Through the program, I saw firsthand how philanthropy can create meaningful, lasting change. Inspire Atlanta inspired me to become part of the solution by investing my time, my voice, and my resources to help create more opportunities for women and girls. I came into the program wanting to make a difference – but I left knowing how to make a difference.” 

More Than a Fundraising Program 

Now in its ninth year, Inspire Atlanta is AWF’s community impact and fundraising program, bringing together women leaders who are passionate about strengthening their community and advancing opportunities for women and girls. 

Through a year of learning, engagement, and fundraising, participants deepen their understanding of the issues affecting women and girls across metro Atlanta while building the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to become more engaged community leaders. 

For Boann, the experience offered something she hadn’t necessarily anticipated: dedicated time to focus on her own personal development. 

“As someone who is always go-go-go, I never have the opportunity to stop and focus on myself,” she explained. “Through this program, I was able to focus on my personal development, which has made me a better leader and a better person.” 

That growth was accompanied by a renewed appreciation for the power of connection. Throughout the program, Boann embraced opportunities to learn from her classmates, build relationships, and encourage others to make the most of their experience. 

Her commitment was reflected in her accomplishments: Boann raised $66,320 in support of AWF’s mission, finishing as the second-highest fundraiser in the Class of 2026. She was also selected by her peers as the recipient of the 2026 Spirit of Inspire Award, recognizing the enthusiasm, encouragement, and community she brought to the program. 

When asked what advice she would give to future participants, Boann’s answer was simple: embrace the experience fully. 

“Fully commit. Don’t just kind of dabble in it – go for it. Go all in. Embrace everything,” she encouraged. “You can’t just kind of want a little bit of it. You have to take the whole program or it’s not going to be as effective.” 

Who Will You Inspire Next? 

Boann’s experience is one example of the impact Inspire Atlanta can have – not only on the women and girls served through AWF’s work, but also on the women who participate. 

Each year, Inspire Atlanta brings together a new class of women who leverage their professional networks, personal influence, and philanthropic resources to support AWF’s mission. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing women and girls, develop meaningful relationships with fellow community leaders, and discover new ways to use their voices and resources to create change. 

As AWF prepares to welcome its 2027 Inspire Atlanta class – marking the program’s 10th anniversary – the Foundation is looking for women who are ready to make an impact. 

Do you know a woman who is passionate about her community, eager to grow as a leader, and ready to use her influence to make a difference? Or could that woman be you? 

Nominations for the 2027 Inspire Atlanta are open through November 24, 2026. 

Nominate a colleague, friend, or yourself to be part of this transformative experience. Help us identify the next class of women who will bring their talents, networks, and passion together to create meaningful change for women and girls across metro Atlanta. 

The next chapter of Inspire Atlanta starts with you! 

Submit a nomination and learn more about Inspire Atlanta at atlantawomen.org/inspire-atlanta.