On October 29th, the Atlanta Women’s Foundation will welcome one of the most beloved and inspiring voices in American media to the stage at our 29th Annual Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon.

We are thrilled to announce that Hoda Kotb, former co-anchor of NBC’s TODAY show, bestselling author, and Founder/CEO of Joy 101, will join us in a conversation with Cheryl Preheim, Anchor, WXIA-11.

For decades, Hoda has been a trusted presence in homes across the country. She is celebrated for her warmth, authenticity, and the way she brings both heart and joy into her storytelling. Her remarkable career and her newest endeavors make her the perfect voice to inspire our community as we gather in support of women and girls across Atlanta.

A Cherished Voice — Now on a New Chapter

Hoda Kotb concluded her celebrated tenure as co-anchor of TODAY in January 2025, stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on new projects and more time with her daughters. Though she has officially retired from her daily role, Hoda has made heartfelt returns that remind audiences how much she remains part of the TODAY family.

In March, she surprised Jenna Bush Hager and the TODAY with Jenna & Friends team with an impromptu visit that delighted fans.

In September, she returned once again to honor a New York City gym teacher, Reyes Andon, winner of the Big Apple Physical Education Award. Hoda joined her former colleagues to celebrate his innovative teaching, surprising Andon and his students with sports equipment and support.

Throughout the year, she has also shared updates on her life post-TODAY — her focus on motherhood, her growing Joy 101 wellness brand, and her new book Jump & Find Joy.

These appearances show that while Hoda has embraced a new chapter, her voice and presence remain deeply connected to the values that made her such a trusted figure in the first place: authenticity, joy, and a genuine love of people.

Bringing Joy To A New Stage

In recent years, Hoda has deepened her role as a cultural voice for hope and purpose.

In May 2025, she launched Joy 101, a digital platform and app created to help people embrace daily practices of gratitude, optimism, and kindness. Hoda describes the app as a ‘retreat in your pocket,’ tackling wellness from all angles. Through short reflections and guided exercises, Joy 101 invites people to pause, reset, and reframe their days around joy.

Building on that work, Hoda released her newest book in September 2025: Jump and Find Joy: Embracing Change in Every Season of Life. This book combines the wisdom of change experts, insights from the latest work on resilience, and deeply personal stories from celebrities and inspirational people in our own communities.

From small shifts in daily routines to major leaps of faith, Hoda shows why change isn’t to be feared but celebrated… and how each of us can thrive in the midst of changes we’ll inevitably face ourselves.

As the Wall Street Journal recently noted, Hoda has become “America’s chief purveyor of optimism,” reminding us that joy is not something we stumble upon but something we can cultivate — even in difficult times.

A Role Model Beyond the Screen

Hoda’s influence extends beyond her professional achievements.

She is the mother of two young daughters, Haley and Hope, and often speaks openly about her experience with adoption, parenting, and balancing career with family life. Her transparency and vulnerability in sharing these personal moments have resonated with countless women who see their own stories reflected in hers.

She has also been a strong advocate for women’s health and resilience. After her own battle with breast cancer in 2007, Hoda has used her platform to raise awareness and support for cancer research and survivorship.

Her story is a reminder of courage, perseverance, and the power of community.

Where Joy and Impact Meet: Hoda at Numbers 2025

At the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of joy as a force for change. Change is inevitable, but how we meet it defines our path forward.

As she steps into her next chapter, Hoda Kotb’s voice powerfully reflects our luncheon theme, “Embracing Change with Joy.” She reminds us that joy and courage can open the door to growth and renewed purpose — even in times of transition.

As we continue our mission to break down barriers for women and girls in metro Atlanta, we are inspired by Hoda’s message: joy is not frivolous — it is fuel. It helps us heal, connect, and move forward in our work.

Her voice is especially powerful at this moment. With a career rooted in storytelling, new work grounded in joy, and a personal journey marked by resilience, Hoda embodies the spirit of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, our grantee partners, and the women and girls we serve together.

Join Us

Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to hear from Hoda Kotb in person at our Numbers Too Big To Ignore Luncheon. Together, we’ll celebrate bold programs, life-changing investments, and the ripple effect of supporting women and girls across Atlanta.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

11 am Check-in l 12 pm Program l 1:30 pm Close

Thomas Murphy Ballroom, Georgia World Congress Center

Tickets and tables are available now, and sponsorship opportunities remain open. Your support ensures that the Atlanta Women’s Foundation can continue to create pathways for economic security, educational opportunity, and brighter futures for women and girls in our community.

We can’t wait to welcome Hoda to Atlanta — and we hope to see you there!