Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was chosen as an honorary chair for the new Women of Atlanta Advisory Council. (Photo by Marsha Miller)

Mayor Andre Dickens has announced the launch of the city’s first Women of Atlanta Advisory Council. 

According to a press release, this advisory council is dedicated to “shaping policy and providing resources to activities and organizations that advance the lives of women and memorializing the women who shaped Atlanta.”

“The urgent issues impacting women today, including maternal health, gender-based discrimination, equitable housing and the wage gap are at the forefront of our priorities and demand immediate attention,” Dickens said in the release. “I’m proud to announce a dynamic slate of women from across the city who are ready to dive in, evaluate policies and programs, and share the stories of how the contributions of woman have shaped modern day Atlanta.  It is our goal to foster meaningful change, and create a more equitable, inclusive community where every individual can thrive.”

The advisory council will be tasked with designing a yearlong initiative in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The council will determine final objectives, activations and impact as the city celebrates and honors Atlanta’s women of the past, present and future.

The Women of Atlanta Advisory Council is led by honorary chairs:

  • Stephanie Blank, Founder and Chair, GEEARS
  • Ann W. Cramer, IBM Corporation (Retired)
  • Shan Cooper, CEO, Journey Forward Strategies
  • Shirley Franklin, former Mayor, City of Atlanta
  • Sharon A. Gay, Partner & Senior Counsel, Dentons
  • Jewel Burks Solomon, Managing Partner, Collab Capital

Rough Draft Atlanta is the digital home of Reporter Newspapers and Atlanta Intown.