Georgia Commission on Women

On behalf of the Georgia Commission on Women, thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Champions for Change Day. Your presence, support, and energy helped us honor extraordinary leaders who are making a lasting impact across Georgia.

From education and healthcare to advocacy and public service, this year’s honorees represent the very best of our state—and your support helps amplify their work even further.

To our sponsors, partners, volunteers, and attendees: thank you for standing with us and for continuing to champion change in your own communities.

Together, we are building a stronger Georgia.

Champions for Change Day is happening today!

We’re ready to honor incredible leaders who continue to move Georgia forward through service and dedication.

We can’t wait to celebrate! Reserve your spot - https://pp.events/b6KE6YdL

February 24, 2026

Join the Georgia Commission on Women as we honor leaders who are shaping stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities across Georgia.

Mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate impact, service, and leadership.

Reserve your spot - https://pp.events/b6KE6YdL

February 24, 2026

We are honored to recognize Chief Jay Parrish, Chief of Police for Gainesville, as a 2026 Champions for Change honoree and recipient of the Speaker David Ralston Healthcare Warrior Award.

A lifelong public servant and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Chief Parrish has spent more than two decades protecting and serving his community. Since becoming Chief in 2019, he has led with professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to public safety and community partnerships.

Beyond law enforcement, Chief Parrish serves on multiple nonprofit boards and supports organizations focused on domestic violence prevention, recovery, and youth advocacy.

His leadership reflects courage, service, and heart—and we are proud to celebrate his impact.

Champions for Change Day | February 24, 2026

We are excited to honor Ela Lena, President and CEO of Southern Regional Medical Center, as our 2026 Trailblazer Award recipient.

With more than 30 years of healthcare leadership, Ms. Lena has transformed Southern Regional into a model of excellence, innovation, and equity. Under her leadership, the hospital became Atlanta’s newest teaching hospital and earned national recognition for patient safety, stroke care, health equity, and inclusivity.

Her vision centers on patient-centered care, transparency, and building systems that truly serve communities.

Ms. Lena’s work continues to open doors and raise standards across healthcare in Georgia and beyond.

Champions for Change Day | February 24, 2026

Important Update: Schedule Change
To Our Valued Award Recipients and Guests,

Please be advised of a schedule adjustment for the GCW Champions for Change event on February 24, 2026.

Due to unforeseen circumstances outside of our control, we are shifting the start time of the program. The event will now officially begin at 1:30 PM.

While we have adjusted the timing, our mission remains the same: to present our awardees in a manner that truly reflects the excellence and dedication of their efforts across the great state of Georgia. We want to ensure every honoree receives the full recognition they deserve.

Updated Event Details:
New Start Time: 1:30 PM

Date: February 24, 2026 (Unchanged)

Location: South Capitol Steps

We apologize for any inconvenience this shift may cause and appreciate your flexibility. We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the incredible impact of our champions.

Best regards,

The GCW Organizing Committee

We are proud to recognize Representative Lydia Glaize as a 2026 Champions for Change honoree for her inspiring journey, servant leadership, and unwavering commitment to community.

As the proud mother of seven and the eldest daughter in her family, Representative Glaize’s story is rooted in perseverance, faith, and hard work. From working in the fields as a child to becoming the first in her family to graduate from college, she has transformed adversity into opportunity—not only for herself, but for generations to follow.

Elected to serve Georgia’s House District 67 in 2023, Representative Glaize continues to advocate for strong education systems, transparent governance, and policies that uplift families and communities.

Her life is a powerful example of resilience, leadership, and service.

Join us in celebrating her remarkable impact.

Champions for Change Day | February 24, 2026

We are proud to recognize Kim Jones, Executive Director of NAMI Georgia, as a 2026 Champions for Change honoree and recipient of The Lighthouse Award.

As both a dedicated mental health advocate and a mother with lived experience, Kim brings compassion, courage, and credibility to her work every day. Under her leadership, NAMI Georgia has expanded access to support, fought stigma, and helped drive meaningful policy reform across our state.

From her role on the Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission to her leadership in passing Georgia’s Mental Health Parity Act, Kim continues to shine a light on the importance of mental health equity and care.

Her unwavering commitment to building a more compassionate Georgia makes her truly deserving of this honor.

Join us in celebrating Kim and her incredible impact.

Champions for Change Day | February 24, 2026

We are proud to honor Dr. Delphia Young as a 2026 Champions for Change honoree, recipient of the Sandra Deal Excellence in Education Award.

With more than 30 years of service in public education, Dr. Young has dedicated her life to ensuring every child has access to opportunity, excellence, and meaningful learning. As Deputy Superintendent for Clayton County Public Schools, she has led major academic recovery and growth following the pandemic—improving graduation rates and student outcomes across the district.

From her early days as a physics teacher to her leadership at the district level, Dr. Young continues to fight for students with passion, purpose, and integrity.

Join us in celebrating her extraordinary impact on education and our community.

Champions for Change Day | February 24, 2026

We are proud to honor Representative as the recipient of the 2026 GRACE Anti-Trafficking Award.

Serving Georgia’s House District 33 since 1990, Rep. Powell has been a steadfast advocate for public safety, rural healthcare, and vulnerable populations. His decades of leadership and service have strengthened communities across the state.

As a champion for responsible public policy and community protection, Rep. Powell’s work continues to make a lasting difference for Georgians—especially those most in need of support and advocacy.

We thank him for his unwavering commitment to service and justice.

Champions for Change Day | February 24, 2026


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