THE HEART OF ATLANTA ROAD TO 100 GRADUATES
At Level Up STEM Showcase, Shanina Johnson Ph.D., Spelman Biology and Chemistry Associate Professor, explains the role of atoms and carbon in making cosmetics for women.
This month, AYP (Agape Young Professionals) hosted a fun social hour of networking and philanthropy.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Agape
Agape marks a significant milestone in 2026, one that will be forever embedded in our legacy. We will proudly celebrate over 100 high school graduates at Agape! The class of 2026 is made up of eight outstanding students who have overcome challenges, risen above the odds, and by their own words, “locked in” to do what it takes to succeed. With the support of our Navigate team, they are applying to universities, technical schools, and defining clear strategies for their futures. At Agape, every move is encouraged to be one of intention.
But “100” is more than just a milestone. This number symbolizes decades of opportunity made possible by your generosity. It represents lives transformed and empowered. Agape supports students for an average of 10–12 years, made possible by committed donors and supporters like YOU. Your contributions help provide this significant amount of time to nurture confident, purposeful individuals reaching their full potential.
Over the last 28 years, your partnership has resulted in significant impact, and we are already seeing the fruit of those seeds take shape in new and exciting ways. This year and next, we will be taking a historical journey with Agape and our high school seniors to help tell their stories and those of alumni who may have left but will forever be one of our butterflies spreading their wings. Journey with our Class of 2026 and the other 200+ students as we help them reach their full potential, launching from Agape prepared for adulthood success. Visit: agapeatlanta.org/donate
Many Agape high school students have journeyed with us an average of 10–12 years, which gives substantial time to impact their growth in character development and college readiness.
To me the support and guidance from Agape means to be surrounded by people who truly want to see me growth and shower us with love as a family would. It’s full of never-ending support and love which I am truly grateful for and will always give back. - Wendy A., ‘26. (L to R Isabella, Marisol, and Wendy - not pictured, Kimberely)
Students are supported by instructors, Maxima and Heather, through their high school years and post-secondary plans.
Isabella aspires to study engineering at Georgia Tech or UC Berkeley. She looks up to her brother Malachi, Agape Class of ’22 and Junior at Georgia Tech, who recently completed a prestigious summer internship with NVIDIA. Malachi’s advice for Isabella, “Keep working hard. Lock in and focus. Get experiences that grow you.”
FLOURISH WITH US...BEFORE TICKETS ARE GONE!
SHOP FOR A CAUSE WITH POPPY’S
OUR FLOURISH “GOLDEN TICKET” IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE ULTIMATE BEACH ESCAPE!
We are only a couple of weeks away from our women’s empowerment luncheon, Flourish, and happy to announce an exciting partnership with Poppy’s of Atlanta. They are generously giving 20% of their proceeds to Agape from Thursday, September 4 to Saturday, September 6. Be sure to reference “AGAPE” at the register in store or add “AGAPE” in the comments/notes section when shopping online at: www.poppysofatlanta.com!
DID YOU KNOW?
Come take a 6-day, 5-night trip to a Happy Place, in a spectacular Orange Beach vacation home located in the brand-new, beach-front Ocean Edge community. Happy Place welcomes you with immaculately designed coastal interiors and a private community boardwalk just steps away. Enter our raffle today for a chance to win this unforgettable getaway, HERE!
Atlanta children who grow up in poverty have a 4% chance of reaching the middle class.
WINTER IS COMING: GAME OF GROWNS IS BACK
Calling all Agape Young Professionals! Looking for a networking opportunity with fun and philanthropy? Join us at Your 3rd Spot on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 7pm to 9pm to test your gaming skills and compete against young professionals from local businesses and organizations for a chance to take home the Iron Throne Trophy! Become a sponsor or purchase tickets by visiting www. agapegameofgrowns.org or contact Danielle Boyd at dboyd@agapeatlanta.org or 404.994.3049. All sponsors will receive promotional recognition on the Game of Growns website.
BEHIND THE COUNTER OF EXCELLENCE
What can a chicken sandwich teach you about leadership? For our leaders and staff, a behind-the-scenes visit to Chick-fil-A Support Center offered the answer, through a journey from the 1941 Chick-fil-A Hapeville Dwarf House to their Core 4 of service. Our takeaway? When you lead with purpose, serve with heart, and work better together, excellence isn’t just an act, it’s a way of life.
THANK YOU FOR THE LEVEL UP!
Thank you to our sponsors, facilitators, exhibitors, and volunteers who helped to make the Level Up STEM Showcase for Girls, presented by Honeywell, a success this past Saturday! There were 132 girls in attendance that explored a wide range of STEM fields, including robotics, neuroscience, data in dance, chemistry in beauty cosmetics, and more. We’re deeply grateful for the incredible community of support that helps our girls learn, grow, and ignite their passion for STEM! #agapelevelup
COMMITTEE:
Patrice Wright-Lewis, Event Chair & Past Board Member, Founder & Chief Global Education Specialist at Yellow BackPack Travel & Global Consultants
Maria Claudia Palacios , Steering Committee & Board Member
Laura Palacios , Steering Committee
Briana Blohm , Steering Committee
FEATURED PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:
Jaycee Holmes-Nguyen, Professor of Interactive Media & Co-Director of Spelman Innovation
Norma Løhaugen, VP of Product at Neat
Meda Hickman, Director of Systems Engineering at MARTA
Sandy D. Welfare , National Managing Director of Development at Cafe Momentum
FACILITATORS & EXHIBITORS:
ATL (Agape Teen Leaders)
Erica Carroll , CEO Rosie Riveters Explores Pro AV
Deena Earnest , Mechanical Engineer & Educator
Lina Ellis, Instructor, The Westminster Schools
Lara O’Connor Hodgson , CEO RoxWrite, Author, Entrepreneur in Residence Harvard & Georgia Tech
Honeywell
Lyrric Jackson , Lyrric Jackson Dance Company
Aryeonne Johnson, Paul Porter, Ryan Shah, & NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers)
Shanina Sanders Johnson, Ph.D. , Spelman Associate Professor of Biology and Biochemistry
Laura Peña-Telfer , Ph.D. Candidate at Georgia State University
Robert Thornhill , Train Systems Controller
Jennifer Tovar , Structural Engineer
David Waxler , Neuroscience Institute at Georgia State University
RUN 4 LOVE 5K
Mark your calendars and start spreading the word!!! We are thrilled to host the 2nd Annual Run 4 Love 5K! Join hundreds on our 3-mile run as we raise awareness and support for Agape’s mission to empower students to discover, embrace, and achieve their full potential.
WHEN: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 8:00 am -11:00 am
WHERE: Shirley Clarke Franklin Park (formerly Westside Park)
NEW THIS YEAR!
* Tot Trot for children 5 and under (Cost: FREE!)
* Kid’s Zone for children 10 and under.
* Fun Run for children ages 6-10 (cost: $10/child)
* ATL Neighborhood Challenge (gather your neighbors to form a team!)
We are truly thankful for the funding provided by Fulton County Community Services Program!
2025 AGAPE CALENDAR
Wednesday, September 17 | FLOURISH: Empowerment Luncheon for Women
Thursday, October 9 | Agape’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Sunday, November 16 | AGAPE RUN 4 LOVE 5K
Friday, November 21 | Agape Young Professionals: GAME of GROWNS
Friday, December 18 | HOLIDAY GIFT STORE
Share our Agape 365 Newsletter subscription LINK.
Did you miss last month’s newsletter? Click HERE.
Stay connected with world of impact at the Agape Youth & Family Center!