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Goodbye Summer! Back to School! LI F E + C U LTU R E

M O RGAN OSSE Y ’ S PA SSPO RT FU LL O F PU RPOSE!

AU G U S T 2 02 6

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

For the Love of AJ and Astro Mitchell Hey SoFu, It’s hard to believe it’s back to school time already! The summer flew by! My son and I had a whole bunch of adventures and I hope you and yours did too. This month for our Kids and Pets issue, I’m thinking about my Goldendoodle Astro and my son AJ. I'm trying to squeeze in one more vacay and there's a road trip to Myrtle Beach and a getaway that's perfect for neurodivergent kids nestled in this issue. This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children are more than just the future—they are the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, their curiosity, and their potential shape the world in ways we can’t fully measure. As parents and caregivers, we put so much effort into nurturing their growth, teaching them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget that children also shape us—they bring joy, laughter, and meaning to our everyday lives. We also cannot overlook the powerful role pets play in our families. They offer unconditional love and teach us valuable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and companionship. The bond between kids and their pets can be transformative, fostering deep emotional connections that last a lifetime. In this issue, we visit a fancy pet hotel and go on a trail ride with Sandy at Serenbe. At the core of both children and pets is a simple truth—they need us. Our care and attention shape who they become, and in turn, they shape us. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the kids and pets who fill our homes with joy and love. I hope this month’s issue inspires you to pour a little extra love into the children and pets in your life. They are the ones who remind us of the simple joys and the importance of unconditional love. Here’s to our future, SoFu, our little ones, and the pets who make everything better. Sincerely,

August 2026 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Kevin Giles | kevin.giles@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Gabrielle Latimore, Tiffany C. Dilliard, Sue G. Collins, Sean O'Keefe, Shandra Hill Smith C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Kate T. Parker, Emory Rose Photography, Creative Community Solutions Photography

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Mary Albers LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR @ S O U T H F U LT O N L I F E S T Y L E

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 SOFU Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the South Fulton area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

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TRUSTED PEDIATRIC CARE, RIGHT IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD From first checkups to school physicals and everything in between, Grady provides trusted pediatric care close to home for families in South Fulton. Our pediatricians care for babies, children, and teens through every stage of growth and development.

Whether your child needs a wellness visit, vaccines, a sports physical, care for a common illness, or ongoing support for conditions like asthma or diabetes, we’re here to help. We focus on keeping kids healthy, catching concerns early, and making it easier for families to get the care they need.

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East Point Health Center 1595 W. Cleveland Ave., East Point, GA 30344 (404) 616-2886 Camp Creek Comprehensive Care Center 3896 Princeton Lakes Way, Atlanta, GA 30331 (404) 489-4444

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inside the issue AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | K I D S & PETS

30 Featured

22 30

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

Beaches Resorts Promotes Belonging Grace Bay Beach- Turks and Caicos

Atlanta’s Trusted Friend

Marea White’s fido fido Celebrates 20 Years of Caring for Atlanta’s Dogs

Morgan Ossey

A Passport Full of Purpose

On the Cover Morgan Ossey made great use of her passport this summer! Photography: Regina Ossey

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

Lifestyle Letter

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Giving Back LIFE + CULTURE

Education Corner EDUCATION

Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

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Pet Care LIFE + CULTURE

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Kids Corner LIFE + CULTURE

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AUGUST 2026

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

South Arts Awards Over $128,000 to Southern Writers & Organizations South Arts is excited to announce the 2026 recipients of its Literary Arts Grants, supporting 16 writers and 12 independent publishers and small presses across the Southeastern region with project-based grants of up to $5,000. As part of this initiative, South Arts introduced the Literary Arts Grants to support the creation and publishing of creative work, community engagement, and professional development. Ashlee Haze of Atlanta is one of the recipients. For more info, visit SouthArts.org.

Windmill Arts Performing Arts Venue Sold and Renamed Vesper Theatre After nearly a decade of supporting and advancing new work, Windmill Arts has sold its performing arts venue in East Point, Georgia, to new owners Rebecca and Steven Harman. The venue will continue operations under its new name, Vesper Theatre. Vesper Theatre will be led by Rebecca Harman, Founder and Director of Neighborhood Ballet and Rise City Dance, and Jacqui Hinkson, Artistic Director of EXCAVATE BODY and Operations Manager of Neighborhood Ballet.

Dashing through the Square The 11th Annual 5K Run/Walk is a Northside Hospital Peachtree Qualifying Race featuring electronic chip timing to ensure accuracy for runners. The 5K will be held on December 19, 2026, at the Marietta Square. This family friendly race will take you past beautiful, historic homes and the quaint shops that line Marietta Square. Proceeds from this event will support college scholarships and other community initiatives provided by The PEARL Foundation, Inc. Registration information: https://raceroster.com/ events/2026/114966/11th-annual-dashing-through-the-square-5k-runwalk

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ALPHAS OF ATLANTA’S 11TH ANNUAL ALPHA DERBY WEEKEND A Kentucky Derby Experience to Support Local Nonprofits PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMORY ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY AND CREATIVE COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS

G IV IN G BAC K | L I FE + C ULT U RE

The Alphas of Atlanta, Inc., a MetroAtlanta nonprofit comprised of members from the area’s graduate chapters, hosted its 11th annual Alpha Derby WeekendTM April 30-May 3, 2026. Their Kentucky Derby-themed experience included their sponsor-only event and opened to the public with their golf tournament at

Chapel Hills Golf Course in Douglasville, Georgia, and at the kickoff concert presented by Cutwater. Platinum recording artist Jon B. was the headliner at Guardian Works in Atlanta. On May 2, the main event and watch party returned to Guardian Works, featuring presentations by Atlanta Mayor Andre

Dickens, Atlanta City Councilmember Byron Amos (as the venue is located in his district), city of Conyers Councilmember Sherri Washington, and Newton County Commissioner Demond Mason among others, along with the Best Hat Contest. To conclude the weekend, the Unity Brunch on May 4 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead provided the “why” behind the event; proceeds raised by the nonprofit support their grant program. Recipients in 2026 include Eagles Landing Christian Academy, The Diamond Girls Program, Girls Who Brunch Tour, Scholarship Education Outreach, 3D Girls

Inc., and Every Girl Shines. The organizations all provide programming related to education, mentoring, health and wellness, and community-centered focus areas. To learn more about Alphas of Atlanta and the Alpha Derby Weekend, visit www.alphaderbyweekend.com. Follow them on Facebook (Alphas of Atlanta), Twitter (@AlphasOfAtlanta), Instagram (@alpha_derby social media), and YouTube, along with the hashtags #AlphaDerbyWeekend, #AlphaDerby, and #AlphasOfAtlanta. AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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FULTON COUNTY Schools and ACHIEVE ATLANTA Partner Providing College Access at Creekside and Tri-Cities High Schools Two South Fulton high schools, Creekside and Tri-Cities, are seeing how community partner Achieve Atlanta is altering the postsecondary trajectory of many of their students. In just one year, Creekside and Tri-Cities students surpassed their FAFSA completion goals, helping more students access financial aid and pursue college. Creekside Principal Dr. Terrell Awak says the program’s structure has been a game changer: “From the beginning, it felt like a natural fit,” she said. “Our goal is for every student to graduate with a clear and actionable plan for what comes next, and Achieve Atlanta strengthens that work in a very tangible way.” Achieve Atlanta’s services and support make the college application process manageable, steer students toward financial aid resources, including their signature scholarship, and deliver continued support for success in college. Administrators have noticed student confidence growing, noting that students are taking ownership of their plans and following through. “It has made college feel real and achievable,” Awak added. Parents have shared appreciation for the program’s clarity in taking some of the guesswork out of the complex application process, especially regarding financial aid. Tri-Cities Principal Dr. Amanda Williams-Gorham concurs. “Achieve Atlanta helps make that belief a reality by removing financial barriers that can keep our students from accessing college,” she said. “It goes far beyond money. It gives our students and families hope, options, and a clearer path forward. For many of our students, Achieve Atlanta has opened doors that may have once felt out of reach.” In the program’s first year, 136 Creekside seniors qualified for the Achieve Atlanta scholarship in a 395-member graduating class. Administrators saw engagement grow through workshops, scholarship pop-up events, and Achieve Atlanta staff working closely with students. Following Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton County Schools is the second district to implement this program; fueled by this year’s success, plans are underway for FCS to expand to four additional schools. Awak says as more students and families become familiar with the program, they expect participation and qualification numbers to rise. As a National Demonstration School for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), Creekside already had strong systems in place to build college readiness and student agency. “The real impact comes when everything is aligned—district priorities, school mission, college and career framework,” said Awak. “When those pieces come together, it creates momentum you can feel throughout the building.”

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | ED U CAT ION

Below: Dr. Awak with one of her students

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TREY & KATIE

KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it. Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week. Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.” Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered. After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.” The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

F E AT U R I N G T R E Y & K AT I E K E N N E DY Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts. AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

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BEACHES RESORTS PROMOTES BELONGING FOR ALL ARTICLE BY SEAN O’KEEFE

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TRAV E L

Grace Bay BeachTurks and Caicos

The world was not designed with everyone in mind. For travelers who are living with intellectual and development difficulties, the world's most celebrated destinations have often felt less like invitations and more like tests they were never meant to pass. A new conversation is emerging within the travel industry, one that asks not merely how to accommodate difference, but how to genuinely honor and celebrate it. What I am finding is nothing short of a revolution in hospitality and it is being led by Beaches Resort, Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos. What sets Beaches apart for families touched by autism is something that cannot be overstated: intentionality. Certified through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, all 2,000 team members have received specialized training in autism awareness and sensory inclusion. From quiet coves to the predictable rhythms of all-inclusive dining and activity, the sensory landscape here is navigable in a way that few resort destinations can claim. Every stay begins before check-in with a dedicated call to understand a family's needs from day one. At the heart of the experience the Beaches Buddy program is perhaps the most thoughtful offering in all-inclusive travel today. Families can request a trained Buddy, a team member who learns the child's needs, preferences, triggers, and joys before the vacation even begins. This is not a concierge service. It is a relationship, a familiar, trusted presence throughout the stay, providing the consistency neurodivergent travelers depend on and turning the unfamiliar into something like home. The resort’s Sesame Street partnership brings beloved characters like Julia, the first character with autism, directly into the resort experience. The travel industry is beginning to understand that its highest calling is not luxury for the few, but belonging for all. When a child who has never felt comfortable in an unfamiliar place runs toward the ocean without hesitation, something profound has shifted. That is the promise of inclusion. That is the future of travel. And it begins with Beaches, Turks and Caicos.

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

ARTICLE BY GABRIELLE LATIMORE

Marea White’s fido fido Celebrates 20 Years of Caring for Atlanta’s Dogs

Atlanta’s Trusted Friend Twenty years ago, SoFu resident Marea White dropped her dog off at a dog-boarding facility before leaving for her vacation. When she returned to pick up her dog, she was shocked to receive their bedding filthy and inside a trash bag. The experience inspired White to set a higher standard for dog-boarding facilities, one that values care, comfort, and respect for both pups and their owners. She founded fido fido Dog Daycare & Boarding in 2006 with a vision to provide dogs with the same level of care and hospitality that people can expect when staying at a hotel.

P E T CA R E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

As the pet care industry shifted from viewing dogs as animals to be kept in the backyard to seeing them as valued members of the family, fido fido incorporated this culture into its business model. Many of the company’s clients treat their dogs like their own children, cooking their meals, and some even having full closets dedicated to their furry family members. With this level of care, fido fido saw the opportunity to move away from traditional boarding models and create an experience that prioritizes the enjoyment of their pets. Rather than large play groups of over 40 dogs at other boarding facilities, fido fido offers smaller, more curated groups of five to seven dogs based on temperament, breed, age, energy level and play style. Team members are not idle supervisors on the sidelines either; instead, they act more like camp counselors, actively engaging with the dogs in customized activities and experiences, including dog-friendly dance parties for pups who like music. This individualized approach ensures that each dog can enjoy a stay tailored to their personality and specific needs. Along with the company’s unique experience for its dogs, White also credits their success to her deep connection with the community. White has focused on being a trusted community partner by participating in local festivals and other events and building relationships with the citizens and leaders of the local community.

Over the years, White has become more like family with some of her clients. Her team has supported families through major life events, including weddings and unexpected hospital stays, and remains accessible outside of business hours during emergencies. White and her team fully embody the meaning behind the name of her business, “fido,” which comes from the Latin word for a faithful or trusted friend. This philosophy is reflected within the company’s culture, where White values transparency, integrity, and, as she says, “doing the right thing when no one is watching.” As fido fido approaches its 20th anniversary, White reflects on the journey since building the company from the ground up with her father. Through personal loss, economic challenges, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, she remained committed to her team and to the multiple generations of pets and families who have trusted fido fido with their care. If fido fido were a dog, White says it would be a golden retriever: loyal, patient, calm, and loving, the very qualities that have defined the company for two decades. Learn more at fidofido.com.

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Finding Yourself on a Trail Ride 24

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

Trenton is a sassy old man who refuses to retire. So, he continues to perform well in his day job, often working as a model for photographers who love his fabulous mane and jet black color. Trenton is happy to assume the position of follower on his team, letting the young ones take the lead while he ambles through his days admiring the world around him with confidence and style. Trenton is one in a healthy herd of horses at Serenbe Trail Riding in Chattahoochee Hills where Sandy manages a successful program for kids and adults. “Trenton and I started working together back in 2014 at the local Girl Scout camps,” says Sandy. “He’s 25 and when we tried to retire him last spring, he made it clear he still wants to work.” That suits Sandy and her team just fine for the various trail rides they lead. The kids’ programs are open to the public and include kids’ intros to horses and drop-in pony rides for ages 3 and up, lessons and mini-lessons for ages 4 and up, family trail rides for ages 7 and up, and Camp Serenbe summer horsemanship camps. Sandy believes lesson and program horses have a special talent for challenging the riders only as much as the rider can handle at that time, or for teaching us the lessons we need to learn in that season of life. “Horses help us find the best versions of ourselves and act as a mirror,” she says. “The schoolmasters will boost the confidence of the kids that need it and test the mettle of the ambitious kids by holding them to a higher skill level to match their confidence.” For parents who may be nervous about seeing their kids on horses, she reminds us that good instructors will have good horses. “We test horses for temperament, energy levels, how they react to normal kid behaviors, and how they handle both nervous and high energy participants. Watch how the staff and horses interact with each other, and how the horses interact when either relaxing on duty or out in pasture. If the herd is generally calm and interested in people and seems in good health, you've probably picked a good location.” At Serenbe Trail Riding, the student's confidence sets the pace until Sandy gets to know the rider well enough to help

CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / S O F U

“By moving at the kids’ pace whether they actually ride or just touch a horse, we set both the kids and horses up for success in building positive experiences.” stretch their comfort zone. They move at each kid’s pace; no child will ever be forced onto a horse against their will just because the guardian wants the picture. “By moving at the kids’ pace whether they actually ride or just touch a horse, we set both the kids and horses up for success in building positive experiences,” promises Sandy. https://www.serenbetrailriding.com/ 470.590.7472

MEET THE HORSES

The herd varies slightly season to season, as horses here at Serenbe Trail Riding are leased and Sandy says she is “VERY picky about what horses get to stay in my program.” Ruby is our lead guide mare and queen of the herd. She keeps the trail string in line for our trail rides but also loves the slower paced kids’ programs. She is owned by Savannah at The Farmhouse and was her collegiate rodeo horse so has some of the most extensive training of our herd. Rocky is our youngest client horse at 8 years old and is the class clown of the herd. A steady ride overall, he will occasionally get distracted when in the caboose spot and will trot/jog to catch up. Captain Blue is our gentle giant. The largest in our herd at 18 hands high (that's 6 feet at the top of the shoulder), he loves the cooler weather. He typically moseys in the back of

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LO CAL SE RVICE S

the line but also loves being the station horse for paint-a-pony sessions as well. Vinny is our "introvert Grandpa." He wants to be in the middle of the group so that he doesn't have the responsibility of the front or back spot, and only wants to be petted or get cuddles on his terms, however, he will do almost anything for treats and is one of our best photo shoot horses. Three is the goofy jock of the herd. He is our dominant gelding and will go almost anywhere in the lineup. Typically he goes right behind Vinny or Blue as their support friend, but he also loves the challenges of lessons and is one of our best kid horses. He and Vinny will often pester each other at the hitching rail like siblings on a long car trip. Buckles is Trenton's best buddy and has a puppy dog personality. We are helping him to regain his confidence under saddle, so currently he does our grooming and unmounted lessons while staff work with him on his saddle skills. Rose is one of our newest horses, the sweetest girl you will ever meet. As an Arabian, she has a going places doing things kind of walk on trail, so she is primarily a staff guide horse, however, you will often see her up for our kids’ intros as the station horse. Jackson, Sassy, and Dakota are proven lesson and trail horses I've worked with on and off since 2016, and Georgia is a rescue mare that loves kids’ programs. They joined us for the summer season.

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A PA S S P O R T F U L L O F P U R P O S E ARTICLE BY TIFFANY C. DILLARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE T. PARKER AND PROVIDED

MORGAN

Photo by Kate T. Parker

O S S E Y At 13, Morgan Ossey understands that travel can do what textbooks cannot. It stretches a young person's confidence, widens her perspective, and teaches her to move through the world with curiosity and courage.

K I D S COR N E R | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Morgan describes herself as a bubbly, rising ninth grader with a full list of interests: reading, singing, acting, traveling, and DJing as DJMoSmilez, with bookings that now include conferences. She recently played the title role in her school's production of “Annie.” Her travels to Paris, France, and Cairo, Egypt were inspired by The Power of Girls, a leadership program that helps girls build confidence and explore beyond their own communities. In Paris, she was captivated by the Eiffel Tower during the day and again as it sparkled at night. Cairo offered a different kind of wonder. There, she visited the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, rode camels, and shopped in the Khan El Khalili market, where bargaining required quick math. “It was like that meme where all the calculations pop on the screen,” she says. The trip gave her more than memorable photos. She began thinking about culture, animals, and the lives of girls around the world, noticing who was working, who was visible, and what questions remained. “Travel is much more than a vacation,” her mother, Regina, says. “It can be an investment in a child’s education, confidence and perspective of the world they live in.” She hopes other kids understand that seeing the world is possible. “Don’t think you have to be rich to travel,” Regina says. “There are nonprofit organizations that help kids and teens experience the world.” Next on her list is Japan. Wherever she goes, she plans to keep asking questions and building toward a full scholarship to an HBCU, followed by graduate school at an Ivy League university. “I love trying new things,” she says. “I’m a very curious person, so I ask a lot of questions because I always want to grow and learn.” Morgan is not just collecting passport stamps. She is collecting lessons, confidence, and a vision for the impact she wants to make on the world.

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