Issuu

M AY 2 02 1

R E A L WI V E S O F # SO FU

R E A L

E S TAT E

I N V E S T I N G

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MAY 2021 PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis | michelle.willis@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

How It Started and How It's Going HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, SOFU MOMS! That’s my mom and me in the picture above. I’m thinking I was about 5 or 6 in this picture. What do you think? Do I look the same? I FEEL like I still look like that girl, but time has a way of playing tricks on us. I’m using this pic in honor of Mother’s Day and our Real Wives of SoFu issue, and OMG, I’m so excited! After four years, we are finally remounting the Real Wives of SoFu (#RWSOFU). This was SUPPOSED to happen last year but due to Covid (thanks Covid!), we got nothin’. But good things come to those

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Regan Toomer, Stevie Peterson, Patrick T. Cooper CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jolene Butts Freeman, Tiffany Powell Photography, Carlos Vargas Jr. / VMG Entertainment, Justin Ford Photography, Nate Dorn Photography, Paparazzi Picz By Zuri, Courtney Bush Photography

who wait, and you’ve waited patiently. So now, here we are! Unfortunately, due to Covid (thanks again, Covid), we didn’t do a full in-person shoot, but we’ve brought you a great spread where you can learn about some wonderful women right here in your own backyard. It’s a celebration of moms, and you’ll meet some fantastic ones in this issue. We caught up with our old friend Shaunya Chavis and the Golf GALS—they’re back at it, so give them a ring if you’d like to make golf your thing (hey, that rhymes!). Of course, we’ve got some financial buzz for you, too.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

As always, be sure to follow us @southfultonlifetsyle on IG, and I’m @michelletaylorwillis

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

on just about everything! Talk soon!

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Michelle Taylor Willis, Publisher

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER “The Real Wives of South Fulton 2021” by TeMika Grooms. Her work can be found at @TeMika_Grooms and @TeMikaTheArtist. 4

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

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 areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SoFu Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MAY 2021

FEATURES 14 Golf G.A.L.S. 18 Introducing the Real Wives of #SoFu 2021 How It Started and How It's Going

26 Chantel Francois SoFu's Secret Powerhouse

26 18

30 South Metro Development Outlook SMDO Delivers an Insightful Look Into the Region’s Continued Growth

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Local’s Choice

Real Wives

26 Local Limelight 30 Trend Setter 34 Financial Buzz

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INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES

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Please call us on 404-381-2275 or email us at info@seraphimwealth.com for additional information. You can also view our website at: www.seraphimwealth.com CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

GOOD TIMES

South Fulton Firefighter Lives Her Pledge to Unify When Captain Andrea Hall recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the inauguration of President Joe Biden, she surprised and united millions of people around the world. Hall, the first African American woman to serve as captain with the City of South Fulton Fire Rescue Department, chose to sign the words in tribute to her late father, who was deaf. Hall had a special, unannounced guest, David Cowan, well known as the animated interpreter at Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s press conferences.

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

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AROUND TOWN

FULTON COUNTY SCHOOLS HELPS GRADUATES FINISH STRONG!

in the Target parking lot inside the Camp Creek

Fulton County Schools (FCS) has launched

Marketplace. Tesla installed 12 Supercharger

a program to help its graduates stay motivated

stations for Tesla drivers and four ChargePoint

through the end of the school year. The campaign,

EV chargers for other electric vehicles. Tesla

#FCSFINISHSTRONG, is designed to support stu-

decided to partner with Target due to its prox-

dents and their families as they approach graduation.

imity to the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-

“With the onset of the virtual learning environment,

Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

there has been an increase in students engaging in

“We are excited that Tesla has selected us as the

paid work,” said Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, Deputy Chief

“City of Choice” to promote clean energy and improve

Academic Officer. “Certainly, workforce experience

the quality of life in our community,” said Mayor Deana

can benefit students, but it is also of paramount

Holiday Ingraham. “The Camp Creek Marketplace is

importance that they stay focused on school to

the number one Tax Allocation District in the state

graduate and continue into the college or career of

and is a prime destination for electric vehicle owners

their choice. We urge members of the community to

to recharge their vehicles while exploring what our

encourage students to ‘finish strong’ by joining into

City has to offer. This collaborative partnership will

our #FCSFinishStrong social media campaign.”

serve as a catalyst for other communities to follow

Help raise awareness about the campaign by engaging your social media channels using the hashtag #FCSFinishStrong. Make sure to tag FCS at: *FCS Facebook: @FultonCountySchools *FCS Twitter: @FultonCoSchools *FCS Instagram: @FultonCoSchools Finally, you can record an inspirational video on the importance of education and graduation and share your message on YouTube. For more information on #FCSFINISHSTRONG, visit https:// www.fultonschools.org/finishstrong2021.

A MOTHER’S LOVE IS ETERNAL MOTHER’S DAY EVENT Please join us for our Annual Mother’s Day Celebration

suit toward improving our environment.” For more information on pricing to use a Supercharger, visit tesla.com.

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART ANNOUNCES 2021 ADVANCE EXHIBITION SCHEDULE “Underexposed: Women Photographers from the Collection”  Through August 1, 2021 For nearly all of photography’s 180-year history, women have shaped the development of the art form and experimented with every aspect of the medium. Originally conceived in conjunction with the centennial of the passage of the 19th Amendment,  which  granted suffrage for some women, this exhibition showcases more than 100

Sunday, May 9, 2021

photographs from the High’s collection, many of

Offices will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the

them never before on view, and charts the medi-

following locations:

um’s history from the dawn of the modern period

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens,

to the present through the work of women photog-

5755 Mallory Road

raphers. The exhibition highlights photographers

College Park, GA

who photograph other women, children, and

Kennedy Memorial Gardens,

families, among them Sally Mann, Nan Goldin,

2500 River Road

and Diane Arbus, and those who interrogate ide-

Ellenwood, GA

als of femininity through self-portraiture. Also on

Sherwood Memorial Park,

view will be works by contemporary photographers

6841 Tara Blvd

who challenge social constructions of gender,

Jonesboro, GA

sexuality, and identity, including Zanele Muholi,

EAST POINT UNVEILS TESLA SUPERCHARGERS AT CAMP CREEK MARKETPLACE Tesla drivers can now plug in and charge up their vehicle while they are on the go in East Point. 10

Tesla Supercharger Stations are now operable

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

Sheila Pree Bright, Cindy Sherman, Mickalene Thomas, and Carrie Mae Weems. This exhibition is organized by the High Museum of Art, Atlanta. The

exhibition

schedule

subject

change. Please visit High.org for more information or to confirm details.

ALLIANCE THEATRE ANNOUNCES THE UNDER THE TENT SERIES “WORKING: A MUSICAL” Through June 6, 2021 Directed by Tamilla Woodard Everyone should have something to be proud of. “Working: A Musical” explores what makes our work meaningful across all walks of life. Whether it be in an office, a restaurant, or your home, or you’ve retired, this musical reminds us to celebrate not only what we do, but how we do it. With original songs by Lin-Manual Miranda, Stephen Schwartz, James Taylor, and more, the Alliance Theatre’s concert staging of “Working” will premiere as part of the Under the Tent series. For tickets and information, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/working. “SONGS TO GROW ON” May 6-16, 2021 A Woody Guthrie concert for children! This family friendly concert event is performed by Rob Lawhon and drawn primarily from Guthrie's iconic album, “Songs to Grow on for Mother and Child.” It captures the whimsy, joy, and wonder of childhood in three chords and a whole lot of fun. Join Woody and his dog, Arlo, as they serenade Atlanta families with songs that celebrate the human spirit. For tickets and info, visit www.alliancetheatre.org/songs.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ SoFu using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

S E R A P H I M W E A LT H F A M I LY O F F I C E , I N C .

Seraphim Family Wealth Office Inc., introduces Seraphim Real Estate Fund 1, LLC. Our Fund offers structured financing for a variety of projects, including but not limited to: real estate acquisition and development; mixed used development and construction; corporate acquisitions, and corporate growth capital. We are a minority owned, operated and controlled Firm. We live in this Community. We are keen to invest in, improve, and uplift our Community. As we transverse the area of South Fulton we see the need for upscale residential development; mid to high end restaurant and retail outlet centers; family fun entertainment complexes, and other needed facilities and amenities. We don’t boast to have

solutions to address all of the perceived needs but we can provide needed capital to support others who have plans and designs they are ready to execute. As an Investment Fund we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and objectives. We will then carefully underwrite their planned activities and seek to align our capital while mitigating project risk. Ultimately we seek to achieve the desired returns sought by our investing community. If you have a great business idea that is supported by good documentation and you’re in need of capital – give us a call. We will be more than happy to work with you. Our current sweet spot is projects in need of three million to twenty million although our solutions can accommodate projects needing significantly larger sums of capital as well. Give us a call and lets sit and have a chat today!

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

Founders (in order L-R): Lynne Meadows, Telida Parker, Shaunya Chavis-Rucker, Jackie Washington, Kandace Carty

G O LF G. A .L . S . PHOTOGRAPHY JOLENE BUTTS FREEMAN

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH

The women of Golf G.A.L.S.—the Greater

AT ANY SOUTH FULTON GOLF COURSE, SOUNDS OF

Atlanta League Series—will celebrate their 15th

LAUGHTER AND ROARING CHEERS CAN BE HEARD

Anniversary during their 2021 Season of Play.

COMING FROM AN UNLIKELY CROWD. They are teachers,

The group started in 2006 when its founder,

nurses, retired law enforcement, entrepreneurs, sports and

Shaunya Chavis-Rucker, was a new golfer and

real estate professionals—even television personalities. This

wanted to find other women to play with on her

group is not the gallery of golf spectators trying to catch a

side of town. She asked the Golf Pro at her neigh-

glimpse of their favorite golfer, or even the stereotypical male

borhood course to host a golf clinic for a few of

golf foursomes who have for decades dominated the game.

her female neighbors and friends. Eight women

Rather, this assembly is all women: wives, mothers, grand-

participated in the first clinic, followed by another

mothers, daughters, and single ladies who all call South Fulton

eight for the next two clinic sessions, and thus

and the neighboring communities home.

the Ladies League at Wolf Creek was born. Just two years later, when one of the members was diagnosed with cancer, the women added a public service component to their fellowship. The group hosted its first charity golf tournament with proceeds benefiting Our Lady of Perpetual Help facility, a local home for people suffering from incurable cancer who could not afford care. The ladies have also hosted free summer kids’ golf clinics in conjunction with the local Parks & Recreations Department, helped WSB-TV Stuff the Bus with school supplies, collected dolls for children of incarcerated fathers at the Fulton County Jail, donated water and snacks to the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, supported a myriad of local nonprofit golf tournaments, and hosted play dates with other female golf groups. The 501c7 Social/Recreational not-for-profit organization changed its name to Golf G.A.L.S. in 2014 to reflect the group’s modified structure of playing at multiple courses in the region. Though the members play by the rules, they admit their game is mostly about enjoying a sisterly round of golf without an overly competitive edge. After the 2020 Season was thwarted by the pandemic, the group is looking forward to its 2021 Anniversary Season. The ladies have mandatory safety protocols in place for their Sunday sessions and are ready to continue with a year of public service. Golf

G.A.L.S.

will

dedicate

this

15th

Anniversary Season to the memory of two of its members who passed away from cancer. The ladies welcome new members anytime Joan Hicks and Shaunya Chavis-Rucker

during their March through October golf season of play. GolfGals.net CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

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REAL WIVES

INTRODUCING THE REAL WIVES OF #SOFU 2021

HOW IT STARTED AND HOW IT'S GOING

CHERESE CLARK-WILSON, THE BOSS WIFE HOW IT STARTED A Kentucky native, Cherese ClarkWilson was the first in her family to attend college. After graduating from Spelman College in 2005, she worked in a variety of jobs, including as a car rental salesperson and with a death penalty investigator for the state of Georgia. While attending law school,

Cherese Clark-Wilson’s Family by Tiffany Powell Photography

she worked full time while also caring for a premature baby. HOW IT’S GOING Today, Cherese is a founding partner of Clark, Lowery & Lumpkin, a boutique law firm in Fulton County that specializes in family law services, including divorces, child custody litigation, paternity and legitimation, child support, and more. The mother of four has been recognized as a national Top 40 Under 40 award recipient among other honors, including being named an official “Duchess of Paducah” in Kentucky. Cherese would tell her younger self not to worry about what anyone else thinks of your path and to have confidence.

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

Cherese Clark-Wilson by Tiffany Powell Photography

Baby Cherese

THE REAL

ARTICLE REGAN TOOMER

EHIZE FELISE LEE, THE FINANCIAL GURU WIFE HOW IT STARTED

Ehize Felise Lee grew up in Los Angeles, as the daughter of a Nigerian father and an American mother. She was raised by her single mother, but lived within two miles of her aunts and cousins, whom she considers her village. HOW IT’S GOING Ehize is Vice President of Issue Management Consulting at Wells Fargo Bank. She is president of Well Fargo’s Black and AfricanAmerican Network Atlanta Chapter Board. She also serves as chair to Fulton County School Governance Council. An avid traveler, Ehize is also the owner of TimeLee Travel, LLC, and TimeLee Tees. She is a philanthropist and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The wife and mother of three credits her success to her family. “I’m so blessed to have an amazing husband and family support,” Lee said. “We encourage and challenge each other to be our best selves.”

Ehize Lee by Justin Ford Photography

Ehize Lee's Family by Paparazzi Picz By Zuri

Baby Ehize

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

WIVES REAL WIVES (CONTINUED)

LESLIE ZINN, THE ENTREPRENEUR WIFE HOW IT STARTED

Leslie Zinn is the daughter of Arden Zinn and a founding partner of Arden’s Garden, Atlanta’s premiere fresh juice manufacturer. Growing up in Atlanta, Leslie grew up drinking all kinds of nutritional concoctions, which instilled a passion for health and nutriLynne as a child

tion at an early age. HOW IT’S GOING Leslie is married with four kids that she had later in life at ages 35, 40, 42, and 46. Her mission as the chief executive officer of Arden’s Garden is to make healthy products that are convenient and affordable. She is proud to be the face of a female-owned, family-oriented local business that has existed for more than 25 years. Arden’s Garden has expanded into plant-based foods, a move that further supports community health and nutrition. Two new Arden’s Garden locations are planned for South Fulton in the future.

Lynne Meadows by Carlos Vargas Jr. / VMG Entertainment

LYNNE P. MEADOWS, THE ESSENTIAL WIFE HOW IT STARTED Lynne Meadows grew up in South Fulton and graduated from Therrell High School. She met her husband at Sandtown Park in South Fulton and they raised their Leslie Zinn by Nate Dorn Images

family in the area. Her community service, including serving as a room parent on the Parent Teacher Association when her children attended school, United Way Advisory Board, Meals on Wheels deliveries, and a ministry leader at Word of Faith, is centered in South Fulton. HOW IT’S GOING Lynne is the Director of Health Services for Fulton County Schools, where she created and developed the Health Services Program. She previously served as the Assistant

Leslie Zinn;s Family by Nate Dorn Images

Vice President of Nursing at Grady Health Systems. Young Leslie Zinn

Lynne stays active by enjoying her latest passion of outdoor cycling and golfing as a member of the Golf Greater Atlanta League Series (G.A.L.S.).

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

MERCEDE HIGHTOWER, THE MENTOR WIFE Mercede Hightower's Family

HOW IT STARTED Mercede is a proud South Fulton resident, having graduated from Atlanta Public Schools and Spelman College. While at Spelman, Mercede studied voice as a music minor and sang in the college’s Glee Club. HOW IT’S GOING

OF #SOFU

Mercede is the chief executive officer of Bellemay

Naturals, an award-winning hairstylist, and educator.

She’s married and is a mother to four children. Mercede dedicates her time and service to the South Fulton

community whether it is serving on the School Governance Council, speaking at career days or partnering with other community organizations.

“I want to see South Fulton continue to thrive and be a place where my kids can be proud to say they

are from,” Mercede said. ”My story displays how com-

munities such as South Fulton can change lives and direct the paths of our future.” Mercede Hightower

Mercede as a child

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

REAL WIVES (CONTINUED)

SOJOURNER MARABLE GRIMMETT, THE SERVANT LEADER WIFE HOW IT STARTED

Sojourner Marable Grimmett

Sojourner Marable Grimmett was born in Oakland, California, and raised by her parents who instilled in her the values of love, education and service to others. She was named after Sojourner Truth, an AfricanAmerican abolitionist and women’s rights activist who protested against slavery in the 19th century. She married her college sweetheart, Roland, whom she met in 1997 at Clark Atlanta University. They have two sons. HOW IT’S GOING Sojourner is the senior director of external affairs and strategic partnerships for the Atlanta Region at National Church Residences. In her role as senior director for the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of affordable senior housing and services, Sojourner focuses on helping people live healthier and more satisfying lives, while creating a sense of family and community for the senior residents. The majority of the senior communities that she serves are located in South Fulton.

Young Sojourner

Sojourner Marable Grimmett's Family by Courtney Bush Photography

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

ADVICE #RWSOFU ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF

Be confident in who you are and know that you can do whatever you want to do and be whoever you want to be. Be patient with your dreams, be kind to yourself, and pursue every good opportunity. -Mercede Hightower Never shrink yourself to fit into any room or any circles; instead embrace all of who you are and command those same gatherings to rise to the occasion and be greatness. -Terrica Wright Terrica Wright

Don’t be afraid of the future. Do the next right thing and life will work out better than you have dreamed. -Leslie Zinn When people throw bricks at you meant to hurt you or inflict pain, pick them up and use them to build a firm foundation to stand on. But when you stand up, don’t look down or your crown may slip. Know and own your worth, then add tax. -Cherese Clark-Wilson Always strive to do your best, treat and love

Terrica at 18

others like you want and deserve to be treated and loved, pursue your passions and pray always. Know that every day is a gift so enjoy the journey because

TERRICA WRIGHT, THE REAL ESTATE DIVA WIFE

tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Know that you are special!

HOW IT STARTED

-Lynne Meadows

Terrica Wright is a South Fulton native and proudly represents the area by serving as Community Chair on the

Have the courage to follow your heart and

Atlanta Public Schools Local School Governance Team for

trust your intuition. Speak up for yourself even

her alma mater, Frederick Douglass High School.

when you are afraid. Practice self-care (so it’s automatic once you are older). Celebrate

HOW IT’S GOING

small wins. Pour energy into what brings you

Terrica is the principal agent and owner of Terrica Wright

joy. Continue to take time to serve humanity. Live

Real Estate affiliates of Keller Williams Realty Intown

and love in the moment. Listen to learn.

Atlanta. She calls her daughter, Nina, her greatest accom-

-Sojourner Marable Grimmett

plishment, having adopted her with her husband at a young age. Terrica is releasing her first book, The Transition

My word of advice is a quote from Maya Angelou:

From Popularity to Your Profitable Purpose this year. She’s

“Your mission in life is not to merely survive, but to

been encouraged over the years to become a preacher,

thrive; and to do so with some passion, some com-

and although she has no desire to fulfill that profession,

passion, some humor, and some style.”

she plans to become a speaker or teacher in the future.

-Ehize Lee

“I am a ‘can do’ kind of girl. I put my hands to the plow to do the work that needs to get done,” Terrica said. CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

Congratulations TERRICA WRIGHT for being chosen as a Real Wife of SoFu!

Terrica Wright

PR I N CI PA L AGE NT

Direct: 678-575-9418 Office: 470-795-9612

VB@terricawright_

For more information about us, please visit: www.terricawright.com Real Estate Done Wright

It’s the small things that add more life! The City of South Fulton offers its residents something that we’re all learning, once again, to appreciate—quality of life. The big things—malls, franchises, big box chain stores—are not necessarily the things that make communities more livable. Little things often do that. With limitations on globetrotting, the essence of travel and experiencing new things is not only found in far off places. Exploring South Fulton and supporting local businesses can be fun and plays a key role in sustaining the community and showcasing it as a viable destination. Small business, local merchants, family-owned restaurants. Neighbors whose names you actually know. These things all help to make communities more livable.

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Francois

Chantel

CITY OF SOUTH FULTON’S SECRET POWERHOUSE

THE CITY OF SOUTH FULTON, OR #SOFU, AS IT’S CALLED BY

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. While in

THOSE IN THE KNOW, IS QUICKLY BECOMING A HOTSPOT,

Douglasville, she was committed to positioning the city

THANKS TO CERTIFIED TOURISM CONSULTANT CHANTEL

as a premier destination for small-market meetings,

FRANCOIS. The next time you check out of a hotel room, pay close

corporate business, and conferences as well as an

attention to the bill. Tax—it may not mean much to you, but to Francois,

attractive leisure destination.

it is just what she needs to execute her magic at the South Fulton

Although SOFU is only three years young, one of

Convention & Visitors Bureau. Francois is SOFU’s own secret dyna-

its newest departments, Tourism, led by Francois, has

mite, taking taxes generated from hotel and motel bills and churning

already brought awareness to some of the city’s hid-

them into concrete success. Her efforts have aided in shining the light

den gems. Francois was recently interviewed on Fox5

on the City of South Fulton, the third largest city in Metro Atlanta.

Atlanta showcasing Boat Rock Preserve, a favorite

Former mayors of Atlanta Bill Campbell and Shirley Franklin, the

destination among rock climbers and outdoor lovers

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Air Jamaica, Delta Airlines, and

throughout the southeast. She plans to create more

UNCF have all benefited from the power Francois brings to the table.

new and exciting partnerships, events, and festivals to

A Certified Tourism Consultant with a resume that compares to

highlight the city and its other tourism sites.

none, Francois relocated to Atlanta with the Canadian Consulate in

Even the COVID-19 pandemic could not halt the

the Office of External Affairs over two decades ago. She recently

power that is Chantel Francois. She worked to assist

returned to Canada as the mastermind behind a tourism master

the hospitality community by supporting the City’s

plan for the City of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada’s sixth largest city,

restaurants during this time, partnering with the South

sharing her expertise and passion for tourism to catapult the number

Fulton Chamber of Commerce to provide daily meals

of tourists in the area. She also shared and outlined plans for the

to the City’s frontline workers during the hardest hit

creation of a Convention & Visitors Bureau as an economic driver

months early on. The City’s main hotel, Fairfield Inn &

to generate revenue. Francois employed these same skills when she

Suites, managed to stay afloat, thanks to group stays

was recruited by the twin isles to implement and head the Trinidad

from Walmart, Google, and Amazon that housed their

and Tobago Convention & Visitors Bureau.

employees in the comfort of the Marriott Hotel.

Before SOFU, Francois marketed the City of East Point and the

Francois’ goal is to position SOFU as a premiere

airport at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and served as

destination for corporate, leisure, and group travel,

President and Founder of the Metro Atlanta Caribbean Chamber of

bringing awareness to all of its amazing tourism

Commerce. It was through her connections that Atlanta, Georgia’s

products, keeping SOFU top of mind, and being a

capital united with its sister cities Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago

catalyst for economic growth.

along with several other Caribbean islands, including St. Lucia

Francois’ accomplishments at a glance: YWCA

and Antigua and Barbuda. Her efforts and tourism marketing skills

Women of the Year, Atlanta Business League Top 100

supported successful nonstop flights aboard Air Jamaica and

Women, 100 Most Influential Caribbeans in Atlanta,

Delta Airlines from Atlanta to these scenic Caribbean destinations.

Who’s Who in Atlanta, 100 Most Powerful & Influential

Francois also built partnerships with Marta and Sheraton Hotels to

Women in Atlanta, and Atlanta Airport Rotary Club

bring more tourism to Atlanta.

member, where she served as director of public rela-

The next Georgia city to have the honor of Francois’ magic wand was the City of Douglasville, located 20 minutes from the 26

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

tions. In her spare time, Francois enjoys decorating her home, traveling, and spending time with family.

CityLifestyle.com/SoFu

SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

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SoFu Lifestyle | May 2021

ELECTED OFFICIALS, GOVERNMENT LEAD-

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OUTLOOK (SMDO) CONFERENCE HELD MARCH

scape, SMDO2021 recognized individuals and busi-

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nesses with special awards for their accomplishments.

of Georgia Geoff Duncan, City of Atlanta Mayor Keisha

This year’s recipients included Congressman David

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Scott, U.S. House of Representatives, GA-13 who was

CEO MARTA, Doug Hooker, Executive Director of the

presented with the Public Service Leadership Award

Atlanta Regional Commission and many others.

in recognition of his long-term visionary leadership

The event was hosted on a virtual platform for the

and dedication to the South Metro region. Arden’s

first time in its history due to COVID-19 restrictions,

Garden, T. Dallas Smith & Company and Ashley D.

but even a global pandemic can’t stop the bullish

Bell, Partner Dentons Law Firm and former Region

growth that’s taking place in the region.

IV Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration

“Without a doubt, we are optimistic as we move

received the Small Business Enterprise Award for

beyond the past 12 months and begin to emerge from

demonstrating exemplary leadership, sound business

the restraints of COVID-19,” said Michael Hightower,

strategies and community involvement.

SMDO founder and host. “We have to dig deep

Key sponsors of this year’s South Metro Development

and continue to be smart because the next several

Outlook Conference include the Development Authority

months will determine the next several years.”

of Fulton County, Georgia Power, Elevate Douglas

The theme “Moving Beyond” resonated throughout

Economic Partnership, The Collaborative Firm, LLC,

the conference with the panelists and in their presen-

AT&T, Henry County Development Authority, Union

tations. The one common denominator shared by all

City, GA, Georgia Trend and Porsche.

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