Rural Leader Magazine SEPTEMBER 2026

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UNDER 4O Latashi Laster

Ayshiea Conerly ALABAMA

Jamel

Dr. Christian Pittman Overstreet, I. GEORGIA

Michael Marisha

Michael Reddick, Jr.Jr. Richardson, GEORGIA

Wooten

Dr. Jayda Williams GEORGIA

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SEPTEMBER 2026 EDITION

CONTENTS 5 Editor's Note TOP FOUR 2026 Forty under 40 Honorees

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com

7 Ayshiea Conerly 10 Dr. Christian Pittman 13 Michael Reddick, Jr. 15 Dr. Jayda Williams Forty under Forty Honorees 20 Charisse J. Brown 20 Maranda Canty

ABOUT US

Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad.

Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.—

28 Alexis Jordan 28 Dr. Jamaul R. Kennedy 29 Andria Lakes 29 Dr. Cantrell MannsSears 30 Tiara Noel 30 Tiffany Pless 31 Jalisa Richardson-Pope 31 Laquinton Robinson 32 Monica Robinson 32 Santressa Sampson

21 Courtney Chavers 21 Shanon Coleman

33 Tish Starling 33 Dr. Zatisha Starling

22 Rodriguez Davis 22 Dr. Lamar Edmonds

34 Darian Stephens 34 Matthew C. Thompson

23 Kaylon Gilbert 23 Rev. Mireo J. Harris

35 Kathleen Wang 35 Mandy White

24 Dwayne Hart, Jr. 24 Kymbra Hart

36 Kalisha S. Whitehead 36 Chiquiti Williams

25 Kentavius Haynes 25 Calvin Hodge, Jr.

37 Katie P. Wright 37 Jessica M. Young

26 Rhonda S. Hope 26 Quadarius Jackson

38 TOP FOUR WINNER Announced

Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is 27 Dr. Shuntavia James 27 Ayunna Jones prohibited without written consent.

39 Closing Thoughts for the Class of 2026

Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermag.com Contact Us ruralleadermagazine@gmail.com

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Editor’s Note

Rooted in Purpose. Leading the Future.

Dear Readers, Welcome to the 2026 edition of Rural Leader Magazine's Forty Under 40 Honors, our annual celebration of young professionals who are redefining leadership across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

Each year, I have the privilege of reading remarkable nominations, learning extraordinary stories, and witnessing firsthand the incredible work taking place in communities that are often overlooked. Yet, every year I arrive at the same conclusion: some of the nation's most impactful leaders are not found in the largest cities—they are found in rural America.

They are building businesses that create jobs and strengthen local economies. They are educating students who will become tomorrow's innovators. They are improving access to healthcare, advocating for underserved populations, mentoring young people, serving in government, leading nonprofits, and answering the everyday needs of their neighbors. They are proving that meaningful leadership does not require a large platform—it requires a willing heart, unwavering character, and a commitment to serving others.

This year's theme, "Rooted in Purpose. Leading the Future.," perfectly reflects the spirit of our 2026 honorees. Purpose is what keeps a leader grounded when challenges arise. It is the quiet conviction that inspires someone to continue serving when no one is watching. Purpose transforms careers into callings, ideas into action, and obstacles into opportunities.

The forty individuals featured in these pages embody that purpose in unique and inspiring ways.Our four featured honorees represent the breadth of leadership found throughout rural communities. Their stories remind us that leadership takes many forms.

Whether expanding educational opportunities, advancing behavioral health, championing civic engagement, or creating economic opportunity through entrepreneurship, each has demonstrated that lasting impact begins with a desire to improve the lives of others.

As I reflected on this year's class, one common thread emerged. None of these leaders measure success solely by personal accomplishments. Instead, they measure success by the people they mentor, the communities they strengthen, the opportunities they create, and the legacy they leave behind. They understand that true leadership is not about standing above others—it is about lifting others higher.

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RuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2026

That belief has always been at the heart of Rural Leader Magazine. Since our founding, our mission has been simple: to tell the stories that too often go untold while celebrating the people who quietly shape the future of rural communities every day. We believe rural leadership deserves to be recognized, celebrated, and preserved—not only because of what these leaders accomplish today, but because of the inspiration they provide for tomorrow.

To our 2026 honorees, thank you for reminding us what authentic leadership looks like. Your passion, perseverance, innovation, and servant leadership continue to inspire all who have the privilege of knowing your story.

To our readers, I hope these pages encourage you to see leadership differently. Leadership is not reserved for those with the loudest voices or the most prominent titles. It belongs to those who choose to serve, solve problems, inspire hope, and make their communities stronger than they found them.

Thank you for allowing Rural Leader Magazine to continue sharing these stories of excellence across rural America. We are honored to celebrate this exceptional class of leaders and look forward to watching the lasting impact they will continue to make for years to come.

Congratulations to the 2026 Forty Under 40 Honorees. May your journey continue to inspire others, and may your leadership leave an enduring legacy for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Dr. Kuanita Evette Murphy Founder, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Rural Leader Magazine GetRuralLeaderMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2026 5