50th Anniversary
Strong, Smart & Bold Gala
Celebrating 50 Years of Legacy and Resilience
Sat, August 29th at 6:00pm
Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339
For five decades, Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta has served as a catalyst for change, empowering girls to break barriers and redefine what is possible. In 2026, we reach a historic milestone: our 50th Anniversary. To honor this half-century of impact, our signature annual celebration is undergoing a profound metamorphosis.
What was once our cherished Strong, Smart & Bold luncheon has evolved into an elevated, formal Gala celebration. This transition mirrors the very journey of the girls we serve—a process of growth, resilience, and ultimate transformation. Centered on the theme of the butterfly, this evening honors our enduring legacy while looking forward to the next chapter of our mission. We invite you to join us for an inspiring evening of storytelling and celebration as we continue to ensure that every girl in Greater Atlanta grows up strong, smart, and bold.
Honoring Excellence
Our 2026 Awardees
The Strong, Smart & Bold awards recognize individuals whose lives and careers exemplify the mission of Girls Inc. These honorees serve as a bridge between our history and the bright futures of our current participants. While our full slate of 2026 honorees will be announced soon, we are proud to introduce our first featured awardee
Strong, Smart, & Bold Woman of the Year
Janet Jackson Street
Creating a roadmap to success is and has been what Janet Jackson Street has been about her entire life. She’s always had the incredible ability to quickly assess any critical needs or situation and to be a part of developing and supporting a plan for success.
Keynote & Alumnae of the Year
Meredith Lilly, Esq.
Meredith Y. Lilly, Esq. currently serves as Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, where she provides strategic counsel on policy, political engagement, and community partnerships. She previously served as State Director for Senator Warnock, overseeing statewide operations, outreach, and constituent services.
Partner of the Year
Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive, and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy, and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history spanning more than 125 years. Cox is proud to be rooted in Atlanta with more than 6,000 employees locally, 50,000 nationally and is proud of its longstanding commitment to people, planet, and communities.
Partner with Us
2026 Sponsorship Opportunities
The 50th Anniversary Gala offers a premier platform for corporations and community leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the future of Atlanta’s women. By becoming a sponsor, you provide the vital resources necessary for our year-round programming, serving girls ages 6–18 with life-changing mentorship and research-based curricula.
As we celebrate this “Golden Anniversary,” our sponsors receive high-visibility recognition and the opportunity to align their brand with five decades of proven social impact.
2026 SSB Sponsors
Businesses and Organizations
