![]() |
![]() |
Spring 2022 Cohort Graduates
Ashley Franklin
Alexus McCrae
Quadshawnda Washington
Winter 2022 Cohort Graduates
Erika Andrews

Michele Bagby
Lachun Brown
LaQuitta Moss

Eurieka Thomas
![]() |
|
So You Want to Own a Business Panel Discussion @ Douglass Theater Dean of PEP and Interviewer of panel presentation |
Facilitators
Dr. Samantha Thompson - Dean of ProgramA native of Thomasville, Georgia, Dr. Samantha Thompson is a lifelong learner who enjoys teaching and learning. She is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; from “THE” Fort Valley State

Dr. Thompson serves families daily as a trader, investor, and field underwriter. She has three journals available on Amazon.com: “A Queen’s Day,” “A King’s Day,” and “Reflections. Several more projects are underway. She is passionate about protecting family wellness, legacy and changing financial trajectories. To connect with her in in one or more of these areas, please submit a request here: https://bit.ly/3nvVfQo
Dr. Thompson is a student, oracle, and servant of God. One of her favorite Scriptures is “I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me” (Philippian 4:13).
Dr. Ansley Booker
Workplace Development Professional . is a native of Eatonton, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology from Georgia Southern University in 2008, where she was a Ronald E. McNair Scholar. Dr. Booker earned a Master of Science in pharmacy from the University of Georgia in 2013, and her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Mercer University in May 2019. Her passion for STEM was highlighted in her 2019 TedTalk at the University of Georgia entitled Unhidden Figures: Uncovering Our Cultural Biases in STEM.
In addition to developing STEM curriculum for high school and collegiate students as an adjunct professor, she has served as

Her awards and recognitions include being named among Mercer University’s Barry Jenkins Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Life, University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacy 60 for 60 Award, ASHE Presidential Medal Local Change Agent Award Honorable Mention, Macon Magazine’s 5 under 40 Leadership Issue, The National Women’s Empowerment Ministry Anedra S. Williams-Millennial Award of Year, the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals, the University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacy Distinguished Service Award, Rural Leader Magazine’s 40 under 40, Small Town America’s Top 100 and both the University of Georgia’s and Georgia Sothern's 40 Under 40 as well as receiving Mercer University’s Student Affairs Division STAR Award. Lastly, Ansley is a recent graduate of Leadership Macon 2019 and the Urban Leadership Academy Cohort 3. Mercer University’s Barry Jenkins Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Life …..
Dr. Jessica Houston
Named one of the top 50 speakers globally, by “Real Leaders,” Dr. Jessica Houston travels nationally and internationally inspiring thousands of college students, corporate executives and conference attendees every year. As a transformational

Dr. Bridgett McBride
A performance-driven, consistent, enthusiastic, and highly talented accounting and business executive with accomplished experience in the advancement and development of professional organizations by contributing technical expertise, and executing leadership to increase productivity → Experienced in all facets of teaching; praised for leadership and ability to work collaboratively with all shareholders including faculty, staff, students, and the overall community; promotes the best in teaching and creates a nurturing environment for learning; 20+ years of vast accounting, financial management, and business

Dr. Tonya Coons
TONYA L. COONS, PHD EDUCATOR | AUTHOR | VISION COACH
Dr. Tonya Lofton Coons is a vision coach, author, 22-year educator, and curriculum designer. A native of Macon, specifically Pleasant Hill, Tony

Dr. Keela Malone
1982). Her career as a secondary teacher started in New Providence and Andros islands. Upon completing one year of teaching, Dr. Malone immigrated to the United States to continue serving as a high school teacher in Macon, Georgia. After ten years of outstanding service and earning a Master of Education Degree in Administration and Supervision from Northwestern

In June 2017, Dr. Malone retired and became an education consultant from January-May 2018. From 2018 to date, she serves as the Head Start/Early Head Start Assistant Director, Macon Bibb County Economic Opportunity Council, Incorporated, Macon, Georgia.
Sylvia McGee
Sylvia Williams McGee, a native of Macon, is a community engagement volunteer who seeks to serve in helping to make the Macon-Bibb County Community a better place to live for all. She currently serves as Chairman of the Macon - Bibb County Land Bank Authority; Chair of the uth Hartley Mosley Memorial Women’s Center and President of the Alumni Advisory Board for

Sylvia received a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from Tift College (1974) and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Georgia (1976).She also studied at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and Harvard School of Business.
Sylvia has received several awards and recognition such as Georgia School Social Worker of the Year (1998); Robert Hatcher Leadership Award (1996) and Outstanding Leadership Award for Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (2000). Most recently the Teacher of Excellence Award given annually at the Golden Eagles Ceremony has been named in her honor (2020)
In 2011, after 35 years of service, she retired from the Bibb County School District. There she served as School Social Worker, Director of Student Support Services and Deputy Superintendent. She also served one year as Acting Superintendent.
Sylvia served as Project Manager of READ UNITED an initiative of United Way of Central Georgia (2016 - 2020). In the program, which was funded by AARP Foundation and the Peyton Anderson Foundation, volunteers are recruited and trained to tutor students in Kindergarten - through third grade with the goal of having students reading proficiently by the end of third grade.
She is married to Terry D. McGee, a retired accountant and she is the mother of two adult children, Terese L. McGee and T. Dwight McGee, Ph.D. She is the grandmother of triplets . She is a third generation member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.
Katrina Cohens is the CEO and
founder of Cohens Consulting Services, LLC. Ms. Cohens is
also, a certified Master Life Coach, which includes professionalism,
happiness, life purpose, and goal success coaching. She is a
proven professional with 20+ years of experience in financial
management (4 years-Vice President level), with an emphasis on
leadership, client service excellence, operations, production,
performance expectations, and employee relations. Ms. Cohens is a
resourceful problem solver
and planner with the ability to analyze, collaborate and communicate
to achieve specific goals and performance standards. She
achieves success through perseverance, self-discipline, and
commitment.
Ms. Cohens has a Master of Business
Administration Degree, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public
Administration. She has certificates in Strategic Management,
Nonprofit Management, Human Resource Management, and
Diversity-Equity & Inclusion.
Since moving to Macon in 2018, Ms. Cohens
has been recognized and spotlighted as one of Middle Georgia’s young
professionals and featured in the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages
Resource Guide, and her business was spotlighted by Macon Magazine
and Macon-Bibb County in 2022. She is the recipient of the
Julian V. Smith Community Service Award. Ms. Cohens is a
shining example of community advocacy and dedication through
faithful service and leadership. She invests in her community
and adds real value with her selflessness, generosity, and passion
for helping others. Ms. Cohens is a committee member of the
Joshua’s Wish Organization (that supports childhood cancer
research), and she serves on the board for Career Women’s Network of
Macon as the leadership chair.
Ms. Cohens is a natural motivator that is
results driven to transform individuals into extra-ordinary leaders
by changing mindsets. She has a passion for helping others
achieve success.
![]() |
So You Want to Own a Business Panel Discussion presenter Ricardo Cordew |
![]() |
So You Want to Own a Business Panel
Discussion, September 10, 2022 @ Douglass Theater Manna Board of Directors member Joyce Denson and director Mary Whitfield |
![]() |
Mary Whitfield sharing about all
Manna Programs, especially the outstanding Professional Empowerment Program |