2025 She Leads Georgia Honorees
Esther 4:14: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:16 – “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
com·mis·sion·er noun 1. a person appointed to a role on or by a commission.” THE GREAT COMMISSION • a representative of the supreme authority in an area. GOD IS THE SUPREME AUTHORITY FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS.
Commissioner Christi Maude
I was Introduced to 10/40 window concept by dear friends Roscoe and Margaret Brewer (RIP) in late 1990’s. The Holy Spirit immediately gave us a passion for people group living in hard to reach “dark” areas who will be born, live and die without ever hearing the name, “Jesus”.
Have Traveled extensively to these areas to assist with equipping indigenous, Jesus loving field workers by helping educate them in the Word of God and financially helping them go out into their communities and spread the gospel. We have purchased a lot of motorbikes for these disciples. The Holy Spirit is moving like FIRE. We work mostly in Northern India now and I have helped by teaching women in conferences, strategizing (my husband) the business projects and helping with financing a dairy farm that brings income to disciples and orphanage. We assisted in building a water plant that produces bottle water the ministry sells at many stores and it provides incomes for disciples. We are very honored to have helped fund a 3 story orphanage that teaches English… [Read More]
Commissioner Suzanne Phillips
Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, podcast host, coach, and writer, with a passion for awakening parents and leaders to God’s intentional design for family. As the founder of Beacon Parent, she equips and empowers families to navigate culture through a biblical worldview. With over 20 years of leadership in hybrid education, ministry, and parent coaching, Suzanne brings wisdom, conviction, and a heartfelt call to action to every audience she serves.
Commissioner Mashanika Richardson
Mashanika L. Richardson recently joined the CDC as a biologist. In her role, she focuses on malaria control and prevention including sample inventory, library generation, sequencing, data analysis, and report generation. She attended Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University (GSU), and she holds a master’s degree in biology with a concentration in biochemistry and molecular genetics from GSU where her research centered on herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 as well as Zika virus. Her journey with the CDC began as an ORISE fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Ya Ping Shi. She contributed to multiple impactful projects, most notably a collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine to investigate novel mechanisms for diagnosing malaria in Kenya.
Before her foray into scientific research, she worked in the private sector as a marketing coordinator for The Coca Cola Company and taught math and science at the middle, high school and collegiate levels.A lifelong learner, Mashanika enjoys music across all genres, well-made cinema, live theater, barre fitness and a good pedicure. An avid reader of biographies and a fan of historical documentaries, she also has a passion for bargain shopping. Her favorite bacterium? Wolbachia—a testament to her enthusiasm for the intricacies of the microbial world.
Commissioner Cheryl Safford
Dr. Cheryl Safford is an Atlanta, Georgia native. She has spent the majority of her life educating children, mentoring young families, and involved in many community outreach programs.
During the process she has worn many hats, but, the one she is most proud of is being an ambassador for Christ Jesus. She loves sharing the word of God in formal as well as private settings encouraging people to find their God given purpose by fulfilling their passion.
God saw fit to present her with an Honorary Doctorate of Humanitarianism by The Global of International Alliance from The Corporation for National and Community Service. She has received The Barack Obama Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, The Outstanding Citizenship Award from Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia, and The City of College Park Business of the Year Award just to name a few.
Although she doesn’t strive to build up a name for herself, she finds power in lifting up the name of Jesus. ” I am honored to be chosen to receive the She Leads Georgia Award and grateful to be nominated.”
Dr. Cheryl Safford, Owner/Director of Kinder Kollege Christian School
Commissioner O’Shea Vega
Oshea Vega is a trauma-informed Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) Educator with over 20 years of experience reducing the effects of high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores in adolescents from inner-city, at-risk environments. She formerly served as a Title V Liaison in the state of Georgia. Serving alongside her husband, they lead a thriving congregation in Atlanta. Oshea earned a degree in International Political Science from Spelman College. She and her husband have three children and live in the Atlanta area.
Oshea currently is the Executive Director of First Care Women’s Center in Cobb County.
Commissioner Katherine Wolf
Katherine Wolf is an author, advocate, and co-founder of Hope Heals. After she survived a near-fatal brainstem stroke at age 26, her family’s journey through disability has become a public witness that good and hard can co-exist in the same story. Through caregiving, storytelling, and lived theology, Katherine is inviting others into a vision of hope, interdependence, and embodied resilience. She and her husband Jay live in Atlanta with their two sons.
I was Introduced to 10/40 window concept by dear friends Roscoe and Margaret Brewer (RIP) in late 1990’s. The Holy Spirit immediately gave us a passion for people group living in hard to reach “dark” areas who will be born, live and die without ever hearing the name, “Jesus”.
Have Traveled extensively to these areas to assist with equipping indigenous, Jesus loving field workers by helping educate them in the Word of God and financially helping them go out into their communities and spread the gospel. We have purchased a lot of motorbikes for these disciples. The Holy Spirit is moving like FIRE. We work mostly in Northern India now and I have helped by teaching women in conferences, strategizing (my husband) the business projects and helping with financing a dairy farm that brings income to disciples and orphanage. We assisted in building a water plant that produces bottle water the ministry sells at many stores and it provides incomes for disciples. We are very honored to have helped fund a 3 story orphanage that teaches English using the Holy Bible! Imagine that!
Currently we have added a Dominican Republic ministry called Cup Missions to our endeavors. This ministry pulls women and boys out of sex trafficking and changes their lives forever. The Lord led us to assist with this ministry 1 year ago and we have plans to travel there as well to further aid in any way we can.
I personally Started a homeless ministry in Pasadena, Md 18 years ago then connected our church with Arundel House of Hope where large group spent night at our church for a week every year during cold winter. This was a huge undertaking requiring well over 50 volunteers.
I Volunteer as advocate at Thrive Express Women’s center in Savannah. Prior to this center I volunteered in Rincon at Pregnancy Care Center. I have the privilege of meeting with potentially pregnant women who oftentimes desire an abortion after confirming pregnancy. I give these women valuable information about pregnancy, adoption and yes…abortion. Many women have no idea the techniques used during abortion nor the risks that follow. My favorite part of being an advocate is watching these ladies see their baby for the first time during their free ultrasound. I am also deeply touched when the Holy Spirit allows me to lead any of these women to Christ.
I recently had the opportunity to Chair the yearly Thrive Express Auction Gala where we raised $18,500. It was an honor.
I have Raised awareness with city of Savannah regarding the negatives of LGBTQ Drag Shows for families with children. It made news and the restaurant offering this “show” was shut down shortly after (by the grace of God).
Suzanne Phillips is a speaker, podcast host, coach, and writer, with a passion for awakening parents and leaders to God’s intentional design for family. As the founder of Beacon Parent, she equips and empowers families to navigate culture through a biblical worldview. With over 20 years of leadership in hybrid education, ministry, and parent coaching, Suzanne brings wisdom, conviction, and a heartfelt call to action to every audience she serves.
Mashanika L. Richardson recently joined the CDC as a biologist. In her role, she focuses on malaria control and prevention including sample inventory, library generation, sequencing, data analysis, and report generation. She attended Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University (GSU), and she holds a master’s degree in biology with a concentration in biochemistry and molecular genetics from GSU where her research centered on herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 as well as Zika virus. Her journey with the CDC began as an ORISE fellow under the mentorship of Dr. Ya Ping Shi. She contributed to multiple impactful projects, most notably a collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine to investigate novel mechanisms for diagnosing malaria in Kenya.
Before her foray into scientific research, she worked in the private sector as a marketing coordinator for The Coca Cola Company and taught math and science at the middle, high school and collegiate levels.A lifelong learner, Mashanika enjoys music across all genres, well-made cinema, live theater, barre fitness and a good pedicure. An avid reader of biographies and a fan of historical documentaries, she also has a passion for bargain shopping. Her favorite bacterium? Wolbachia—a testament to her enthusiasm for the intricacies of the microbial world.
Dr. Cheryl Safford is an Atlanta, Georgia native. She has spent the majority of her life educating children, mentoring young families, and involved in many community outreach programs.
During the process she has worn many hats, but, the one she is most proud of is being an ambassador for Christ Jesus. She loves sharing the word of God in formal as well as private settings encouraging people to find their God given purpose by fulfilling their passion.
God saw fit to present her with an Honorary Doctorate of Humanitarianism by The Global of International Alliance from The Corporation for National and Community Service. She has received The Barack Obama Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, The Outstanding Citizenship Award from Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia, and The City of College Park Business of the Year Award just to name a few.
Although she doesn’t strive to build up a name for herself, she finds power in lifting up the name of Jesus.
“I am honored to be chosen to receive the She Leads Georgia Award and grateful to be nominated.”
Dr. Cheryl Safford
Owner, Director of
Kinder Kollege Christian School
Oshea Vega is a trauma-informed Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA) Educator with over 20 years of experience reducing the effects of high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores in adolescents from inner-city, at-risk environments. She formerly served as a Title V Liaison in the state of Georgia. Serving alongside her husband, they lead a thriving congregation in Atlanta. Oshea earned a degree in International Political Science from Spelman College. She and her husband have three children and live in the Atlanta area.
Oshea currently is the Executive Director of First Care Women’s Center in Cobb County.
Katherine Wolf is an author, advocate, and co-founder of Hope Heals. After she survived a near-fatal brainstem stroke at age 26, her family’s journey through disability has become a public witness that good and hard can co-exist in the same story. Through caregiving, storytelling, and lived theology, Katherine is inviting others into a vision of hope, interdependence, and embodied resilience. She and her husband Jay live in Atlanta with their two sons.