GeorgiaForward

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐗𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫

Meet Xavier Walker, Marketing and Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Union City, leading citywide communications, public relations, digital strategy, and all arts and cultural programming.

Since joining the City in 2019, Xavier has advanced through three positions, driven by consistent performance, creativity, and a strong commitment to serving residents. He has contributed to major initiatives including the R3 Master Plan, expansion of parks and recreation programs, citywide placemaking, and the growth of signature community events. Xavier has also guided Union City's digital presence, helping shape the City's identity across Georgia.

As a Union City native and current resident, Xavier brings a deep understanding of the community he serves. His impact has earned him recognition as Employee of the Year, multiple Employee of the Month awards, and the Visionary Award for emerging leadership.

Welcome to the movement, Xavier. Let's build the future together!

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐢 - 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝑵𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝐆𝐌𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

Ashrit is a student at Northside High School in Columbus, GA, representing GMA District 8. His experience serving on the Columbus Youth Advisory Council showed him that young people can make a meaningful difference in their communities, inspiring him to apply for the Statewide Youth Council to collaborate with other student leaders across Georgia and bring new ideas and solutions back home.

Three words that describe Ashrit: Curious, Determined, and Open-Minded.

His dream career is to become an astronaut, exploring space and contributing to scientific research while inspiring other young people to pursue careers in STEM. He's passionate about expanding access to STEM education and ensuring young people have meaningful opportunities to participate in local decision-making.

Fun fact: Ashrit enjoys staying up late to watch meteor showers and look at the night sky 🌠

Someone Ashrit looks up to is his parents, who have always supported him, encouraged him to work hard, and taught him the importance of treating others with respect. His favorite place in Georgia is the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, and his favorite movie is The Martian.

Welcome to the council, Ashrit! We can't wait to see the change you help create!

📚 Spotlight on Mayor Hattie Portis-Jones of Fairburn and her ongoing commitment to the Mayors' Reading Club!

"Reading with the children of Fairburn is more than sharing a book – it is sharing moments of possibility. Every story we read together opens a door to imagination, builds hope and confidence, and reminds every child that their dreams are worth pursuing. As Mayor, I am honored to pour into the lives of our youngest residents through the joy and love of reading, because when we invest in our children, we are investing in the future of our entire community."

Thank you, Madam Mayor, for continuing to read with the children of Fairburn!

Re-Elect Hattie Portis-Jones Mayor Pro Tem Hattie Portis-Jones City of Fairburn

📚 Georgia Reads Day was in full swing as Mayors' Reading Club members stepped into classrooms across the state!

Mayor Betty Cason of the City of Carrollton read to 2nd graders at Carrollton Elementary this morning. Thank you, Mayor Cason, for your continued support of literacy in Carrollton!

Meanwhile, Mayor Jason Holt of the City of Fitzgerald shined a light on reading at Ben Hill Primary. Thank you, Mayor Holt, for showing up for the students of Fitzgerald!

Thank you to both mayors for making reading a priority and inspiring the next generation of readers. 💛

Georgia Reads
Betty Cason For Mayor Carrollton, GA Carrollton Elementary School
City of Fitzgerald, GA - Government Ben Hill Primary School

Today is Georgia Reads Day, and Georgia Reads Week is officially underway!

𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐚𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 is proud to support this statewide campaign, which celebrates the importance of literacy for families, students, and communities across Georgia. Through our Mayors Reading Club, we work with city leaders to support literacy initiatives in communities across the state.

Here's how you can join in each day this week:

Monday, September 21: Read Together. Read a book with a child or share a favorite story.

Tuesday, September 22: Talk Together. Start a conversation with a child and build language and connection.

Wednesday, September 23: Sing Together. Sing a favorite song or nursery rhyme, turning it into a literacy moment.

Thursday, September 24: Share a Story. Pass along a favorite book, family story, or memory that connects generations.

Friday, September 25: Connect With Your Library. Visit your local library, find a new book, or get a library card.

Join us in celebrating Georgia Reads Week! Georgia Reads

Learn more here: https://georgiareads.org/literacy-data-in-georgia/

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐢

Meet Moses Tanyi, born and raised in New York City and now making an impact right here in Georgia.

Moses serves as a Senior Contracts Manager at Equifax, where he drafts, negotiates, and manages contractual agreements that support the company's sales and operations teams. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to growth, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from Paine College, a Master of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University, an MBA from Mercer University, and coursework completed toward a Juris Doctor at North Carolina Central University.

Deeply committed to personal growth and community impact, Moses balances his professional life with his roles as a husband and father of two. His interests in entrepreneurship, sports, and physical fitness fuel his passion for leadership, discipline, and continuous improvement.

Welcome to the movement, Moses. Let's build the future together!

Save the date! We're honored to be the beneficiary of the Georgia Municipal Association's Annual Charity Golf Tournament on October 23, 2026 at City Club Marietta.

A huge thank-you to our Platinum Sponsor, Oliver Maner LLP, whose generous support helps make this event possible! Every swing helps us develop the next generation of Georgia's civic leaders and build stronger, more connected communities across our state.

Register today and join us on the course!

Register here: https://www.gacities.com/events/detail/26gfgolf

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐃𝐫. 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡

Meet Dr. Henry Smith, a strategic leader whose career spans the public, private, military, and entrepreneurial sectors.

A decade of service in the U.S. Air Force shaped Dr. Smith's disciplined leadership style, grounded in accountability, collaboration, and mission focused ex*****on. He went on to expand his impact through human capital leadership, workforce transformation, and organizational development roles in technology, Chick-fil-A, and his own consulting practice.

Today, Dr. Smith serves as Director of Organizational Development for the City of Powder Springs - News and Events, where he leads governance modernization, workforce alignment, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. His work strengthens accountability, organizational resilience, and long-term sustainability for the city.

Grounded in research informed practices, Dr. Smith is committed to advancing civic leadership, organizational excellence, and effective public service delivery in a growing Georgia municipality.

Welcome to the movement, Dr. Smith. Let's build the future together!

Georgia Reads Day is almost here, September 21, kicking off Georgia Reads Week!

𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐚𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 is proud to support this statewide campaign, which celebrates the importance of literacy for families, students, and communities across Georgia. Through our Mayors Reading Club, we work with city leaders to support literacy initiatives in communities across the state.

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate literacy with us next week!

Georgia Reads

Learn more here: https://georgiareads.org/literacy-data-in-georgia/