Hawks Host Third Annual She LEADS Summit

On Thursday, the Atlanta Hawks, alongside State Farm Arena, took another meaningful step in uplifting the next generation of women leaders, hosting the third annual She LEADS Women’s Empowerment Summit at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex.

The all-day experience brought together more than 50 early-career professionals for a hands-on, immersive program rooted in growth, connection, and purpose. From professional development sessions to leadership workshops and intentional networking, the focus remained clear—create space for women in Atlanta to be seen, heard, and empowered.

And this year, the summit found new ways to elevate that experience.

From mentor-mentee announcements to professional headshots and even a video booth where participants recorded messages to their future selves, every detail felt personal. It wasn’t just about where these women are now—it was about where they’re headed.

The summit also served as the official launch point for this year’s She LEADS initiative, a program designed to open doors and create real opportunities for women looking to grow across industries in Atlanta. Throughout the day, attendees heard directly from leaders spanning sports, business, entertainment, and STEAM, with conversations that didn’t shy away from the real journey—lessons learned, obstacles faced, and what it truly takes to lead with confidence and intention.

“Now in its third year, She LEADS continues to be a powerful platform for investing in the next generation of leadership in Atlanta,” said Camye Mackey, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “By creating intentional access to mentorship, resources and community, we are able to help women envision what is possible and take steps towards building successful careers.”

The room was filled with insight from a strong lineup of voices, including Amanda Battle, Jai Ferrell, Chris Holdsworth, Dr. Morgan Jones, Melissa Proctor, Onsi Saleh, and Will Stephens. Each brought a different perspective, but the message stayed consistent—growth takes intention, and leadership starts with belief.

What makes She LEADS stand out is that it doesn’t end here.

Over the next six months, participants will continue their journey through workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and a capstone project designed to challenge and sharpen their skills. It all leads up to a graduation ceremony that not only celebrates how far they’ve come, but reinforces the organization’s ongoing commitment to pushing more women into leadership spaces across every industry.

This wasn’t just another event on the calendar—it was an investment in Atlanta’s future.