Trusting in young leadership is one way that Macon has evolved for the better and made us ready for showtime. Since 2001, Macon Magazine has highlighted peer-nominated young leaders through our Five Under 40. Among the pages of our magazine, you’ll find artists and activists, educators, and executive leaders. We applaud their stories - and look forward to the curtain rising on their next act.
Emily Hopkins, The Inclusive Placemaker - Vice President of External Affairs NewTown Maconmacon
Randy Heart, The Art Activator - Art Teacher at Northeast High School, Creator of Parker Cloud
Rachel Hollar Umana, The Sustainable Urbanist - Founder and Executive Director of Bike Walk Macon
Nyonnohweah Seekie, The Justice Defender - Owner, Managing Attorney of The Seekie Law Firm
Meaghan Blight, The College Campaigner - President, Wesleyan College - First For Women
Read about them at maconmagazine.com
Video: And So We Go Productions, Inc.
Photo: Jessica Whitley Photography
Congratulations to Meaghan Blight! President of Wesleyan College - First For Women and one of Macon Magazine's Five Under 40.
We asked Meaghan about her personal goals, and she shared:
"My goal is to make sure that people know who Wesleyan College is, know that we're here in Macon, and know that we are still a critical hub in the fight to achieve equality for women around the world."
Her dedication to education and gender equality continues to inspire!
Photo by Jessica Whitley Photography
Photograph Location: Theatre Macon
Rachel Hollar Umana, founder and executive director of Bike Walk Macon, and one of Macon Magazine's Five Under 40, shared the three qualities that have helped her succeed:
"Persistence, adaptability, and community-mindedness. I try to ask for advice from people with more experience and different perspectives and learn lessons from my mistakes. These qualities have helped me push forward, even when faced with challenges."
Congratulations to Rachel on being named one of Macon’s Five Under 40!
Photo by Jessica Whitley Photography
Photograph Location: The Douglass Theatre
Congratulations to Nyonnohweah Seekie, owner and managing attorney of @seekielawfirm, and recently named to the Board of Directors for the Young Lawyers Division of the Georgia State Bar, for being named one of Macon Magazine's Five Under 40!
We asked Nyonnohweah what it means to be a good leader, and she shared: "A good leader is someone who leads from a place of compassion. They have a vision for their goals and make sure to communicate it effectively to their support system. Being a good leader is not about being perfect all the time. Instead, it's about having the resilience to continue even when things do not go according to plan."
Her words remind us that true leadership is found in the ability to persevere through challenges with grace and determination. Congratulations again, Nyonnohweah!
Photo by @jessicawhitleyphotography
Photograph Location: @capitol_macon
Congratulations to Randy Heart, art teacher at Northeast High School and the creative force behind Parker Cloud, for being named one of Macon Magazine's Five Under 40! His future goals? To beautify schools, host more art battles, and share his art curriculums that focus on social-emotional learning across Georgia and beyond.
Photo by Jessica Whitley-Penndorf
Photograph Location: Grand Opera House
