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
Congratulations to Emily Hopkins, Vice President of External Affairs at NewTown Macon, for being named one of Macon’s Five Under 40!
We asked Emily what her vision for the community is, and she shared this powerful insight: "My vision for our community is the success of downtown and the lessons learned from its revitalization to be applied to every neighborhood throughout Macon. Not that long ago, downtown was the worst of the worst, but now it’s the best of the best."
Emily's dedication to creating an inclusive and prosperous future for our community is truly inspiring. She's a true community leader!
And tonight, she speaks at Grant's Lounge, Macon, GA with Storytellers Macon! 'How I Paid the Bills' is all about the real-life experiences behind making ends meet. Join her and others tonight at 6:30 p.m. and share your story too!
Photo by Jessica Whitley Photography
Photograph Location: Macon City Auditorium
Send us your foodie photos for an opportunity to be featured in Macon Magazine.
From hosting family around a favorite table to a time shared at your favorite local eating establishment, we want to see you celebrating our local flavor!
DM us or submit your FACES photos with captions to [email protected].
Join Macon Magazine in celebrating and honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day. Read about the efforts of the Ocmulgee National Historical Park and Ocmulgee River corridor to preserve the past, protect the present, and plan for the future of indigenous lives and cultures in Central Georgia. Then, head over to the Ocmulgee Mounds Association to find out how you can take action and get involved.
Did you know that October is LGBT History Month? Here at Macon Magazine, we're proud of Macon's LGBT history. In our upcoming October/November issue, you'll find an exclusive interview between our smart editorial intern, Eliza Moore, and the one and only Tangerine Summers. You don't want to miss this legendary drag queen's story.
In our Feb/March edition of mindfulness, certified Grounded Kids Yoga teacher Maria Andrade guides us through a meditation that invites us to create something that brings us joy, something we find meaningful.
“Much like the spring, I believe you are ready to bloom,” she said.
Begin her meditation practice now so that you will be ready to take action by the vernal equinox on March 20.
Hotel Forty Five, the 94-room boutique hotel, is officially open!
Situated on the iconic 45-degree angle formed by Cherry and First Streets, and Cotton Avenue, across from the newly designed Rosa Parks Square, the hotel will be the first in Macon’s Historic Central Business District. The angled street was a city design ahead of its time that made transportation of cotton barges to and from the river possible. This emblematic wedge serves as the creative thoughtfulness behind the hotel's name. Hotel Forty Five is a part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio and is owned and operated by Mainsail Lodging & Development with IDP Properties developing the project.
Conveniently located across the street from the Macon City Auditorium, guests and locals alike can grab a bite or a drink before heading to a show of their choice.
“Macon is deeply rich in history, so being able to witness the revitalization while still holding true to its roots is pretty remarkable,” said Stephan Amesoeder, General Manager of Hotel Forty Five. “We look forward to being a positive addition to this already successful and notable community. Hotel Forty Five is proud to honor Macon’s rich history.”
To make a reservation, call (855) 840-9141. For more information please go to hotelfortyfive.com, loommacon.com for menus and reservations and hightalesmacon.com to view menus.
Have you booked your room yet?
Happy Chanukah, y’all!
Do you know the history and meaning of Chanukah? Think Chanukah is the Jewish Christmas?
Think again.
Read all about the festival of lights in the upcoming issue.
See our Instagram grid for the the BONUS: Classic Potato Latkes + Applesauce recipes
🖋: Jami Gaudet
📸: Jessica Whitley
