HR902: HR902 Willis, Michelle Taylor; honor

25 LC 112 3583 House Resolution 902 By: Representatives Bell of the 75 th, Cannon of the 58th, Willis of the 55 th, Holland of the 54th, and Sharper of the 177th A RESOLUTION Honoring Michelle Taylor Willis; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Michelle Taylor Willis is a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida2 and an award-winning media executive, author, speaker, actress, and master strategist whose3 leadership and innovation have shaped the media landscape; and4 WHEREAS, she is the Founder and CEO of Gagnant Media and the Pu blisher of SoFu5 Lifestyle Magazine, a platform that has been awarded "Publication of the Year" three times6 and has received numerous accolades for its contributions to the Atlanta community; and7 WHEREAS, her achievements have earned her recognition as one of the "Top 25 Most8 Powerful Women in Atlanta," "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Atlantan s," and placement on9 multiple "Top 100" lists in Georgia, cementing her reputation as a transformative leader; and10 WHEREAS, Michelle's book, Raising Significance: A Guide to Well-Rounded, Independent,11 and Confident Kids, gained national attention and was featured on The Tamron Hall Show,12 furthering her impact in education and parenting; and13 H. R. 902 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3583 WHEREAS, she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and has tirelessly14 worked to uplift and promote the South Fulton community, even coining and trademarking15 the term SoFu®, which represents the eight cities of South Fulton County; and16 WHEREAS, in recognition of her dedication, she was honored with a proclamation declaring17 February 18, 2021, as "Michelle Taylor Willis Day" in the City of South Fulton as well as18 a resolution from the State of Georgia and a proclamation as an "Outstanding Georgia19 Citizen" by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger; and20 WHEREAS, on November 18, 2021, Senator Lester Jackson and Lieutenant Governor Geoff21 Duncan recognized her invaluable contributions by declaring "Michelle Taylor Willis Day"22 at the Georgia State Capitol in acknowledgment of her work in b usiness and community23 development; and24 WHEREAS, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the25 Atlanta-Fulton Library Foundation Board, past Secretary for the Morris Brown College26 Foundation, past President of the United Way Advisory Board Sou th Fulton, and past27 President of the Théâtre du Rêve Board of Directors, demonstrating a lifelong commitment28 to service; and29 WHEREAS, Michelle's talents extend beyond business and community leadership into the30 arts, where she debuted as an actress in 2019 and was awarded the "Emerging Star for Best31 Actress" award in 2023 from the Radio and Records Organization; and32 WHEREAS, she has been a sought-after speaker, panelist, and mod erator for national33 organizations such as the National Urban League, Blacks in Tech, National Bar Association,34 H. R. 902 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3583 Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, United Way, and the University of North35 Carolina, amplifying her voice and expertise on a national stage; and36 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding achievements and lasting37 contributions of Michelle Taylor Willis be appropriately recognized and celebrated.38 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that39 the members of this body honor Michelle Taylor Willis for her e xemplary leadership,40 entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of her community41 and beyond as well as extend best wishes for continued success.42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized43 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to44 Michelle Taylor Willis.45 H. R. 902 - 3 -