Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 1647: Edwards, Shelia; receiving the 2026 Yellow Rose Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award; commend

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action March 6, 2026 · Passed

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House Resolution 1647

By: Representatives Cummings of the 39th, Campbell of the 35th, Jones of the 60th, and Beckles of the 96th

A RESOLUTION

Congratulating and commending Shelia Edwards for receiving the 2026 Yellow Rose Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, in 1999, Representative Nikki T. Randall became the first African American female elected to the General Assembly from middle Georgia, and over her 17 years of service as a legislator, she held numerous leadership positions, including chair of the Georgia Women's Legislative Caucus; and

WHEREAS, every year during Women's History Month, the Georgia Women's Legislative Caucus recognizes outstanding women in Georgia who exemplify the leadership and inspiration embodied by Representative Randall; and

WHEREAS, in her home community of Cobb County, Shelia Edwards is a highly visible advocate on quality-of-life issues, housing, and public safety, and is widely sought after for her community advocacy and proven record of grassroots impact; and

WHEREAS, she successfully organized residents to prevent a waste company from expanding operations into an already overburdened neighborhood near the Chattahoochee River, demonstrating her commitment to environmental justice and community protection; and

WHEREAS, as Publicist for Olympic Gold Medalist Mel Pender, Shelia works closely with Mel and Dr. Debbie Pender to elevate the visibility, credibility, and impact of the Mel Pender Foundation; and

WHEREAS, in addition to leading media strategy, Shelia helps position the foundation for grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships that support sustainable growth and community impact; and

WHEREAS, from executive positioning to crisis communications, she serves as the foundation's trusted voice–bringing strategic clarity, reputation management, and a solutions-driven approach to every engagement for a hometown Olympic hero; and

WHEREAS, Shelia is also the Publisher of Spotlight South Cobb News, a weekly online publication dedicated to informing South Cobb and Metro Atlanta communities about issues that impact their lives; and

WHEREAS, a proud first-generation college graduate, Shelia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Benedict College, completing her degree in three and a half years, and later completed leadership and management certifications at Emory University Goizueta Business School; and

WHEREAS, she is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University; and

WHEREAS, beyond her professional work, Shelia is deeply engaged in civic and philanthropic leadership; and

WHEREAS, she currently serves as Co-Chair of the UNCF Mayor's Masked Ball, working with various Mayors during their terms in office, and helping raise millions of dollars annually to support students attending HBCUs; and

WHEREAS, she has served on the boards of Women Looking Ahead, AMAC, and SGF Foundation, as well as remains active with numerous organizations, including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (Metro Atlanta Chapter); Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership; Cobb County Democracy Center; Cobb SCLC; Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; Atlanta Business League; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; and the United Negro College Fund; and

WHEREAS, with expertise spanning communications, government and community engagement, campaign management, operations, budgeting, fundraising, event planning, and digital strategy, Shelia Edwards continues to be a powerful force in shaping policy, strengthening communities, and elevating voices that too often go unheard.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body congratulate and commend Shelia Edwards for receiving the 2026 Yellow Rose Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award and extend best wishes for her continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Shelia Edwards.