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.