HR 902: Willis, Michelle Taylor; honor

House Resolution 902

By: Representatives Bell of the 75th, Cannon of the 58th, Willis of the 55th, Holland of the 54th, and Sharper of the 177th

A RESOLUTION

Honoring Michelle Taylor Willis; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Michelle Taylor Willis is a distinguished graduate of the University of Florida and an award-winning media executive, author, speaker, actress, and master strategist whose leadership and innovation have shaped the media landscape; and

WHEREAS, she is the Founder and CEO of Gagnant Media and the Publisher of SoFu Lifestyle Magazine, a platform that has been awarded "Publication of the Year" three times and has received numerous accolades for its contributions to the Atlanta community; and

WHEREAS, her achievements have earned her recognition as one of the "Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlanta," "Top 25 Most Extraordinary Atlantans," and placement on multiple "Top 100" lists in Georgia, cementing her reputation as a transformative leader; and

WHEREAS, Michelle's book, Raising Significance: A Guide to Well-Rounded, Independent, and Confident Kids, gained national attention and was featured on The Tamron Hall Show, furthering her impact in education and parenting; and

WHEREAS, she is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and has tirelessly worked to uplift and promote the South Fulton community, even coining and trademarking the term SoFu®, which represents the eight cities of South Fulton County; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her dedication, she was honored with a proclamation declaring February 18, 2021, as "Michelle Taylor Willis Day" in the City of South Fulton as well as a resolution from the State of Georgia and a proclamation as an "Outstanding Georgia Citizen" by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger; and

WHEREAS, on November 18, 2021, Senator Lester Jackson and Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan recognized her invaluable contributions by declaring "Michelle Taylor Willis Day" at the Georgia State Capitol in acknowledgment of her work in business and community development; and

WHEREAS, she has served in numerous leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Atlanta-Fulton Library Foundation Board, past Secretary for the Morris Brown College Foundation, past President of the United Way Advisory Board South Fulton, and past President of the Théâtre du Rêve Board of Directors, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to service; and

WHEREAS, Michelle's talents extend beyond business and community leadership into the arts, where she debuted as an actress in 2019 and was awarded the "Emerging Star for Best Actress" award in 2023 from the Radio and Records Organization; and

WHEREAS, she has been a sought-after speaker, panelist, and moderator for national organizations such as the National Urban League, Blacks in Tech, National Bar Association, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, United Way, and the University of North Carolina, amplifying her voice and expertise on a national stage; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding achievements and lasting contributions of Michelle Taylor Willis be appropriately recognized and celebrated.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body honor Michelle Taylor Willis for her exemplary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of her community and beyond as well as extend best wishes for 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 Michelle Taylor Willis.