Leadership

Deirdra Cox is Founder and President of Community Sustainability Enterprise (CSE). Her 30+ years of CRA Community Development banking and Affordable Housing lending experience equipped has her with the leadership, vision, passion, a circle of influence and depth of knowledge needed to launch CSE in Metro Atlanta in 2016 and expand her community and economic development thought leadership throughout the Southeast.

Deirdra’s uncanny knack to forge impactful collaborative partnerships, that drive local community development efforts, has resulted in multiple cross-collaborative partnerships across the state of Georgia. Deirdra’s Level 5 Leadership style, makes her the ideal Community & Economic Development Strategist, for organizations and entities looking to develop long term business and community development strategies that will positively impact families, businesses and communities in a way that will shift the socioeconomic trajectory of America.

Deirdra is a pioneer in the banking industries CRA-Community Development landscape. Deirdra’s innovative community development efforts resulted in the development and implementation of the first “School-Based Public-Private Partnership” (SBPPP) in Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), which produced two full-service financial services centers inside of Meadowcreek and Central Gwinnett High School’s in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Her collaborative efforts have provided access, exposure, and experience to over 17,000 youth and adults to CSE’s “success pillars.”

Aysha has been an entrepreneur in the Gwinnett Community for 15+ years. She spent 12 years serving our senior community with her adult day care center, SarahCare of Snellville! Her commitment to the care of our senior community goes without saying as she serves as Co-President of Friends of Gwinnett County Seniors and a member of the Advisory Committee on Aging for ARC. Aysha is also a Leadership Gwinnett Alumni (Class of 2022) and a member of Rotary of Sugarloaf. With a rising junior at Duluth High School, she also has a special interest in the growth of our youth especially in entrepreneurship and proud to serve on the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation Board!

Jill Cauthen Edwards is Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Manager, for United Community Bank. She is responsible for the Commercial Lending Team located in Northeast Georgia with a focus on Gwinnett County. Prior to joining UCB, Jill served in leadership positions with Wells Fargo Bank.

Jill is a career veteran of the banking industry in Atlanta with most of her experience centered in the Gwinnett market where she serves on many boards. She has been active with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years, serving on their board for the past 9 years, currently serving as its Immediate-Past-Board Chair. She is active with Partnership Gwinnett as well as the Gwinnett Chamber’s A-List Membership Drive, serving and chairing multiple committees over the years. In December of 2022, she became the Treasurer for the newly formed Gwinnett Chamber Foundation. Since 2014, Jill has sat on the board of the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District which is tasked with enhancing the economic vitality of Gwinnett’s central business district. In early 2019, Jill was a founding board member of the newly created entity, Across the Bridge. As their name suggests, ATB is a bridge from the world of addiction and life changing circumstances to the hope of recovery. Shortly thereafter, she joined the boards of Rainbow Village and the Gwinnett Coalition.

In her spare time, Jill enjoys yoga, tennis, biking, skiing and daily walks. She also makes jewelry – affectionately named jillery. She is married to her best friend, Greg, and they have 2 children: Charlie and Emily.

Jill has a BS in Finance with a Management Science option, from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

A resident of Gwinnett County since 2011, Jennifer Fennell was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Jennifer joined Jackson Electric Membership Corporation, the largest member-owned electric distribution cooperative in the State of Georgia, in 2014 and in 2022 was named the Gwinnett District Manager. In her role, she oversees the day-to-day management of Jackson EMC’s office in Lawrenceville, including community involvement, member services, and governmental affairs.

Jennifer spent her first eight years at Jackson EMC as a Business Development Manager in Gwinnett County where she was responsible for growing Jackson EMC’s footprint, negotiating large electric load contracts, managing key accounts, legislative affairs, and community & economic development, after a 14-year career in the building material and steel industries. Jennifer’s background in sales, networking, and management has helped propel her career.

Jennifer is active in multiple civic organizations and community groups. Jennifer serves on the boards of The Gwinnett Chamber, Council for Quality Growth, Gwinnett Championship Foundation, Leadership Gwinnett, Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation, Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, and is secretary for the Gwinnett Police Foundation, The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation, and the Water Tower at Gwinnett Board. She is President of the Rotary Club of Sugarloaf, where she has been a member since 2016. Jennifer is a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2022, Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2018, and in August 2022 was presented the Moxie Award by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Georgia with both a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business and a Master of Business Administration. She and her husband, Benjie, live in Lilburn with their three children, Alex, Amelia, and Grant.

Tasha Allen, the Vice President of Talent Management and Diversity for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, oversees all HR functions within the Chamber and its Affiliates. She is responsible for recruiting new talent and developing the existing talent. She also develops and manages Georgia Chamber’s diversity initiatives and strategies across the state. She is an experienced Banker, Certified Human Resource professional and an entrepreneur known for her inclusive approach and transparency in communication.

Her professional career began in Columbus, Georgia working for CB&T (now Synovus), in Retail Banking, Commercial Lending, and the Community Resource Center as the Community Development Manager/CRA Officer. She later moved to Gwinnett County with her family and worked in Gwinnett County public schools for 4 years before transitioning to Chamber work. She is an innovative thinker with a proven track record of fostering traditional and non-traditional business, employee, customer, and community relationships.

Tasha holds an MBA from Troy University and a BBA from the University of Georgia. She and her husband operate an outreach ministry titled “Kicks for Kidz,” which partners with Dicks Sporting Goods. Kicks for Kidz provides brand new school shoes for kids in Gwinnett County Public School system. In her spare time, she is a certified Wilton’s Cake Decorator who loves baking and decorating cakes.

She currently resides in Dacula Georgia with her husband Marlon and their two kids.

Lisa Guadalupe Clarke is the Founder and CEO of ATL Search Group, a Women, DBE, and Minority certified staffing company focused on Bilingual Talent, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She was born in Long Island, New York and raised in Jucuapa, El Salvador during the Civil War. Coming from a Single-family home, her mom immigrated from El Salvador to provide Lisa with more opportunities and a better future.

Lisa has over 28 years of experience in Staffing and Human Resources. She is a graduate of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2022 & Leadership Georgia Class of 2019. She currently sits on the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board, and was named as one of 75 Latinas to watch in the US by ALPFA National & One of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia. Her company, ATL Search Group, received a State Resolution by the Representative of District 9 Georgia House of Representatives for the service she provides to the community.

Lisa’s leadership is recognized throughout the entire Southeast Region of the US. She served as President of ALPFA, the largest Association for Latinos Professionals in America for the Atlanta Chapter. Her passion is to help the underserved communities, and women entrepreneurs by providing better jobs opportunities through her company.

Community Volunteer Experience:
• President and Founder of Latinas Rise
• Graduate of Leadership Atlanta, 2022 and Leadership GA, Class of 2019
• Board Member for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce
• Advisor Board member of Hispanic Scholarship Fund Atlanta Chapter
• Chair for Staffing group for the MBEIC(Minority Business Entreprise Imput Committee)
• Served as President for ALPFA Atlanta Chapter (Association of Latinos Professionals for America)
• Served as the Co-Founder & President for the Women Breakfast Series in English and Spanish EME for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as a Board Member
• Leader in the Hispanic community for the U.S. Southeast region
• Advisory Board Member for the Goizueta Foundation, Inc. & the Gwinnett County Public Schools Advisory Board Member for the Hispanic Mentoring Program
• Television, Radio and Media panel discussions in English and Spanish
• Educates small business through community based events under Work Together ATL
• Active member of the Salvadorian community in Georgia

Awards Recognition Received:
• 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• One of 50 & 75 Latinas to Watch in The US by ALPFA National
• Latina Business Women of the Year by the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association
• Latinas Business Women of the year & Small Business of the year by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of commerce
• Servant Leadership award from ALPFA National at their National Convention in Vegas
• Best Employment Agency in Gwinnett County by Gwinnett Magazine
• Mentioned Honoree for the Latina Style Magazine Top 50 Award Ceremony & Diversity Leaders Conference
• Business Women of the Year By the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Small Hispanic Business of the Year by Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Diversity Award from Women of Golf Mean Business
• Distinguished Service Award from the National Minority Trucking Association
• Recognized as an active member of the Salvadorian community in Georgia for her passion to give back to the community
• Co Author for the Hipanic Starts Rising Volume III

Nancy Du is a highly accomplished and dedicated financial advisor with a passion for empowering women and immigrants in the business world.

Nancy’s experience and commitment to her clients have earned her recognition as one of the Top Women Advisors in Atlanta from 2019 to 2023 by NAIFA Atlanta. *She holds certifications as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP).

Nancy brings her experience and unique perspective as a woman and an immigrant to support Gwinnett Chamber foundation’s mission of reaching out to local businesses. Her strong background in financial planning, investment strategies, and business development allows her to provide valuable insights and guidance to help these businesses thrive.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Nancy is also a devoted mother who successfully raised her child to college completion. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the challenges faced by working parents and the importance of balancing family and career aspirations.

Committed to making a positive impact in her community, Nancy actively engages in mentorship, networking, and educational initiatives. She strives to empower individuals and help them unlock their full potential by providing guidance and support.

With her exceptional financial acumen, dedication to serving communities, and commitment to fostering business growth, Nancy is a valued board member who is making a significant difference in the lives of local businesses and the broader community.

Ms. Jennifer Griffin is married with two children and three grandchildren and a blended family. She loves football, basketball and loves to travel.

Ms. Griffin is currently the Service Line Marketing Consultant at Northside Cancer Institute Radiation Oncology a position she assumed in November 5, 2023. She is responsible for the overall development and execution of marketing strategies to promote and increase awareness of radiation oncology services within the NHCI radiation program. She works closely with the radiation team, including the physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals, to understand the unique value proposition of the service and identify target audiences. She has a strong understanding of healthcare marketing principles and experience in developing and executing marketing strategies, radiation oncology services and the ability to communicate complex medical information in a clear and concise manner. She exemplifies strong analytical and project management skills as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with cross functional teams. Additionally, she is responsible for tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of marketing initiatives and making data-driven recommendations for improvement.

She received a diploma for her Licensed Vocational Nursing from Lynnwood Nursing School (California) in 1990, and received her certification as a Breast Health Navigator in 2005. She also completed the Advanced Breast Health Navigator Course in October 2006 and her certification as Patient Navigator with the American Cancer Society July 2009. Ms. Griffin is also a (retired) licensed cosmetologist and appearance specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration – Health Management and a master’s degree in Business Administration.

Jennifer is the Co-Founder and former event director of Paint Gwinnett Pink 5K walk/run for breast cancer, and now as the Advisor on the PGP Executive Committee. This event supports our Breast Cancer Fund, Patient Assistance and funds tomosynthesis equipment for Gwinnett Breast and Imaging centers. It has funded over 4 million dollars to date. She has managed a team of 35 committee members. Jennifer has been with Northside Hospital Gwinnett since 2002 (formerly Gwinnett Medical Center), and has worked in many positions. Breast Imaging Procedure Nurse, Breast Health Navigator, Patient Resource Navigator (GMC/ACS) Community Outreach Navigator, Physician Liaison and Sr. Associate Director of Annual Gifts and Special Events at the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation.

She is a member of the Georgia Oncology Nurse Navigators, National Society of Leadership and Success, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, ACCC (Association of Community Cancer Centers), graduate of Glance Gwinnett class of 2016, Gwinnett Senior Leadership class of 2019, Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2023 and LG Alumni Committee member. Serves on the Georgia CORE grant review committee, Georgia CORE strategic planning committee.

Andrea Sieber has been part of the Southern Company family for 22 years and currently serves as an External Affairs Manager for Georgia Power. In this role, she is responsible for developing relationships with local, regional, and state leaders, advocating for customers and promoting Georgia Power’s business interests, including being a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion in the community. Prior to this role, Andrea managed the design, evaluation, and regulatory compliance of Georgia Power’s $84 million Energy Efficiency residential and commercial programs. Sieber also served as the Nuclear Accounting Manager for Nuclear Development at the Company. In this capacity, she led the efforts of investment recovery filings to the Georgia Public Service Commission for the $10 billion Vogtle 3 and 4 nuclear construction power plant project.

Andrea is a graduate of the University of West Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems. In 2002, she began her career at Gulf Power, a former Southern Company subsidiary, where she worked in Marketing Services and in Rates and Regulatory Matters. After eight years with Gulf Power, she joined the Information Technology organization for Southern Company Services where she served as a business consultant developing comprehensive strategic technology plans and initiatives on a systemwide basis.

She is an active leader in her community and is a graduate of the Leadership Gwinnett class of 2023. Andrea has served on the board of several 501(c)(3) organizations including the Gwinnett County Public School Foundation, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful, and Exceptional Futures. She is the 2024 Board Chair for Rehabilitation Enables Dreams (RED). RED is an organization committed to advancing public safety through restorative justice. She also serves as Advisor (past Chair) of the Asian Pacific American employee resource group and is the management sponsor of the Gwinnett Chapter of Citizens of Georgia Power.

Through her involvement with these organizations, Sieber has personally and professionally invested herself in the local community where her passion is helping and serving others.

Small Businesses are the core of American business. Yet, underserved small businesses that are operated by people of color, women and veterans are daily denied access to capital and resources to sustain or expand their businesses. It has become Jewel’s purpose with over 20 years as a business owner, entrepreneur and now Program Officer with LISC Atlanta to help underserved small businesses with mitigating strategies and preparation on how to capture and implement capital and resources for purposes beyond sustainability and expansion. But to grow legacy for future generations of small business owners and change the narrative from underserved to empowered and equipped small businesses owned and operated by people of color, women, and veterans.

Jewel also uses her passion and eight years’ experience as an educator by teaching at Georgia State University in the Andrew Young Public Policy Department. In her role as an Adjunct-Instructor with the Andrew Young Public Policy Department, she is instilling future policy makers/public administrators with the knowledge needed to inform them when creating, writing, and implementing policy that their roles are critical to closing wealth gaps, bringing equality where inequality has reigned too long.

When she is not championing the small business, Jewel loves weekend travels with her husband, reading mystery and fiction based on history novels-or hanging out with her gran-sugars (grandchildren are so sweet because now she can send them home to their parents) and playing with our loving labor-doodle Zsa-Zsa.

Matthew Yarbrough has served as a Gwinnett-focused political consultant for the last six years after completing a Masters Degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado-Boulder. A metro-Atlanta native with undergraduate degrees from UGA, his focus has largely been on the data analytics, fundraising, and networking skills required for a campaign success. A recent graduate of Leadership Gwinnett, Yarbrough has developed deep political roots in the county through consulting for over a dozen Gwinnett elections since 2018, and most recently he served as District Director for US Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux in the county. Today, his firm represents Gwinnett’s Chairwoman, Sheriff, Clerk of Courts, Tax Commissioner, District Attorney challenger, and several of the Gwinnett State and Superior Court Judges in their upcoming 2024 campaigns, and he serves as a regular community advisor to other county commissioners and local city elected officials in Gwinnett’s sixteen municipalities. His metro professional affiliations include membership of the SW Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Cobb Citizen’s Academy Class of 2023, and Cobb SPLOST Oversight Committee. He and his husband Jordan reside in historic Marietta.