What to Know as HOPE Atlanta’s Annual Heroes for HOPE Event Returns October 26th

Since 2000, HOPE Atlanta has hosted the annual Heroes for HOPE gala, honoring community leaders making an impact in the fight to prevent and end homelessness. When Heroes for HOPE returns on October 26th, there will be no shortage of achievements and “Heroes” to celebrate.

Let’s meet our 2023 honorees, co-chairs, and sponsors and learn what attendees can expect at this year’s exciting event!

Individual Hero: Shan Cooper, Founder and CEO of Journey Forward Strategies, LLC

As HOPE Atlanta unveils our new strategic plan during this year’s event, we’re thrilled to honor a prolific local leader who has been instrumental in guiding us toward an exciting new chapter in our organization’s history: Shan Cooper.

“Shan not only understands the issues and opportunities our community is facing, but she’s really willing to roll up her sleeves to listen, to educate herself, and help educate others on these issues,” says Katherine Saez, Georgia Region President of Truist. “She understands the interconnected issues that people who are facing homelessness are dealing with. Shan is willing to use her voice to raise awareness and raise critical funds to help address these important issues in our community.”

Shan is the Founder and CEO of consulting firm Journey Forward Strategies, LLC, which works to drive business transformation across the pillars of people, process, technology, strategy, and organization structure with culture at the core.

Shan’s influence spans the business, government, and nonprofit sectors and she has been widely recognized in Atlanta. Before starting her consulting firm, Cooper served as Executive Director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress, which provides leadership on key issues to economic growth and inclusion. In 2022, she was awarded National Philanthropy Day Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year and has previously been named one of Georgia Trend’s “Most Respected Business Leaders” and “Most Influential Georgians” (among other awards and recognitions). She has also been honored nationally, having earned spots on Black Enterprise’s “Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America” list and the American Association of University Women’s “Women of the Year” list.

The local nonprofit community has benefited tremendously from Shan’s strategic guidance and steadfast commitment to helping others. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Grady Health System, the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), Georgia Historical Society, and Georgia Music Accord, and is on Emory University’s Board of Trustees. She is also a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club and a Life Member of the Board of Councilors for The Carter Center.

Corporate Hero: Atlanta Gas Light

Pedro Cherry, President and CEO of Atlanta Gas Light and Chattanooga Gas, will accept the Corporate Hero award on behalf of Atlanta Gas Light, which is also supporting Heroes for HOPE as a Champion Sponsor.

In operation since 1856, Atlanta Gas Light is one of the oldest corporations in the state. Besides providing natural gas delivery service to more than 1.6 million Georgia customers, Atlanta Gas Light has long been committed to promoting economic and social development.

Along with the Georgia Public Service Commission, Atlanta Gas Light spearheaded the SEED (Sustainable Environmental or Economic Development) program designed to spur growth in Georgia by attracting and retaining new jobs, encouraging investment in Georgia and supporting projects that provide energy conservation and environmental benefits.

With services and staff inextricably woven into the communities it serves, Atlanta Gas Light considers it a priority to give back to those communities. It isn’t uncommon to see Atlanta Gas Light representatives and employees at community and volunteer events, and the company has consistently given back to local causes related to energy conservation and assistance, education, environmental stewardship, and community enrichment.

Heroes for HOPE Co-Chairs: Kashi Seghal and Chris Sizemore

Co-Chair Kashi Seghal is a local entrepreneur and rising star driven by creating a positive impact through compassionate and creative problem-solving. She founded Retaaza, a social enterprise that strives to make local food more accessible and affordable, directly supporting community farmers, reconnecting consumers to their food and their planet, and feeding families and individuals struggling with food insecurity. The organization has rescued over 381,000 pounds of food, donated more than 93,000 pounds of food, and diverted 1.45 million pounds of greenhouse gas.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris Sizemore, founder of the strategic branding and communications agency INCISIVE and a founding member of Unite.Us, is returning for a second year as Heroes for HOPE Co-Chair. He has provided strategic guidance as a Board member for multiple local organizations, including the Emory Center for Ethics, Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation, and United Way of Greater Atlanta. He was also named to the 2022–2023 Georgia Titan 100, which recognizes our area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industries.

Heroes for HOPE 2023 Sponsors

In its 10th year partnering with HOPE Atlanta, Northside Hospital will return as Title Sponsor. Northside has long been committed to enhancing the quality of our community and the families it serves, partnering with organizations like ours that reinforce the principles of social justice: Access to resources, equity, diversity, participation and human rights.

Other top event sponsors include Atlanta Gas Light, CARROLL, Carter-Haston, Chick-fil-A, Colonial Pipeline Company, EY, Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition, The Home Depot Foundation, J.P. Morgan, LocumTenens.com, Perennial Properties, QuikTrip, and Rent.

What to Expect at Heroes for HOPE 2023

This year’s Heroes for HOPE theme is “Visions of HOPE.” Besides recognizing our outstanding honorees, we’re excited to unveil a strategic plan marking a bold new direction in our 123+ year history combatting homelessness. There are many more surprises and special guests in store, and this year’s attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live auction.

Exclusive items up for bidding during the live auction include:

• A week-long stay in a 2,000 square foot (3 bed/3 bath) private flat in the heart of London, close to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park
• 1 million IHG Hotel and Resort Reward points redeemable for stays at nearly 6,000 locations or towards airline miles, gift cards and merchandise
• 1-week accommodations in a luxury oceanview Puerto Vallarta condo with easy access to Downtown attractions, an on-site pool, and complimentary 3-hour sunset sailing for four

How to Get Involved in Heroes for HOPE

Community support makes HOPE Atlanta’s work possible, and joining Heroes for HOPE is a wonderful way to forge new connections and set an example as a corporate citizen while helping to fund our mission to prevent and end homelessness. Here’s how to get involved.

1. Become a sponsor. There’s still time to purchase individual and corporate event sponsorships. Click here for more information about sponsorship levels and benefits.
2. Become a patron. With your $1,000 donation, you’ll receive two tickets and recognition during the event.
3. Donate. Can’t make it to the event? Consider making a gift to show your support. Any donation, in any amount, strengthens our comprehensive support system for neighbors experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.