13 female leaders honored at luncheon

Ten female students and three alumnae were honored for their leadership by the Women of UNG on March 3. University of North Georgia (UNG) first lady Jessica Shannon was the luncheon speaker. The event theme was "A Legacy of Leadership."

UNG faculty, staff and administrators nominated more than 70 students for recognition at the eighth annual event. A selection committee from the Women of UNG selected the 10 finalists who excel in their academic and leadership skills.

Student honorees included:

• Lexi Atilano, ’23, from Dahlonega, Georgia, graduated with a degree in chemistry.
• Josie Ayers, '23, from Gainesville, Georgia, graduated with a degree in biology.
• Cadet Jaden Davidson, a junior from Hiram, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity.
• Larkin Ethridge, a senior from Hoschton, Georgia, pursuing a degree in design and technology for theatre.
• Peyton Holley, '23, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing.
• Cadet Zoe Kinzie, a senior from Vilseck, Germany, pursuing a degree in criminal justice with forensics concentration. 
• Taylor Koenig, a senior from St. Simons Island, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology.
• Jolie Lester, a junior from Peachtree City, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management. She is also a member of UNG's softball team.
• Gisella Welch, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management.
• Krista Willey, a senior from Covington, Georgia, pursuing a degree in visual arts with a concentration in ceramics.

"I have worked very hard to learn effective leadership skills and have really enjoyed guiding others and helping them improve their own various skills. Working as a leader at UNG has prepared and encouraged me for working as a leader in my career,” Ayers said.

Kinzie expressed appreciation for the honor.

"It is amazing to see such a strong presence of female leadership at the University of North Georgia. Our community is stronger with so many active participants, and I'm honored to be among those recognized," she said.

Koenig was humbled by the recognition.

"As a first-generation college student, navigating myself through the unknown has been a challenge," she said. "So, there is a sense of pride in myself for having been recognized for the hard work I have put into my years of service."

Willey said she was impressed by the caliber of honorees.

"I have worked hard during my time as an undergraduate student to make a lasting impact on others and the university while shaping my career and embracing my education. I am so proud to be representing the Department of Visual Arts and hope to inspire other art students with the work I have done during my time here, showing that art can be used to give a voice when words fail," Willey said. "I am so thankful for the incredible women who have supported me along the way from my family to my professors, knowing that I would not be here without their love and support."

Alumnae honorees included Karen Ash Frost '74, who has a doctorate in educational leadership, Donna Winkler Whitfield, MD '80 and Barbara DeMarco Williams '73.

Women of UNG is a shared interest dedicated to promoting the role of women as confident leaders and active participants in UNG.