Today, I had the honor of attending the grand opening of the new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, a truly historic moment not only for Atlanta, but for the future of soccer in the United States. ⚽🇺🇸
As an Atlanta native and proud representative of Atlanta Public Schools, it was inspiring to witness a transformational investment that will impact our students, families, athletes, and communities for generations to come. This facility places Georgia and the City of Atlanta at the center of the global soccer conversation as we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and continue building pathways for youth development, leadership, wellness, and economic opportunity.
The impact of this moment extends far beyond sports. Facilities and partnerships like this create opportunities for exposure, mentorship, workforce development, health and wellness initiatives, and educational engagement for young people across Atlanta Public Schools and throughout the state of Georgia. Our students deserve to see what is possible and today was a powerful example of vision becoming reality.
Thank you to Arthur Blank, Dan Cathy and everyone involved in bringing this incredible vision to life and creating a legacy that will inspire future generations.
A special thank you as well to Lex, JT Boston, and the CEO of U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to be present and witness such an important moment in history. The future is bright for Atlanta, Georgia, and soccer in America.
#USSoccer #Atlanta #AtlantaPublicSchools #WorldCup2026 #Leadership YouthDevelopment Soccer Georgia CommunityImpact ArthurBlank Legacy
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Today, I am proud to officially graduate and become an alumna of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2026.
This has been one of the most fulfilling leadership experiences I have ever participated in especially because it centers on the City of Atlanta. A city I was born and raised in. A city my parents were born and raised in. A city my grandparents came to from across North, South, East, and West Georgia in search of greater opportunity better jobs, stronger communities, and access to education through Atlanta Public Schools.
Atlanta helped shape who I am and who I am still becoming.
Leadership Atlanta deepened that connection. It challenged me, stretched me, and strengthened me as a leader. It also connected me with an incredible network of individuals who share a common purpose: to make Atlanta better through our respective roles. What stood out most was the camaraderie, the reminder that none of us are doing this work alone, and that everyone has a role to play in moving our city forward.
This milestone is especially meaningful for me personally.
During this program, I faced unexpected health challenges, including spinal cord surgery. While recovery is ongoing, I remained committed to showing up navigating mobility challenges, attending sessions when I could, staying engaged with my peers, and continuing the work. And in one of my most vulnerable moments, lying in a hospital bed it was my Leadership Atlanta classmates who showed up for me through texts, calls, and visits. That is what true community looks like.
I am deeply grateful for each and every one of them.
Today, I celebrate not just completing a program but the resilience, the relationships, and the purpose that came with it.
Cheers to Leadership Atlanta. I look forward to staying engaged, continuing the work, and building on friendships that will last a lifetime.
There’s something special about being able to say you are truly Atlanta through and through. ❤️🏙️
I was born right here at Crawford Long Hospital, raised in this city, and proud to be a third-generation Atlantan. This isn’t just where I live, this is home, this is legacy, this is community.
Atlanta has shaped who I am from our resilience and culture to our commitment to lifting each other up. And today, on 404 Day, I’m reminded just how powerful it is to be rooted in a city that continues to grow, lead, and inspire.
I’ve had the honor of serving this city, fighting for our communities, and investing in our future, especially for our children because Atlanta poured into me first.
404 Day is more than a celebration, it’s a reflection of who we are.
And I’m proud to say…
I am Atlanta. 💯🍑
#ATL404Day #AtlantaBornAtlantaRaised #ThirdGenerationAtlantan #ProudAtlantan
When passion meets purpose, and a community never gives up—we win. ✨
Yesterday was a reminder of what’s possible when people come together with a shared vision and refuse to let it go.
The Harper-Archer Planetarium is more than a space—it’s a symbol of resilience, advocacy, and belief in our students’ future. Because of this community, what once was… will be again—stronger, more innovative, and built for the next generation.
This is what winning looks like. đź’«
#CommunityPower #District5 #AtlantaPublicSchools #STEM #EducationMatters PurposeDriven WeWin
Today was a powerful and meaningful moment for District 5 and the entire Atlanta community.
I had the honor of standing alongside community leaders, educators, partners, and advocates to announce the reimagining of the Harper-Archer Planetarium—one of only three historic planetariums once housed within Atlanta Public Schools.
This is more than a restoration project. It is a commitment to our students.
For decades, the Harper-Archer Planetarium served as a gateway to discovery, inspiring generations of students to explore science, space, and their limitless potential. Today, we are bringing that vision back—reimagined for the 21st century.
With immersive, full-dome technology and hands-on STEM experiences, this space will once again ignite curiosity, expand opportunity, and ensure that our students have access to world-class learning right here in District 5.
What makes this moment even more powerful is that it comes at a time when history is unfolding before our eyes. As NASA advances the Artemis Program—sending astronauts back to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years—our students will be able to see themselves in that future.
Because when students can see it, they can believe it.
And when they believe it, they can achieve it.
This project is a direct reflection of years of advocacy from our community—leaders, educators, faith partners, and families who never let this vision fade. Today, we honor that legacy while building a future rooted in innovation, equity, and opportunity.
We are not just restoring a space—we are creating a launchpad for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and yes… future astronauts.
#AtlantaPublicSchools #District5 #STEM #STEAM #EducationMatters StudentSuccess Artemis FutureReady CommunityImpact
As Atlanta prepares to serve as a host city for the 2026 World Cup, partnerships matter more than ever. Atlanta Public Schools is proud to partner with U.S. Soccer through its Soccer Schools initiative—an effort I have been honored to help drive and support as a School Board Member.
This initiative ensures that our students have access to world-class opportunities connected to global events happening right here in our city.
Yesterday was a special moment as two students from Hutchinson Elementary School had the incredible opportunity to walk on the field during the U.S. vs. Portugal match. Experiences like this create lasting memories and inspire the next generation.
I also had the opportunity to meet with the President of U.S. Soccer and members of their leadership team, further strengthening our shared commitment to expanding access and opportunity for students.
We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting other school districts across the country whose cities will host World Cup matches.
Stay tuned—there’s much more to come from U.S. Soccer and APS.
I’m proud to share an exciting update for our students in Atlanta Public Schools.
Through intentional partnership building, I worked to connect APS with U.S. Soccer to ensure our students can take part in opportunities tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup—with Atlanta hosting eight matches.
As a proud Atlantan, I know firsthand the impact of global events on young people. I had the opportunity to experience the 1996 Summer Olympics, and those moments helped shape my perspective on what’s possible. I want the same kind of exposure and inspiration for our students.
This partnership goes beyond a single event. It’s about creating long-term, sustainable opportunities in soccer programming, access, and student engagement across our district.
As part of this effort, U.S. Soccer has partnered with Bank of America to launch the “Soccer for Schools” initiative. Hutchinson Elementary School was selected as a kickoff site—an exciting moment for the school and our community.
Looking forward to seeing our students benefit from this partnership—not just during the World Cup, but for years to come.
#AtlantaPublicSchools #USSoccer #WorldCup2026 #StudentOpportunities #CommunityImpact YouthDevelopment
Earlier this month, I had the honor of speaking with the incredible young women of the Alabama State University Women’s Track & Field Team while visiting Montgomery, Alabama.
Returning to my alma mater is always special, but this visit was particularly meaningful. I had the opportunity to share my journey as a student-athlete at ASU and reflect on being part of the first indoor and outdoor track teams to win the university’s first SWAC Championships. Seeing where the program is today—with 62 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships—is truly inspiring and a testament to the legacy of excellence that continues to grow.
Although I am still not 100% health-wise as I continue recovering from spinal cord surgery, it was important for me to show up and spend time with these young women. I wanted them to know that the path to success is built on resilience, determination, and perseverance—both on and off the track.
Sharing my story of triumph, setbacks, and continued determination was a reminder that our experiences can inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and changemakers.
To the ASU women’s track team—keep running your race, stay focused, and remember that your legacy is being written every day.
#AlabamaStateUniversity #SWAC #StudentAthlete #WomenInSports #Resilience KeepRunningYourRace
Restoring Wonder, Expanding Opportunity in District 5
One of the initiatives I am especially proud to champion is the restoration of the Planetarium in District 5. For decades, this space has been a place where students looked up, imagined possibilities, and explored the universe beyond our city.
The Planetarium represents more than just a facility — it is a gateway to STEM learning, curiosity, and innovation for our scholars. By restoring and reactivating this incredible asset, we are ensuring that students in Atlanta Public Schools have access to hands-on experiences in astronomy, science, and technology that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
As an Atlanta native, APS parent, and proud representative of District 5, I believe our students deserve learning environments that spark imagination and expand opportunity. Revitalizing the Planetarium is about honoring our history while preparing our scholars for the future.
Thank you to the community partners, educators, and supporters who continue to believe in investing in our students and our schools.
✨ The universe is vast — and so are the possibilities for our students.
District 5 advocacy video link https://youtu.be/urSdFSPqFHs?si=5DLb8V8CujW50h8m
#AtlantaPublicSchools #District5 #STEMEducation #StudentSuccess #FutureReady EducationalLeadership Atlanta
On March 2, I had the distinct honor of recognizing The Ludacris Foundation for 25 years of transformative service to the students and families of Atlanta Public Schools.
Founded in 2001 by Ludacris (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges), the foundation has demonstrated what true community partnership looks like—investing not only financial resources, but also time, mentorship, innovation, and heart into Atlanta’s youth.
For a quarter of a century, The Ludacris Foundation has helped expand access to STEM education, robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. Through creative programs like TechTunes, scholars are introduced to the intersection of music and technology—opening doors to future-ready careers. Partnerships with institutions such as Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Microsoft have strengthened pathways to post-secondary success.
Beyond academics, their LudaCares initiative has supported families with food distributions, back-to-school supplies, holiday assistance, and crisis response during Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic—ensuring students could remain focused on learning even during challenging times.
Their commitment to healthy lifestyles, mental wellness, and leadership development reflects an understanding that supporting the whole child is essential to student success.
Thousands of APS scholars have been impacted by this work over the past 25 years—gaining confidence, resilience, and opportunity.
District 5 proudly celebrates The Ludacris Foundation’s legacy of service, partnership, and impact. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Atlanta’s youth and for helping us build the next generation of leaders.
#AtlantaPublicSchools #District5 #CommunityPartnership #StudentSuccess #STEM Leadership 25YearsOfImpact
Thank you to the parents, families, educators, and community members who trusted me to serve as Chair of the Atlanta Board of Education. While my term as Chair has ended, my service continues. I look forward to continuing to serve District 5 and our students with purpose and commitment. đź’™
On today's #CloserLookWABE with @RoseScottATL : Former #Atlanta Board of Education Chair Erika Y. Mitchell joins the program to give her view on public #education, plus the achievements and challenges she sees in urban districts. Listen at 12pm & 8pm EST on @WABENews & WABE.org #school #teacher #students @erikaymitchell
