There’s still a buzz in the city about AMAC Atlanta’s Holiday Soiree, and for good reason. What unfolded inside the beautifully transformed Atlanta City Hall Atrium was far more than a year-end celebration. It was a powerful statement about leadership, legacy, and the accelerating momentum of one of AMAC’s most dynamic chapters.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy was undeniable. A live band set the tone, elegant décor elevated the space, and the room filled quickly with top aviation, business, civic, and community influencers. The evening was a masterclass in what happens when purpose meets celebration — equal parts networking, recognition, and inspiration.
One of the evening’s most defining moments was the presentation of the inaugural AMAC Atlanta Pinnacle Award to Mayor Andre Dickens, honoring his steadfast leadership and commitment to economic inclusion. His presence underscored the deep alignment between the City of Atlanta and AMAC’s mission to expand opportunity for emerging businesses. The applause was long, heartfelt, and well deserved.
The celebration of leadership continued with the presentation of the Corporate Stewardship Icon Award to Axel Adams on behalf of Delta Air Lines, recognizing Delta’s enduring commitment to supplier diversity and equitable business practices across the aviation ecosystem. In addition, AMAC Atlanta recognized HNTB with an Impact Leadership Award, spotlighting the firm’s influence and partnership in advancing inclusive infrastructure development. These recognitions reflected not only corporate excellence, but the tangible impact of intentional inclusion.
Perhaps the most historic announcement of the evening was the launch of the Maynard H. Jackson, Jr. Legacy of Opportunity Fund. This bold initiative is designed to support emerging businesses in the spirit of the late Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor and the nation’s inclusion pioneer. The Fund debuted with a $10,000 annual commitment from an anonymous donor and was further strengthened by an additional $20,000 pledged by members of the Jackson family during the event. Representing the family were Valerie Richardson Jackson, Mayor Jackson’s widow, and Brooke Jackson Edmond, his daughter, along with her husband, Rod Edmond, and the couple’s daughter. The family expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chapter for honoring the enduring legacy of Mayor Jackson.
Led by Chapter President Alicia Ivey, AMAC Atlanta has set an ambitious goal to grow the Fund to $500,000, an initiative that drew enthusiastic support throughout the room. To the delight of attendees, the local Board of Directors paused the program to surprise President Ivey with a Visionary Leadership Award modeled after an airplane, accompanied by a stunning floral bouquet and a regal crown fit for a queen. It was a joyful, emotional moment that perfectly captured the Chapter’s appreciation for her bold, visionary leadership.
The Chapter extended sincere appreciation to its sponsors, whose partnership elevated the evening and amplified its impact. Paradies Lagardère, a top sponsor of the event, demonstrated its continued commitment to inclusion and excellence within the aviation industry, while Pronghorn brought a powerful spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation aligned with AMAC’s mission. Reach TV captured the energy and significance of the night, ensuring the story of AMAC Atlanta’s momentum and purpose will resonate well beyond the event.
The evening also welcomed Ricky Smith, Chair of the National AMAC Board and General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, reinforcing the strong bridge between local leadership and national impact.
One of the last local chapters to be established, AMAC Atlanta has grown to become the largest chapter in the nation, an extraordinary achievement and a testament to strategic leadership, engaged membership, and a clear mission.
As the music played on and conversations flowed late into the evening, one thing was clear: AMAC Atlanta’s Holiday Soiree was not just an event, it was a declaration. A declaration of growth. Of gratitude. Of legacy. And of a future filled with opportunity.
