Five Years of Big Dreams. Her Story. Their Future.
Each year, our Women Who Make It Happen Gala brings the community together for an unforgettable afternoon, and it is the fundraiser that makes our scholarships possible. It is a celebration of recognition and giving, where the people we honor share their stories and those stories become real opportunity for local students.
This year we mark a milestone: five years of turning big dreams into real support. Our theme, Five Years of Big Dreams, celebrates how far this community has come, while Her Story, Their Future keeps people at the center, the women who make it happen and the students whose futures they help build.
Michaela Merrick is the founder and CEO of Pretty Little Tacos, an award-winning Atlanta restaurant brand she launched during the pandemic. What began as a single food trailer has grown into a recognized, multi-location business known for its Creole-Mexican fusion, catering, and community partnerships.
A mother, entrepreneur, and mentor, Michaela built her business through resilience and faith, even in the face of profound personal loss. She is passionate about mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, and showing that our circumstances do not define our future.
Her talk: "Turning Pain into Purpose," how entrepreneurship became a vehicle for resilience, healing, and creating generational opportunity, and why our greatest challenges can become the foundation for our greatest purpose.
Brick by brick, day by day.
Christina Dix leads Faithfully Fit Moms, a faith-based nonprofit that helps women strengthen their faith and prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional well-being through Bible study, wellness events, and community outreach.
A dedicated public servant of nineteen years and a lifelong learner completing her degree at Kennesaw State University, Christina is also an author who, alongside her daughter, created a children's book and a confidence journal to help young people believe in themselves.
Her talk: "Walking by Faith, Taking the First Step," an encouraging message about making a plan, trusting the process, and taking that first step toward a big dream even before you have it all figured out.
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and uncomfortable with being comfortable.
BFAM & Co. Carwash Enthusiasts, short for Brothers From Another Mother, is a family-centered business founded by three young entrepreneurs: Eric Wilson, Eden Wilson, and Mason Rollins. What began as washing family cars in Smyrna has grown into a real business built on teamwork, quality work, and pride in a job well done.
Together they have learned communication, financial responsibility, and the value of showing up consistently. Eden leads interior detailing and social media, while Eric and Mason focus on exterior detailing, each having completed a course in polishing and ceramic techniques.
Their talk: "Dream Big, Start Small," what car washing has taught them about chasing dreams, and how you do not need money, experience, or connections to begin, only the willingness to take the first step.
Success is earned one small step at a time.
Our gala and the scholarships it funds are made possible by generous partners who believe in local students and families.
Your sponsorship and your seat at the table turn one afternoon of celebration into scholarships and support for local students and families all year long.
