Discover Our Impact
News. Events. Resources.
PAST PROJECT PINNACLE EVENTS
Session #11: Professional Branding
November 2025
Our Professional Branding Session provided valuable learning and practical tools for professional development.
The day began with a dynamic workshop led by Deborah “Deb” Denure, Founder & President of DB Associates, who guided participants through strengthening their resumes, refining job application strategies, sharpening interview skills, and elevating their LinkedIn presence.
Throughout the event, photographer Jeancarlo Gomez captured professional headshots, giving participants a polished image to carry into future opportunities.
Participants also heard from a panel of talented entrepreneurs who shared their journeys and perspectives:
- Courtney Williams – Hair Stylist, Founder & Operator of The Curl Conqueror
- Maxine Baptiste – Wedding & Events Planner, Founder & Operator of Occasions on Main | The Max.B Group
- Rashod Armon Stanley (“Armon Rashod”) – Fashion Designer, Founder of The Trenches Global
Each panelist offered valuable insight into building a brand, overcoming challenges, and showing up authentically in their industries.
In the afternoon, Dr. Kevin M. Weeks led a Dress for Success session focused on professional presence and intentional choices in attire, concluding with a tie-making competition.
Peace On The Move
November 2025
We teamed up with @peaceonthemove in Decatur to support families ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Together, we sorted, boxed, and distributed fresh produce to local households in need of a meal and a little extra support this season.
@peaceonthemove is a Decatur-based nonprofit that supports families across Metro Atlanta with food resources, emergency aid, and hands-on community programs. They run year-round initiatives, including food distribution, senior meal support, housing and utility assistance, and a community teaching garden that promotes healthy eating and sustainability for youth and families.
We are honored to work alongside this organization and support local families during the holiday season.To learn more or get involved, visit https://www.peaceonthemove.org.
GA Power Career Exposure Day
October 2025
Cohort 14 powered up for their Career Exposure Day with Georgia Power!
Participants explored a variety of career paths across the energy industry — from engineering and operations to fieldwork that keeps our communities powered. They toured multiple sections of the career fair, learning about roles such as linemen who maintain power lines and crews who work underground on electrical systems and panels.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations, asked insightful questions, and connected with professionals to learn about the education, training, and internship opportunities available to launch a career in the field.
Everyone left inspired by the many ways they can make an impact in Georgia’s growing energy industry — a reminder that exposure builds confidence, and confidence builds futures.
Leadership DeKalb is a premier program that brings together leaders from across the county to tackle key community issues and drive meaningful change. At Project Pinnacle, we share this like-minded mission by providing youth with the tools, education, and support needed to successfully uplift the communities around us.
Represented by our Project Pinnacle, Inc. Executive DIrector, Alvarine Wagner, the panel discussed the impacts of diversion programs in transforming lives and reducing recidivism. Ms. Wagner highlighted how diversion programs like Project Pinnacle provide individuals with second chances and the resources needed to build successful futures.
Session #10: Civic Engagement
October 2025
Cohort 14 had an incredible opportunity to learn about voting rights and the realities of civic engagement, responsibility, and choice. Guest speakers Nichola Hines and David F. Walbert shared powerful insights on advocacy, law, and the importance of using one’s voice. Hines, President of the League of Women Voters of Georgia, spoke about voter education and informed participation. Walbert, a civil rights attorney and former Emory law professor, discussed the legal foundations of equality and justice. The session also featured a surprise visit from rapper and activist Shyne, who inspired participants to rise above adversity and lead with purpose.
Nichola Hines is a civic leader, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to strengthening voter education and ethical leadership. She currently serves as President of the League of Women Voters of Georgia and Chair of the City of Atlanta’s Office of Inspector General & Ethics Board.
David F. Walbert is a distinguished attorney, educator, and advocate for civil rights and constitutional justice. A former professor at Emory University School of Law, Walbert has represented individuals and organizations in landmark cases that have shaped state and national policies.
The session concluded with a special visit from rapper and activist Moses Michael Levi Barrow, known as “Shyne.” He shared his powerful journey of transformation, from adversity to advocacy, and spoke about the importance of self-belief, resilience, and using one’s voice to rise above challenges. His story reminded participants that true leadership isn’t defined by circumstance, but by courage, conviction, and character.
Hawks Million Meal Pack
September 2025
Project Pinnacle, Inc. joined forces with the @atlantahawks the annual Million Meal Pack, an incredible initiative to fight food insecurity across Metro Atlanta. Alongside thousands of volunteers, we helped to pack 1,020,672 meals, prepared 134,288 pounds of food, and filled 3,630 boxes containing 2,672 bags of food. Our group alone filled upwards of 9 boxes with more than 446 bags of food!
Each meal packed represents more than food — it represents hope, relief, and encouragement for Metro Atlanta families. These meals directly benefit key community partners, including the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Hosea Helps, Midwest Food Bank, the Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta, and Sweetwater Mission. According to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, one in seven Georgians are living with food insecurity, including one in five children. Initiatives like the Million Meal Pack are integral to communities in need Thanks to the @atlantahawks for leading this effortWe are honored that Project Pinnacle, Inc. could stand alongside thousands of volunteers to contribute to lasting community support.
@peaceonthemove is a Decatur-based nonprofit that supports families across Metro Atlanta with food resources, emergency aid, and hands-on community programs. They run year-round initiatives, including food distribution, senior meal support, housing and utility assistance, and a community teaching garden that promotes healthy eating and sustainability for youth and families.
Fernbank Museum
September 2025
Cohort 14 partnered with the Fernbank Museum to support their forest restoration project. We removed invasive species that threaten the health of native plants and disrupt the natural ecosystem.
By plucking invasive plant life, we make space for native species to thrive, restore balance to the forest, and protect biodiversity for future generations. Every plant removed brings us one step closer to a healthier, stronger ecosystem.
The Fernbank Museum is dedicated to inspiring a greater appreciation of our planet and its natural systems. Through science, conservation, and education, they protect one of the largest urban forests in the U.S. and create opportunities for communities to engage with nature.
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Session #9: Morehouse & Spelman College
September 2025
Cohort 14 visited @Morehouse College for an inspiring day of learning and reflection. We had the privilege of hearing from @Dr. Illya E. Davis, an esteemed Morehouse alum and Professor of Philosophy, who shared wisdom on rising above challenges and finding happiness without hurting others. Dr. Davis encouraged us to take action, keep our promises, make thoughtful decisions, extend grace, and treat others with respect.
The ladies of cohort 14, had the opportunity to tour the illustrious @Spelman College while the cohort 14 gentlemen toured the distinguished Morehouse College campus. We enjoyed exploring the campus and learning about potential opportunities for their future.
Dr. Davis also spoke about rethinking traditional ideas of masculinity, encouraging men to open up, share emotions, and lean on one another instead of hiding behind their masculinity. The conversation left a lasting impact, inspiring reflection and growth.
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Atlanta Mission
August 2025
Cohort 14 served with @AtlantaMission by sorting and organizing clothing donations to directly support men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. Each piece represented more than clothing—it represented a tangible way to restore dignity to local unhoused families.
Established as a soup kitchen in 1938, Atlanta Mission serves the Atlanta community by providing emergency shelters, recovery programs, and comprehensive supportive resources designed to help individuals and families regain stability, rebuild their lives, and work toward long-term independence. Their mission emphasizes restoring hope, empowering lives, and creating opportunities for lasting change.
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Session #8: 10th Annual Know Your Rights Panel
August 2025
Project Pinnacle hosted its 10th annual Know Your Rights (KYR) Panel, where participants learned about protections under the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 13th Amendments and engaged directly with those who uphold, prosecute, defend, and interpret the law.
The KYR panel goes beyond legal education—it creates space for honest, accountable conversations between justice-impacted youth and leaders in law enforcement, prosecution, defense, and civil rights.
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Session #7: Financial Literacy - Smart Money Moves
July 2025
In our 7th session of the year, Cohort 14 began by sharing our vision board presentations — a powerful moment where participants expressed their personal dreams and aspirations. This reflective exercise helped us connect with our future selves and set a clear foundation for the work ahead.
Following our vision sharing, we had the privilege of learning from Mrs. Holly D. Reid-Toodle, CPA — a dynamic expert in financial literacy who led an inspiring presentation on Smart Money Moves. Mrs. Reid-Toodle broke down key financial concepts like compound interest, credit cards, banking accounts, and the importance of building healthy financial habits.
We learned that financial literacy requires more than just understanding numbers — it is the backbone of the knowledge and skills that empower the ability to make informed decisions, plan ahead, and create long-term stability.
Through interactive games, thoughtful reflections, and goal-setting exercises, the session was both fun and educational Ms. Holly helped Project Pinnacle 14 to translate lessons into practical steps for acquiring generation wealthThis experience reaffirmed that envisioning your goals and equipping yourself with financial wisdom are essential to unlocking lasting growth and success.
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Books For Africa
July 2025
Cohort 14 joined forces with Books For Africa to help sort and pack a variety of books heading to Tanzania — and it was a chapter worth remembering.
Books for Africa is the largest shipper of donated text and library books to the African continent. They are committed to ending the book famine by delivering educational resources that empower students, support teachers, and transform communities through literacy.
Since 1988, Books for Africa has sent more than 63 million books to all 55 African countries. In 2024 alone they shipped approximately 2.8 million books valued at more than $28.5 million!
Every book we touched represented opportunity, education, and a brighter future for students who deserve the chance to learn, grow, and dream big.It was both humbling and inspiring to realize that our efforts could ripple across the globe and make a lasting difference in someone else’s life.
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Everybody Eats Together ATL
June 2025
We had the privilege of partnering with Everybody Eats Together ATL, a grassroots organization reclaiming abandoned spaces and transforming them into centers of rest, nourishment, and radical community care.
The land we gathered on once held a trap house — a place where pain echoed and survival was currency. But now, it’s being reimagined: not as something that takes from the community, but as a space that gives back. A space to gather, to breathe . . . to be.
Together, we built egg chairs and hammocks that now live on the land — inviting neighbors to pause, to rest, and to feel held by something greater than struggle.
After building, we slowed down. We shared snacks, music, laughter, and silence. On our tour, we witnessed tree roots breaking through the foundation — a poetic reminder that life will always find a way – even through brokenness. Like our personal goals in life, we worked hard on the build, so we could enjoy our efforts and just chill. Everybody Eats Together ATL Founder, Shawn Deangelo Walton, thereby coined the phrase: “Build and chill.”
It was a special privilege to work alongside Shawn Deangelo Walton, who graciously invited Project Pinnacle into a profound moment of silence — to honor the past, feel the sacredness of the present, and imagine what a once dilapidated, broken, and abandoned space can become: a garden, a refuge, a place where everybody eats, everybody rests, and everybody belongs – together.
This wasn’t just a service project — this was reclamation.
Established as a soup kitchen in 1938, Atlanta Mission serves the Atlanta community by providing emergency shelters, recovery programs, and comprehensive supportive resources designed to help individuals and families regain stability, rebuild their lives, and work toward long-term independence. Their mission emphasizes restoring hope, empowering lives, and creating opportunities for lasting change.
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MedShare
June 2025
Project Pinnacle, Inc. (Cohort 14) had an incredible opportunity to partner with MedShare International— a local DeKalb County, GA non-profit committed to improving healthcare and reducing medical waste by delivering surplus supplies to underserved communities worldwide.
During our community service day, we toured MedShare’s impressive facility and gained insight into how they collect, sort, and redistribute vital medical supplies to hospitals and clinics both locally and across more than 100 countries. We learned to appreciate that the everyday items in which we often take for granted—like blood pressure monitors—are often lifesaving tools for those in need.
As a team, we packaged 880 blood pressure monitors, knowing that each one could help a patient manage their health and give clinics essential tools to support their communities.The experience curated a powerful reminder that service doesn’t always require a passport — sometimes, it starts with our own hands, right here at home.
Session #6: Vision Board
June 2025
Cohort 14 had the honor of serving with the Atlanta Braves Foundation @bravesfdn and @Chick-fil-A via the Home Plate Project — an Atlanta Braves Foundation initiative fighting food insecurity across Metro Atlanta. Together, we distributed an estimated 7,700 pounds of frozen foods and protein, fresh produce, and hot Chick-fil-A sandwiches to more than 250 households.
The Home Plate Project utilizes the United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Child Well-Being Index to identify the communities most in need and delivers thousands of pounds of fresh produce, protein, and hot meals to these communities.
Session #5: A.C.E.s & Healing Trauma)
May 2025
On May 16, 2025, Cohort 14 took a powerful deep dive into A.C.E’s, trauma healing, and emotional wellness led by SELF Education Inc. and Helping Heal The Hurt Coaching and Consulting Company.
In our session, we explored the impact of A.C.E.s (Adverse Childhood Experiences)—stressful or traumatic events that occur before the age of 18—and how we can shape our emotional responses, behavior, and even long-term health.
Through guided discussion and reflection, we unpacked:
- The connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions
- How to identify and shift mind traps
- The importance of emotional intelligence and wellness
- Tools for recognizing and interrupting negative cycles rooted in trauma
Key takeaway: “What you think causes you to feel how you feel, and how you feel causes you to act how you act.” – Danielle Hillman, Visionary Executive of Helping Heal the Hurt
MedShare Open House
April 2025
On April 26, 2025, we had the privilege of participating in MedShare’s Open House, where we helped assemble clean birthing kits.
Every day, approximately 830 women die from childbirth complications, and nearly 7,000 infants die within their first month of life — many due to infections that could be prevented with access to basic, sterile medical supplies. In remote and underserved communities, many women give birth at home without the resources needed to ensure a safe delivery.
During this event, we packed life-saving kits filled with essential supplies to support a clean and sanitary birth environment — a small action that can make a life-changing difference. With over 80,000 Clean Birthing Kits already distributed globally, we were honored to contribute to MedShare’s mission to reduce maternal and infant mortality, one birth at a time.
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ATL Braves x Chick fil A Home Plate Project
April 2025
Cohort 14 had the honor of serving with the Atlanta Braves Foundation @bravesfdn and @Chick-fil-A via the Home Plate Project — an Atlanta Braves Foundation initiative fighting food insecurity across Metro Atlanta. Together, we distributed an estimated 7,700 pounds of frozen foods and protein, fresh produce, and hot Chick-fil-A sandwiches to more than 250 households.
The Home Plate Project utilizes the United Way of Greater Atlanta’s Child Well-Being Index to identify the communities most in need and delivers thousands of pounds of fresh produce, protein, and hot meals to these communities.
Session #4: Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
April 2025
On April 18, 2025, Cohort 14 heard from our incredible @Humana Foundation partner, Jen Sands, for an impactful session on Emotional Intelligence.
Together, alongside our dedicated mentors, we explored the steps to build stronger connections by first understanding and managing our own emotions and extending that awareness and empathy to others. Jen cultivated a reflective space to feel emotionally seen, heard, and empowered.
These meaningful conversations and group activities serve as safe spaces for participants and mentors to lean into vulnerability—discuss emotional triggers and coping strategies, and support one another more intentionally.
We departed with new skills like recognizing emotional cues in others and responding with compassion and care.This session not only deepened our collective understanding of emotional intelligence, but also reinforced the power of mentorship, empathy, and community.
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Session #3: HBDI assessments/DBA
March 2025
Cohort 14 gathered for their third Project Pinnacle skill-building session, diving into the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) assessments with Deb Denure, Chief Learning Officer of DB Associates of WI, LLC & certified Whole Brain Thinking and Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) instructor and Jen Sands from the @Humana Pharmacy Learning Team!
What is HBDI & Whole Brain® Thinking?
Whole Brain® Thinking describes one’s thinking preferences. There are four quadrants of thinking – (A) Analytical, (B) Practical, (C) Relational, and (D) Experimental. We each have the ability to use all four quadrants, but we clearly have preferences for some over others. Those preferences form the basis of the Whole Brain® model. The HDBI® is a powerful learning tool that helped our cohort 14 staff, program enrollees, and their 1:1 mentors successfully identify preferred thinking styles and learn more about our own neurodiversity! This session helped participants gain valuable insights into their thinking styles and how they impact communication, decision-making, and leadership.
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Hawks 5K x ATL Track Club Community Service Event
March 2025
Project Pinnacle, Inc. participants laced up their sneakers and hit the pavement to volunteer with the Atlanta Track Club and the Atlanta Hawks during their 2025 Fast Break 5K!
Project Pinnacle fosters community bonds by embracing opportunities to give back. While soaking in the excitement of race day, our group helped ensure course safety ,guided runners across the finish line, and brought BIG energy with cheers and encouragement. Leadership isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about uplifting those around you. A huge thank you to the @ATLHawks and @AtlantaTrackClub for hosting such an incredible event in the heart of downtown Atlanta!
Leadership Dekalb Panel
February 2025
Project Pinnacle represented Diversion Programs during Leadership DeKalb’s Justice Day panel. In the field, Diversion tends to lean towards pre-indicted matters; however, Project Pinnacle uniquely works with post-indictment as an alternative to prosecution.
Leadership DeKalb is a premier program that brings together leaders from across the county to tackle key community issues and drive meaningful change. At Project Pinnacle, we share this like-minded mission by providing youth with the tools, education, and support needed to successfully uplift the communities around us.
Represented by our Project Pinnacle, Inc. Executive DIrector, Alvarine Wagner, the panel discussed the impacts of diversion programs in transforming lives and reducing recidivism. Ms. Wagner highlighted how diversion programs like Project Pinnacle provide individuals with second chances and the resources needed to build successful futures.
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Session #2 - Emotional Regulation
February 2025
During Project Pinnacle’s second session with our 14th cohort, we explored Emotional Regulation with two incredible speakers Mr. Antonio Espree-Bey and Ms. Tieshekia Jackson. We were empowered by their wisdom on mastering emotions, shifting mindsets, and transforming setbacks into growth opportunities.
Mr. Antonio Espree-Bey, took us on a powerful journey of transformation. At just 17, he was sentenced to natural life in prison without the possibility of parole for gang-related activity that resulted in the shooting of an innocent bystander. After serving over 29 years, Mr. Espree-Bey was granted a second chance when Law Professor and Social Justice Advocate Bryan Stevenson argued before the United States Supreme Court of America, in the Miller vs Alabama, 567 U.S. 460 (2012) case. Refusing to be defined by his past, Mr. Espree-Bey earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and is now pursuing his master’s. His presentation to our group focused on decision-making, self-love, and self-actualization. He inspired participants to shift their mindsets, recognize opportunities, and use setbacks as stepping stones for success.
Secondly, Ms. Tieshekia Jackson, our program’s in-house Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) , guided us through Emotional Regulation Strategies, emphasizing how our emotions shape our decisions, relationships, and success. She highlighted the importance of self-awareness, consistency, self-care, and self-love, while also addressing how bodily functions like sleep and gut health impact emotional well-being. She reminded us that when faced with challenges, we must ask ourselves: “Am I being hurtful or helpful?”
Through deep discussions and reflection, participants walked away with a greater understanding of how regulating emotions, staying consistent, and embracing growth are essential for navigating life’s challenges and creating a future filled with success and purpose.
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Orientation 2025
January 2025
A warm welcome to our new Project Pinnacle participants!
As part of Orientation, our participants were guided through the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) Assessment, in collaboration with Mrs. Deb Denure of DB-Associates Training and Mrs. Jennifer Sands from our sponsor, Humana.
Through this experience, participants took their first step in understanding their dominant thinking style by completing a 116-question diagnostic survey, measuring the four integrated systems of thinking preferences.
We can’t wait to dive into the results and gain a deeper insight into our cognitive styles, decision-making processes, and problem-solving approaches – paving the way for better communication and collaboration in both personal and professional settings.
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