Atlanta Woman magazine recently held an annual event to honor nominees and to name the 2007 “Woman of the Year” and “Fan Male of the Year” on August 7, 2007 at the Atlanta Biltmore. These annual awards recognize individuals for their initiative and meaningful contribution to the Atlanta community.

Presenting the awards at the event, Atlanta Woman magazine publisher Dabney Hollis said, “Each nominee exemplifies what it takes to make a difference – not only do they hold leadership positions and act as role models in their professions, but they also make a profound impact improving the lives of men, women and children in our community. We are pleased to recognize and encourage these individuals who share Atlanta Woman’s values of integrity and excellence, and who contribute in such meaningful ways.”

The 2007 Fan Male of the Year was awarded to Scott Hilsen, partner at Alston & Bird LLP. Hilsen enthusiastically supports 'Dress For Success,' a non-profit organization providing work attire, professional counseling and encouragement to low-income women entering the work force. As the only man on the Dress for Success Board of Directors, he brings a unique perspective and expertise. Hilsen says he feels fortunate to work with “strong, confident women who inspire him every day.”

Justine Boyd, CEO of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, was honored as the 2007 Woman of the Year. The YWCA’s dual mission is not only to empower women, but also to eliminate racism. Boyd believes her “life learning’s have brought her to this point of leading an organization whose entire focus is to enable and uplift the causes of women and girls.”

The Fan Male nominees have been innovative in creating their own unique paths. Each saw a need within the community and has worked diligently to fulfill it:

Joseph Arnold, Founder, Positive Growth Boys Home – Strives to make a positive difference in the lives of abandoned, abused or neglected youth by providing them with a loving and structured environment.

Jon Been, President and CEO, HomeLife Communities – Homebuilder, who rallied his company’s efforts to donate homes for displaced Hurricane Katrina victims in each of the company’s markets.

Scott Dorfman, President and CEO, Innotrac Corp. and Partnership Against Domestic Violence – Avidly supports PADV, devoting time and funds to provide safety and support to battered women and children.

Jim Geiger, Chairman and CEO, Cbeyond – Established Cbeyond Women’s Network to encourage professional growth, networking and continual opportunities for women at his company.

Don Keenan, Founder of the Keenan Kid’s Foundation – Lawyer who focuses his efforts on helping disadvantaged youth and seeks to make our society safer for children.

John McLaughlin, Founder, North Metro Miracle League – Provides an inclusive environment and adapted sports programs for children and adults with disabilities from ages four to 78.

James Murray, Chief of Police, Peachtree City Police Department – Relentlessly fights to put online pedophiles behind bars.

Jesus Antonio Nerio, Founder of the Hispanic Bar Association – Lawyer, who has dedicated his time to ensuring interpreters are available for defendants in the courtroom and to working pro bono for woman in domestic violence shelters.

Allen Rossum, Founder, Healthy Kids Klub – Challenges youth around the country to live healthier lives by providing wholesome activities, promoting a nutritious diet and sponsoring programs to fight obesity.

The Women of the Year nominees have devoted their time and energy to giving their best to the Atlanta community and, in doing so, have brought out the best of all those around them:

Leona Barr-Davenport, President and CEO, Atlanta Business League – Supports the development of the African-American community by continuing to grow leaders and entrepreneurs.

Hattie Dorsey, former President and CEO, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership – Passionately works to bring affordability to market developments and provide resources to under-served neighborhoods

Susana Maria Chavez, President of the Board of the Anti-Prejudice Consortium – Paving the way for change by working with 50 middle schools in Atlanta to heighten prejudice awareness.

Janice Galleshaw, M.D., Georgia Cancer Specialists – Devotes her time to helping cancer patients, contributing to their decisions, and fighting to find a cure.

Susan Mendheim, President and CEO, Midtown Alliance – Leads the vision of Atlanta’s future by creating an environment where people can thrive and be part of a community.

Kanchana Raman, President and CEO, Avion Systems, Inc. – Works to make her company a melting pot of diverse views and backgrounds and supports the community by donating computers to women’s homeless shelters.

Maria Saporta, Journalist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution – Writer of a regular business and civic column, who strives to get people to question the status quo or come up with better solutions.

Betty Siegel, Ph.D., Founder, Siegel Institute for Leadership, Ethics & Character – Devoted her energy to transforming institutions with ethical leadership.

Yvonne Williams, President, Perimeter Community Improvement District – Works to overcome obstacles and motivate people to continually beautify the community.

Atlanta Woman is now accepting nominations for 2008 Fan Male and Woman of the Year, with nominees recognized monthly within the pages of Atlanta Woman magazine.  Nominations should be submitted to Mary Welch, Editor, via email, mwelch@billan.com.