SWAC Game ChangHer Awards Brunch 2026 Celebrates Women Leading Change

The SWAC Game ChangHer Awards Brunch 2026 brought together some of the most influential women in sports, business, and community leadership for a powerful morning of celebration and recognition in Atlanta. Held at the elegant Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, the event began with a vibrant red carpet reception where guests, honorees, and supporters gathered to celebrate excellence within the HBCU community.

Hosted by actress Ladonna S. Jackson, the atmosphere was both inspiring and celebratory as leaders from across the country came together to honor women who are transforming the landscape of collegiate athletics and community leadership. The brunch served as a dynamic platform for networking and recognition, drawing university administrators, corporate executives, media professionals, and proud HBCU alumni.

One of the highlights of the morning was the recognition of the 2026 class of Game ChangHer honorees. Among those celebrated were trailblazers such as Melissa Procter, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks, and Nikema Williams, who continues to make an impact through leadership and advocacy. Each honoree represented a powerful example of commitment to advancing opportunities for student-athletes, strengthening HBCU institutions, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Additional honorees included standout figures from athletics and academia such as Alicia Pete, Dawn Thornton, and Rashan Ali, all recognized for their dedication to mentorship, leadership, and service.

This year’s distinguished honorees:

• Alicia Pete – Women’s Athletic Director, Prairie View A&M University

• Dawn Thornton – Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Alabama A&M University

• Jaida Belton – Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete, Alabama A&M University

• Melissa Procter – Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Atlanta Hawks

• Mercedes Miller – President, ATL Airport District Convention & Visitors Authority

• Nikema Williams – United States Congresswoman, Georgia’s 5th District

• Rashan Ali – President & Chief Executive Officer, Sporty Girls Inc.

• Cherise Challenger – Founder & Managing Attorney, Challenger Law Group

• Alyse Wells-Kilbert – Associate Vice President & Senior Woman Administrator, Jackson State University

• Shirley A. Gibbs Walker – Former Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Alcorn State University

The program seamlessly blended recognition with inspiration, as each award presentation highlighted the honorees’ contributions to advancing equity in sports and strengthening the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The room was filled with pride and applause as the stories of perseverance, leadership, and impact were shared.

Produced by Rhonda Nolen and her team at Smart Tyme Agency, the SWAC Game ChangHer Awards Brunch continues to establish itself as a premier event celebrating women who are redefining leadership across the HBCU landscape.

From the red carpet arrivals to the powerful moments of recognition, the 2026 SWAC Game ChangHer Awards Brunch was more than an awards ceremony—it was a celebration of excellence, legacy, and the women who are changing the game for generations to come.