In the vibrant landscape of Atlanta's media and cultural scene, Michelle Taylor Willis stands out as a dynamic leader, innovator, and advocate for her community. As the Founder and CEO of Gagnant Media and Publisher of SoFu Lifestyle Magazine, she has made significant strides in shaping narratives around the South Fulton County area, known affectionately as SoFu®️. Her work reflects not only a deep commitment to excellence in media but also a profound dedication to community upliftment and empowerment.
A Multifaceted Career
Michelle's career is a testament to her versatility and dedication. As the host of the popular streaming shows “According to Michelle” and “Black is the New Green,” she engages audiences in meaningful conversations that highlight culture, business, and social issues. Her previous radio show, “According to Michelle,” further solidified her role as a voice of influence in the media landscape.
Her educational background, with a degree from the University of Florida, provided her with a solid foundation that she has built upon through a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures. As an award-winning media executive, Michelle’s accolades include being named one of the “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlanta” and “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Atlantans.” These recognitions underscore her impact and standing in the community, as she continues to make her mark in various sectors.
SoFu Lifestyle Magazine: A Beacon of Community
Under Michelle's leadership, SoFu Lifestyle Magazine has garnered significant recognition, winning the “Publication of the Year” award three times. The magazine serves as a vital platform for celebrating the culture, achievements, and stories of the South Fulton community, and it has been instrumental in fostering a sense of identity and pride among its residents.
Michelle’s commitment to community engagement is further evidenced by her authorship of the book “Raising Significance: A Guide to Well-Rounded, Independent, and Confident Kids,” which was featured on the Tamron Hall Show. The book reflects her dedication to nurturing the next generation, providing parents with valuable insights into raising empowered children.
Advocacy and Recognition
Michelle’s tireless advocacy for South Fulton County has not gone unnoticed. She coined and trademarked the term SoFu®️, representing the eight cities of the region, and her efforts have led to numerous accolades including a proclamation declaring February 18, 2021, as "Michelle Taylor Willis Day" in the City of South Fulton. Her work has also been recognized at the state level, where she received a resolution from the Georgia State Legislature and was named an “Outstanding Georgia Citizen” by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
In her commitment to service, Michelle has taken on various leadership roles, including her current positions on the Atlanta Fulton Library Foundation and Aerotropolis Atlanta boards. She has also served as past Secretary for the Morris Brown College Foundation and past President of the United Way Advisory Board, further demonstrating her dedication to community enrichment and educational advancements.
A Rising Star in the Arts
Michelle’s talents extend beyond media and community service; she is also an emerging star in the performing arts. After making her stage debut in 2019 and her independent film debut in 2022, she received the “Emerging Star for Best Actress” award in 2023 from the Radio and Records Organization. Her passion for acting continues to inspire her as she builds her television, film, and theater credits.
Global Speaker and Thought Leader
As a global speaker, Michelle has shared her insights and expertise with national organizations such as the National Urban League, Blacks in Tech, and the National Bar Association, among others. Her ability to engage audiences on critical issues related to community development, entrepreneurship, and social justice has positioned her as a sought-after panelist and moderator at conferences, universities, and industry events.
Michelle Taylor Willis embodies the spirit of empowerment and innovation. Through her multifaceted career, she has not only carved out a niche for herself in media but has also dedicated her life to uplifting her community. As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, her legacy as a leader, advocate, and creative force in Atlanta and beyond is firmly established. With a bright future ahead, Michelle remains committed to fostering significance in both her professional endeavors and her community efforts, proving that true success is measured not just by personal achievements, but by the impact one has on the lives of others. Over the summer an amazing program was birthed and presented in Union City it was the M.T.W. Foundation.
Union City Celebrates the Launch of a Comprehensive Literacy Program for K-12 Students
In a groundbreaking initiative, Union City, Georgia, proudly unveiled its first-ever Comprehensive Literacy Program aimed at engaging K-12 students in a rich tapestry of literacy activities. This exciting program kicked off at The Gathering Place Community Center on June 3, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to fostering a love for reading and learning among its youth.
At the heart of this innovative program was a diverse array of activities tailored to meet the needs of students from kindergarten through 12th grade. From enchanting story hours designed for the youngest children to dynamic book clubs and creative writing workshops for older students, the program sought to cultivate essential literacy skills, enhance comprehension, and inspire a lifelong passion for reading.
Mayor Vince R. Williams expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The City Council and I were extremely proud to launch this comprehensive Literacy Program, which represented a significant step in Union City's commitment to education and community enrichment." He extended heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues on the Council for their unwavering support of this vital initiative. “By providing diverse literacy activities and establishing our first community library, we created invaluable opportunities for our children to grow, learn, and succeed.”
A cornerstone of this initiative was the establishment of The Gathering Place Community Center's inaugural community library. This vibrant library was stocked with age-appropriate reading materials and resources, offering a welcoming space where students could delve into new worlds through books. With a thoughtfully curated selection of literature, the library emerged as a hub of learning and imagination, inviting young readers to explore and discover.
In addition to the library, Union City partnered with the M.T.W. Foundation to introduce Project L.I.T. (Literacy, Intro to Entrepreneurship/Business, Technology), a week-long workshop tailored for teens aged 13-15. This groundbreaking initiative aimed to equip teens with foundational knowledge in business basics, financial literacy, technology, and entrepreneurship. This partnership marked the Foundation’s first collaboration with local government to address literacy challenges.
Michelle Taylor Willis, the founder of the M.T.W. Foundation, passionately stated, “Mayor Vince Williams and the City Council were devoted to literacy for youth in Union City. Literacy is more than reading and understanding; it’s about power. Our children must have access to power in all its forms.” She emphasized that the Foundation was created to enhance access to this power for underserved youth, making programs like the one launched in Union City crucial for achieving this goal.
Union City further amplified its commitment to literacy by launching a bookmobile that summer. The Bookmobile was set to traverse various neighborhoods, ensuring that students and their siblings could access a wealth of books. This initiative guaranteed that all children in the community had the resources necessary to develop their reading skills while enjoying the simple pleasure of a good book.
With its robust Literacy Program, Union City underscored its dedication to education and community development. By providing these invaluable resources and engaging activities, the city paved the way for a brighter future for its young residents.
For those eager to learn more about the Literacy Program, Project L.I.T., the Bookmobile, and how to get involved, the Parks and Recreation Department welcomed inquiries at (770) 892-6288. Excitement buzzed in the air as Union City took bold steps toward nurturing a generation of confident, literate young people ready to embrace their futures!
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