Interim ABAC dean named to South Georgia Women’s Leadership Initiative

TIFTON — Franzelle Mathis-Pertilla, interim dean of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Stafford School of Business, was recently named to the South Georgia Women’s Leadership Initiative.

Sixteen women from eight counties across the region attended the opening retreat on Sept. 20. This is the second SGWLI cohort.

“I’m pleased to be a part of this group of women leaders,” Mathis-Pertilla said. “The WLI program offers a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and growth to advance the personal and professional well-being of its participants.”

Designed to create clarity of voice and intentionality for female leaders across the region, SGWLI’s goal is to build support for women’s leadership to help the region grow. With an emphasis on the unique experiences of female leadership, SGWLI provides women a platform to discuss the challenges they face in business, education, local government and nonprofit management in south Georgia. Sessions rotate around the region, culminating in an Empowerment Celebration in March in recognition of Women’s History Month.

“We are thrilled to have another full class of extraordinary women ready to take full advantage of resources, knowledge and information to make a difference in the Ssouthwest Georgia region,” SGWLI Program Coordinator Toni Reid, the Tifton-area manager for Georgia Power, said. “By the end of our program year, March 2025, these ladies will have expanded their networks and will be ready to be involved in critical decision-making and strategies to progress our region.”

Special Photo: ABAC