One Question With The Catalysts® Honorees
INTERVIEWED BY MARYAN AIKEN. ASSISTED BY TAYLOR MAHER. CO CEO INTERN. KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY. shot on location at roche bobois buckhead. photographed by maryan aiken
The Catalysts®
Collectively, they serve as the stronghold for their respective fields to deliver exceptional contributions to the triumphs of their companies. Their invaluable skill sets are legendary. They consistently deliver commanding impact that is valued and respected by their peers, colleagues, and superiors. Together, they are prized for their accomplishments and revered for their passion to give back to their community and to the important causes that matter to them.
Looking back, we asked The Catalysts® Honorees with one question about their professional journey. For their in depth interviews click their photos.
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DIOR
TO CELEBRATE THIS MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR, PETER PHILIPS, CREATIVE AND IMAGE DIRECTOR FOR DIOR MAKEUP, DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM FIREWORKS AND REVEALS A VIBRANT "HAPPY 2020" COLLECTION. AND THERE IS JUST ONE RESOLUTION: TO FEEL BEAUTIFUL... AND BREAK WITH TRADITION.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. DIOR MAKEUP. CALL DIOR. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE. PHIPPS PLAZA (404) 812-7287 TO HELP YOU SHOP WITH EASE
CHRISTINE FAAS
Official Title Learning and Organization Development Consultant Hometown Moved multiple times growing up, so I consider Atlanta, Georgia my hometown. I’ve been here for 26 years School/College Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida – B.A. in Politics University of Georgia, Athens, GA – M.Ed. in Learning, Leadership, and Organization Development
Company The Southeast Permanente Medical Group. Founded in 1985, The Southeast Permanente Medical Group (TSPMG) is one of the largest multi-specialty medical groups in Georgia. More than 600 TSPMG clinicians work exclusively with the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (KFHP) to provide medical care to more than 300,000 members in metropolitan Atlanta. TSPMG plus KFHP make up Kaiser Permanente in Georgia Charity Involvement Wellspring Living.
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SUGARCOAT
VOTED AS BEST NAIL SALON IN ATLANTA 8 YEARS IN A ROW BY A HANDFUL OF PRESTIGIOUS ATLANTA PUBLICATIONS. SUGARCOAT HAS 5 LOCATIONS SPRINKLED THROUGHOUT THE CITY WITH ITS WOW FACTOR AMBIANCE.SUGARCOAT VALUES CLEANLINESS AND IS COMMITTED TO ELEVATING THE INDUSTRY’S STANDARD LEVEL OF SANITATION AND STERILIZATION TO PROVIDE CLIENTS WITH AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE. EXPECT TO FALL IN LOVE WHEN YOU STEP INTO SUGARCOAT
In your professional journey, what was the most compelling challenge you've experienced that made you more pliable for growth and what resolved did you find to offer and implemented? While in college, I majored in politics and completed 2 political internships. Five months after graduating, I was hired as a staff member of a U.S. Congressman in Washington, D.C. I had landed the job of my dreams. Within months, I realized that I didn’t like politics. At the time, I thought I would never have a job or career that I enjoyed. A year and a half later, I was hired to work with urban youth doing training and development. I feel in love with my career as an educator and coach. In addition to my current job at KP, I’ve opened a coaching practice on the side to help others find their dream careers. Because of my experience on Capitol Hill, I never take for granted having a job and career that I love.
STELLA J. RINGER
Official Title Senior National Sales Executive Strategic Marketing – Disney Partnership Hometown Stevenson, Alabama University The University of Alabama Major BA Communications MBA Kennesaw State University Company Name The Coca-Cola Company Number of years at this company 23
Reports to Susan Propp VP, Strategic Partnership Marketing Department Strategic Partnership Marketing (SPM) Charity Involvement Board of Directors Agape Community Center Board of Directors The PIVOT Foundation Board of Directors Rock Teen Youth Mentoring Program Wings of Mercy Care Volunteer The Goode Foundation (Sponsorship Chair Annual Gala Fundraiser) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
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STEVE HIGHTOWER HAIR SALON & DAY SPA
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF HEALTHY, BEAUTIFUL HAIR, AND FOR OUR TEAM PERFECTION IS A MUST. WHEN YOU STEP INTO STEVE HIGHTOWER HAIR SALON & DAY SPA, YOU ARE GREETED BY A RELAXING ATMOSPHERE THAT FOSTERS CREATIVE THOUGHT AND DESIGN FROM OUR EXPERTS. STEVE HIGHTOWER HAIR SALON AND DAY SPA IS AN ACTIVE SUPPORTER OF LOST-N-FOUND YOUTHS. AN ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES SHELTER, FOOD, CLOTHING AND HELP FIND EMPLOYMENT FOR THE LGBTQ YOUTHS THAT ARE HOMELESS IN ATLANTA.
Give us an overview of your role as National Sales Executive at The Coca-Cola Company: I lead Marketing for the Coca-Cola Company’s Disney partnership. What I enjoy about the role is working collaboratively with The Walt Disney Company to develop relevant, compelling and magical programming that connect with our brands’ consumers; which results in positive business performance for both companies. The Coca-Cola Company and The Walt Disney Company are icons in the hearts and minds of consumers globally, it’s an honor to contribute to the success of both brands.
JESSICA HANKS
Senior Product Manager. Cox Communications, Inc. Hometown: Atlanta, GA Washington and Lee University. Economics and Spanish (double major) Number of years at Cox Communications: 1.5 years; total 8 years with Cox Companies
Reports to: Catherine Thompson
Senior Director of Product Device Management. Department: Product Development and Management
Charity Involvement >>> Movember Foundation
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GOOD TIDINGS
STRIVES TO REPRESENT AUTHENTIC BEAUTY AND SUSTAINABLE FASHION, BY HANDCRAFTING ACCESSORIES WITH VINTAGE MATERIALS. ALL OF THIS WITH THE PURPOSE TO GIVE BACK TO PEOPLE IN NEED.
You have been at Cox Communications for quite some time now, what do you attribute to the longevity and commitment of staying loyal and committed to one company? Company culture is key. Cox has a key dedication to the employee as well as teamwork. I have stayed with Cox for so long because of their dedication to the growth and success of their employees as well as the team culture which means there are countless resources ready and willing to help. That has kept me there for the long haul.
JAMELIA (JAY JAY) THOMPSON
Official Title Executive Assistant Hometown Columbia, MarylandSchool/College Towson UniversityMajor Pre-MedCompany SAP America, Inc.Number of years at this company 13 ½ years Reports to Amy Spruill, Southeast RVP . Volker Reinert COO, Latin America and the Caribbean. Kevin Hester. COO. NA Ariba. Department Southeast. Charity Involvement Chris Hope Foundation.
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GYPSY KITCHEN
IS A STYLISH MODERN RESTAURANT FEATURING SHAREABLE SPANISH SNACKS & PLATES WITH MOROCCAN & INDIAN HINTS.
In your professional experience how do you expertly maintain calendars, book appointments and arrange meetings that meet the needs of the Chief Operating Officer of Ariba North America, Chief Operating Officer of SAP Latin America & Caribbean, and the Regional Vice President of SAP America Inc.? The only way to maintain calendars with meetings and appointments for my three executives is to ensure first that my calendar is managed at its best. I look ahead on calendars as much as possible to anticipate the need, whether it is a customer meeting or an internal call urgently scheduled. Can’t stress enough the understanding of how to logistically plan ahead for each of them. I ensure to speak with them regularly to proactively review what is going on in the next few weeks. The travel content on the calendars have to be the most detailed because in my best control. It is important that I anticipate any shifts, such as a weather forecast, that can change the course of travel. I also look for ways to save money, especially if there is an attendance at the same event. For example, I will seek out who is renting the Hertz car and can have shared rides. Little details such as this can further assist in a successful travel day or meeting execution.
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LE BILBOQUET
UPSCALE, LIGHT-FILLED CAFE & WHITE-TABLECLOTH RESTAURANT FEATURING TRADITIONAL FRENCH CUISINE
Listening to Spotify. Thinkin Bout You. Ciara
