In a time where true leaders are few and far between, Atty. Charles Onyirimba shines like a guiding light. Fondly called Onwa One of Ehime Mbano, his name alone commands respect, love, and admiration across communities. He is more than a lawyer he is a philanthropist with a heart deeply rooted in service. Through his unshakable commitment to uplifting others, he has helped countless individuals achieve their dreams, especially in higher institutions. His generosity is loud, but it echoes in the lives of those he has empowered, mentored, and supported. Like the moon , his presence brings light during dark times. He stands tall, not because of wealth or title, but because of the way he carries people with him. His humility, wisdom, and fatherly love make him not just a community figure, but a personal inspiration to many...

Dr. Babatunde (Babs) Olusegun Onabanjo is the President of the Faculty Senate and a Professor of Business and Computer Science at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Atlanta. He has served in various positions with the institution since 1982. He has also served as an assistant professor and director of Computer Science from 1983-1984 at Morris Brown College. Dr. Onabanjo served at Alabama State University as an Instructor of Management and Information Systems from 1979-1981. Dr. Onabanjo has over 40 years of consulting experience in management, computer science, education, project management, financial services, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. Dr. Onabanjo obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. He received an MBA with concentration in information systems from Auburn University (1979), M.Sc. in Computer Science and a PhD degree from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. Licensed insurance professional, Regional Vice President, Prime America 1988-2001.Executive Director: Westfield Insurance Brokers Limited, Nigeria, 2011-14. Dr. Onabanjo served as the Director of Prior Learning Assessment, ALC, University System of Georgia from 2008-2012. He is currently the President and Ceo of A. D. King Foundation, Inc. A non- profit organization committed to transforming the culture with positive messages that equip our youth and young adults for success in the 21st century. The mission is to promote youth empowerment development and non-violent social change strategies as a way of life throughout the world. The goal is to build a beloved community with "Social Justice and Entrepreneurship" as the center cor. Dr. Onabanjo produced a documentary entitled "Rev. A D Williams King: Behold the Dream: Brother to the Dreamer". The compelling story of the historic life and legacy of Rev. A. D. Williams King, brother to the civil rights legend and icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He recently co-produced a new compelling documentary of Dr. Naomi Ruth Barber King entitled "From Tragedy To Peace". Dr. Onabanjo was the producer of the 2013 African Diaspora World Tourism Awards and Travel Expo. (www.adkingfoundation.com ). He was also the chair of the convening organizations for the Bimini Peace Retreat from November 1 – 3, 2013. He served as the Vice-President of Henry County Southern Christian leadership conference (2008 -2014). He has successfully hosted the A. D. King Youth Empowerment Gala and Awards, the annual Civil Rights Trail Tour from Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, Entrepreneurship and Emerging Leaders Boot Camp and conferences, including Non-violent workshops and many more for the past 13 years. Dr. Onabanjo served on many organization boards including Atlanta Cares, King for America, Campaign for Democracy and Nigerian Alliance for Democracy. Dr. Onabanjo served as the President of Nigerian Alliance for Democracy from 1993-2000, a member of NADECO and NALICON chaired by Prof. Wole Soyinka. Founder-Egbe Omo Yoruba, Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Onabanjo has received numerous awards and successfully hosted the 1st and 2nd practical Entrepreneurship training, tutoring and mentoring of more than 90 Nigerian Vice-Chancellors and Directors of Entrepreneurship in partnership with Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Clark Atlanta University and many of our industry partners. This is a new paradigm shift in the Nigerian University and Tertiary Educational System. He has successfully hosted many conferences on good governance and best legislative practices including but not limited to: Oyo State legislator Conference, Cross Rivers State Legislative Conference, Akwa Ibom State Legislative Seminars, Brazile, Ondo State Legislative Conference, Federal legislative Conference, Seminars, Brazil Development Corporation Conference on Hope In Africa, Annual Youth Empowerment Gala/Parade/Seminars, Nigerian Emerging Leaders Conference, Youth Empowerment Health Summit Seminars, Brazil Exchange Initiative Conference and organized Conference of Black Nationalities, Osun State. Dr. Onabanjo is married to Sikangezile Pauline Zulu Onabanjo with two beautiful children, Dr. Ibidapo Onabanjo and Dr. Babafemi S. Onabanjo and two grandchildren Zachariah and Ezekiel.

You never know how strong you are until you have no choice. The loss of a loved one can feel like a wound that may never heal, especially during the holiday season. John Raterman, an American Red Cross of Georgia volunteer for Foundation Grant Writing and Biomedical Services, has been donating blood and platelets for over 40 years. His willingness to donate began in high school when a friend was diagnosed with Leukemia, but his inspiration and obligation to donate did not end there. Described as the most complex and significant part of his blood donation history, Raterman shared that "during the 1980s, he and his wife lost three children to a rare mitochondrial disease, and two more daughters have been diagnosed with the same disease but continue to survive by the grace of God." "While blood products cannot cure this cellular-level disease, my motivation is to do anything I can to prevent the death of a child and save parents from the crushing pain of losing a child," says Raterman. Over the years, Raterman has donated 309 platelet units and 38 gallons of blood. He shares that his history of donations has given him spiritual joy, knowing that his donations could have saved a life and saved many parents from the grief of loss. Raterman's own grief inspired him to write a short novel titled "The Shepard's Gift: The First Christmas Mourning". In the book, Raterman retells a Christmas story of a father who has lost a child. His book tells the story specifically from a father's perspective, as he believes women have an abundance of support networks while men are generally reluctant to discuss loss as it leads to tears. "My hope is that this story provides some measure of comfort to grieving, peace to the restless, healing to the heartsick, and direction to the lost," Raterman says. "May your tears nourish new growth in your heart and return the joy of Christmas to you and yours." In addition to donating lifesaving blood and platelets, Raterman and his wife, Mary, have opened their hearts and their home as a foster family to support infant adoptions. The couple cares for newborn babies directly from the hospital and cares for them until an adopting family is chosen and the revocation period expires. The Raterman family has fostered 147 children over the past 20 years. For 𝟐𝟑 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬, John & Mary Raterman have been a 𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 and support for babies, children, and families through 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. Married for 47 years and based in Atlanta, GA, they have opened their hearts and home to: 𝟏𝟓𝟎+ 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝟐 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝟏 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟑𝟓 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐂𝐏𝐂 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 Their passion for helping children comes from a deeply personal place. After losing three of their seven children to Mitochondrial Disease, and with two still facing health challenges, John & Mary felt 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤—and they have done so in the most beautiful way. Their dedication has touched countless lives, and we are beyond grateful for their unwavering commitment to children and families in need. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 & 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫!