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Cicley Gay’s journey from a single mother navigating challenges to becoming a powerhouse leader in Atlanta’s nonprofit sector epitomizes resilience, determination, and the transformative power of mentorship. With over two decades of experience in the intersection of cause and communications, Gay has dedicated her career to empowering marginalized communities and advocating for social justice. As the Board Chairwoman of the Black Lives Matter Global Foundation, she continues to lead the charge in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion both locally and globally.

Gay’s journey began with a deep sense of community and a desire to give back. As a single mother raising three sons, she experienced firsthand the importance of support from her community. This experience fueled her passion for social impact, leading her to invest over 20 years in nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Recognized for her work by then Mayor Kasim Reed, Gay’s involvement in the Women’s Entrepreneurial Initiative elevated her and her mission to make a meaningful impact.

However, Gay’s journey has not been without challenges, particularly as a Black woman in the nonprofit sector. She has faced scrutiny and undervaluation, with societal expectations often dictating that service-minded individuals should accept poverty as a norm. Despite financial struggles, Gay persevered, determined to demonstrate the value of her work and educate others on her true worth. Through resilience and a commitment to meaningful impact, she overcame criticism and emerged stronger than ever.

Mentorship has played a pivotal role in Gay’s personal and professional growth. Inspired by Susan L. Taylor, the editor and chief emeritus of Essence magazine, Gay learned the importance of leadership through love and strives to emulate this in every aspect of her life. Drawing from her own experiences, Gay has dedicated her nonprofit work to building mentoring programs for young people, recognizing the transformative impact of mentorship in changing lives.

For Gay, work-life balance is intertwined with her passion for social impact. As a mother of three sons, she prioritizes her family while drawing inspiration from her personal experiences to fuel her professional endeavors. Her commitment to empowering women extends beyond her role as a mother, as she actively supports initiatives and projects that uplift women and girls in Atlanta and beyond.

As the Board Chairwoman of Black Lives Matter, Gay believes in the power of collective community and trust. She is dedicated to building strategic initiatives and investing in nonprofits that directly benefit women and girls of all ages. Drawing from her experience at the Women’s Sports Foundation, Gay understands the importance of collective action in creating opportunities for marginalized communities.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of business and leadership, Gay stays innovative by remaining intellectually curious and seeking systemic change. She believes in the importance of knowing one’s worth and encourages young women entering the industry to trust themselves and step out on faith. Through her platform, Gay advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing the need to invest in both revolution and recovery.

Looking ahead, Gay aims to achieve incremental milestones that celebrate small successes and make a meaningful impact in her community. Whether it’s empowering young scholars, supporting single mothers, or advocating for political change, Gay remains committed to drawing a larger circle of love and using her platform to uplift those in need. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and collective action in creating positive change in the world.

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