by Clarence Thomas, Jr.
MGI Contributor
thomasjr63@gmail.com
What a night! This best describes the evening of May 17 at the Macon Marriott City Center as Dr. Dianna Hollins – Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Goodwill Ambassador State of Georgia – honored 22 accomplished men and women from across seven states during her 2025 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards Gala. The honorees’ awards were signed by President Joe Biden.
The awards ceremony was hosted by Hollins in partnership with Saving Our Sisters Women Network Incorporated – a 501 c3 outreach organization which was founded in 2006 by Hollins. The prestigious, red-carpet ceremony was to honor servant leaders across a broad spectrum of business, education, religious, political, and civic communities. S.O.S. is led by Executive Director Bernice Ross and headquarters in Cottondale, AL. The organization has two chapters one in Macon GA. and Tuscaloosa, AL. Hollins described the honorees in these terms. “True greatness is found in serving humanity with excellence – when we give our best to uplift others, we create a legacy that transcends time and transform lives.”
Hollins is also the Founder and CEO of Dr. Dianna Hollins Global Enterprises and quite accomplished as well. She received her Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. She has served 8,000 individuals through Saving Our Sisters since establishing the organization in her hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Her efforts include global travel and teaching empowerment to individuals and serves as a mentor for businesses and organizations. In addition to being a prolific and millennial teacher, international speaker and mentor, she also served as the Pastor of House of Shekinah Glory.
Currently she is breaking barriers, building leaders, and transforming lives by drawing from her expertise in educational leadership, personal development, self-care and wellness and much more at “The Deal Breaker” -a direct engagement platform which according to her she uses to dismantle barriers that hold individuals back.
During the PLA awards ceremony she was joined by a distinguished rostrum of heavyweights that included Chief of Staff Kenneth Cutts and District Representative, Somer Stafford from the Office of Congressman Sanford Bishop along with a salutation via letter from U.S. Senator Warnock. WGXA-TV anchor, Brittany Miller served as the Mistress of Ceremony which also featured an Invocation by Dr. Llyas Tamir Ross, African Dance Tribute “KuKu” by Hayiya Dance Theatre and Presentation of Colors by the Central High School ROTC Color Guard. This top tier event involved over twenty (20) contracted vendors to make the night of glamour become a reality. There were also over forty (40) sponsorships over nine (9) states who supported this highly anticipated event
Hollins added in respect to the recipients, “Tonight we gather to honor extraordinary individuals whose lives reflect the highest standards of service, leadership, and compassion. Your presence here is a testament to the power of purpose and the beauty of impact. This is your moment. We honor your legacy, your leadership, and the light you bring to the world.”
The Middle Georgia Informer talked with six of the PLA winners and here’s what they had to say:
“You don’t do it for recognition. You do it to glorify of God and to serve humanity. It’s a privilege to be honored by Dr. Hollins. We need to get back to honoring people for what they do.” – Dr. Dominique Johnson; Pastor of Kingdom Life and Founder of Urban CEO, Macon
“It was very humbling to be considered. My plan is to use this designation to be a light and encourage others by telling them that they can be successful too. Dr. Hollins is an inspiration and this speaks volumes.” – Charity Harris; co-owner of Overtyme Bar & Grill and 360 Automobile and founder of Mother’s Breakfast and Barbeque, Macon
“I love serving and creating opportunities. This designation is proof that we’re doing the work. Many thanks to Dr. Hollins. I’m proud of her and thankful for this.” – Tya Bolton; owner Exceptional Business Solutions, Charlotte, N.C.
“I’m pinching myself. It’s hard to believe I was chosen. I will continue doing this work because it’s so needed by families. Dr. Hollins is the greatest. I’m so glad she done this for us.” – Sharon Stafford; founder of A Voice for LaSmockie, domestic violence focused organization, Macon
“Giving back started at a very young age for me because of what my mother instilled in me. Receiving an award for something you love doing speaks volumes and says someone is paying attention. I’m so grateful to Dr. Hollins.” – Gwenette Wesbrooks; President NAACP, Macon
“Giving back to the community that gave so much to me is what I love doing. It’s great being among this Black excellence tonight. This award shows that your work never goes unnoticed. Dr. Hollins goes above and beyond to make sure people are noticed. – Jimmy Morris, Jr. CEO, Morris Builders LLC, Prattsville, AL.
