The revitalization of Grove Park, by legacy community members and allies alike, took center stage this week at the Grove Park Foundation’s annual heroes celebration at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, a longtime champion of the west side neighborhood that borders his own home in Collier Heights, saluted the foundation’s focus on mitigating displacement with new affordable housing developments, a state-of-the-art school and new businesses. He also celebrated Tuesday’s honorees for their selfless dedication to the neighborhood.
CJ and Kelli Stewart, the evening’s Youth & Education Heroes, were celebrated for their nonprofit L.E.A.D. Center for Youth (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct), which supports more than 350 students each year, combining academics, athletics, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship to shape future leaders. Kelli Stewart gave thanks to her grandmother for inspiring her to do this work, which boasts a 100% high school graduation rate and 93% college enrollment among program participants.
Eric Pinckney, the 2025 Economic Development Hero, has focused on equitable housing and economic infrastructure in Grove Park through his work at The Integral Group, a private real estate development, investment management, and consulting company.
Leah LaRue, the 2025 Community Champion, was acknowledged for her tireless work as the director of Atlanta’s Neighborhood Planning Units and her management of the local warming centers each winter. A proud Grove Park resident, she was also heralded for helping to shape the cultural and social fabric of the neighborhood.
Gavin McGuire, executive director of the Grove Park Foundation, paid special tribute to Wendy Stewart, president of global commercial banking at Bank of America, as the 2025 Grove Park Foundation Icon. She chaired two capital campaigns for the Grove Park Foundation while serving on its board from 2017 to 2023, leading transformative investments in education, health, housing, and economic mobility.
“We are proud to honor Wendy Stewart for her unwavering dedication to building an inclusive, opportunity-rich future for all Atlantans,” McGuire said. “She embodies the type of leadership that doesn’t just talk about change — it delivers it.”
The Grove Park heroes were also celebrated with a mural dedication last Sunday at the Grove Park Foundation office on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway.
