PHENOMENAL WOMAN: Natosha Reid Rice

Leading the Charge for Diversity and Inclusion

Natosha Reid Rice is a true inspiration and a force to be reckoned with As the first Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Habitat for Humanity International, she is leading the charge for creating a more equitable and inclusive world With her previous experience as Associate General Counsel for Habitat, she has already made significant contributions by developing financing programs to help build affordable housing for families throughout the United States

Natosha's passion for empowering historically disadvantaged communities is evident in her various roles, including her current position as Minister for Public Life at All Saints' Episcopal Church

She has also served as an Associate Pastor at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, for 11 years Beyond her work at Habitat and in the church, Natosha has served on the boards of various organizations and actively advocated for the protection of victims of human sex trafficking

As a highly regarded keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, Natosha has addressed topics such as the power of authentic leadership, effective Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies, and the intersection of faith and justice Her powerful TEDx talk, "If We Are More Alike Than Unalike, Then " showcases her unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable world

Natosha's work and leadership have not gone unnoticed, as she has been recognized with various awards, including being selected as one of Atlanta Tribune's 50 Women of Excellence and one of Atlanta's 100 Most Influential Women by the Atlanta Business League She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc , the International Women's Forum, and the Lake Spivey Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc

Natosha's impressive educational background, including a J D from Harvard Law School and a B A in Government with honors from Harvard/Radcliffe College, showcases her commitment to excellence She is a true trailblazer, and her dedication to creating a more just and equitable world is an inspiration to us all

Dr. Lya Snell's Journey to Innovative Leadership

Dr. Lya Snell is a remarkable and innovative educational leader who has dedicated her life to servant leadership.

She is a true inspiration and a shining example of a phenomenal woman who has made a significant impact on the education landscape in Georgia.

As an Education Program Manager with the Georgia Department of Education, Dr. Snell has served in multiple leadership capacities, providing support and guidance to schools and districts across the state. Her most recent experience includes serving in the Teaching and Learning Division, where she has been instrumental in developing effective mathematics and computer science teaching practices throughout schools and districts in Georgia.

Dr. Snell's commitment to improving instruction through innovative teaching and learning has earned her a place on multiple state and national committees. She is a member of the Mathematics Standing Committee for the National Assessment for Educational Progress, the Consensus Panel for Dana Center's Launch Years Initiative, the High School Mathematics Pathways Innovative Task Force for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the Association of State School Supervisors.

Dr. Snell's most significant accomplishment has been leading the development of new mathematics standards for all students in the state of Georgia. Under her leadership, these standards were adopted by the State Board of Education in August 2021, and all schools and districts in the state are preparing for implementation in Fall 2023. This is a monumental achievement that will prepare Georgia students for future careers, developing their critical thinking skills, effective collaboration and expression, patient problem solving, and mathematical reasoning through mathematical modeling.

Dr. Snell's impact on the education landscape in Georgia is immeasurable, and her dedication to servant leadership is awe-inspiring. She is a phenomenal woman whose leadership has transformed the education system in Georgia, and she continues to inspire future generations of educators and leaders to make a positive difference in the world. Game Changers Magazine is proud to recognize Dr. Lya Snell as a phenomenal woman and an inspiration to us all.