PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
- Decades of leadership and teaching experience in engineering, energy, education, corporate, public, and nonprofit environments.
- Founded Beacon of Hope, Inc. (a nonprofit corporation for early childhood education, youth leadership and education, adult education, affordable housing and community re-development in the Old Fourth Ward and surrounding communities).
- Founded Lydia Meredith, Inc. (a social justice enterprise).
- Cultivated partnerships with diverse organizations such as neighborhood associations, government agencies, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, and corporate organizations.
- Blog Writer, Published Author (Simon and Schuster), Orator, and Grant Writer.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Lydia Meredith, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
Founder and CEO, (2018 – To Date)
- Published Book Author, Social Media Blog Writer, and Orator to promote same-sex justice for children, youth, and their families (especially homeless children/youth).
- Provider of Counsel and Social Services Referrals for homeless, single-head of household families.
- Partner of The Wilma Group, LLC with the mission to build wealth for social service enterprises.
- Consultant and Public Speaker to startup and sustain nonprofit organizations (particularly church nonprofit organizations – of such churches registered with the Internal Revenue Service, less than 3% are engaged in social services and community re-development).
Beacon of Hope, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia
Founder and Executive Director, (1996 – 2018)
- Established the business structure and program plan for Beacon of Hope, Inc. — generating nearly $2,000,000.00 in annual revenues (over $1,000,000 in public and private funding) for social services.
- Converted a childcare center that had been cited for numerous violations into a “Beacon of Hope.” Started-up, Licensed, Accredited 4 childcare center sites under budget and time.
- Acquired accreditation from the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning as a Quality Rated Program, within five years of its inception — heralded by former Governor Roy Barnes as the statewide model for childcare centers.
- Established an innovative program with a holistic approach to child development by successfully building strong parent and community involvement.
- Converted two multi-family “crack” houses into affordable housing within 6 months of “Notice to Proceed” — HOME funds — the City of Atlanta.
Tabernacle Baptist Church (TBC), Atlanta, Georgia
Pastor and Church Administrator, (1994 – 2011)
- Implemented programs and ministries specifically created and tailored to meet the needs of an urban community and congregation.
- Developed plan for the revitalization of existing property holdings on the Boulevard Corridor of the Old Fourth Ward.
- Obtained funding to acquire and renovate 10 parcels of blighted property in the Old Fourth Ward.
- Supervised the renovation of 10 low-income apartment units, maintaining compliance with the Atlanta Housing Authority, and housing 50 low-income children, youth, and their families annually.
- Established and led the administrative functions of the church through technology implementations, human resources and fiduciary accountability.
- Implemented HIV/AIDS Initiative and served as a Trustee at the First African Presbyterian Church, Lithonia, Georgia.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), San Francisco, California
Senior Engineer, (1983 – 1993)
- Managed an interdepartmental team of engineers, analysts, economists, lawyers, and legal assistants to successfully accomplish the task of developing 3 rate schedules for the integration of the California-Oregon Transmission Project into PG&E’s Northern California transmission grid. Also, provided oversight for guaranteed cost recovery of transmission and related support services (approximately $10 million per year); while ensuring safe, reliable, and flexible operation.
- Developed computer software to plan electric generation for PG&E’s service area.
- Nominated by Managers and Vice-President for Leadership Education and Development and Diversity Training Team. Successfully planned and conducted PG&E’s Diversity Awareness workshops.
EDUCATION
Masters of Public Policy (Nonprofit Policy Concentration) – Georgia State University-Georgia Tech — Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Summa cum Laude, Atlanta, Georgia – 2013.
Masters of Arts in Christian Education – Morehouse School of Religion at the
Interdenominational Theological Center, Summa cum Laude, Atlanta, Georgia – 2009.
Masters of Business Management – Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee – 1975.
Bachelor of Science – Industrial Engineering – Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee – 1974.
LICENSES, AWARDS, AND COMMENDATIONS
State of Georgia:
Women’s Legislative Caucus — N. T. Randall Servant Leadership Award 2018
City of Atlanta:
Beacon of Hope Day Declaration – 20 Years of Community Service 2016
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies:
Amanda Hyatt Fellowship – Leadership, Scholarship, and Community Service 2013
Phi Alpha Honor Society
Atlanta City Council, District 2:
Outstanding Community Service Award 2012
TBC Tabernacle Baptist Church, Inc.
Certificate of Ordination 2009
Interdenominational Theological Center
Society of Theta Phi (Honors Inductee) 2008
Fulton County Commissioner’s Office:
10 years of Community Service Commendation 2006
Henry Grady High School
Principal’s Award for Community Service 2005
Bank of America
Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Award 2004
9th District Georgia Funeral Service Practitioner Association:
Humanitarian and Community Service Award 2003
Georgia Early Learning Initiative (GELI): Governor & First Lady Marie Barnes:
Early Childhood Hero Award 2001
National Accreditation Commission of Early Care and Education:
National Council Administrator Credential 1999
National Childcare Credentials:
National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) 1998
Pacific Gas & Electric Company:
Electric Supply Business Unit’s Wall of Fame Awards (4th Quarter) 1991
Electric Supply Business Unit’s Wall of Fame Awards (1st Quarter) 1990
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST