Nell Benn is the Executive Director of Agape Youth & Family Center, where she has served since 2003. Under her leadership, Agape has transformed from a small after-school program serving 25 children one day per week into a comprehensive organization serving 225 youth through in-school, after-school, summer camp, and college/career programs. Community initiatives she implemented—including the Great Backpack Giveaway and Holiday Gift Store—serve over 3,000 children and families annually.

Excited to head back to the Dunwoody Tavern for our upcoming February, Thirsty Thursday! It feels like a return to our roots. Indulge in the delicious meatloaf! It’s going to be a fantastic evening!

Dr. Dana Rickman is President and CEO of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, a nonprofit that informs and engages leaders to positively impact education through research and non-partisan advocacy.

Dr. Rickman joined the Partnership in 2011 and became its fourth president in 2021. She leads EdQuest Georgia, an initiative uniting stakeholders around the goal of ensuring 65% of Georgians earn postsecondary credentials by 2033. Previously, she served as Director of Research and Policy at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and spent over 10 years conducting education research at Georgia State University.

She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Georgia State University and a B.A. from Mary Washington College.

Atlanta Renaissance Concourse Hotel
One Hartsfield Center Parkwayl
Atlanta, GA 30354