by Clarence W. Thomas, Jr.
MGI Contributor
thomasjr63@gmail.com
As we enter March, which doubles as Women’s History Month, it’s fitting that we remember women past and present that did and are making a difference. In Macon there are many that do, including Middle Georgia Informer publisher Cornelia Walker. But in addition to Walker – Gwenette Westbrooks; Jessica Walden; June Martin; and Nancy Jeffery are names worth remembering.
Gwenette Westbrooks joined the Macon Bibb NAACP in 1999, where she was elected as President in 2012 and elected as Third Vice President for the Georgia State Conference NAACP in 2019, she currently serves as the District Coordinator for the Georgia State Conference NAACP where she organizes NAACP branches throughout the state of Georgia.
Her leadership began with former Presidents Walter Butler and Elder Edward Dubose who she says taught her a lifetime of knowledge. She is in her fifth term as President to lead the Macon Bibb NAACP Branch and surrounding counties.
Westbrooks says during her presidency she has tried to lead the organization as a respectful and upstanding organization to meet the needs of the people in the community and to uphold the NAACP missions and vision.
Her philosophy of women being in business or high-profile positions is that they have the right to every opportunity that is available. “I think women are now more confident in themselves and you will see more and more women provide visible leadership,” Westbrooks said.
Macon Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Jessica Walden is one of those women Westbrooks is referring to. As the daughter of Alan Walden and niece of this brother and business partner the late Phil Walden, she is a living legacy of the two that gave the world Capricorn Records and the likes of the Allman Brothers, Wet Willie, and the Marshall Tucker Band.
While Jessica is proud of her family roots and the record empire they established in the early 70’s that put Macon on the international map as a Southern Rock mecca, she is her own businesswoman working previously as a business and leadership advisor for the University of Georgia. Her 23-year career in community and economic development includes the College Hill Corridor revitalization initiative and today as co-owner of the wildly popular Rock Candy Tours with her husband.
When asked about some of the challenges she’s faced as a woman in business and how she navigated them Jessica pointed out that not knowing the value of her time was a problem. But she learned that underpricing and over-delivery of her products and services wasn’t sustainable. “So, I had to learn to say no sometimes and take on projects that were meaningful and made the best use of my time and efforts,” she said. “This still remains true as President and CEO of the Chamber.”
“The most important thing for young women is to write your ideas down on paper. Keep track of all the ideas and thoughts you have to stay focused on what you want to achieve. Believe in yourself,” says Nancy Jeffery, DrPH, MPH, RDN., LD. Nutrition Service Director / WIC Program for the Georgia Department of Public Health-North Central Health District when asked about what she advises aspiring young businesswomen.
Jeffery’s journey into the realm of nutrition was inspired by her upbringing on a farm in Decatur County, Georgia, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for the connection between food, health, and community. With a keen interest in the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, Jeffery embrace’s this year’s National Nutrition Month theme, “Beyond the Table” – underscores the importance of understanding food production, sustainability, and the myriad ways in which we interact with food daily.
With a career spanning over three decades, Jeffery has honed her leadership skills and held various leadership roles, with the overarching goal of increasing the number of Dietitians and combating nutrition related diseases in Georgia.
Naturally, creating a workforce of women with her kind of interest and commitment is a priority for Jeffery and she further focused on rising women in business with these words. “I am hopeful that young people will continue the work towards a world where everyone has access to nutritious food and quality healthcare, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.”
As a Pastor, June Martin has an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying unto the church. Martin began ministering in 1978 under the leadership of the late Apostle J. Raymond Mackey, in Unionville, New York. In 1985 she moved to Columbus, GA where she served under the leadership of Bishop Larry Gilyard.
Transitioning because of the move of God in her life, she relocated to Macon, GA in 1993 and came under the leadership of Apostle Jean Porter. In 2009, she was installed as Senior Pastor of Divine Presence Worship Center, Inc., Macon, GA under the covering of Apostle Jean and Bishop Thomas Porter.
She has been a Property Manager for Macon Housing Authority since 2011 and an entrepreneur. Martin has successfully overseen Felton Homes for years and become a valued member of the housing authority and trusted and respected head of one of their longest standing locations.
Martin says she is diligent in serving God with a passion. Her heartbeat is to fulfill the assignment given to her by God and to see God’s people excel in the work of the Kingdom. Her love and excitement over the Word of God is contagious as she ministers under the anointing of the Holy Ghost.
When asked about the future of women in business, Martin says it is evolving. Things like heavy restrictions on women such as the inability to vote, own property or manage or control their income will not impede female progress. As a result, the future for women in business is bright. “These things have changed over decades, and I believe greater change is eminent, suggested Martin. “We know that change is a collective effort and as we join together as women empowering the next generation there is nothing impossible.”
