This is the sixth annual "Going for the GOAL" luncheon and awards event hosted by GOAL, a nonprofit organization that provides adolescent girls with learning experiences to build self-esteem and leadership skills. Previous award recipients include Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Margaret Edson, Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and others who have made significant contributions in education, government, nonprofit and business arenas.

This year's award recipients are:

Dr. Johnetta Cole, whose career as a college and university professor and administrator spans more than three decades. Dr. Cole made history in 1987 by becoming the first African-American woman to serve as president of Spelman College, and in May 2004 she became the first African-American to serve as chair of the board of United Way of America. Dr. Cole is president emerita of Spelman College and professor emerita of Emory University, from which she retired as presidential distinguished professor of anthropology, women's studies and African-American studies. Dr. Cole will deliver the "Going for the GOAL" keynote address.

Lisa Borders serves as president of the Atlanta City Council. Her community initiatives include increasing the availability of affordable housing, uncovering transportation solutions to address our region's traffic challenges and promoting neighborhood safety and preservation.

Maria Saporta writes a business and urban affairs column for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is a past president of the Atlanta Press Club and continues to serve on its board. She also has been named one of Georgia Trend's 100 most influential Georgians in 2000 and 2001, and as one of the magazine's notable Georgians in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Jerry Tipton is the president and chief professional officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Prior to taking the helm of the organization, he served as its executive vice president for 14 years. Mr. Tipton's focus is to make the Boys & Girls Clubs a persuasive advocate for disadvantaged youth. He is the first male recipient of a GOAL award.

"Each of these individuals has made a unique contribution to our community at large, and to women and girls in particular," said Gail Rothman, CEO of GOAL. "We are proud to honor them for their leadership, vision and commitment to girls and women."

Tickets are $75 per individual seat and $750 for a table of 10. Those interested in attending the luncheon may call (404) 633-9413 for more information. Download the Save the Date postcard

About GOAL
GOAL is a nonprofit organization that provides experiential learning programs to build self-awareness and leadership skills in adolescent girls. The organization's curriculum, developed by a multicultural team of educators, psychologists and psychotherapists, focuses on issues that are unique to middle school age girls. For more information on GOAL's programs, visit www.goalonline.org or call (404) 633-9413.

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