Youth Leadership Augusta Announces Class of 2027 Co-Chairs and Opens Applications
Youth Leadership Augusta Announces Class of 2027 Co-Chairs and Opens Applications
Augusta, GA (March 19, 2026) – Applications are now open for Youth Leadership Augusta’s Class of 2027, with the application deadline set for April 17, 2026. Youth Leadership Augusta, a program of Leadership Augusta, is designed for rising juniors and seniors living in or attending high school in Richmond County. The program aims to expose, educate, and motivate young leaders to take an active role in their community through a series of program days that offer a variety of experiences and help students develop and establish their leadership style. Youth Leadership Augusta is proud to announce that Alexis Williams and Doressa Hawes will serve as Co-Chairs for the Class of 2027.
Alexis Williams, MPH, is a Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, where she leads public health education, outreach, and community engagement initiatives across the Central Savannah River Area, Coastal Georgia, and Middle Georgia. Guided by a strong commitment to health equity and prevention, Alexis is dedicated to advancing brain health awareness and ensuring individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias have access to quality care, resources, and support at every stage. She earned her Master of Public Health in Healthcare Management from Augusta University and brings over a decade of experience across the continuum of care, including case management, life enrichment, long-term care leadership, and home health. Her work is grounded in a public health approach that emphasizes early intervention, caregiver support, community education, and systems-level improvement. Alexis is also the author of Just Think, a cognitive activity workbook designed to promote mental stimulation and brain wellness. A member of Leadership Augusta’s Class of 2026 and a Shero Award nominee, she is recognized for her leadership, advocacy, and community impact. She lives in the Augusta area with her husband and children.
Doressa Hawes is Director of Corporate Partnerships & Volunteerism at Golden Harvest Food Bank, where she leads strategic initiatives to build partnerships with corporations and community organizations while overseeing volunteer engagement efforts that support the organization’s mission to fight hunger across the region. With a strong background in relationship building, fundraising, and program management, she works closely with leadership and community partners to align corporate giving and volunteerism with organizational goals. Prior to her nonprofit career, Doressa spent 15 years with Morris Communications in leadership roles with regional publications including Augusta Magazine, Augusta Family Magazine, and Aiken Magazine. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, where she is Secretary on the Executive Committee, and on the Board of Directors for Doctors Hospital of Augusta. A member of Leadership Augusta’s Class of 2026 and a graduate of Leadership Columbia County Class of 2019, Doressa is also an active leader in her faith community. She resides in the Augusta area with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Applicants can find more information and complete the online application at leadershipaugustaga.com/youth-class.
About Augusta Metro Chamber:
The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce is the largest business membership organization in the CSRA. Dedicated to fostering economic growth, the Chamber is committed to supporting businesses and educational initiatives that strengthen the Augusta region. Membership is open to businesses interested in investing in the future of the community.
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Media Contact:
Brooke Willis, Communications Coordinator
brooke.willis@augustametrochamber.com
762-333-3199