We’re honored to have Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern join us today.

Senator Halpern, who leads District 39, which includes neighborhoods in Atlanta, South Fulton, College Park, East Point and Union City. She has built an extraordinary career focused on advancing education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. As the Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Fulton County Delegation, her leadership extends well beyond the legislature. Senator Halpern's deep community involvement with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Andrew J. Young Foundation, and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta—where she's been a long-time board member—has been pivotal in advancing equity and the Y's mission. Don’t miss this conversation with such a dedicated advocate for positive change.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [4:42] Senator Halpern reveals why she joined the Y’s board and how her work with the Y aligned with her mission to empower underserved communities
• [7:13] Senator’s perspective on how the Y aligns with statewide initiatives
• [12:13] The Senator discusses fundamental principles she learned in building partnerships and the need for child care and pre-K learning
• [22:17] Discussion of Senate Bill 235 to promote growth in the communities around HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and the specific existing needs
• [30:25] How the Y’s commitment to youth leadership aligns with the Senator's beliefs and initiatives
• [35:40] The Senator explains how she remains grounded and balanced as busy as she is

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Y played a crucial role in helping to develop state-level legislation on drowning prevention, working closely with lawmakers to shape the bill that is now law. Swimming safety is a daily practice and priority at the Y.
• The Y’s early learning centers have mobilized volunteers to support Pre-K Reading Week, contributing to a statewide initiative and enhancing government efforts through existing programs.
• Literacy has been a significant focus for the Y over the past two years, recognizing that early success in kindergarten readiness is crucial for ensuring students can read at grade level by third and fifth grades. This effort is vital for building a talented, diverse, and productive future workforce, and the Y is working to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential through literacy initiatives.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Senator Sonya Halpern - Website

Senator Sonya Halpern - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Senator Sonya Halpern was first elected in 2020 and serves in her second term in the Georgia State Senate. Representing neighborhoods across five cities, including Atlanta, District 39 is one of the most socio-economically diverse districts in Georgia and the country. Sen. Halpern is a passionate leader blending business and political acumen with a heart for community. She has quickly embraced leadership roles as the elected Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Fulton County Delegation. She is a proud co-sponsor/sponsor of more than 15 bills, now Georgia state law.

Sen. Halpern’s engagement with the community extends beyond politics. She currently serves on the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's Executive Committee, where she co-chaired their $70 million “Here for Good” campaign. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Regents at the University of Hartford. She is a founding co-chair of the Electing Women Alliance/Atlanta, a founding member of the Atlanta School for the Arts Foundation, a lifetime member of the NAACP, a member of the League of Women Voters, and the African American Leadership Council of the Democratic National Committee. Sen. Halpern earned her Master's in Business Administration from the University of Hartford’s International MBA program and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

She lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children.