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Strive Atlanta is changing lives of those in need of a hand in South Fulton

Programs help disadvantaged residents obtain career skills and job opportunities or to fulfill educational goals.
The Strive Atlanta program has helped Markia Williams earn skills and find a job as a forklift operator after she struggled to figure out what to do after graduating high school. The job will help her pay to attend a technical school with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. (Courtesy of Strive Atlanta)

Credit: STRIVE Atlanta

The Strive Atlanta program has helped Markia Williams earn skills and find a job as a forklift operator after she struggled to figure out what to do after graduating high school. The job will help her pay to attend a technical school with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. (Courtesy of Strive Atlanta)
June 17, 2025

For 21-year-old Markia Williams, the path after high school was anything but clear.

A 2022 graduate of Elizabeth Andrews High School in Stone Mountain, Williams finished high school late after failing a class. She found herself overwhelmed with self-doubt — unsure whether college or a career was even possible.

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The Strive Atlanta program helps program participants like Markia Williams with clothing for job interviews and work. (Courtesy of Strive Atlanta)

Credit: STRIVE Atlanta

The Strive Atlanta program helps program participants like Markia Williams with clothing for job interviews and work. (Courtesy of Strive Atlanta)

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Jomal Vailes, executive director of Strive Atlanta. (Courtesy of Strive Atlanta)

Credit: STRIVE Atlanta  

Jomal Vailes, executive director of Strive Atlanta. (Courtesy of Strive Atlanta)

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Takisha Ellis of Conyers learns in a Strive classroom. (Courtesy of Strive Atlanta)

Credit: STRIVE Atlanta

Takisha Ellis of Conyers learns in a Strive classroom. (Courtesy of Strive Atlanta)

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About the Author

Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. A 1990 graduate of N.C. Central University and a 2009 Harvard University Nieman Fellow, he is also the former vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists. His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd.