ABWA Iris Charter Chapter Newsletter April 2026
Updated: Sep 30
Message from President
I am so very proud of the success that was the Drive the Runway fundraiser.
Even more, I am in awe of the teamwork, enthusiasm, professionalism, talent
and skills that produced the event. To all who contributed personal time,
labored hard, bought tickets, donated dollars and silent auction items,
secured sponsorships, made donations and bought tickets as well as other
support that space here does not allow, I thank and congratulate you.
Elsewhere in this chapter newsletter you will find a short letter from our
ABWA National staff marking our upcoming chapter 41st anniversary. Please
take a moment and read their challenge to fulfill our mission, and when you
do, know they are describing the impetus that drives our entire chapter.
What an incredible group of ladies you are!
Nadine Tyft
President
ABWA Iris Chapter Honors Dr. Cherryl Burks as 2026 Woman of the Year
Griffin, GA — The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Iris Chapter proudly
announced Dr. Cherryl Burks as the recipient of the Griffin 2026 Woman of the Y ear award during its April meeting, held at Sanctuary Atelier in Griffin.
Dr. Burks currently serves as Citizen Engagement Specialist for Spalding County and has
been an active leader within the ABWA Iris Chapter, holding the position of Vice President for the past two years. She also chairs the organization’s New Promotions & Publicity Committee, where she has played a key role in elevating the chapter’s visibility and outreach.
Beyond her contributions to ABWA, Dr. Burks is deeply committed to community service. She serves as a board director for the GA Area Resource Center, the Salvation Army, the Kiwanis Club, and the Community Service Block Grant Advisory Board. Her leadership experience also includes prior service as Chairman of the Downtown Council and as a board member for Spalding County’s Department of Family & Children’s Services.
Prior to her current role in county administration, Dr. Burks dedicated more than 25 years to the field of education. She began her career at Griffin Technical Institute and continued with Southern Crescent Technical College, where she most recently served for 12 years as Director of Student Support Services. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, two master’s degrees in Public Administration/Justice and Executive Leadership and Human Services, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
“Dr. Burks demonstrates her passion for young people and her community through every
aspect of her life. We are proud to honor her and her work with this award,” said Nadine Tyft, President of the ABWA Iris Chapter.
The ABWA Iris Chapter is dedicated to supporting business women in the Griffin community, and developing young women seeking to better their lives through advancing their education.
We celebrate Dr. Burks’ outstanding leadership, professional accomplishments, and
unwavering dedication to improving the Griffin-Spalding community.
Membership - Rita Johnson
Important information about Membership dues:
National Membership dues are $125.00 and must be renewed at the ABWA.org website
Chapter dues are $30.00 and can be given to myself or Rita Whitehead
You must be a Member of the National ABWA to be a member of the Local Chapter.
Nadine Tyft, our Chapter President, is in the lead for the Membership Contest with her recruitment of Audrey Holliday. We will learn more about Audrey in a future newsletter. However, the contest does go through May 30th so let’s think of who we know that
would be a great addition to this wonderful group of Professional Business Women.
Our ABWA Chapter is a member of the Griffin-Spalding Chamber.
What does that mean for us? Another chance to Network and so much more.
You can see the upcoming events on the Chamber website.
If you are interested in attending any of the events that do not require registration, feel free to on behalf of ABWA. No need to notify anyone in advance.
This is a great opportunity to network and represent ABWA.
By working together, we can create a celebration that is broad, meaningful, and reflective of the many groups and people who make our community united. If your organization is interested in participating, would like to explore ideas, or is willing to
contribute by sponsorship, we welcome the opportunity to connect and discuss how we can work together. Click the link above and complete the communication form.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH OF ABWA SCHOLARSHIP FROM DANESHA MORRIS:
My journey is guided by the memory of my parents and brother, and by the responsibility of raising four children, two with disabilities, who inspire me to succeed. I also believe education is more than a personal achievement—it is the foundation for building stronger families and communities. Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management at Gordon State College is both a career choice and a personal mission. After losing my father three years ago, followed by the passing of my mother and brother just two months apart in 2024, I developed resilience and a strong sense of purpose. These experiences motivated me to pursue higher education as a foundation for stability and service.
I am committed to succeeding at Gordon State College and plan to complete my bachelor’s degree within three years. Earlier in my educational journey, I did not take school as seriously as I should have, which contributed to challenges such as maxing out my student loans. However, through personal growth and life experience, I have
gained maturity, focus, and a clear sense of purpose. I now approach my education with determination, knowing the importance of completing my degree and using it to create a stable future for my family. This program will equip me with the knowledge and skills to manage health information systems, ensure accurate medical records, and contribute to efficient healthcare operations.
Beyond my professional aspirations, I have a vision to invest in youth development. As a mother of four children, including two with disabilities—autism and Down syndrome—I understand the importance of inclusion and mentorship. My long-term goal is to open youth centers in rural counties such as Lamar, Butts, and Spalding.
These centers will combine mentorship programs, similar to "Big Brothers Big Sisters,
" with inclusive resources for children with disabilities. I want to create safe environments where young people can receive guidance, build confidence, and connect with positive role models.
My plan for achieving these goals is structured and realistic. Over the next three years, I will focus on completing my degree while researching the logistics of launching a nonprofit. Within five years after graduation, I intend to establish my first center, beginning with small but sustainable programs. Within ten years, my goal is to expand into additional communities, creating a network of inclusive youth centers that provide lasting support to families.
Greetings Iris Chapter:
The Iris Links Committee will have a Door Prize Sign Up Sheet available at our May
ABWA Meeting. Please let everyone know that we would like to have all
commitments fulfilled for the remainder of the calendar year
Each member who donates a door prize will have their business mentioned in the
program agenda and receive a live mention during the program. Donors may also
decorate their bag any way they wish to promote their company, as well as
include their company swag in the bag.
We need two prizes per month for each meeting (excluding July and December). If
you wish to participate, please respond to Stephanie Summers at admin@frbaga.org
or text her at 404-606-9469 with your name, the name of your company or the
business you represent, and what month you would like to participate.
Thank you in advance for your
participation,
The ABWA Iris Links Committee
Upcoming events/schedule/calendar
May 5th Monthly Meeting 6:00 p.m.
May 25th Monthly Board Meeting 6:00 p.m.
May 25th Memorial Day
June 2nd Monthly Meeting
June 29th Monthly Board Meeting
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