Atlanta Regional Commission Selects 2024 Regional Leadership Institute Class

ATLANTA, GA – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta is proud to announce that Upenda J. Dubose, our Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, has been selected for the 2024 cohort of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s prestigious Regional Leadership Institute (RLI). This honor places Upenda among 57 distinguished leaders across metro Atlanta, representing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her inclusion in this year’s RLI class is a testament to her unwavering commitment to community impact and leadership, and we look forward to the meaningful contributions she will make in shaping the future of our region. Since joining BBBSMA in 2022 as Director of Corporate and Community Engagement, Upenda has been a driving force behind the organization’s success.  

Her strategic vision and dedication have led to the development of key partnerships with organizations such as Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb County schools, Chick-fil-A, and Google. She has also spearheaded impactful volunteer campaigns in collaboration with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and DeKalb County Commissioner Steve Bradshaw. In her current role as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Upenda continues to forge alliances that are vital to advancing our mission, focusing on both financial growth and volunteer recruitment. Her career at BBBSMA is marked by a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of the youth in our community through innovative and effective partnerships. 

The RLI is an immersive experience with hands-on opportunities to connect active learning to real-world planning and policy. “When new RLI classes begin the program, they come with ideas, insights, and energy – everything needed to make an impact in Metro Atlanta,” said Sam Shenbaga, Community Development Director. This year’s program will be facilitated by Atlanta-based leadership development firm, Blaze.