Real Leaders Read Initiative

06/09/2026

Youth must develop a love for reading and it’s important that parents push them to continue reading real books.

As Gen Z ditch books at record levels, students are arriving to classrooms unable to complete assigned reading on par with previous expectations.

The observation reflects a broader trend: Nearly half of all Americans did not read a single book in 2025, with the habit plunging some 40% over the last decade. One major issue among college students isn’t hostility toward reading so much as a lack of confidence and stamina.

With students struggling, academics have been forced to adapt and lower their expectations—a move critics describe as “coddling.”

Source: Fortune

02/13/2026

"The South has something to say---and most certainly The Southern Crescent!"

Southern Crescent Women in Business proudly celebrates our Founder & President, Ariel Shaw, MBA, on being named Trailblazer of the Year at the 2026 South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) Conference.

The Trailblazer of the Year distinction represents more than recognition — it honors leadership that creates pathways, builds ecosystems, and advances regional growth with intention and collaboration.

From advocating for small businesses to strengthening workforce pipelines, investing in youth leadership, and elevating women entrepreneurs, Ariel’s work reflects the very mission of our organization: sustainable, inclusive economic development across the Southern Crescent region.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the conference leadership for creating a platform that highlights regional progress, and we thank Chair Carlotta Harrell of Henry County and Stockbridge Mayor Jayden Williams for presenting this honor.

At Southern Crescent Women in Business, we believe trailblazers do not simply open doors — they build new rooms.

We are proud of the leadership, proud of the vision, and proud to continue shaping the future of our region together.

11/21/2025

10/12/2025

Happy Birthday to Founder, Ariel Shaw. MBA!! Many blessings to you and thank you for all that you do!

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10/02/2025

Real Leaders Read Annual Book Drive is back this year and we want your participation! In partnership with Global Impact Christian Ministries, Southern Crescent Women In Business, and Founder Shaw, we make a dent in childhood literacy by collecting books for K-5 students that we donate the following month.

It’s also National Book Month! National Book Month is a yearly observance in October that highlights the importance of reading, writing, and literature, encouraging people to pick up books and engage with stories.

Thank you to all donation locations which include RLR Partner Global Impact Christian Ministries, Kim Mays State Farm Agency, Mica Johnson State Farm Agency and Pamper Me Total Beauty Salon and Spa. Please visit these businesses and drop one or two books off in support of our literacy initiative. https://realleadersread.org

Let’s continue to support this great initiative and our kids!

10/02/2025

Real Leaders Read Annual Book Drive is back this year and we want your participation! In partnership with Global Impact Christian Ministries, Southern Crescent Women In Business, and Founder Shaw, we make a dent in childhood literacy by collecting books for K-5 students that we donate the following month.

It's also National Book Month! National Book Month is a yearly observance in October that highlights the importance of reading, writing, and literature, encouraging people to pick up books and engage with stories.

Thank you to all donation locations which include RLR Partner Global Impact Christian Ministries, Kim Mays State Farm Agency, Mica Johnson State Farm Agency and Pamper Me Total Beauty Salon and Spa. Please visit these businesses and drop one or two books off in support of our literacy initiative. https://realleadersread.org

Let's continue to support this great initiative and our kids!

09/23/2025

30 minutes. That’s all it took was 30 minutes of my day to support the Literacy Efforts of the children in our community.

As a staunch and consistent advocate of , and Founder of Real Leaders Read Initiative it was my honor to answer the call from one of our local elementary schools Pates Creek Elementary to participate in the statewide to national initiative of .

Through our amazing partnerships we have donated thousands of books for children K-8, and I invited a few of my consistent literacy partners with me, Pastor O’Neal of Global Impact Christian Ministries and Kim Mays of Kim Mays - State Farm Insurance Agencies!

It’s always uplifting and inspiring to spend time with our young brilliant minds!

Please be sure to see how you can support our upcoming 2025 Literacy Campaign as we aim to donate another 1000 books!

https://www.realleadersread.org/