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Jennifer Ellen French
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Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
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ATLANTA — Andrew Young School of Policy Studies students Brittany Dankwa (M.P.A.) and Mackenzi Stewart (M.P.A.), along with alums Troy Crittendon (M.P.A. ’19) and Mariana Ortiz (M.P.A. ’23), are being celebrated among Atlanta’s top young nonprofit professionals. At a recent event hosted by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Atlanta (YNPN), they were named to the organization’s 30 Under 30 Class of 2023.
“Brittany, Mariana, Mackenzie and Troy are exceptional in every imaginable way,” Dean Thomas Vicino said. “This is an impressive recognition among the young leaders of Atlanta’s nonprofit community. They are our future, and they make us all proud.”
Dankwa was lauded for her work with the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. HQ State of GA Coalition as a young adult/collegiate liaison through the YNPN of Atlanta.
“I was recognized alongside 29 dynamic individuals in the Atlanta area and beyond that are also making a significant impact in their respective organizations through outstanding leadership, innovation and commitment to community work,” she posted to LinkedIn. “I was extremely grateful to share a space with so many of my peers that share the same love for their community as I do. It was truly a celebration of not only the recipients, but also the mentors, leaders and family in the room that support each one of us on our journey and continue to pour life into our dreams and aspirations.”
Mackenzie Stewart
Stewart’s studies focus on nonprofit management and social enterprise. She is the tennis director at the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, a sports-based youth development organization in southwest Atlanta that uses sports to teach Black youth how to fight crime, poverty and racism. L.E.A.D. recently profiled her in “Honoring Women That L.E.A.D.” on its Facebook page as trailblazing, poised and dynamic.
“From Howard to Southern, and now conquering courts at Georgia State, Makenzi Stewart’s tennis journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication and love for the game,” the organization posted. “A true trailblazer, she not only excels as a graduate student on the Georgia State tennis team but also serves as the Director of Tennis at L.E.A.D., embodying leadership both on and off the court and living as an example for our Lady Ambassadors.”
Mariana Ortiz
Ortiz is executive director and founder of the Latinx Disability Association, which provides resources, support and advocacy to and for the Latinx disability community.
“This was so humbling, and I was so excited to be in the room with people I admire and have had the chance to work with in different ways,” Ortiz posted on LinkedIn. “I am so excited to see the impact we collectively have!”
Troy Crittendon
Crittendon works closely with the alumni of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, having served as a graduate assistant in the Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations first, then returning as the assistant director of alumni relations last year. In this role he manages alumni programs, communications and experiences for all AYSPS alumni.
“Being recognized as a member of the 2023 30 Under 30 class of YNPN was not only a great privilege, but an invaluable reminder about the number of young community leaders making significant and indelible contributions to our neighborhoods and the world,” he said. “After uncovering my fellow classmates’ stories, I am once again amazed by the accomplishments of our student body and our robust and dynamic alumni community.”