2023 Georgia State Leadership Conference Highlights

FREDDIE POWELL SIMS| Zeal of Georgia Award Recipient

Senator Freddie Powell Sims, a Democrat from Dawson, was elected to the State Senate in 2008 to represent the 12th Senatorial District.
Sen. Sims serves as secretary of the Education and Youth Committee, Vice Chairwoman of Interstate Cooperation and is a member of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations and Natural Resources and the Environment committees.
Although this is her second legislative role, her community, civic and professional involvement has been extensive.
Sen. Sims has been an active member of Kiwanis International, the Fort Valley State University Foundation Board, a Deputy Registrar for Dougherty County, Children in Poverty and several other organizations. Her involvement in such organizations has made her the recipient of several
awards and certificates, including the 2004 Outstanding Financial Contributions to Capital Campaign award for Fort Valley State University and the 2008 Outstanding Legislator of the Year award for technical and adult education. Sen. Sims is a proud member and legacy of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Becoming a member in Delta Beta Chapter, Fort Valley State University, she has given 50 years of service representing finer womanhood.
Sen. Sims decided to get into politics because of her desire to serve the public, more specifically to provide a voice for those citizens who do not seem to have one. Sims is a retired Middle School Principal and Doctor of Educational Leadership.
Dr. Sims is a devout Baptist and is married to Norman Sims. The couple shares 3 daughters.
The 12th Senatorial District includes all of Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Dougherty, Randolph, Stewart, Terrell, Quitman and Webster counties also portions of Mitchell and Sumter County.

ELISABETH OMILAMI | Zeal of Georgia Award Recipient

Born in Atlanta, Williams-Omilami is the daughter of activist Hosea Williams and Georgia State Representative Juanita T. Williams. Williams-Omilami's young life was spent with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. She created the People's Survival Theatre. Williams-Omilami directed and acted as her husband’s, Afemo Omilami, career grew. Williams-Omilami graduated from Hampton University with a BA in Theatre.

Williams-Omilami worked in the background of her father's Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless efforts. In November 2000, she became the organization's CEO, expanding the organization from a budget of $200,000 to over $1.5 million working to meet the basic needs of the working poor and homeless. Ms. Omilami, an activities, entrepreneur, actress, and philanthropist is an Honorary Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.