Southern Crescent Women in Business Founder Ariel Shaw Named 2026 Trailblazer of the Year at South Metro Development Outlook Conference

Atlanta, Georgia —February 16, 2026 — Southern Crescent Women in Business proudly announces that its Founder and President, Ariel Shaw, MBA, has been named Trailblazer of the Year at the 2026 South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) Conference, a regional convening focused on economic growth, leadership, and development across South Metro Atlanta.

The Trailblazer of the Year award recognizes leaders who create new pathways for opportunity, drive strategic collaboration, and advance sustainable economic progress within their communities. Shaw was honored for her work strengthening the Southern Crescent region through small business advocacy, women’s entrepreneurship initiatives, youth workforce development, and cross-sector regional partnerships.

The award was presented by Carlotta Harrell, Chairwoman of Henry County, and Jayden Williams, Mayor of Stockbridge, underscoring the collaborative leadership shaping the region’s future.

“Being recognized as Trailblazer of the Year is deeply meaningful,” said Shaw. “To be a trailblazer means more than leading — it means building ecosystems, expanding access, and ensuring that growth reaches every corner of our community. The Southern Crescent is not simply a region of potential; it is a region of momentum.”

Founded under Shaw’s leadership, Southern Crescent Women in Business has become a catalyst for inclusive economic development, supporting entrepreneurs, fostering civic engagement, investing in youth leadership pipelines, and advancing strategic regional alignment across municipalities and industries.

The South Metro Development Outlook Conference, the brainchild of Michael Hightower of The Collaborative Firm, serves as a platform to highlight progress, convene public and private sector leaders, and elevate forward-looking strategies for regional prosperity.

“This honor reflects the collective work of our partners, business owners, and community stakeholders,” Shaw added. “Our commitment remains clear: collaborative leadership, sustainable growth, and expanded opportunity for the Southern Crescent.”

For more information about Southern Crescent Women in Business, visit www.scwibga.org.