With over 35 years of experience in business management, nonprofit leadership, and community service, Jeri is deeply committed to uplifting communities and creating sustainable impact. She has dedicated her life to service, with one of her greatest accomplishments being the raising of her three children. Homeschooling them from start to finish, she watched them grow into compassionate, kind adults who share her love for the Lord and have a heart for serving others.
A seasoned entrepreneur, Jeri founded and served as the CEO of The Ultimate Event, an award-winning event planning and catering company, for 14 years. During this time, her passion for serving others and bringing joy and hope to every event was central to her work. Jeri successfully managed a full-time staff and several independent contractors, developing strong organizational, leadership, and logistical skills. These abilities enabled her to manage complex budgets and coordinate multiple events simultaneously. These skills have proven invaluable in her nonprofit endeavors, where she efficiently manages large-scale community programs.
As the co-founder and CEO of Hugs & Hope Corp, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Jeri broadened her impact by providing support to individuals and families in need. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as The Atlanta Community Food Bank, Hands on Atlanta, and DoorDash, Hugs & Hope provides free, healthy meals and groceries to the community.
Under Jeri's leadership, Hugs & Hope has distributed 2,217,795 pounds of food, nourishing over 200,000 people in need. One of the organization's most significant initiatives is the Bags of Hope Program, which was launched in partnership with DoorDash’s Project Dash initiative. This program ensures that children attending Title 1 schools receive nourishing meals over the weekend, ensuring no child goes hungry during their time away from school.
Hugs & Hope has become a beacon of support in the community, offering not just food and critical resources, but also love, compassion, and much-needed hope to those in need.
