ATLANTA — The Georgia State women's basketball team will host the 2026 Women Empower, Women Excel Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the University Club at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium.
The Women Empower, Women Excel program fosters leadership, connection and personal development by introducing Georgia State student-athletes to successful women across business, education, entertainment, wellness and community leadership. Through networking events, mentorship, and leadership experiences, the program helps student-athletes build meaningful relationships, gain real-world insight and strengthen skills that prepare them for life beyond the court.
This year's luncheon features a speaker panel, networking brunch and conversations designed to inspire young women to dream big, work hard and challenge others to do the same.
Established in 2022 by Georgia State women's basketball head coach Gene Hill, Women Excel continues Hill's vision to empower his student-athletes both on and off the court by helping them grow as leaders and professionals in their communities.
This year's Women Empower, Women Excel luncheon will feature three engaging panel discussions:
Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in Male-Dominated Fields
Building Wealth from the Ground Up: Personal Finance Strategies in Your Early 20s
Beyond the Business: The Power of Networking and Community for Career Growth
The 2026 honoree and speaker class includes:
Dr. Egypt Sherrod
Television Host, Real Estate Mogul, and Philanthropist
An Emmy Award–nominated TV host and real estate expert, Egypt Sherrod is best known as the host and executive producer of HGTV's Married to Real Estate. She is the Founder & CEO of the Indigo Road family of companies, spanning real estate, design, and home furnishings. A passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs, she co-founded 1000 Women Owned, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting women-owned businesses globally. Sherrod's work has earned national recognition, including honors from Inman News, Atlanta Magazine, and the City of Atlanta, which proclaimed August 23 as "Egypt Sherrod Appreciation Day."
René Chatfield
Chief Strategist, Chat Champs Consulting
René Chatfield is the Chief Strategist of Chat Champs Consulting, where she connects athletes, artists, and creatives with leading brands through strategic partnerships and brand storytelling. Her impressive career includes leadership roles with Nike Basketball, Turner Sports, the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and Pronghorn, a private equity firm investing in diverse-owned spirits brands. A former Division I and professional basketball player, Chatfield brings her athlete mindset and business acumen to mentoring and empowering future leaders.
Timber Hines
Assistant Vice President for Wellness, Georgia State University
Timber Hines oversees student wellness across Georgia State's six campuses, leading initiatives in health promotion, recreation and student support. A two-time Georgia State graduate, she has more than 25 years of experience building transformative wellness programs in higher education. Her leadership has advanced Panther well-being while reinforcing her lifelong commitment to student success and community growth.
Pamela J. Smith
President & CEO, Smith Real Estate Services, Inc.
Pamela J. Smith is the founder and CEO of Smith Real Estate Services, Inc., a leading Atlanta-based firm specializing in commercial real estate, construction management and right-of-way land acquisition. With over four decades of experience, she has managed landmark projects including developments for Atlanta Public Schools, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Invest Atlanta. A pioneering entrepreneur and community leader, Smith has received numerous honors, including induction into the Atlanta Business League's Business Hall of Fame and recognition as one of Atlanta Magazine's 500 Most Powerful Leaders.
Mathilda Lambert
Vice President of Community and Business Development, JPMorgan Chase
Mathilda Lambert is a financial leader dedicated to advancing economic equity and financial education in underserved communities. Based in Atlanta, she oversees community outreach and small business development initiatives that close the racial wealth gap. A driving force behind Chase's groundbreaking Summerhill Community Center branch, Lambert's work blends mentorship, financial access, and empowerment, earning her a place among the Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40 honorees.
In addition to the luncheon, the 2026 Women Excel honorees will be recognized during the Georgia State women's basketball game on Saturday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m. when the Panthers host Texas State at the GSU Convocation Center.
Tickets and sponsorships are now available for purchase here.
For more information, please contact Bethany Fortson (bfortson2@gsu.edu).
