Dr. Shellie Hipsky: Atlanta’s Global Force of Empowerment

Atlanta Wire Staff on July 28, 2025

By: Alena Wiese

Leading with Purpose: The Vision Behind Inspiring Lives International

In an age when purpose-driven leadership is more vital than ever, Dr. Shellie Hipsky is proving that one woman can shape the narrative of global empowerment. As CEO of Inspiring Lives International, Dr. Shellie has evolved from a professor of doctoral students to an international icon of women’s advancement. From the boardroom to the ballroom, from the pages of magazines to global charity missions, she’s redefining what modern leadership looks like—and who it’s for.

From Academia to Activism

Dr. Shellie’s journey began in the classrooms of special education and the corridors of academia. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership and years of teaching Ph.D. candidates, she laid her foundation in theory and practice. Yet her heart tugged beyond the university. Her early work with students facing emotional challenges and adults with autism crystallized a core truth: real transformation must reach beyond institutional walls. That conviction led her to build Inspiring Lives International—where education meets empowerment in multimedia and humanitarian forms.

Multimedia Maven: The Power of Voice and Visibility

Dr. Shellie didn’t just launch a company—she created a media movement. Her national TV show, Inspiring Lives with Dr. Shellie, filmed in NBC studios, tells the stories of everyday people overcoming adversity to inspire change. After being turned down for sponsorship by a local bank, she marched into a competitor’s branch, not with desperation, but with unwavering belief. Her story sold itself. She funded the show herself as Executive Producer—and made it happen.

Today, she’s the Editor-in-Chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine, a widely distributed publication, and host of a podcast series that spans continents. Her platform amplifies diverse female voices with clarity and compassion.

Global Impact Through The Global Sisterhood

As Executive Director of the Global Sisterhood, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Dr. Shellie has led boots-on-the-ground philanthropic missions around the globe. From funding a new school for girls in Pakistan to organizing fashion shows that raise six-figure donations for children’s education in the U.S., her activism is hands-on and deeply personal. Over 4,000 volunteer hours later, she still personally shops for women in transitional housing to help them dress for success.

Her Pop-Up Giving initiatives and international collaborations—from Ghana to Brooklyn—illustrate that empowerment knows no borders. Every dollar she raises, every story she tells, is a building block in a worldwide movement.

Elegance in Action: Style Meets Substance

It’s not just what Dr. Shellie does—it’s how she does it. A lover of couture fashion and a trained performer, she has graced over 88 magazine covers including Vogue Weekly, Forbes, and Elle. Her performances, like her jazz anthem “All That Jazz” available on Amazon Music, combine art with advocacy. Whether strutting a runway or belting out Broadway, she turns visibility into viability for the causes she champions.

She once remarked that people questioned her confidence—“Who does she think she is? Oprah?”—but she answered not with defensiveness, but with a movement: empowering women across borders, one mission at a time.

Mastering the Modern Entrepreneurial Mindset

Dr. Shellie is the creator of the EmpowerU Master Class and the World Class VIP 1:1 Coaching programs. These are not just educational tools—they’re life-changing systems designed for women seeking abundance, balance, and alignment. With clients flying in from around the globe, her coaching transcends typical business advice to address the full spectrum of life: work, family, purpose, and presence.

Legacy of Leadership: Awards and Accolades

Her work has earned global praise, including the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year in Inspiration and Empowerment. Yet, she counts “Mom” as her greatest title. A single mother who carved time for both fundraisers and bedtime stories, Dr. Shellie balances ambition with authenticity.

Lighting the Way Forward

The story of Dr. Shellie Hipsky is not about accolades—it’s about action. She’s not just featured in magazines; she writes the blueprint for what empowered womanhood can be. In a city like Atlanta—rich in history, culture, and activism—she stands as a beacon for the next generation of changemakers.

To learn more about her mission and upcoming docu-series or to become an official member of The Global Sisterhood, visit www.ShellieHipsky.com.

Dr. Shellie enjoys spending ample time in Atlanta, as she is currently dating her childhood sweetheart, Chad Quayle. She has been seen singing on stage with one of his bands, Six Degree Tilt, and reviewing fine dining at Atlanta hotspots such as the Michelin-starred Atlas for Inspiring Lives Magazine.

Dr. Shellie Hipsky: Atlanta’s Global Force of Empowerment

Photo Courtesy: Dr. Shellie Hipsky

The Power of Personal Style: Erika Mackinnon’s Tips for Creating a Home That Feels Like You

Atlanta Wire Staff on July 28, 2025

Creating a home that reflects your personality is more than just a design choice—when your surroundings align with your tastes and lifestyle, they can contribute positively to your well-being and daily rhythm. Personal style doesn’t have to follow rules or fit into a particular category; it’s about curating an atmosphere that feels genuine to you. As highlighted by Erika Mackinnon, whether you are drawn to minimalism, vintage charm, or bold colors, discovering and expressing those preferences can influence the way you experience home. What matters most is making choices that feel right to you, not simply following a trend.

Personal Style in Home Designs

Personal style is a blend of your habits, your tastes, and the way you live day to day. Whether it’s a love of earthy tones, minimal layouts, or eclectic collections, your choices reflect something unique about you. Unlike trend-driven interiors that may feel impersonal, a home shaped by personal style remains meaningful. A bookshelf filled with well-read novels, a coffee table passed down from family, or a gallery wall of travel photos can all offer insights into your story.

Why Personal Style Improves Everyday Living

A home that mirrors your personality can have a quiet yet significant effect on how you feel. When your surroundings match your rhythm and reflect your identity, it may become easier to unwind, recharge, and feel genuinely at ease. There’s a comfort in being surrounded by pieces that hold meaning or evoke positive memories, especially after a long day.

Personal design choices can also support your daily routines. A cozy reading nook by the window might encourage more downtime with a book, while a well-lit kitchen laid out to your preferences can make meals feel more enjoyable. These subtle alignments between environment and routine can lift your mood and help you feel more in control of your day-to-day life.

This kind of emotional connection isn’t something you can buy off a shelf—it’s built over time through thoughtful decisions. When your home feels like a true extension of yourself, it becomes more than a place to live; it becomes a sanctuary.

Discovering What You Like

Finding your style begins with paying attention to what repeatedly draws your eye. Whether it’s the soft texture of linen, the clean lines of a Scandinavian chair, or the layered warmth of a bohemian room, these preferences often show up in saved images, favorite spaces, or even the clothes you wear. Noticing these small consistencies can guide your design path.

Try collecting inspiration from a variety of sources—magazines, online platforms, or places you’ve visited—and observe the common threads. Maybe you’re drawn to neutral palettes with natural elements, or perhaps bold color and playful shapes feel more like home.

The beauty of personal styles is that they don’t need to fit into a single category. You can blend rustic pieces with modern touches or pair vintage finds with clean, contemporary lines. The freedom to mix and match gives your space a more personal and lived-in character that naturally evolves over time.

Bringing Your Style into Your Space

Transforming a space doesn’t require a full renovation. Often, small changes can make a significant difference. Swapping out generic lighting for a fixture that speaks to your aesthetic, layering cozy textures on your sofa, or showcasing artwork that resonates with you can all add depth and personality to a room. Even rearranging furniture or incorporating plants can shift the mood dramatically.

Start with a single area that you use often—a bedside table, a corner of the living room, or your entryway. Add objects that carry meaning, whether it’s a handmade ceramic bowl, a stack of favorite coffee table books, or a framed photo that makes you smile. Gradually, these small touches accumulate into a cohesive, comforting atmosphere.

Letting Your Style Grow Over Time

Your home doesn’t have to be finished to feel complete. Styles naturally change as your needs, interests, and routines shift. What felt perfect a few years ago may no longer suit your current lifestyle, and that’s part of the process. Embracing this growth keeps your space feeling fresh and aligned with who you are now.

Instead of rushing to fill every wall or shelf, allow things to unfold. A room has more character when it includes items collected over time—objects with a story or function. Reimagining older pieces, like repainting a vintage dresser or moving a chair to a new spot, can breathe new life into what you already own.

Staying Confident in Your Choices

There’s a quiet strength in trusting your own taste. It’s easy to be swayed by trending styles or curated social feeds, but what you love will always outlast passing fads. Choosing with intention—whether it’s a bold rug or a subtle wall color—gives your home a sense of clarity and confidence. Each decision becomes a reflection of your values and preferences, not someone else’s idea of beauty.

Ultimately, your space should make you feel at home, not like you’re performing for someone else’s approval. A shelf filled with personal mementos, a sofa that’s worn in just right, or a quirky lamp you’ve had for years can say more about your style than anything mass-produced.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. The design suggestions and concepts shared reflect the author’s opinions and the experiences of individuals in personal interior design choices. While the benefits of creating a home that reflects personal style are supported by general design principles, the outcomes may vary based on individual preferences, needs, and circumstances. Any references to products, design techniques, or lifestyle approaches are based on subjective interpretation and should not be considered as professional advice or guarantees of a specific result. Readers are encouraged to explore further based on their own tastes and needs.

Why is Digital Visibility Crucial for Local Entrepreneurs?

Atlanta Wire Staff 2 on July 28, 2025

Today, even small, local businesses must enhance their digital visibility to remain competitive. Local entrepreneurs, regardless of their industry, need to be found online by their target customers. Without effective digital marketing strategies, potential customers may never know these businesses exist, or worse, they might find competitors that have better online visibility.

Digital visibility goes beyond having a website; it’s about ensuring that your business can be discovered across various platforms like search engines, social media, and news outlets. With more people turning to Google and social media platforms for information, local entrepreneurs must leverage strategies that ensure their business shows up when it matters most. But how does one navigate the complex digital world to stand out locally?

How Does SEO Help Local Entrepreneurs Gain Visibility?

Why is Digital Visibility Crucial for Local Entrepreneurs (3)

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most effective ways to boost digital visibility for local entrepreneurs. In a nutshell, SEO refers to the practices that help your website rank higher in search engine results, particularly for local searches. When someone types “coffee shop near me” or “best plumbing service in [city],” SEO determines which businesses appear first.

For local entrepreneurs, local SEO tactics are key. Optimizing your website with relevant local keywords (like city names, neighborhood names, or specific service areas) helps search engines understand where your business operates. Additionally, ensuring your business is listed in local directories, such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Bing Places, can drastically improve your chances of being found by local customers.

An essential part of SEO for local entrepreneurs is collecting positive reviews. Online reviews, especially on Google, help your business rank higher in local searches and boost credibility. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews will not only improve visibility but also build trust with future clients.

For local entrepreneurs, SEO is about making sure that when a potential customer looks for products or services in your area, your business is one of the first to appear. This requires consistent updates, keyword optimization, and ensuring that your website offers a great user experience—speed, mobile responsiveness, and clear calls to action.

How Can Press Releases Boost a Local Entrepreneur’s Visibility?

Press releases have long been an important tool for businesses, but their role in boosting digital visibility for local entrepreneurs is often underestimated. A well-crafted press release can get your business in front of a wider audience, including local media outlets, industry publications, and even large news sites, depending on the reach of your distribution.

When writing a press release, focus on newsworthy events such as a new product launch, a local award, or a community event your business is involved in. The key to success here is making sure that the release is relevant to both your target audience and the media outlets you wish to engage. By doing so, you increase the likelihood of your press release being picked up by journalists and published online.

When a press release is picked up by news sites or industry blogs, it doesn’t just increase brand awareness—it also contributes to SEO. The backlinks from reputable sites to your business’s website help improve your search engine ranking. These backlinks, combined with the exposure you get from the press, help establish your business as an authority in your field and improve its digital footprint.

Moreover, press releases are easily shareable on social media, which extends their reach even further. Local entrepreneurs can use press releases as part of their content strategy to engage with both the media and potential customers, all while boosting their digital presence.

What Role Does Online Storytelling Play in Digital Visibility?

Why is Digital Visibility Crucial for Local Entrepreneurs (2)

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

In an era where consumers are bombarded with advertisements and promotional content, storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool for building genuine connections with customers. Online storytelling involves crafting compelling narratives that highlight your business’s values, mission, and personality, rather than simply promoting products or services.

For local entrepreneurs, storytelling allows you to connect on a deeper level with your local community. You can share stories about how your business came to be, the challenges you’ve overcome, or how your products or services have made a real difference in people’s lives. These personal stories humanize your brand and make it more relatable, which is key in building trust and loyalty among your audience.

Social media platforms, blogs, and your website are the ideal places to tell these stories. Local entrepreneurs can create engaging content that resonates with their audience, showcasing their involvement in the community, highlighting customer success stories, or even sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the day-to-day running of the business. People want to support businesses that feel authentic and align with their own values.

Good storytelling also drives engagement, which is crucial for digital visibility. The more people engage with your content—by liking, sharing, commenting, or discussing your posts—the more likely it is that your business will be shown to others through algorithms. This organic exposure is invaluable for local entrepreneurs trying to grow their digital presence.

How Can Entrepreneurs Combine SEO, Press Releases, and Storytelling for Maximum Impact?

Local entrepreneurs can significantly boost their digital visibility by combining SEO, press releases, and storytelling. While each strategy is powerful on its own, using them together creates a comprehensive marketing approach that strengthens your online presence across different platforms.

Start by ensuring your website is optimized for local SEO so that it ranks higher in search engine results. Next, incorporate press releases into your marketing strategy to share important updates with local media and online outlets. Lastly, use storytelling to engage your audience and build a deeper emotional connection. By aligning all of these elements, you create a more robust and well-rounded approach to digital marketing.

A practical example of this combination might be a local bakery that recently won an award for its eco-friendly packaging. The bakery could use SEO to ensure that “eco-friendly bakery [city name]” ranks highly in search results. A press release could announce the award, generating coverage in local news outlets. Meanwhile, the bakery can post stories on social media, such as how they made the switch to eco-friendly packaging or featuring customer testimonials. These efforts collectively enhance visibility, increase credibility, and build stronger relationships with customers.

MLB, AUSL, and Women Raise the Game Unite to Honor Women in Softball and Baseball

Atlanta Wire Staff on July 28, 2025

By: Lily Harry

During the excitement of MLB All-Star Week in Atlanta, a transformative celebration will unfold off the field. On Monday, July 14, 2025, Major League Baseball and Athletes Unlimited Softball League will join forces with Women Raise the Game to host the inaugural Women Raise the Game x MLB x AUSL Honors Lunch. The exclusive event, set at Punch Bowl Social at The Battery Atlanta, will celebrate the visionary women who are advancing baseball and softball at every level.

This event comes on the heels of MLB’s first-ever strategic investment in a professional women’s softball league, marking a notable milestone for the sport. The collaboration with AUSL represents a significant step forward in supporting women’s sports, from infrastructure to visibility to career development. It is an important move toward fostering a sustainable future for the women’s game.

A central highlight of the afternoon will be a fireside conversation featuring MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr., AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng, and Olympic silver medalist Jennie Finch, who serves as both MLB Youth Softball Ambassador and AUSL Advisor. The discussion will be led by Emmy Award-winning MLB Network analyst and former All-Star Harold Reynolds.

MLB, AUSL, and Women Raise the Game Unite to Honor Women in Softball and Baseball

Photo Courtesy: Forrest Smith for Women Raise The Game

Opening the event, Women Raise the Game Founder and CEO Tish Galindo will deliver remarks that set the tone for an afternoon of recognition and reflection.

The Honors Lunch will also recognize five outstanding women whose work is shaping the present and future of the game. Among the honorees are Kim Ng, the newly appointed Commissioner of AUSL; DeRetta Rhodes, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Culture Officer for the Atlanta Braves; Natasha Watley, an Olympic medalist and advisor to AUSL and MLB; Jennie Finch, whose influence in youth development and advocacy continues to grow; and Sarah Padove, Senior Manager of Baseball & Softball Development at MLB.

“Today in Atlanta, we celebrate five women whose leadership is contributing significantly to the next chapter of sport. Each of them is building infrastructure, driving growth, and redefining what’s possible in the game. I launched Women Raise the Game to help move the industry forward and honoring leaders like these is part of that mission. Recognition is a marker of growth, and growth is the work.” – Tish Galindo, Founder & CEO, Women Raise the Game

Photo Courtesy: Forrest Smith for Women Raise The Game

“This event is about legacy and leadership,” said Galindo. “We’re recognizing the women whose vision and expertise are creating lasting impact in baseball, softball, and beyond. Their influence is helping to expand what’s possible in the game and is driving forward the important cultural and economic changes we need in professional sports.”

From red carpet arrivals to the final champagne toast, the afternoon promises to deliver both celebration and substance. The Honors Lunch represents more than just recognition; it is a message that investment in women’s sports is timely and necessary. It also reaffirms the importance of institutional support in shaping the success of athletes, leagues, and the communities they serve.

At the heart of this initiative is The 360 Agency, the AI-driven creative marketing firm behind Women Raise the Game. With a mission to help brands grow through cultural insight and innovation, The 360 Agency continues to play an important role in elevating women in sports by creating platforms that drive impact, opportunity, and sustained influence.

For more, visit the360agency.com and womenraisethegame.com.