With a mission to transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness by providing help, hope, housing, and healing, Rainbow Village strives to instill initiative, self-development, and accountability that will foster meaningful growth in the lives of all who encounter the nonprofit organization. That meaningful growth isn’t limited to the families it serves alone but also includes its team and board members. As new members join its Board of Directors, the nonprofit’s CEO hopes they will also bring meaningful growth to her organization. Given their impressive careers and dedication to serving the community, the most recent additions to Rainbow Village’s governing body are well-poised to bring positive change. Rainbow Village is proud to announce the addition of seasoned leaders Dean Collins, Janis Martinez, Linda Watson-Hills, and Cheryl Deluca-Johnson to its Board of Directors for 2024.

“It takes more than fundraising to fuel our mission at Rainbow Village,” said Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner. “It takes tireless testimony, strategic growth of our networks, and an ever-evolving vision. Above all that, it takes the introduction of Rainbow Village’s model and mission to a continually growing circle of passionate individuals who – once they see our campus, meet our families, and sense the possibilities – feel compelled to be a part of what we’re doing here. While many become community, faith, or corporate partners, those with whom our mission resonates most often become members of the Rainbow Village Board of Directors. We are truly blessed to have a roster of some of Atlanta’s most visionary and successful professionals on our Board, but it’s so much more than that. The individuals who make up that whole selflessly give of their time, treasure, and talents to see that the mission of our organization is realized and that the dreams of self-sustainability that the families we serve are achieved. We are honored to add Dean, Jan, Linda, and Cheryl to that list.”

Dean Collins:                Founder & President of the Premier Full-Service Planning, Design, and Construction Management Firm, Axis Companies – Collins is excited to “serve with an incredible organization that helps those lost find their path to tangible freedoms.” He looks forward to providing his talents to those most in need. He hopes to leverage his community and professional relationships to aid in funding and program expansion while lending his business experience in operations, growth, and marketing to Rainbow Village.

Janis Martinez:             Former Executive Search Professional and Founder of Ashford Management Group (Retired) – Martinez is “anxious to be able to make a contribution to an organization that is building a future for people who have not had the chance for a future [they deserve].” Having served on several charitable boards in the past, each with its own needs that change as improvements are made, she looks forward to learning how her talents align with Rainbow Village’s needs.

Linda Watson-Hills:       Seasoned Human Resources Professional and President at Watson-Hills, LLC – This former HR Professional for Coca-Cola was drawn to Rainbow Village for its “vision to help families get on a solid foundation spiritually, relationally, and financially.” She appreciates that it’s a well-run, sustainable organization with huge opportunities ahead. Watson-Hills looks forward to helping Rainbow Village’s leadership team “think through the implications of expansion and growth on people, processes, systems, and culture.”

Cheryl Deluca-Johnson: Licensed Professional Counselor and Founder of Street Grace – Having once served as a Special Projects Coordinator for Rainbow Village, Deluca-Johnson is excited to join its Board of Directors. Not only does she “believe in the program and the insight of the nonprofit’s leadership,” but she also hopes to lend her 25+ years of experience in the nonprofit space to promote and improve the impact of Rainbow Village.  

To learn more about Rainbow Village, volunteer to support its mission, or make an online donation, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.RainbowVillage.org.