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Leigh Cape Barrett

Job Title

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, Thomson Middle School

Degree/Major

FACS Education, BSFCS '07

City/State

Perry, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighcapebarrett/

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Courtney Blackwell

Job Title

Associate Planner, Carters, Inc

Degree/Major

Fashion Merchandising, BSFCS '19

City/State

Marietta, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyblackwell/

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Anna Bradley

After 34 years as an educator, Anna retired and relocated to the north Georgia Mountains in 2018. During her career, she taught, coached teachers, and was assistant principal in middle schools in Hart and Clarke Counties. In 2004, she was named teacher of the year for Hart County Schools. Anna organized and conducted professional learning for teachers at regional educational agencies and supported new teachers and school improvement initiatives for Atlanta Public Schools. She concluded her career as a regional principal to six facilities with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Anna now enjoys being involved with church and community work in Blue Ridge with her husband Bob. Their time is also spent enjoying traveling, hiking, and boating. Anna devotes time with her two adult children and twin granddaughters. Anna’s family has a strong UGA tradition, and her daughter is a 4^th generation graduate.

Job Title

Retired Educator

Degree / Major

Home Economics and Journalism, BSHE '82 – University of Georgia

Home Economics Education, M.Ed. '84 – University of Georgia

Educational Leadership, Ed.D. '06 – Nova Southeastern University

City / State

Blue Ridge, GA

LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/in/anna-bradley-88527539

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Maranie Brown

Job Title

Vice President, Data Platforms and Solutions, BlackRock

Degree/Major

Consumer Economics, BSFCS '12

Business and Technology, MBT '23

City/State

Smyrna, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maraniebrown/ 

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Harrileen Jones

Job Title

CEO of Lovin' Lunches after retiring from teaching.

Degree/Major

Home Economics Education, BSHE '83

Home Economics Education, M.Ed. '91

City/State

Jackson, GA

What's a memorable moment from your time in FACS?

Being in Dawson Hall at 12 o'clock sewing samples.

How do you think FACS prepared you for your career success?

Dr. Cross, my advisor, called me into her office for those talks. It helped me to be the professional I am today.

What was your favorite class in FACS?

A favorite class was "Studying Housing on the Federal Level" with Dr. Sweaney on a bus to Washington, D.C.

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Eric Gilmore

Job Title

Director, Family Office Services, Pathstone

Degree/Major

Accounting, BBA '06

Housing and Consumer Economics, M.S. '08

City/State

Atlanta, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericgilmorecpa/

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Bridget Helms

Job Title

Global Brands & Product Development Sr Onboarding Analyst, Home Depot

Degree / Major

Fashion Merchandising, BSFCS '21

City / State

Atlanta, GA

What was your favorite class in FACS?

Fundamentals of Fashion Merchandising with Dr. Clair

Did you have a favorite or most memorable faculty member?

Dr. Clair McClure was an amazing teacher, dedicated faculty advisor for SMA, and an inspiring professional mentor.

How do you think FACS prepared you for your career success?

Most classes in other colleges have students take 3-4 tests to determine their retention of the material, and that's it. FACS classes ask more of their students. FACS doesn't want students to just memorize, they want students to understand how the information will be used in real-life instances through semester-long projects and presentations. These research projects helped prepare me for data analysis and presenting my findings to merchants every week.

What inspires or motivates you?

The world is constantly advancing in technology, and that's why keeping a pulse on how customers want to shop and engage with products inspires me to keep learning more about the DOTCOM side of retail and help my company stay competitive in the customer experience journey.

What advice would you give a current FACS student looking to pursue a career in your field?

Global Sourcing might be the single most important class a FACS student can take who wants to pursue a career in merchandising, fashion, or otherwise. Knowing trends and what the customer wants is important, but being able to have products land at the correct time and at the best value can make or break your bottom line.

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgethelms/

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Regina Kramer

After thirty-two years in education, Regina is enjoying retirement. She began teaching with Fulton County Schools in 1984 as a Home Economics teacher and left Fulton County Schools in 2015 as a second-grade teacher. During her tenure, she was named Teacher of the Year twice - in 1996 at Crabapple Elementary School and in 2010 at Summit Hill Elementary School. She was also named Who’s Who Among America’s Greatest Teachers in 2006.

Regina loved working with children in her classroom, but she also enjoyed working with her colleagues on committees. Some of these included: the “Dream Team” for developing elementary math curriculum for Fulton County Schools, a Task Force for “at-Risk” Middle-Grade Students, Local School Advisory Councils, and even presenting Interdisciplinary Curriculum (language arts and science) to teachers at the Georgia State Middle School Conference. She also served on the selection committee for the hiring of a new assistant principal.

Regina currently lives in Alpharetta with her husband, Richard, where she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her three adult children, their spouses and her five adorable grandchildren. She also remains in contact with many of her former students enjoying hearing about their life achievements and celebrations.
She remains involved in the school system by substitute teaching as much as possible at Summit Hill Elementary.

Job Title

Retired Educator

Degree / Major

Home Economics Education, BSHE '81

City / State

Alpharetta, GA

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Connie Land

Job Title

VP Sales and Marketing, Ulster Carpets

Degree/Major

Furnishings and Interiors, BSFCS '99

City/State

Atlanta, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-land-a810a46/

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Savannah Lockman

Job Title

Director of Annual Giving at Kennesaw State University

Degree/Major

Human Development and Family Science, BSFCS '18

City/State

Athens, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannahlockman/

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Anna Morris

Job Title

Owner/Designer, TenFour Home

Degree / Major

Furnishings and Interiors, BSFCS '11

Textiles, Merchandising and Interiors, M.S. '13

City / State

Charlotte, NC

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-auman-morris-449b4426/

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Bonnie Petersen

Job Title

Retired

Degree/Major

Consumer Economics and Housing/Home Economics Education, BSHE '79

City/State

Athens, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-petersen-809a491/

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Debbie Phillips

Job Title

President, The Quadrillion

Degree / Major

Home Economics & Journalism, BSHE '85
Home Management & Consumer Economics, M.S. '87

City / State

Jonesboro, GA

What has been your proudest accomplishment since graduation?

Launching the RPM Program at UGA and forming the Real Estate Career Academy.

What was your favorite class in FACS?

Home Management in 1986.

Did you have a favorite or most memorable faculty member?

Anne Sweaney!

How do you think FACS prepared you for your career success?

FACS prepares you for real life! Whether it's personal finance or entrepreneurship, FACS is the perfect major that offers a broad spectrum of skills that are essential for competing in a global environment.

What inspires or motivates you?

I enjoy helping others discover their passion and find their purpose in life. Picasso reminds us, "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away". I wake up every day on fire for my work. There is a vast difference between a job, a career, and a calling. I'm fortunate to live "my calling" each day.

What advice would you give a current FACS student looking to pursue a career in your field?

I always advise students to have at least one internship in their field of interest. Also, it's important to establish a circle of trusted advisors to help you navigate life. Most people are eager to "pay it forward" so students should tap into mentors and other professionals in their chosen field. I also encourage students to think of their most valuable commodity: TIME. It's the currency that you can never get back once it's lost.

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdebbiephillips/

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Jennifer Richardson

Job Title

Director of Marketing & Outreach/Risk Manager, Athens Neighborhood Health Center

Degree/Major

Consumer Economics and Housing, BSFCS '88

City/State

Bogart, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jjjr3/

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Renee Seligman

Job Title

Outreach Coordinator, Athens Community Council on Aging

Degree/Major

Human Development and Family Science, BSFCS '21

Nonprofit Management and Leadership, M.A. '22

City/State

Alpharetta, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneeseligman/

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Lynsey Singleton

Job Title

CTSO Program Specialist, Georgia Department of Education

Degree / Major

FACS Education, BSFCS '03

Occupation Studies, M.Ed. '08

Workforce Education, Ph.D. '13

City / State

Kathleen, GA

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Contey Smith

Job Title

Co-Founder, Motus Wealth Management

Degree/Major

Financial Planning, BSFCS '16

City/State

Buford, GA

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/contey/