Each year, we are honored to highlight the outstanding women who make meaningful contributions to our beloved Fayette County. Their dedication, leadership, and impact help shape our community for the better. We invite you to learn more about these four remarkable women and their inspiring achievements.
Virginia Gibbs
Story by Sydney Kate Lewis
Virginia Gibbs has dedicated her career to serving others, a seed planted in college. Though an engineering major, she enrolled in Duke’s “Science, Society, and Human Values” course, which brought students and professors together to explore the interconnections and ethical considerations around developing new technologies. Today, she carries the lessons from this course, mindful of one's impact on others.
Seeking to make a positive local impact, Virginia joined the Fayette Chamber of Commerce where she could use her business, organizational, and relationship-building skills. Ten years later, she decided it was time to pass the baton and met with the school superintendent to discuss strengthening school-business partnerships. Since then, as the Coordinator of Innovative Partnership Development for the Fayette County Board of Education (FCBOE), she has helped Fayette County students and educators connect with local businesses while supporting leadership development.
Encouraged by the belief that economic and community development are connected, she applied the knowledge from her prior experience to provide tools, resources, and connections that helped local businesses thrive while leading community development initiatives at the Chamber. In her role at the FCBOE, she continues to influence both sides by contributing to workforce development and assisting teachers and schools in connecting with businesses and the community.
Virginia encourages others to use their gifts to help others grow while achieving shared goals that benefit the community. Hoping her legacy will be the connections and relationships she has helped build, she continues making an impact while finding joy in spending time with her family and close friends.
Mary Ann Cox
Story by Sydney Kate Lewis
After Mary Ann graduated from college, she encountered a phrase that would shape her life’s work: “Love is the giving of yourself for the good of others.” These words resonated deeply with her, guiding her mission to serve her community.
While working at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, she noticed parishioners frequently dropping off bags of clothes and other donated items for those in need. At first, she distributed the donations, but as contributions grew, it became increasingly difficult to manage. Realizing the potential for something greater, she founded Clothes Less Traveled, a nonprofit thrift store dedicated to serving the community. The shop not only provides affordable clothing and household goods but also channels its proceeds into local charities, creating a lasting impact beyond its walls.
Mary Ann’s next endeavor was even more ambitious. Recognizing the critical need for accessible healthcare, she spearheaded the creation of Fayette Care Clinic, a free medical facility for uninsured individuals who met income qualifications. Unlike the thrift store, this initiative required securing volunteer doctors, nurses, and medical professionals willing to donate their time and expertise. Despite the challenges, she persevered, establishing a clinic that became a lifesaver for many.
Though now retired, Mary Ann remains actively involved in both organizations, watching as they continue to grow. Her journey has reinforced her belief in the kindness and generosity of others, a lesson she now shares with her greatest joy - her three daughters and six grandchildren.
Latrice Callier
Story by Pam Reid
Latrice Callier is more than an entrepreneur - she’s a connector, a passionate servant leader, and the founder of M.A.T.S. (Mothers And Their Sons). Since moving to Fayette County when her son was in fourth grade, Latrice has dedicated herself to creating the village she once needed as a young mother.
M.A.T.S. was born in 2010 out of a deep desire to support mothers raising sons - single, married, widowed, or divorced, it doesn’t matter. Whether grandmothers, godmothers, or aunts stepped into a parental role for the young male in their life, Latrice envisioned a space where moms could connect without judgment. Having her son at 21, she longed for guidance on how to talk to, listen to, and raise a strong, emotionally healthy man. When she couldn’t find the resources, meetups, or support groups she needed, she created them.
Before launching her organization, Latrice worked in the dental field where she established the first free dental screening program demonstrating that her passion for giving back extends beyond one sector. “I’ve always been around service, and when I’m not doing that, I don’t feel my best.”
Now a proud “GiGi” to her grandson, Latrice’s son is 25, serving in the military, and living in London. The values she instilled in him – family, faith, community service, and healthy relationships - are the foundation of M.A.T.S. and her life’s work. Latrice has a daughter now and continues to relish the many blessings of motherhood.
Latrice consistently leads with love, believing in the power of transformation through community. To learn more about M.A.T.S. visit themats.org.
Chief Janet Moon
Story by Pam Reid
Chief Janet Moon, the Chief of Police for Peachtree City, is a force for positive change in law enforcement. A Georgia native with a deep commitment to service, justice, and community impact, Chief Moon has dedicated 40 years to protecting and uplifting those around her.
Her career began in 1985 when she served as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army. She transitioned to civilian law enforcement in 1989, joining the Rome Police Department, where she rose to Lieutenant, followed by the Suwanee Police Department, where she became Deputy Chief. She took the helm as Peachtree City’s Chief of Police in 2015.
A true servant leader, Chief Moon believes in mentorship, community engagement, and developing future leaders. “It’s not about me. It’s about others. It’s about growing and developing others around me so that perhaps they’ll take my place someday.” She instills in her officers the power of small acts of kindness, knowing they can leave positive lasting impressions.
In 2021, she became the first female President of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. She also serves on the Georgia Board of Public Safety - appointed by Governor Brian Kemp and is a Commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
With degrees in Public Administration, Organizational Management, and Criminal Justice, Chief Moon continuously pushes for excellence in law enforcement. She has also attended prestigious programs, including the FBI National Academy.
Residing in Brooks, Georgia, on her farm, she remains deeply connected to her roots while shaping the future of policing.