Upcoming events

Switch to Calendar View

• Engaging and Partnering with College Students – Collaboration between COVA and SLIC Georgia (Service-Learning Intercollegiate Collaborative of Georgia)

  • When
    18 Feb 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  • Location
    Agnes Scott College, Alston Campus Center, 141 E College Ave, Decatur 30032
  • Registered
    44 registrants

  Register

  
  

  COVA February Member Meeting

  Join your fellow COVA members for an in-person discussion about the benefits and struggles of engaging and partnering with college students as volunteers. There will be a panel of speakers from different universities and colleges around the metro Atlanta area to discuss and answer questions about student volunteering and internships.

  
  

  Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

  Time: 9-10:30 am

  Location: Agnes Scott College, Alston Campus Center, 141 E College Ave., Decatur 30032

  
  

  

  Meet the Panelists:

  JP Peters

  JP Peters serves as the Assistant Director for Student Outreach and Service at Georgia Gwinnett College, where he leads campus-wide efforts focused on civic engagement, community partnerships, and student leadership development. His work includes oversight of the college’s volunteer management system and service-based student organizations, with a focus on connecting students to meaningful, real-world experiences that build leadership and community impact.

  Madeline Oliff

  Madeline Oliff serves as the Program and Operations Manager supporting Community-Based Learning at Georgia Tech. In her role, she supports building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships between nonprofit organizations, faculty members, and students. She leads the Community Innovation Program, which provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in real-world, project-based learning supporting non-profit organizations throughout Atlanta. Her commitment to community-based learning stems from her serving as a non-profit professional prior to joining Georgia Tech.

  Jilo Tisdale

  Jilo Tisdale is a graduate of Northwestern University where she received her undergraduate degree in Comparative Literature and African American Studies. She served as a Teach for America corps member in New Orleans, Louisiana before completing her master’s degree in Education at the University of Michigan. Jilo served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and adjunct professor before transitioning into the non-profit sector. In 2006 she was selected to serve as the Education Program Officer for the Mechanicsville Community Learning Collaborative funded by the Annenberg Foundation. In this role she established strategic partnerships that led to the construction of a comprehensive early learning center at Dunbar Elementary School. In 2008 Jilo joined the Education area at United Way of Greater Atlanta where she served as the Senior Director of Youth Programs until transitioning to Spelman College in 2013. As Director of the Bonner Office of Civic Engagement, Jilo leads a dynamic team whose hard work ensures that Spelman students have access to opportunities ranging from introductory service experiences to multi-year community-based internships. Jilo also works with Spelman faculty members on Service Learning and Community Engaged Research to extend student learning beyond the classroom.  Jilo is the mother of three and when she isn’t working, she enjoys listening to podcasts, tasting new deserts, and reading on the beach.

  Show details
• Engaging the Next Generation: Building Lasting Relationships with Young Professionals Through Service

  • When
    18 Mar 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Location
    Vritaul
  • Registered
    8 registrants

  Register

  
  

  COVA March Member Meeting

  Engaging the Next Generation: Building Lasting Relationships with Young Professionals Through Service
  

  Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

  Time: 9:00-10:00 am

  Location: Virtual 

  Young professionals represent a critical audience for the future of nonprofit volunteer engagement—but building meaningful, lasting relationships requires intentional strategy. This virtual panel will explore approaches to engaging young professionals in service in ways that foster connection, deepen commitment, and support long-term involvement. Panelists will share insights on designing impactful volunteer experiences, aligning opportunities with the values of young professionals, and moving beyond one-time engagement to cultivate ongoing supporters and advocates for your mission.

  Meet two our panelists:

  

  Melissa Ramirez

  Melissa Ramirez is the Director of Gwinnett Young Professionals at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, where she leads initiatives focused on connection, leadership development, and community impact for emerging professionals across Metro Atlanta. She oversees signature programs, events, and partnerships designed to empower the next generation of leaders and strengthen the region’s professional ecosystem.

  Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Affairs from Georgia State University, a background that informs her passion for inclusive leadership, and building strong and diverse communities. Through her work, she is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young professionals to grow personally, professionally, and as community leaders driven by a belief that strong communities are built when people feel connected and empowered.

  Charlie Heldman

  Charlie Heldman is the current President of Community Bucket in Atlanta, GA and a “community entrepreneur.”

  A music producer and artist himself, Charlie created the nonprofit “Windy City .Wavs” based in Chicago, IL, dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration for music artists. While in San Francisco, Charlie created the organization “Boozy Deeds,” dedicated to the connection of servicing and building community. Outside of creating events or organizations aimed at combating social isolation and giving back to others, Charlie recently went from Big Tech to Therapy, and is currently an MSW student at The University of Denver, and is in practicum for clinical therapy at New Life Community Alliance. He also sits on the committee for Career Development and Mentorship with the Georgia Society of Clinical Social Workers.

  Show details