Kathy Hood is the founder and CEO of Marvelous Light Empowerment Association (MLEA), a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the lives of families and individuals by providing the tools and resources necessary to grow and develop physically, mentally, spiritually and financially through a myriad of services, forums, trainings and workshops. Kathy’s hard work, expertise and experience has propelled MLEA to become one of an elite few non-profit organizations responsible for the recent expansion of South Fulton’s economic footprint.

Under the umbrella of MLEA, Kathy has established a number of outstanding programs; among them is Woman University. Woman University was created to provide services, educational opportunities and resources to equip women to become community leaders and business owners through a creative, supportive global network. Kathy has partnered with a number of companies and organizations like the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Technical College, the Collaborative Firm, BB&T Bank, Regions Bank and most recently, PowerMyLearning and Google, to assist in the provision of services and resources needed to accomplish the program’s mission. Since its inception, Woman University has produced several new female business owners throughout the Atlanta metro area.

Kathy is also the creator of Rare Jewel, initially a mentoring and leadership program for teens, Rare Jewel is now an African-American Christian Super Heroine, based on the life of Kathy Hood, for which she uses to inspire, strengthen and empower young women. Under Kathy’s leadership, Rare Jewel was sketched and brought to life by Aziza Andre, a rising star student out of Amario’s Art Academy for the Gifted and Talented, located in Southwest Atlanta. Kathy worked to transform Rare Jewel into a digital graphic novel which was eventually developed by iRemedi as an Apple App for Itunes.

In addition to publishing her graphic novel, Kathy was honored and received an award for Excellence in Community Service & Non-Profit, by the National Coalition of 100 Black Woman, Inc., MECCA Chapter (2017), and 2018 Pinnacle Leadership Award by the Fortitude Educational and Cultural Development Center, Inc. Mrs. Hood was featured in South Fulton Lifestyle and Rolling Out Magazines, and recognized and featured as one of 50 Women Making Their Mark in Metropolitan Atlanta in the People You Need to Know Magazine, and at numerous South Fulton Business After Hours events. She has served as guest speaker for the Atlanta Healthcare and Music Festival, the Dare to Be Beautiful Annual Women’s Retreat, and countless other workshops and forums. She is devoted and committed to empowering and developing women, business owners and leaders in her community and throughout the country. An active member of Light of Joy Church, Riverdale, Georgia, Kathy is married and is the proud mother of an adult daughter and son, and two precious grandsons and one granddaughter.