Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Hello, my name is Sonali Rao, and as a proud HealthMPowers board member since 2022, I’m thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone: 25 years of championing healthy habits and transforming the environments where children live, learn, and play.
What began as a grassroots effort by two passionate parents—operating out of donated space at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta—has grown into a statewide leader in child health and wellness. As a mom, I’m committed to leading by example and teaching my kids the value of health and nutrition. That’s why I’m so inspired by the progress HealthMPowers has made over the past 25 years.
From our humble beginnings with a “mobile unit” classroom trailer to school-wide initiatives tackling childhood obesity, HealthMPowers has consistently focused on inspiring lifelong healthy habits. This anniversary isn’t just about looking back—it’s about celebrating how far we’ve come and the bright future ahead.
Throughout 2025, we’ll honor our founders’ vision and alumni contributions with special events, including the launch of our “25 Million Minutes” campaign in partnership with the American Heart Association. Together, we’re challenging Georgians to move 25 million minutes—symbolizing our shared commitment to a healthier future.
What excites me most is our newest initiative: YouthMPowers. This effort is a compilation of all our youth-driven programs from our Student Health Advocate (SHA) Program, the Girls Empowering Movement Program (GEM), and our Youth Advisory Board. It will be an expansive effort to equip young leaders with the tools and confidence to advocate for healthier communities. By putting youth at the forefront of change, we’re fostering a generation that envisions a better future and actively works to create it.
This anniversary is more than a celebration—it’s a movement. Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and paving the way for a healthier, empowered tomorrow.
Warmly,
Sonali