If you ask Sheila Tenney’s friends to describe her, they’ll likely tell you that “she’s sweet, has a genuine spirit and will go out of her way to help anyone.” Tenney, the director of media relations for Atlanta Metropolitan College, spearheads the school’s communications strategy.
“Since Atlanta Metropolitan College is the institution of choice in Atlanta, great and amazing things are happening. We recently received state college status and will offer our first Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences in 2012,” Tenney vaunts.
The media expert’s personal motto is “Always give, always serve and always care.” Tenney donates her voice and time to Georgia Public Broadcasting and hosts the station’s “Lullaby Hour.”
“I believe it is important to give back, and to be involved in community service. As a native Atlantan, I come from a family of givers. I’m working to continue the long tradition of the David, Long, Oliver and Pierce families in helping the community, both in terms of financial giving and volunteerism. My grandfather, Reverend Julius David, would always say, ‘You have such a great heart, and you are so giving. You will always be blessed and be able to rest at night knowing you unselfishly helped and gave to someone in need.’ ”
The most useful lesson that Tenney has learned comes from former Ambassador Andrew Young. “I have learned so much from my mentor, Uncle Andy. The one lesson that sticks out in particular is, ‘Mistakes happen; learn from them!’ ”
A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Camellia Rose Chapter of the Links Incorporated and The Junior League of Atlanta, among others, she’s an avid reader. Tenney believes you should never stop learning. “I was taught by my CAU graduate business school professor, Dr. Dennis Kimbro, that knowledge is power — you must read as much as you can to be able to conquer the world.” –yvette caslin
Please click here for the entire list of 2011 Top 25 Women in Atlanta honorees.
