Kathy Adams is a change agent who has demonstrated strategic leadership and an innovative approach to problem-solving in her corporate work and community service for more than 25 years.
A native of Albany, California, in 1978 she moved to Atlanta where she attended Clark Atlanta University and later graduated from the University of Phoenix with dual degrees in business management and business marketing. Today, she works as an organizational change management specialist in information technology operations at Delta Air Lines and serves as chair of Delta’s Information Technology Learning and Career Council.
Adams also is state president of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women and a Fulton County Democratic Party post seat holder. She champions broad-based community engagement and believes the legislative process is critical to ensuring Georgia’s citizens experience growth and positive change.
As a Black woman, what do you consider your superpower to be?
My superpowers are confidence, self-assurance and peace in the midst of a storm.
What key skills or qualities make you unique as an African American female leader?
The ability to lead and tackle issues with responsibility, spirit and sophistication.
What encouraging piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Believe in yourself. Don’t let others sidetrack you. Don’t let others discourage you. Do your homework, be prepared, and don’t regret the things you do — only those you did not do.
Why is it important for women of color to lead and work in decision-making roles?
[Because of] the social consciousness and cultural awareness of our influence on those young ladies who look like we once did. We must serve as their role models, understanding that we must work twice as hard because society has deemed us as double minorities: a woman and a woman of color.
Why is it important for more experienced Black women to reach back and help younger women of color?
We need to ensure that we help groom those following us to lessen or prevent many of the obstacles … we may have encountered during our journey.
As a successful woman in business, what is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement was to change the tapestry of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women’s membership. I worked to remove the organization’s stigma of membership for baby boomers and retirees of one set demographic. As a two-term president, my focus was on implementing diversity, inclusion and women of all ages, targeting 50 and below. Success looks like democracy that encompasses the young, the working, active, seasoned professionals, and retirees. That is who we have become.
