ATLANTA - s4story -- Donna W. Hyland, the former Chief Executive Officer of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), has been selected as a 2026 LEDI International Life Changer Award Honoree. She will be celebrated at Liberia Economic Development Initiative's (LEDI) milestone 11th Annual International Life Changers Awards and Fundraising Gala, themed "We Are The Light," on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway Hotel in College Park, Georgia.

For four decades, Donna W. Hyland has served as a visionary advocate for pediatric healthcare in Georgia. As former CEO of CHOA, she grew the non-profit into one of the nation's premier pediatric clinical care providers, scaling operations to more than 15,000 employees managing 1.2 million patient visits annually. Her transformational legacy includes driving major health ecosystem milestones, such as the merger of Egleston and Scottish Rite hospitals, expanding specialized care facilities, elevating Emory and Children's research into a top-five national NIH program, and opening the groundbreaking 19-story Arthur M. Blank Hospital.

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Consistently maintaining top national rankings in U.S. News & World Report and Magnet recognition for nursing excellence, Hyland also lends her executive leadership to influential civic and corporate boards, including the Atlanta Committee for Progress, Cousins Properties, Genuine Parts Company, and Truist Atlanta Advisory Board. Inducted as a Georgia Trustee, her lifetime of service aligns seamlessly with LEDI's commitment to empowering youth and strengthening communities.

Hyland will be honored alongside a distinguished slate of fellow 2026 LEDI International Life Changer Award recipients:

• Charletta Wilson Jacks, Int'l President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
• Gerald "Gee Bee" Barclay, Acclaimed Filmmaker
• Sean "The Science Kid" Atitsogbe, Prodigy & STEM Educator

"Donna Hyland's visionary leadership and relentless commitment to pediatric healthcare have transformed the lives of millions of children and families across Georgia" said Rufus Darkortey, Co-Founder and President of LEDI.

"While Ms. Hyland's executive achievements in healthcare are historic, we are thrilled to honor her profound humanitarian impact," said Joan Curran Darkortey, LEDI Co-Founder and CEO. "Her lifetime of service directly mirrors our mission to empower youth and promote healthcare access."

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The 2026 Gala will feature Honorary Co-Chairs Ambassador Andrew J. Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the UN and civil rights icon, and Virginia W. Harris, National President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Proceeds from the black-tie, red-carpet event will advance LEDI's dual-nation literacy, technology, healthcare, and economic development projects in the U.S. and Liberia, including the construction of LEDI's modern, state-of-the-art public Library and Technology Center in Liberia.

About LEDI

Founded in 2007, the Liberia Economic Development Initiative (LEDI) is a U.S.-based international nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing poverty, empowering communities, and transforming lives - one child at a time, one book at a time, one library at a time. Learn more at www.ledinowr.org.

Secure Your Spot Today

For more information about the 11th Annual International Life Changers Awards and Fundraising Gala, tickets, corporate sponsorship opportunities, and program book advertising, visit www.ledifundraiser.org or email info@ledinow.org.