Georgia World Congress Center Authority Launches Community Legacy Program in Partnership with Signia by Hilton Atlanta

The Community Legacy Program to provide Atlanta residents with resources and tools to develop as leaders, build confidence, establish healthy diets, and learn about careers in the hospitality and tourism industries. 

(ATLANTA, Jan. 23, 2024) – Last week, Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), in partnership with Signia by Hilton Atlanta, launched its Community Legacy Program designed to make an impact on the Atlanta community in four key focus areas: Education, Food Insecurity, Homelessness, and Human Trafficking. The launch of the program aligned with the grand opening of the hotel which is located on GWCCA’s championship campus. Signia by Hilton Atlanta officially started welcoming guests this month.

“We are excited to have partnered with Hilton and our partners at the newest addition to

Championship Campus, Signia by Hilton Atlanta, on what was a meaningful week of social impact and the beginning of long-term relationships to create sustainable communities,” Shavannia Williams, Director of Strategic Partnerships, GWCCA. “These areas are aligned with our ‘Intentional Gatherings’ strategy to support issues that are challenges for our community and drive responsible conventions, sports, entertainment, and tourism in our state.”

Throughout the week, GWCCA and Signia by Hilton Atlanta worked with local organizations to tackle each key focus area within the Community Legacy Program:

• Human Trafficking: Building Confidence Workshop with Gigi’s House, hosted at Signia by Hilton Atlanta.
• Education: Virtual Mentoring Day –Human Resource Leaders from both GWCCA and Signia by Hilton Atlanta participated in a virtual roundtable to discuss careers in hospitality with high school and college students through the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Atlanta Chapter.
• Homelessness: GWCCA and Signia by Hilton Atlanta team members sorted and organized donations at the Atlanta Mission.
• Food Insecurity: GWCCA and Signia by Hilton Atlanta team members volunteered at the Atlanta Community Food Bank to sort and pack quality grocery donations to prepare for distribution to nearly 700 partner agencies across Georgia.

The Community Legacy Program launch activities conclude in the coming weeks with a visit by First Lady Marty Kemp and the GRACE Commission to Signia by Hilton Atlanta where team members will present and demonstrate its commitment to human rights while highlighting the impact of its Code of Conduct, Human Rights Principles, and Responsible Sourcing Policy.

“Following the opening of Signia by Hilton Atlanta in the vibrant west side community of Atlanta, we are thrilled to partner with Georgia World Congress Center Authority to introduce the Community Legacy Programs,” said Teri Agosta, general manager, Signia by Hilton Atlanta. “Our team is deeply committed to making a positive impact in our very own backyard by providing valuable resources and tools centered around programs from education to food insecurity. At Hilton, we believe in the power of community as exemplified through our Travel with Purpose strategy and our hotel’s participation in the Community Legacy Programs is our contribution to the development of future leaders in Atlanta.”

With a rich legacy of community engagement, GWCCA, in collaboration with Signia by Hilton Atlanta, is committed to supporting and collaborating with these organizations throughout the year. Together, they will organize workshops in conjunction with Gigi’s House covering a diverse range of topics aimed at uplifting and empowering program participants; collaborate with the NBMBAA Atlanta Chapter to foster mentorship and business case competitions; and continue regular volunteer activities with both the Atlanta Mission and Atlanta Community Food Bank. Additionally, GWCCA and Signia by Hilton Atlanta will regularly convene with the GRACE Commission to share updates, resources, and performance metrics.