Raised in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Jeremy Meekins founded the nonprofit Simply Dop3 Xperience to help address childhood trauma and help young people stay away from juvenile crime. For nearly a decade, he has organized teen events centered on leadership, service and education. He also hosts annual back-to-school drives paired with celebrity basketball games. These efforts have provided thousands of bookbags filled with school supplies to local children, thanks to sponsors like McDonald’s and Cricket Wireless. The initiatives have contributed to lower juvenile crime rates and better behavior in the classroom. 

Now based in Atlanta, Meekins volunteers with the United Way of Greater Atlanta and supports Helmets to Boots, a nonprofit that helps veterans rebuild stability, purpose and a positive outlook. A Jackson State University alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an MBA from Belhaven University, Meekins is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the Metro Atlanta Jackson State Alumni Association.  

Finalists 
Tonya Jones, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties 
Amy Pedersen, Compass