2016 Over 40 & Fabulous! Contest Winners

Here they are! You selected these contestants in the 2016 Over 40 & Fabulous! contest as some of the most fabulous folks in Atlanta’s over-40 crowd. From business to broadcasting, healthcare to human rights, fitness to philanthropy, our winners reflect the energy and enthusiasm that keeps our community growing. Meet them all – and the contest’s Advisory Board members – on the next pages!

Kevin Avery – Winner
Atlanta radio host Kevin Avery, 49, inspires legions of fans each day on his “Kevin and Taylor in the Morning” show with Taylor Scott on 104.7 The Fish. His infectious positivity conveys the loving heart of a devoted husband and father of four. Spontaneous, soft-hearted and sometimes silly, Kevin celebrates his love of faith, family and fun.
Has your perspective of turning 40 changed?
Today, 40 is definitely younger in terms of lifestyle, attitude and interests. But, time truly flies and kids grow up in the blink of an eye. My oldest going off to college was a big shock to me. I savor the time with our three high school daughters. The song ‘Don’t Blink’ reminds me not to miss the good stuff!
How do you stay fit and healthy?
I’m a dedicated gym rat, doing a lot of HIIT Training, but my real love is the road bike. The guys at Cycology Bike Shop in Hiram have been fantastic supporters of all of my crazy cycling dreams. My trainer, Max Nazaire at Fit2DMax, challenges me to be my best physically, mentally and spiritually. He has become an incredible blessing in my life.
Who supports you in being your “best self”?
I am nothing but the sum total of those that have influenced my life. My best accomplishment is by far my 27-year (and counting) marriage with my wife Tracy—my partner and best friend. Our church family at St. Teresa’s helps me stay grounded. And, of course, my co-host of 17 years, Taylor Scott. She always challenges me to keep growing as a broadcaster and a person, and show the “welcoming heart of God” every day.
What’s your favorite way to give back to the community?
My job gives me the privilege to be involved with charities like MUST Ministries, Cross International and Food for the Poor, for whom we’ve worked for over 15 years. We have raised over $2 million for their efforts in the Caribbean, helping build fishing villages all over Jamaica. In 20 years, I would LOVE to still be in broadcasting, still connecting with and encouraging people. If not that, then I’d love to be a Walmart Greeter. I’m not kidding. I’d get to interact with lots of people every day and bring a smile to their faces…perfect.
How do you maintain some life balance?
It’s constant battle of priorities, but I continue to learn the ways to identify things that are going to be the highest, best use of time and have the greatest impact.
Do you have advice for those not yet over 40?
Life is an unfolding adventure no matter what age. Don’t get wrapped up in what society tells you; focus on being the person that God wants you to be and you’ll be fulfilled. That’s what we want at any age, isn’t it—fulfillment joy, contentment and a sense of purpose. So ignore age, embrace YOU!

Angeline M. Kelly
From work to family, Angeline M. Kelly, 45, approaches each day with a full sense of presence and purpose. She enjoys her career as branch manager of Caliber Home Loans as well as her charity work for a variety of organizations.
What have you learned about yourself since turning 40?
I’ve learned who my true friends are and I’m no longer as concerned about what others think of me. I appreciate and value my life and know that the good times and difficult times have shaped me to be a better mom, wife, friend, and manager. I don’t put up with what I used to in my 20s and 30s.
What is your favorite way to work out?
Dancing is my favorite form of exercise. I’m so glad that dance is back. For a while, it was hard to find an advanced adult dance class— but no more!
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
I am currently on the board of the Gwinnett Ballet Theater (GBT) and value its dedication to community outreach programs. I also support the WIN Foundation®, which specializes in programs of empowerment for women. I want our voices to be heard and to spread the news that there is more we can all do to help raise awareness and have choices.

How do you maintain your life balance?
Time management and perspective. I multitask like a boss, but when I need to close the laptop and turn off the phone for myself and my family, that is most important!

Dr. Joye K. Lowman
A urogynecologist with The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Joye K. Lowman, 41, champions the health of those here in Atlanta and abroad, heeding the call of her profession wherever it may lead.
What’s your advice about turning 40?
Don’t beat yourself up about failure. Failure is an important part of a meaningful life and something from which we learn.
How do you give back to the community?
Mentoring at-risk youth with a varity of local organizations, developing fair house initiatives and medical mission work. I have traveled to Africa, providing medical care to the underserved and hope to return next year. I volunteered with Kaiser for the CARE mobile free health clinic and with Habitat for Humanity. In 2013, I started a company called Moxie Real Estate that renovates foreclosed and abandoned homes and rents them affordably to the working poor. I believe that healthcare and safe housing are rights, not privileges.
Do you have a favorite quote that inspires your work?
Oh, the words of the great Maya Angelou, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”
What do you do to stay fit?
I loving running outdoors in the sunshine with my pup, enjoying time in Lenox Park and healthy meals like spinach salads with quinoa and shrimp.
How do you achieve life balance?
That’s a constant work in progress. I don’t think everything ever balances perfectly. My goal is to always try to be better, but accept that I’ll fall short.

Laura Kronen
Whether her tireless efforts with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) or her family and life-coaching career, Laura Kronen, 46, puts her heart and soul into everything she does, and makes a big impact.
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
I’ve had type 1 diabetes for the past 23 years and the everyday struggle is real for me, as well as for the millions afflicted throughout the world. I volunteer on the Board of Directors of the JDRF, taking an active role in diabetes advocacy and in promoting awareness. I will not stop until there is a cure.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
About 15 years ago, I was giving a speech and had severely low blood sugar. I started babbling incoherently and ran off the stage. That experience was the diabetic equivalent of being on stage in your underwear. I drank a juice box, composed myself and went back out. I explained what happened and used the opportunity to teach a large group of people about diabetes.
How do you like to keep fit?
Pure Barre® in Johns Creek and Pilates at Vitality Method are my favorite ways to work out. I love any exercise that lengthens and tones the body.
How do you maintain your life balance?
I’ve let go of perfectionism. I’ve also designed the life I want and stay true to that path. My family always comes first. However, almost on the same level is my self-care—one of my favorite analogies is, “you need to put the oxygen mask on yourself first.” So I will get up at 5 a.m. to work out if I need to because, if I feel good and my mindset is right, everything else falls into place.

Lisa Robinson
At 53, real-estate advisor and broker Lisa Robinson feels her best life has just begun. She’s learned from the past and celebrates her present and future.
What has 40 taught you?
Perfection is overrated and usually unnecessary. Peace, simplicity and kindness are much more important. I’m more focused on embracing the joy of every age.
How do you give back to the community?
I’m a long-standing board member for Future Foundation, an Atlanta-based organization that empowers our youth and their families with life skills, education programs and supportive networks to help them take the hard steps up and out of the poverty cycle. Most importantly, we give each child
unconditional love and support to instill them with the courage to stand out and succeed. I also support the Special Olympics and The nsoro Educational Foundation that provides academic scholarships for foster-care students. I, too, was an at-risk youth growing up in the inner city of Detroit and I know education is a solution to poverty.
What do you do to relax and unwind?
Head to Piedmont Park with my dog, Caesar.
Tell us your favorite inspirational quote?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
How do you maintain your life balance?
By prioritizing, simplifying, praying and meditating.

Steven J. Dean
A DeKalb County police detective sergeant, Steven J. Dean, 46, ranks fitness and healthy living high on his list to keep strong for both his challenging job and his rewarding work mentoring at-risk youths.
Has your perception of 40 changed since you were younger?
When I was younger, I thought 40 was old—but I’m really in my prime! Positive energy and a healthy diet preserves youth.
How do you give back to the community?
I’m committed to mentoring at-risk youth. I’ve worked on teams with my fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, as well as with the Victory for the World Church, coordinating gang summits that bring together sources from law enforcement with concerned parents, community leaders and gang members. The goal is to inform the community and deter crime in neighborhoods, as well as to give young teens an opportunity to be successful and productive.
What inspired you to do this particular kind of charity work?
I have been blessed to have a great family and group of friends. I want to help others have a chance to make their dreams come true through hard work and perseverance. I think of my mother’s favorite quote, “By the Grace of God, there go I.”

Where do you go for “me” time?
I love to walk Stone Mountain and ride my bicycle in my neighborhood.
What advice do you have for those not yet 40?
Keep God first, smile often, dance in the mirror, stay away from negative people, laugh often, eat clean, help others, work out daily, dream big and wear something that fits!

Dr. Tess Thomas
Family practitioner, Dr.Tess Thomas, 45, stays motivated by the positive energy she gets from both her family and her career. She credits lots of laughter and a healthy dose of organization to her ability to stay fabulous.
Has your perception of 40 changed since you were younger?
I thought hitting 40 would mean not having fun and enjoying life. But, actually, now I have the ability to make my own schedule and more flexibility
in my life.
How do you stay fit and healthy?
I am a Beachbody® coach and I enjoy their at-home workout videos. I don’t have to go to a gym! In my free time, I coach other women to lose weight. I also enjoy running long distances and have run several marathons to date. I’ve got the New York City Marathon on my personal “bucket list.”
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
Every month for the last three years, my family and I have done a volunteer project, all with a family-friendly focus. Our favorite ones have been with Project Open Hand doing food deliveries to those that are home bound. It’s important to teach children at a young age to give back—it builds empathy and fosters community involvement.
How do you maintain your life balance?
I have my WHOLE LIFE on my iPhone calendar with every minute accounted for—I am good with time management.

Tom Sullivan
When Tom Sullivan takes the mic, his audience relaxes as though enjoying time with a BFF. This popular television host and emcee lives to bring happiness to others.
What have you learned about yourself since turning 40?
It wasn’t until I lost some jobs that I realized my career didn’t define me. That period of growth was a valuable life lesson and am grateful for the transition.
How do you stay fit and healthy?
I took fitness to the next level in 2015 when, at a party, I met certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist Scott Cameron of Buckhead Elite Training Studio. Scott spoke about Cryo Elite Therapy. I soon tried it and then made the best decision of my life—to improve my God-given body. I’ve now learned to be truly healthy.
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
My career has given me the opportunity to do a tremendous amount of charity work over the years. I am so proud of the team effort during my time at Star 94 FM, raising funds for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In 2012, I took my first mission trip with SERV International, first to the Dominican Republic and later, in Africa at their House of Hope orphanage. I literally cried at every turn, overwhelmed with joy and a supernatural peace. I returned two years later, deepening my involvement and experiencing real change in action.
Do you have advice for those not yet 40?
Be humble. Be filled with love and gratitude— those are two of the most powerful words in the English language. Always keep learning and growing.

Victoria Rosetti
As the owner/partner of Jewels with a Purpose, Victoria Rosetti, 49, knows a bit about the sparkle in life. She uses her talents and her business to shine a light on those in need.
What is the best thing you’ve learned about yourself since turning 40?
Tap dancing is not just for little kids and life experience is invaluable. My 40s are my best years yet. I had my first son at age 40; I’m turning 50 this year and I’m just getting started.
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
My jewelry business is charity-based, so I give back every day by donating a percentage of sales to charities and organizations. Over the past three years, we’ve supported more than 50 charities and donated thousands of dollars.

How do you stay fit and healthy?
I do high-intensity cardio several times a week, and I also enjoy running road races, hitting the gym and walking my dog.
What advice do you have for those not yet 40?
Take care of your health first! Exercise and eat foods that add value to your life. Enjoy life, travel and have fun.

Vinnie Politan
Each morning, 11Alive anchor Vincent Politan wakes up Atlanta with his dynamic personality. Viewers enjoy his positive attitude and the personal
connections he brings to each story.
Has your perception of 40 changed?
I thought 40 would be a time when limitations set in. Now, I have an understanding of life that drives me to really enjoy things.
What is your favorite healthy meal?
As a type 1 diabetic, a healthy meal for me is one that will not negatively impact my glucose. So, maybe heirloom tomatoes and fresh burrata with olive oil and white-wine vinegar, then a New York strip with creamed spinach. Good for my blood sugar and even better for my taste buds.
How do you give back to your community?
Through my work, I get requests to emcee many incredible fundraisers. I’m inspired by people working hard to bring about meaningful change. One charity I have done a lot with is Loving Arms Cancer Outreach— a group founded by cancer nurses who step in to help patients in areas where health coverage falls short. My mom had cancer and I know how wonderful the doctors and nurses were who cared for her. When a cancer nurse asks for help, you say “YES!”.
What do you do to stay fit?
Playing basketball and tennis lets me push myself with competitive fun in order to get the most of my body. I give a shout-out to the JCC Dunwoody Over 40 Basketball League and Super Slow Zone personal trainers for supporting my workouts.

Jackie Boatwright-Daus
Wearing the crown of Mrs. Georgia International 2016, JackieBoatwright-Daus, 49, continues to raise awareness about proper child-care-facility safety legislation.
What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?
Persuading legislative bodies to pass laws can be a daunting task. I was able to get child-care legislation passed in both Georgia and Virginia, which eventually led to federal legislation.
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
After my son died as a result of injuries he sustained at a state-licensed child-care facility, I’ve dedicated the rest of my life to informing parents and working toward new guidelines for insurance. I share Juan’s Law, named in honor of my son, with other parents, telling them to ask: “Does your center carry liability insurance to cover possible injuries to the children who are entrusted in your care?”
How do you maintain some life balance?
I believe people make time for the things they really want to do in life —I’ve learned to give a little bit of my time each day to the people and projects I value.

Linda M. Bolton
At 60, this founder of Stay Faithfully Fit calls herself a “Minister of Fitness” and pursues a life of strength and purpose.
What have you learned about yourself since turning 40?
I know that by applying Christian principles to help the “Body of Christ” achieve total fitness I can be strong, feel young, be active and empowered at any age.
What is your favorite way to give back to your community?
I enjoy conducting health, wellness and fitness seminars for churches, businesses, various military installations and charitable organizations, such as the Atlanta Union Mission for Women.
What advice do you give those not yet 40?
Never give up on your God-given dream or destiny. Run your race, follow your passion, fulfill your purpose … you will WIN!

Beverly Garner Johnson

A real-estate professional with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Beverly Garner Johnson keeps a light-hearted perspective on aging, finding fun in each day.
How has your perception of age changed since you were younger?
I thought 40 was old when I was a young girl … I guess that’s something I inherited from my Southern mother who said, “Ladies don’t disclose their age.” That’s funny in this day and age, but it rubbed off on me.

What do you do to stay fit and healthy?
I stay active skiing—water or snow—and eating organic foods.
Where do you go for “me” time?
My backyard swing.

Susan King
At 54, Susan King, owner of PowerUp30 Power Plate® studio, finds healthy living to be the key to clarity of mind and spirit.
Where do you go for “me” time?
Biking along the Chattahoochee River from West Palisades Trail to Cochran Shoals Trail. Also, my screened-in porch with a magazine or a book.
What is your favorite healthy meal?
Grilled fish and vegetables my husband makes on our Big Green Egg. He is so good on that grill! I follow that with a healthy version of a home-baked treat. My hobby is cooking and test-baking healthy desserts.
How do you maintain life balance?
This has been a process—I like to have a full day! My husband is teaching me the value of rest. Family time is important to me, so cooking is how I get them all in the same place at once. My most balanced days begin with prayer, asking God to order my day.

Vince Thompson
The Chairman/CEO of MELT, 53, Vince Thompson values time with family and friends above all else and hopes to encourage the next generation of young leaders to take active roles in their communities.
What’s your favorite way to give back to the community?
I enjoy giving career advice to college students; I was inspired through the mentors I had at Auburn University, and I hope to have a similar impact.
How do you stay fit and healthy?
Jogging in Chastain Park
What advice do you give to those not yet 40?
Always try to put others before yourself and the rewards you receive create a great amount of internal satisfaction. Do what you love and the money will follow and pursue your dreams relentlessly.

Thank you to everyone who supported this year’s Over 40 & Fabulous! contest! From the Advisory Board members and prize package contributors to the people who made the photo shoot and party a success, we couldn’t have done it without you.

2016 Over 40 & Fabulous! Advisory Board
Dr. Diane Alexander, Artisan Plastic Surgery
Karen Foley, Windy Hill Athletic Club
Dr. Tara Frix, Total HealthCare
Steve Hightower, Steve Hightower Hair Salon & Day Spa
Dr.Tara Hrobowski, Piedmont Heart Institute
Dr. Debra Gray King, The Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
Madison James, B98.5 and the Atlanta BeltLine Project
Dr. Anna Pare’, Dr. Michelle Juneau and Dr. Candace Kimbrough-Green of Dermatology Consultants
Dr. David A. Whiteman, Southern Plastic Surgery

Special thanks …
To Steve Hightower Hair Salon & Day Spa for hosting our photo shoot and providing beautiful hair and makeup. And also to Dan Sawyer and Sawyer Photography for all of the photos for our Over 40 & Fabulous! series.