In every thriving community, there are women quietly shaping lives, lifting others, and leaving legacies of love and leadership. In Smyrna-Vinings, we’re lucky to have many—but four in particular shine with purpose and heart. Whether they’re blazing trails in the courtroom, pouring into the next generation, guiding others in faith, or building bridges through service, Judge Kellie Hill, Elizabeth McRae, Emily Manginelli, and Pat Reynolds exemplify the beauty of women supporting women. Their stories are unique, yet deeply connected by a common thread: the belief that true influence comes from compassion, courage, and connection.
Judge Kellie S. Hill: A Trailblazer on the Bench and in the Community
If you spend just a few minutes with Judge Kellie Hill, one thing becomes clear: she leads with purpose, passion, and a deep love for the Smyrna-Vinings community. Elected in 2020 to the Cobb County Superior Court, Judge Hill is not only making history -- she’s making a difference.
Her journey to the bench began with inspiration in her teen years after meeting the first African American female judge in her hometown. “I knew then that pursuing law was the path I wanted to take,” she says. That early spark led to decades of service -- as a prosecutor, a private attorney, and ultimately, a judge. Her election to the Superior Court marked a historic milestone, as she became the first judge of color sworn in to hold the role in Cobb County.
But for Judge Hill, the true reward lies in what comes next. “It’s not just about being the first -- it’s about making sure others can follow,” she shares. That sentiment shines through in her work, especially in her pretrial diversionary court, where she’s watched young adult lives transform for the better.
Judge Hill doesn’t just serve from the bench -- she’s an active presence across the community. Whether speaking at school Career Days, hosting students in her courtroom, or judging local competitions, she’s passionate about showing young people what’s possible. She’s active in many legal organizations and also serves as president of her HOA, is involved in several local boards, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
As a woman in law, she’s faced her share of challenges -- being underestimated chief among them. Her response? Preparation, professionalism, and perseverance. “Being highly competent has always been my answer,” she says with a smile.
Now an “empty nester,” Judge Hill reflects on how she once juggled family, work, and community with help from her husband and mother. “Balance looks different in every season,” she says. “You just do the best you can and give yourself grace.”
What might surprise you? Judge Hill once took dance lessons on Broadway and dreamed of joining a professional troupe. While life took a different path, her love of movement, energy, and expression is still very much part of who she is.
Her guiding principle? “Be intentional -- and treat others the way you want to be treated.” Spoken like a true leader -- and one our community is lucky to have.
Elizabeth McRae: A Life Dedicated to Giving Back
When Elizabeth McRae walked into the Vinings Rotary Dinner, she thought she was there to celebrate her parents. Instead, she was stunned to hear her own name called -- honored as the 2024 Vinings Rotary Citizen of the Year. Completely caught off guard, she found herself momentarily speechless -- something she says never happens.
An Atlanta native, Elizabeth grew up in Vinings and attended Teasley Elementary and Griffin Middle School before graduating from Pace Academy. Her journey into community service began early, inspired by her parents’ dedication to giving back. From organizing neighborhood cleanups to volunteering at the Vinings Fair, she learned firsthand the impact of investing time, talent, and treasure.
Her passion for service took root in high school through Young Life, where she was mentored by adults who made a lasting impression. After a few years in consulting, she felt called to give back in the same way. This led to 25 years on Young Life’s Development Staff, where she has played a pivotal role in raising over $100 million for 4 camps and initiatives across the Southeast. She is especially proud of her fund-raising efforts to provide these camps -- safe spaces where kids can unplug, have pure fun, build friendships, and explore their faith.
Beyond Young Life, Elizabeth has championed local education initiatives, securing funding for smart boards, outdoor gardens, and playgrounds at Teasley Elementary. She helped launch swim teams, organize international nights, and is a proud member of the Tire Swing Collective Board, which provides trauma-informed outdoor spaces for foster children. Whether leading projects at her church or in her neighborhood, she finds joy in uniting people around a cause, believing that small, meaningful efforts create lasting change.
Her philosophy? “Bloom where you are planted.” She believes that no matter the stage of life, anyone can make an impact. “It doesn’t have to be full-time -- just giving back in some way keeps life in perspective and brings joy.” Her deep belief in fostering connections and encouraging others to serve has made her a guiding force for countless volunteers.
Receiving the Citizen of the Year award is a testament to the values instilled in her since childhood. As Elizabeth humbly puts it, “Serving others has given me far more than I have given. It’s a privilege to be part of something bigger than myself.” She hopes her story inspires others to contribute in their own way and embrace the joy of making a difference.
Emily Manginelli -- Leading with Love
If you ask Emily Manginelli what fuels her passion, she’ll tell you it’s people -- loving them, leading them, and walking alongside them in faith. As one of the pastors at The Square Church in Smyrna, a devoted wife, and a mother of four, Emily has found a way to blend ministry, motherhood, and mentorship into a life of meaningful impact.
Emily’s love for ministry began at a young age when she was captivated by the Bible and the relationship she built with God through it. “I knew I wanted to spend my life teaching people about God,” she shares. When she met her husband, Phil, who also felt called to pastoral ministry, it became clear that building a strong, local church would be a central part of their lives.
Balancing her many roles is no small feat, but Emily approaches it with a deep sense of purpose. “My family is my first priority,” she says. “If I am serving the church more than my family, I have misaligned priorities.” Yet, she also acknowledges the unique challenges of full-time ministry, ensuring that the joys outweigh the sacrifices for her children. From traveling together to being surrounded by a community that loves and nurtures them, the Manginelli kids experience firsthand what it means to live out faith in an authentic way.
One of Emily’s favorite aspects of ministry is fostering a spirit of generosity and community. Two of The Square Church’s most impactful events -- the Back to School Bash and Trunk or Treat -- highlight this beautifully. Every summer, the church collects and distributes a thousand backpacks filled with school supplies to local children. “Getting to know our neighbors and seeing our church show up in generosity is a beautiful snapshot of what we dreamed our church would be,” Emily reflects. And as for Trunk or Treat? “Put me in a costume any day,” she laughs.
At her core, Emily identifies as a “Warrior of Truth and Beauty,” a phrase that perfectly encapsulates her mission. “Much of my life has been shaped by incredible women -- my mother, my sister, my aunt -- who showed me the strength, joy, and beauty of being a woman,” she says. Now, she seeks to pass that wisdom on, inspiring women to embrace their unique gifts. Her message to women in the community? “Own who you are. Be the most woman you can possibly be, without apology.”
Emily Manginelli is more than a pastor -- she’s a mentor, a mother, a leader, and a friend to so many in Smyrna. And through her unwavering faith and commitment to others, a reminder that true influence comes from serving others with an open heart.
Pat Reynolds: A Lifetime of Love and Learning
For more than five decades, Pat Reynolds has been a guiding light in the Smyrna-Vinings community, shaping young minds with warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Today, she continues her passion for teaching at Redeemer Day School, leaving an indelible mark on countless students and their families.
Pat’s journey into education didn’t follow the typical path. In fact, she laughs at the memory of her early school days, describing herself as a troublemaker who never imagined setting foot in a school again after graduation. "I often tell people that my first trip to the principal’s office was in the first grade! I hated school and was a problem for all of my teachers," she recalls with a chuckle. But life had other plans. When her own children were young, she sought a Christian education for them and approached Mrs. James Heiskell, a dear family friend who owned a private Christian school in Buckhead. That moment opened the door to a career that would define her life’s purpose.
In 1973, Pat began teaching at The Heiskell School, where she spent 40 years nurturing pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. Her classroom was a place of laughter, love, and, above all, faith. "I pray that my greatest impact has been to share the gospel and love of Christ with both my students and their families," she says. For her, teaching has never been just about academics -- it’s been about shaping hearts and instilling values that last a lifetime.
Over the years, Pat has witnessed immense change in the Smyrna-Vinings community, where she has lived for more than 53 years. Through it all, her commitment to her students and her faith has remained steadfast. "Teaching has been my greatest joy," she shares. "Challenges have been minimal or nonexistent because I truly love what I do."
Her message to aspiring educators and young women striving to make a difference is simple yet profound: "Stay faithful to God’s word and do not be distracted by the world around you. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and others as much or more than you love yourself."
For those who have had the privilege of knowing Pat, her legacy is one of boundless love, infectious joy, and an unwavering commitment to faith and education. She hopes to be remembered as someone who loved her Savior, cherished her students, and spread kindness wherever she went. And without a doubt, she will be.