We asked some female leaders their thoughts and insights on a few questions:
What inspired your commitment to business leadership and giving back to community?
How do you define success today and how has that evolved as you’ve grown personally and professionally?
In a community like Roswell, what role do you believe women play in shaping its future and culture?
What advice would you give to the next generation of women who want to lead with both purpose and impact?
Renee DeBussey
Administrator, Roswell Moms Network (Facebook)
I moved to Roswell 19 years ago when I started my family. In some ways it felt isolating not knowing anyone in the community until my kids started school and local sports. When I would meet other young moms new to the area, they shared with me they felt the same way. My college roommate from UGA moved to Roswell a couple years later and we felt there was a need to help connect these women and families with each other whether it be for friendships or the best pediatrician! Roswell Moms Network really took off from there, growing rapidly to 11,000 members in our city. If there is ever a mom or child in need, our incredible group of women really rise to the occasion and exceed all possible expectations. I can't tell you how many women stop me at our local grocery store or restaurant to share how much our page has helped them find friendships, the best Thai food or support for their local business.
Success for me has always been defined by attaining measured goals as I am a sales professional in the veterinary industry. Watching my local veterinarians open small businesses that flourish and serve our communities brings me a lot of joy. Personally, as a single mom, seeing my kids finish school and move on to the next stages of their lives is truly my greatest success. Teaching them to overcome obstacles on their own with integrity, empathy and perseverance has always been my goal. I have two really amazing kids, Addison and Colton, and they have helped me become the best version of myself.
If I've learned anything from the women in the Roswell Moms Network, it's that we can make a change and get things done! Did a package get dropped off at a random location and we only have a picture of a doormat and half of a door? It's identified and picked up in 15 minutes. But on a serious note, we have pushed for our moms to become aware and active in our local politics and voting. This has really helped increase voter turnout and awareness of local issues that will impact our city for many years to come. We have three women who are city council members that are very active on our page and truly listen to the concerns from the residents and bring these suggestions to city hall.
Be a good listener and have an openness to other points of view. It's easy to "stay comfortable" and surround yourself with like minded people, but some of my greatest success has come from uncomfortable situations where I had to push myself or ask for help. And find yourself a great group of girlfriends because they will cheerlead your greatest success and pull you up when you fall down!
Birdie Niyomkun
Tipsy Thaiger, Co-owner, Product & Experience Director
I don't really see leadership and giving back as separate things. If you’re building something in a community, you naturally become part of it and I think a responsibility comes with that. When we chose Roswell, it just felt right. There’s so much heart here. People support each other, show up, and care. That made me want to create a space that evokes that same feeling. For me, it’s the little things: welcoming guests as if they were coming into your home, supporting local partners, and creating moments where people can connect. That’s what leadership looks like to me. It’s not loud, but it’s intentional.
Success used to feel very milestone driven—opening the restaurant, hitting goals, getting recognition. And of course, those things still matter. But now, success feels more like a feeling. It’s when the room is full, the team is in sync, and you see people genuinely enjoying themselves. It’s when everything just feels… aligned.
I think women bring a lot of intention into how spaces are created and how communities grow. We focus on connection, how people feel, how they experience something, how they come together. And in a place like Roswell, where there’s both growth and history, that really matters.
Start before you feel ready.
Don’t underestimate yourself.
Follow what your heart is pulling you toward, whether it’s something small or something big.
Stay grounded in your values, and trust that your perspective matters.
And don’t do it alone.
Bonnie Dobbs
Owner, Insurance and Other Red Tape
I’ve always believed that strong communities are built through service, support, and shared success. I’m passionate about uplifting fellow leaders in Roswell. By being a cheerleader for their growth because when local businesses thrive, our entire community flourishes.
Success, to me, is waking up each day knowing I’m making a meaningful difference. It’s grown from chasing achievements to valuing purpose while serving my clients with integrity, mentoring others, and contributing to my community. Now for me, the greatest success is seeing others thrive because of some way I was able to help them.
Women bring heart, vision, and strength to a community like Roswell. We have a natural gift to build relationships, support and nurture one another, and lead with purpose. When we pour into our businesses, our families, and each other, we help create a culture that is not only successful, but also connected and compassionate. I think women build a strong more connected community.
Stay true to your purpose and let it guide every decision you make. Lead with kindness but never mistake that for weakness. It is one of your greatest strengths. Be intentional in how you show up, consistent in your values, and confident and grounded in your worth. And always remember, the most meaningful impact you will ever have is not just in what you achieve, but in how many others you inspire, support, and help rise along the way. When we support each other, we all win!
Ashlee Kinback
Director of Business Development, Derucki Construction
My commitment to leadership and giving back really comes from a belief that relationships are at the center of everything we do. In my role at Derucki Construction, I have the opportunity to help shape local developments that impact how people live,
work, and connect, which is an incredibly rewarding experience. Roswell has such a strong sense of community, and I’ve been inspired by how people genuinely show up for one another. Whether through my work or supporting local initiatives, I believe leadership is about creating value for others and contributing to bigger than yourself.
Early in my career, I thought success was more about achievement, reaching milestones, growing professionally, and continuing to move forward. I also had the unique experience of being an NFL cheerleader, which taught me discipline, confidence,
and how to perform under pressure at a young age. While those experiences shaped me, my perspective on success has evolved over time. Today, I define success more by the quality of my relationships and the impact I’m making. It’s about doing work I enjoy, building trust with the people I work alongside, and being someone others feel confident partnering with. It also means showing up as a wife and mother to my two girls, continuing to grow personally, and staying grounded in what matters most to me.
I would encourage them to trust their instincts and not feel like they have to follow a traditional path to achieve success. Some of the most impactful leadership comes from being authentic, building genuine relationships, and staying grounded in your values.
Most importantly, remember that success isn’t just about what you achieve, rather how you show up for others along the way.
We asked women leaders who are shaping our community to share their thoughts on leadership, success, and giving back. Their answers reflect the heart of Roswell. They offer insight into how women are helping define the culture and future of this community in meaningful, lasting ways.