Strong communities don’t happen by chance—they’re shaped by people who show up, step forward, and stay engaged. In Smyrna and across Cobb County, these four women are doing exactly that. Through leadership, service, and a deep commitment to others, they are helping guide conversations, strengthen connections, and create lasting impact in the places they call home.
Joyette Holmes
Chair
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
For Joyette Holmes, a career in law and public service began with a simple spark of curiosity.
As she tells it, the first inspiration came from an unexpected place: watching Law & Order. The show introduced her to the justice system and the role attorneys play in seeking accountability and fairness. What began as a television fascination soon grew into something deeper.
“I didn’t grow up with family members in the legal profession or a clear roadmap into the field,” Holmes says. “But that curiosity eventually turned into a desire to use the law as a tool for service and positive change.”
That desire would shape an extraordinary career dedicated to public service in Cobb County. Holmes has served as a private attorney, judge, and district attorney—roles that allowed her to view the justice system from multiple perspectives while staying focused on one mission: serving people.
“As a private attorney, I learned the importance of advocacy and ensuring individuals are heard,” she explains. “As a judge, I was responsible for making thoughtful decisions that could profoundly affect people’s lives. And as district attorney, the role was about protecting the community while ensuring the system operates with fairness, integrity, and compassion.”
Holmes often describes her philosophy with a phrase that has guided her career: the mission is not the position.
Public service, she believes, is defined not by titles, but by impact.
Throughout her career, Holmes has broken barriers—becoming the first African American and the first woman to serve as Cobb County’s Chief Magistrate Judge and later as District Attorney. For Holmes, those milestones represent responsibility more than recognition.
“Breaking barriers means recognizing that you’re widening the doorway for others who will come after you,” she says. “It’s important to lead with integrity and excellence so those who follow are judged by their abilities.”
Holmes has also championed programs focused on restoration and second chances. She believes the justice system must balance accountability with humanity.
“When people are given the opportunity to address the challenges that brought them into the system, they are far more likely to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to the community.”
Outside of her professional accomplishments, Holmes finds her greatest fulfillment in family. She and her husband will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary this year, and together they have raised two daughters in the Smyrna and Cobb County community they proudly call home.
Those personal connections keep her grounded and continually remind her why the work of public service matters.
And if there is one message she hopes readers take from her story, it is this: even when the path isn’t clear, purpose and perseverance can open doors that once seemed out of reach.
Jennifer Bennett
Director, Community Relations
City of Smyrna
Some people measure a career in milestones or titles. Jennifer Bennett measures hers in moments—those quiet, powerful instances when a community comes together and something meaningful takes root.
Since 1999, Jennifer has served as the City of Smyrna’s Community Relations Director, a role that sits at the intersection of communication, leadership, and connection. But to hear her describe it, the work goes far beyond announcements or events. At its heart, it’s about nurturing something living.
“We’re building community,” she says. “Nurturing it and growing it every day—in down times and in the best of times.”
Much of that work unfolds behind the scenes. One of Jennifer’s proudest moments came during Smyrna’s 150th birthday celebration. Construction had eliminated the city’s usual gathering space, leaving organizers scrambling for a solution. After exploring every option, Jennifer proposed something bold: closing Atlanta Road and transforming it into the main concert venue.
It was an audacious idea—and convincing others it could work took persistence. But when the celebration unfolded and thousands gathered together in the heart of the city, the moment spoke for itself.
“The look of accomplishment and joy on my coworkers’ faces when it all came together was worth every pain point along the way,” she recalls. Today, the event has become a cherished tradition.
For Jennifer, moments like that reflect what makes Smyrna special. While many communities say their strength lies in their people, she believes Smyrna’s spirit runs even deeper.
“The core of who we are lights up in the heart of most everyone who joins us here,” she says. “It feels more like sparking a family than a municipality.”
Outside the office, Jennifer’s world is just as rich. Her home is shared with three beloved rescue dogs—from energetic puppy to wise senior—who happily claim much of her time and affection. Her garden and koi ponds, both built with her own hands, offer a peaceful retreat, while evenings often find her researching family history or tending to an ever-growing genealogy project. She also surrounds herself with objects that tell stories—from intricate ship models to vintage fur coats she’s learned to restore by hand.
For Jennifer, both life and leadership share a common thread: finding meaning in the journey.
“Take joy in the evolution of your community,” she says. “And in the personal growth that comes along with it.”
Latonia P. Hines
Councilmember, Ward 2
City of Smyrna
Long before she took a seat on the Smyrna City Council, Latonia P. Hines was drawn to work that made a difference—work rooted in fairness, protection, and purpose.
While still in law school, Latonia interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District in Atlanta, where she worked on a case involving a syndicate exploiting women across state lines. At the time, there were no human trafficking laws in place. Watching prosecutors navigate that challenge—using the laws available in creative ways to stop ongoing harm—left a lasting impression. That experience not only shaped her path, but contributed to the foundation of Georgia’s human trafficking laws today.
For more than two decades, Latonia has served as a dedicated public servant, including her work as a prosecutor in Cobb County, always guided by a deep commitment to her community. During her time in the courtroom, she was part of cases that drew significant public attention—experiences that deepened her sense of purpose and ultimately inspired her to run for local office. Today, as a member of the Smyrna City Council and Chair of the Public Safety Committee, her work continues to center on people—especially those who may not always feel seen or represented. Her leadership reflects both experience and a genuine desire to ensure every voice has a place in the conversation and feels heard, valued, and respected.
“I want to engage people in our community who may not have been specifically recognized in the past,” she shares. That perspective fuels her passion for creating positive pathways for young people, helping them stay connected to opportunity and away from the criminal justice system.
For Latonia, the most meaningful part of her journey has been the relationships she’s built along the way—connections that keep her grounded and closely tied to the community she serves. She approaches leadership with the understanding that not every decision will make everyone happy, but that fairness, intention, and doing what is best for the community must always guide the way with clarity and consistency.
Her influence extends beyond council chambers and courtrooms. As a legal analyst for networks like Law&Crime, CourtTV, CNN, and 11Alive, she has developed a strong ability to communicate complex issues clearly and concisely—often in just a matter of seconds. That platform has also allowed her to help demystify the legal system for broader audiences, making important issues more accessible, relatable, and easier to understand for everyday viewers.
Grounded in faith and supported by family and friends, Latonia carries a steady sense of purpose into every space she enters. And when she reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave, her vision is both simple and powerful: to create meaningful change that lasts—and to leave her community stronger, more connected, and better because she was part of it.
Denise Czarnik
Executive Director
Smyrna Public Safety Foundation
For Denise Czarnik, making a difference has never been about recognition—it’s about showing up, standing beside others, and doing the work that brings people together.
As Executive Director of the Smyrna Public Safety Foundation, Denise has found a role that feels both purposeful and deeply personal. It allows her to support the men and women who serve Smyrna every day—something she once dreamed of doing herself.
“I may never wear the badge,” she shares, “but I can support the men and women who do—and that brings me great joy every day.”
Through her work, Denise creates meaningful connections between first responders and the community—moments that leave a lasting imprint. Programs like Shop with a Hero bring children and public safety personnel together during the holidays, offering not just gifts, but connection and shared joy.
But the heart of Denise’s work lies in the moments no one sees.
When a first responder faces a personal crisis—illness, financial hardship, or an unexpected challenge—the Foundation steps in to help. It’s in those moments, Denise says, that the true impact of their work is felt most deeply.
“It’s about being there when they need it most,” she explains. “Even if we’re playing a small role, we’re helping create something bigger—a stronger, more connected community.”
That sense of connection is something Denise cultivates every day. In a time when negative headlines can overshadow the good, she intentionally shares stories that remind people who our first responders truly are—neighbors, mentors, and familiar faces.
Whether it’s a child recognizing a firefighter from a school visit or a police officer donating gifts for local students, these interactions become threads that weave a stronger Smyrna together.
Denise’s journey has been shaped by a wide range of experiences—from the beauty industry to the corporate world, and, most importantly, her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Each chapter has reinforced the values she carries today: faith, integrity, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving others.
When asked what brings her joy, her answer is simple—God, family, and the opportunity to give back.
And for women looking to make an impact in their own communities, her advice is both heartfelt and practical:
“Listen and learn. Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Stay true to who you are—and let everything you do be done with passion.”
Because in the end, it’s not about the spotlight.
It’s about the difference you make when no one is watching.
Though their paths are different, their purpose is shared. Each, in her own way, is helping shape a stronger, more thoughtful community—one built on service, integrity, and connection. Together, their stories are a reminder that leadership isn’t defined by titles alone, but by the impact we choose to make along the way.
Pull Quotes:
Joyette: “Public service is not defined by titles, but by impact.”
Jennifer: “We’re building community—nurturing it and growing it every day.”
Latonia: “I want to engage people who may not have been recognized in the past.”
Denise: “It’s about being there when they need it most.”