Featured | Written by: On Common Ground News
Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten received a Pinnacle Leadership Award on February 13, 2016, at the 18th Fortitude Educational and Cultural Development Center, Inc. Annual Luncheon held at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. Monica Pearson delivered the keynote address.
Aten was selected for this prestigious recognition because she has “displayed outstanding public service and excelled in her field of work,” wrote Jacquee Rushin, the FECDC’s award program chair, in her congratulatory letter to Aten, who became Rockdale’s first African American female judge in 2013, and has spearheaded several community-outreach initiatives including her Smart Justice Educational Program and Youth Law Camp among others.
“I am grateful and honored that my community engagement and service, in and outside of the court, has been recognized and valued,” said Aten. “I accept this Pinnacle Award on behalf of my family, court staff and community partners who make it possible for me to pursue my passion every day and make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Other honorees included Rep. Stacey Abrams, DeKalb County State Court Judge Shondeana Morris, philanthropist Hank Stewart and media personality Rashad Ali Smith.
Aten has received several awards this season. She was honored as a trailblazer by the Rockdale-Newton Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women during its inaugural award luncheon at the Newton County Career and College Academy in Covington, Georgia on Nov. 14, 2015. She was presented with a community service award on Nov. 21, 2015 by the Gwinnett-based Truth and Union Lodge #594. Aten received an outstanding community service award from the Georgia Mentoring Program on Dec. 12, 2015, during its holiday event in Conyers.
“I realize that as “a first,” I am paving the way for the next generation of lawyers and judges and it is such a privilege and exciting opportunity. Knowing that so many have been observant and appreciative of my efforts to do a good job and help others brings me a sense of overwhelming joy and motivation,” said Aten.