PRESIDENT'S AWARD HONOREES: MR. BILL DUKE & NATALIE DUKE

Duke Media Entertainment, led by actor, director, producer, writer and humanitarian, Bill Duke, is dedicated to bringing quality Edutainment to audiences around the globe. Formerly Yagya Productions, Duke Media has successfully produced critically acclaimed film and television content for more than 30 years. Additionally, Duke Media is in process of expanding the brand to involve itself in the development of new media technologies, i.e. cellphone apps, games, and virtual world experiences. Since the early 70s, Bill Duke along with industry veterans Michael Shultz and Gordon Parks, have long paved the way for African Americans in the industry.

Mr. Duke excels in front of and behind the camera. His acting and directing credits are extensive and include stints on such ground breaking television series as Falcon Crest, Fame, Hill Street Blues, Knotts Landing, Dallas, and New York Undercover. His feature credits include Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, Get Rich or Die Trying, Deep Cover, Hoodlum, Predator, Menace II Society and Not Easily Broken, to name a few. He has recently completed production on, Blexicans, a new television pilot that takes a comedic look at a mixed race family. His documentaries, Dark Girls and Light Girls, both NAACP Image Award nominees, aired on OWN and were two of the most successful documentaries on the network.

Bill Duke's invaluable contributions to the industry have been recognized by both his peers and the entertainment community. Appointed by former President Bill Clinton to the National Endowment of Humanities, he was appointed to the Board of the California State Film Commission by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and he has been honored by the Directors Guild of America with a Lifetime Achievement Tribute.

NATALIE DUKE

Natalie Duke is the daughter of legendary American actor, director, and filmmaker Bill Duke. She serves as the president of Duke Entertainment, her father's film and television production company.

Managing caregiving, of my father, alongside my professional and personal responsibilities requires significant patience and resolve. I have successfully established a balance between motherhood, my career in aviation, and presiding over both my father’s media production company and a 501(c)(3) foundation, all while ensuring his personal needs are met with care and precision.

LEADER IN ALZHEIMER'S CARE HONOREE: KAISER PERMANENTE

Kaiser Permanente is committed to supporting caregivers across Georgia, recognizing the critical role they play in their families and communities. Our work focuses on providing caregivers with accessible education, emotional support, and practical tools to help them navigate the daily realities of caring for aging loved ones—including those impacted by memory loss, cognitive decline, or dementia‑related conditions.

Through our Thriving After 60 and caregiver‑focused initiatives, Kaiser Permanente collaborates with physicians, behavioral health experts, and community partners to deliver classes, symposiums, and resources designed to strengthen caregiver resilience. Topics include stress management, self‑care, navigating the healthcare system, and accessing our integrated model of coordinated medical and behavioral support. These efforts reinforce Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to whole‑person and whole‑family care. By elevating caregiver resources and partnering with trusted community organizations, we continue to strengthen awareness, improve caregiver well‑being, and position Kaiser Permanente as a leader in compassionate caregiver support—especially for those caring for individuals affected by memory challenges or cognitive health concerns.

DIFFERENCE MAKER HONOREE: VANESSA MANLEY

My caregiving journey has been both deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. Caregiving is a sacred privilege, and I have had the honor of caring for my late father, my late twin brother, and many remarkable elders who have crossed my path throughout my life. These experiences taught me the importance of compassion, patience, dignity, and simply being present for others during vulnerable moments.

In my professional role as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services for the City of Atlanta, I have also been blessed with the opportunity to serve as a lifeline for senior citizens across our city. Through community programming, resource distributions, advocacy, outreach, and direct support services, I work daily to ensure that our seniors feel seen, heard, valued, and cared for. Caregiving, for me, is not just an act of service — it is a calling rooted in love, community, and humanity.

DIFFERENCE MAKER HONOREE: SKYE MARSHALL

Born in Chicago, Skye is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. After her enlistment was fulfilled, Skye returned to Chicago where she graduated from Northeastern Illinois University, with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Communication, Media & Theatre (CMT Program). She moved to New York City where she trained at Stella Adler Studio of Acting and at Broadway Dance Center, all while working full-time at a pharmaceutical marketing firm. That's where she realized a cubicle life wasn't meant for her, and that it was time to fully pursue her dreams of acting in TV and Film.

Skye stars opposite Academy Award winner, Kathy Bates, on the CBS hit drama, Matlock. Her previous series regular role was Dr. Lex Trulie in the CBS medical drama "Good Sam" with Sophia Bush and Jason Isaacs. And just prior, she held a heavy recurring role on Netflix series, "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" starring alongside Kiernan Shipka as Mambo Marie.

Skye made a splash at the Sundance Film Festival 2023 for her performance in the drama, To Live and Die and Live. As well as the Peter Sarsgaard led Venice Film Festival hit, "Coup!" Checkout her IMDb for a full list of credits.

Skye's star continues to rise with numerous nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her work on Matlock pouring in, along with Honor awards for her breakthrough performance and advocacy.

CIRCLE OF CARE HONOREE: DR. SANDRA ERVIN

My work in caregiving and service began long before I realized it would become my life’s calling. When I entered college, I initially planned to become an attorney. However, during one summer I worked with students with special needs, and that experience completely changed the direction of my life. I witnessed students who had to work extraordinarily hard to accomplish even the smallest tasks, and yet their determination and joy inspired me. From that moment forward, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to helping others reach their fullest potential, and I became a special education teacher. Over time, I moved into school administration so that I could make a broader impact on the lives of students and families.

Throughout my career, I often served as principal in schools that were facing state takeover or were considered low-performing. Each time, I embraced the challenge of helping transform those schools into places of success and opportunity for students. Through strong leadership, high expectations, and a commitment to community, those schools were able to rise to top school ratings. Because of my leadership style and willingness to tackle difficult situations, many people referred to me as the “female Joe Clark” of education. My personal journey with caregiving began when one of my students, whom I was very close to, experienced a life-changing moment in his family. His mother was diagnosed with ALS. During that time, I had read the book Tuesdays with Morrie, and it inspired me to begin visiting her every Tuesday. I would spend time talking with her, encouraging her, and ministering to her until the end of her life. Even today, her son remains a part of my life.

Caregiving became even more personal when I married the love of my life. During our marriage, I became his caregiver as he endured kidney disease, dialysis, and eventually a kidney transplant. His transplanted kidney lasted for twenty years, but during that time we also faced other serious health challenges, including cancer. By God’s grace he survived cancer and went into remission, and together we navigated many difficult health battles. Eventually, he suffered a major heart attack, and throughout our marriage I remained by his side as his caregiver until his passing. After losing my husband, my sister—who was my greatest support system—stood beside me as we cared for our mother. Tragically, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer that later metastasized to her major organs. Losing her was devastating. Shortly after her passing, her husband suffered a major stroke, and I became part of his support system as well. Today, my mother lives with me and requires twenty-four-hour care due to dementia. There was a moment when the weight of caregiving and loss felt overwhelming, and I questioned why so many of the people closest to me were no longer here.

In that difficult season, I felt a spiritual prompting that simply said, “Be a blessing to someone else.” At first, I resisted, but eventually I yielded to that calling. Out of that moment was born the Caregivers Conference. What began as a small effort to support caregivers has now grown into an annual event that provides resources, encouragement, education, and respite to caregivers throughout the community. Now in its third year, the conference has continued to expand, bringing together caregivers, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and organizations dedicated to supporting those who give so much of themselves in service to others.

Over the past three years, I have worked alongside committees, boards, community leaders, and organizations throughout the city, county, and state to increase awareness and provide meaningful resources for caregivers. This work is deeply personal to me because I continue to walk the caregiving journey everyday by caring for my mother. My leadership in caregiving advocacy comes not only from professional experience but from lived experience. I understand firsthand the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges caregivers face, and my mission is to ensure that caregivers know they are seen, heard, supported, and valued.

CIRCLE OF CARE HONOREE: MR. JOE FOSTER

My wife, Evelyn, and I first met in high school and were married in 1969. Together we built a beautiful life, raising two sons and sharing many joyful years as a family. Nearly 60 years later, I began to notice that Evelyn was slowing down and was not quite herself.

After visiting several doctors, we learned that she was experiencing cognitive decline and that dementia had begun to set in. While there was no cure, the doctors provided medication to help manage the symptoms. Watching my wife deteriorate over time was one of the most difficult experiences I have ever faced. Because of my deep love for Evelyn, I chose not to hire a nurse. Instead, I committed myself to caring for her personally. I made sure she attended every doctor’s appointment and carefully attended to her daily needs—helping her bathe, get dressed, and making sure she was comfortable and properly cared for. For nearly ten years, I remained faithfully by her side as her condition gradually worsened. Her illness also changed my daily life.

Before becoming her full-time caregiver, I enjoyed activities such as playing golf and taking walks. However, as Evelyn’s needs increased, I devoted myself to caring for her around the clock. Throughout this journey, I relied on my faith. I believe that God was watching over both of us during this season. Although many dementia patients do not live as long, Evelyn was given the strength to endure for many years. I truly believe that my devotion, patience, and consistent care helped support her longevity throughout her journey with dementia. I made sure to bring her to church every Sunday. Whether she fully understood the message or not, I believed it was important for her to remain in the house of the Lord.

If I could offer words of encouragement to other caregivers, I would say this: seek the Lord first. Stay involved in your loved one’s care, attend every doctor’s appointment, and be there for them as much as possible. Love, patience, and faith are essential when walking through the caregiving journey.