The Leadership Southeast Georgia (LSEGA) Class of 2025 met in early May for its fourth session, exploring the impact of education and the economic significance of agriculture in Bulloch and Screven counties. The session offered participants firsthand insight into local schools, agribusiness operations, and the challenges and opportunities shaping these key sectors.

Through interactive panel discussions, expert-led presentations, and immersive site visits, the session deepened participants’ understanding of how education and agriculture intersect to support growth and sustainability in Southeast Georgia. Designed to foster informed, collaborative leadership, the program introduced emerging regional leaders to key voices and institutions influencing the area’s future. 

“Strengthening our efforts in education and supporting agriculture, a fundamental aspect of this area’s economic base, is a perfect example of why LSEGA exists. When leaders learn more, they can collaborate and develop solutions that improve crucial facets of our community and overcome challenges that negatively affect quality of life and reduce opportunities,” said Ric Stewart, Program Manager, LSEGA Class of 2024 graduate, and Development Manager at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).

The session opened at Georgia Southern University’s Engineering and Research Building in Statesboro, where Sylvania Mayor Preston Dees welcomed the class.

Session Highlights:

• Higher Education Panel: Facilitated by Suzanne Kirk, the session featured insights from Dr. Kyle Marrero (Georgia Southern University), Dr. Brandy Taylor (Ogeechee Technical College), and Dr. David Schecter (East Georgia State College), followed by a tour of the Engineering and Research Building.
• Migrant Labor and Agriculture: Andrea Hinojosa led a candid conversation on the essential role of migrant workers in Georgia’s agricultural economy.
• Education in Historical Context: Dr. Amber Davis, Director of Leadership at the Southern Education Foundation, delivered a presentation titled “A Brief Overview of Education History in the South.”
• K-12 Panel Discussion: Moderated by Dr. Meca Williams-Johnson, Associate Dean of Research at Georgia Southern’s College of Education, the panel addressed current challenges and innovations in primary and secondary education.
• Agribusiness Site Visits: Participants toured Double B Ranch & Poultry and Wade Hodges Farm, gaining hands-on exposure to local agricultural operations. A Q&A with Benjy Thompson, Director of the Bulloch County Development Authority, and a farmer-led panel discussion rounded out the experience.

“Education and agriculture are cornerstones of any thriving community,” said Kendria Lee, LSEGA Chairwoman. “By developing leaders who understand and support these industries, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term regional success.”

LSEGA’s programs are supported by sponsors including Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Evans General Contractors, Georgia Southern University,  M.E. Sack Engineering, The Sack Company, Thomas & Hutton, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Power, HunterMaclean, Bouhan Falligant, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Savannah Area Chamber, Goodwill Southeast Georgia, Coleman Company, World Trade Center Savannah, Southeastern Bank, Bank of Newington, Cecilia Russo Marketing, Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, and Hussey Gay Bell.

Local sponsors for the Bulloch and Screven counties session included BBWH Insurors, Dabbs, Hickman, Hill and Cannon, BAK Builders, Lee, Hill & Johnston Insurers, St. Andrews Builders, Ellis Wood Contracting, Hall & Navarro, Synovus, Renasant Bank, Morris Bank, and Hussey Gay Bell.

To learn more about the Leadership Southeast Georgia program and its impact on the region, visit lsega.com.

Due to her delayed diagnosis, she said her cancer had spread and she also had blood clots in her lungs.

“Not one doctor took me seriously,” she continued. “Not one doctor did the scans or blood tests I begged for whilst crying on the floor in agony. Instead, they dismissed me. They gaslit me, told me it was nothing, made me feel like I was overreacting. They refused to scan me. They refused to investigate. They REFUSED to listen.”

After publicly sharing her cancer battle, O’Connor explained that she had suffered a miscarriage just before her diagnosis. However, she still chose to stay positive. 

“I’ve been pregnant with a beautiful baby, suffered a miscarriage, then got diagnosed with ‘incurable’ cancer,” she wrote on Instagram February 18 in honor of her 25th birthday. “But I still feel on top of the world!”

One such highlight was her wedding less than two weeks before her passing. O’Connor shared that she had married her longtime boyfriend Adriano Cardinali on May 9, posting photos of the nuptials on Instagram.

As she put it in the caption, “I married the love of my life.”