About Radiant Refuge
About Radiant Refuge
Radiant Refuge exists to empower underrepresented and under-resourced individuals by creating meaningful access to support, education, resources, and encouragement.
Dignity
Opportunity
Belonging
Hope
Who We Are
A community dedicated to helping people rise, heal, grow, and thrive.
We believe every person deserves to feel seen, valued, equipped, and capable of reaching their full potential. Through community partnerships, outreach programs, mentorship, workshops, and intentional acts of service, we create spaces where people can experience practical support and genuine human connection.
Radiant Refuge is passionate about fostering equity, inclusivity, and opportunity while uplifting voices that are too often overlooked.
Our Story
Born from a heart for service.
Radiant Refuge was born from a deep desire to serve, uplift, and create meaningful change within our community.
Our journey originally began in 2017 as Chicktime Conyers, a local chapter of a national nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and supporting girls through mentorship, activities, and community connection.
When the Chicktime chapters nationwide closed in 2026, we knew the mission to serve could not end there. What began as a transition became an opportunity to grow into something broader: a nonprofit designed to serve individuals and families who are underrepresented, under-resourced, or facing difficult seasons of life.
Mission & Values
A place of hope, healing, empowerment, and refuge.
Our mission is to empower underrepresented and under-resourced individuals by providing access to essential resources, education, support services, and opportunities for growth.
Our values are rooted in compassion, dignity, empowerment, and community. We believe meaningful change happens when communities come together to uplift one another.
Values Section
What Guides Us
These values shape the way we serve, partner, lead, and walk alongside our community.
Value
Compassion
We lead with empathy and honor the dignity of every person we serve.
Value
Dignity
We believe every individual deserves to feel seen, valued, respected, and supported.
Value
Empowerment
We equip people with tools, resources, encouragement, and opportunities to pursue growth.
Value
Community
We believe healing and hope grow best through connection, partnership, and belonging.
Members
Meet Our Founding Members
Heather Bowman
Founder & CEO, Radiant Refuge
Heather Bowman is the Founder and CEO of Radiant Refuge, a nonprofit organization dedicated
to providing hope, practical support, and pathways to healing for women and girls facing some
of life’s most difficult circumstances. Through Radiant Refuge, Heather works to serve survivors
of abuse, foster youth, survivors of human trafficking, non-English-speaking immigrants, women
experiencing poverty, and those facing significant medical challenges without access to adequate
resources or care.
Heather’s passion for this work is deeply personal. Having overcome significant childhood
trauma and adversity herself, she understands the challenges that many vulnerable women and
girls face. Her own journey of healing, faith, and restoration has inspired her lifelong
commitment to helping others discover that their past does not define their future.
For more than a decade, Heather has invested her time and leadership in mentoring, nonprofit
outreach, youth development, education, and community service. She has worked closely with
foster youth and at-risk girls, helping provide encouragement, life skills, educational support, and
meaningful relationships that empower them to build brighter futures. Her work has connected
her with individuals from diverse backgrounds, each carrying unique challenges and stories, yet
all deserving dignity, compassion, and opportunity.
As a community leader, educator, speaker, and nonprofit advocate, Heather believes that true
transformation happens when practical assistance is paired with genuine human connection.
Under her leadership, Radiant Refuge seeks to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals
by connecting women and families with resources, support systems, mentorship, advocacy, and
opportunities for growth.
Heather’s vision for Radiant Refuge is to create a network of hope—a refuge where women and
girls are seen, heard, valued, and empowered. She is passionate about building partnerships that
bridge gaps in care and creating opportunities for individuals to move from crisis to stability,
from isolation to community, and from surviving to thriving.
Driven by faith, compassion, and a belief in the God-given value of every person, Heather leads
Radiant Refuge with the conviction that every woman deserves the chance to heal, every child
deserves the opportunity to flourish, and every individual deserves to know they are not alone.Heather lives in Georgia with her husband and family and remains actively involved in nonprofit
leadership, education, mentoring, and community development initiatives throughout her region.
“Radiant Refuge exists because every person deserves hope, dignity, and the opportunity to build
a better future. No matter where someone’s story begins, healing and restoration are possible.”
Ashlee Jelks
Founding Member
Ashlee Jelks serves as a leader with Radiant Refuge because of her passion for investing in and
encouraging the next generation. Born and raised in the metro Atlanta area, Ashlee has dedicated
her career to education and mentoring young people.
She began her educational journey teaching English to high school students, where she spent 12
years building meaningful relationships and helping students navigate important seasons of life.
Today, she serves as an elementary school librarian, but her heart for connecting with and
encouraging teenagers remains as strong as ever.
When Ashlee discovered Radiant Refuge, she found the perfect opportunity to continue
mentoring young women who have faced difficult circumstances. She is especially passionate
about helping girls recognize their potential, develop confidence, and believe in the bright
futures ahead of them. Ashlee believes that growth is a lifelong journey and strives to model
resilience, positivity, and perseverance as she encourages others to keep moving forward.
Her greatest passion is influencing and empowering the younger generation. Through
mentorship, encouragement, and meaningful experiences, she hopes to help young people dream
big, pursue their goals, and become the leaders they were created to be.
Ashlee brings a compassionate heart, a love for serving others, and a deep commitment to
helping young women thrive. Through her work with Radiant Refuge, she is helping shine light
into the lives of those who need hope, encouragement, and support the most.
Jenee Foster
Founding Member
Jenee Foster serves as an Operations Trainer at FedEx and is passionate about leadership,
personal growth, and empowering others to succeed. With a heart for mentoring and encouraging
young women, she is dedicated to helping the next generation build confidence, resilience, and a
strong sense of purpose.
Through guidance, encouragement, and real-life experiences, Jenee strives to inspire young
women to recognize their value, embrace their potential, and pursue their goals with courage and
determination. Her passion for investing in others aligns closely with Radiant Refuge’s mission
of bringing hope, support, and opportunity to individuals who may feel overlooked or
underserved.
Jenee believes that positive mentorship can have a lasting impact, and she is committed to
helping young women discover the strength, confidence, and purpose needed to thrive in every
area of life.
Margo Atwater
Founding Member
Margo Atwater is a founding member of Radiant Refuge and brings a lifelong commitment to
service, leadership, and community impact. A proud mother and grandmother of three, Margo
believes in the power of investing in others and creating opportunities that help individuals and
families thrive.
As a Gulf War U.S. Army veteran, Margo served her country with honor and continues to carry
the values of integrity, dedication, and servant leadership into every aspect of her life. She has
also dedicated more than 28 years to federal service and currently works in the aviation field.
Margo holds a Bachelor of Science in Management, further supporting her passion for
leadership, professional excellence, and community engagement.
Giving back has always been at the heart of who Margo is. Having volunteered since childhood,
she has spent much of her life serving others and strengthening the communities around her. Her
commitment to helping those in need aligns closely with Radiant Refuge’s mission to bring hope,
support, and opportunity to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
Outside of her professional and volunteer roles, Margo enjoys traveling, creative projects, and
hands-on craftsmanship. She loves sewing, candle making, creating custom mugs, and designing
handmade gifts that bring joy to others.
Through her leadership and service with Radiant Refuge, Margo is committed to helping create
meaningful opportunities for growth, encouragement, and empowerment. She believes that even
small acts of kindness and service can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Annette Williams
Founding Member
Annette Williams is a founding member of Radiant Refuge and brings a lifelong passion for
service, community, and empowering others. As a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother,
and one of nine siblings, she has always placed a high value on family, relationships, and
supporting those around her.
A college graduate and retiree originally from North Carolina, Annette now resides in Conyers,
Georgia, where she continues to pursue her purpose of enlightening, elevating, enriching, and
serving others. Her desire to make a meaningful difference led her to become involved in
outreach and volunteer work, where she has consistently sought opportunities to encourage
growth, foster connection, and help individuals reach their full potential.
Throughout her years of service, Annette has volunteered with homeless shelters and homeless
outreach programs, supported homes for the elderly, participated in community gardening
initiatives that provide food for those in need, and worked alongside Habitat for Humanity to
help build and landscape homes for families. She has also shared her love of reading through
volunteer opportunities and literacy-focused initiatives. These experiences have deepened her
belief in the power of compassion, community, and servant leadership.
Annette is passionate about using her gifts to inspire and encourage others while helping create
opportunities for growth and success. She believes that meaningful impact happens when people
come together to support one another without seeking recognition or personal gain.
Outside of her volunteer work, Annette enjoys a wide variety of creative and hands-on pursuits,
including arts and crafts, visual communications, gardening, sewing, decorating, thrifting,
fishing, camping, and creating engaging activities for children. She also enjoys sharing her
knowledge with others, participating in art markets, and exploring new ways to use creativity to
bring people together.
Through her work with Radiant Refuge, Annette is committed to helping build stronger
communities, uplifting those in need, and creating opportunities that bring hope, encouragement,
and lasting positive change.
Sabrina Bolston
Founding Member
Sabrina Bolston is a founding member of Radiant Refuge and is deeply passionate about
encouraging, empowering, and investing in the lives of others. Throughout her life, she has been
drawn to opportunities that allow her to uplift people and help them recognize their value,
potential, and purpose.
In recent years, Sabrina’s heart for service has become increasingly focused on the younger
generation and the unique challenges they face. She finds great joy in building meaningful
relationships with young people and creating safe spaces where they feel seen, heard, and
supported. For Sabrina, some of the most rewarding moments come when young people trust her
enough to share the deeper parts of their lives, allowing genuine connections and lasting impact
to take place.
Sabrina’s greatest strengths are her transparency, relatability, and compassion. She firmly
believes that authentic relationships are built through genuine care and presence. Guided by the
philosophy that “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,”
she strives to lead with empathy and encouragement in every interaction. Her warm, welcoming
personality naturally helps others feel safe, comfortable, and valued.
As a leader with Radiant Refuge, Sabrina is committed to helping young people develop hope,
resilience, and confidence as they navigate life’s challenges. She believes that a caring mentor
can make a lasting difference and is honored to play a role in encouraging the next generation.
Outside of her volunteer work, Sabrina enjoys spending time with family and friends,
participating in outdoor activities, and creating meaningful memories with those she loves. She
especially cherishes opportunities to serve alongside fellow volunteers and build relationships
with the young people supported by Radiant Refuge. While she values time spent investing in
others, she also understands the importance of rest and renewal, ensuring she can continue
serving with energy, passion, and purpose.
Through her work with Radiant Refuge, Sabrina is dedicated to bringing hope, encouragement,
and meaningful support to those who need it most.
Margaret Hill
Founding Member
Margaret Hill is a founding member of Radiant Refuge and is passionate about encouraging,
mentoring, and investing in the lives of young people. After relocating to the Conyers, Georgia
area in 2001 when her husband, a retired U.S. Army veteran, received relocation orders from
Germany to Atlanta, Margaret quickly became involved in serving both her church and
community.
Her love for children led her to volunteer with youth ministries, where she discovered a deep
passion for helping young people navigate life’s challenges. As the proud mother of two sons,
Margaret developed a special desire to mentor and encourage young girls, helping them
recognize their worth, build confidence, and understand the value they bring to the world. She
believes every young woman deserves to be reminded of her importance and empowered to
speak life and encouragement into herself and others.
When Margaret discovered Radiant Refuge, she immediately felt connected to its mission and
saw it as a natural extension of her desire to serve, mentor, and uplift those who need
encouragement and support. She is especially passionate about building relationships with young
people and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations that help them grow and thrive.
One of Margaret’s greatest gifts is listening. She believes many young people simply want to
know that someone hears them and genuinely cares about what they are experiencing. She enjoys
learning about the interests, motivations, and perspectives of today’s youth and values the
opportunity to engage in authentic conversations that build trust and understanding.
Outside of her volunteer work, Margaret enjoys traveling, watching comedy and television,
taking morning walks with her husband, and spending time with family and friends. Known for
her warm spirit and sense of humor, she loves bringing joy and encouragement to those around
her.
Through her work with Radiant Refuge, Margaret is committed to helping young people feel
seen, heard, valued, and empowered to pursue their God-given purpose with confidence and
hope.
Kim Bowman
Founding Member
Kim Bowman is a founding member of Radiant Refuge and is passionate about making a
positive difference in the lives of young women. She believes that every girl deserves
encouragement, support, and positive role models who can help her navigate life’s challenges and
recognize her unique value and potential.
Kim’s heart for service is rooted in her desire to invest in others and create meaningful
connections that inspire confidence, growth, and hope. She finds great joy in mentoring and
encouraging young women, helping them understand that they are worthy, capable, and
deserving of a bright future.
A strong advocate for self-care and wellness, Kim is passionate about helping others prioritize
their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. She believes that true happiness begins from
within and that caring for oneself is an important foundation for living a healthy, balanced, and
fulfilling life. Through both her example and encouragement, she hopes to empower others to
embrace wellness and develop habits that support long-term personal growth.
Outside of her work with Radiant Refuge, Kim enjoys spending time in nature, traveling,
practicing yoga, wine tasting, and walking along the beach. She finds peace and renewal through
these experiences and believes in the importance of taking time to recharge and care for oneself.
Through her service with Radiant Refuge, Kim is committed to helping young women build
confidence, develop healthy self-worth, and discover the strength and resilience needed to thrive
in every season of life.
Jessika Prayor
Founding Member
Jessika Prayor is a founding member of Radiant Refuge and is passionate about encouraging,
empowering, and mentoring young women. She believes every young person deserves positive
role models who can help them recognize their strengths, build confidence, and develop hope for
the future.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, Jessika is committed to helping young women
discover their value, strengthen their abilities, and believe in the possibilities ahead of them. She
understands the importance of encouragement and support during life’s challenges and strives to
be a source of both for those she serves.
Jessika’s passions center around creativity and helping others. A natural problem solver with a
compassionate heart, she has a unique ability to empathize with those around her and provide
encouragement, guidance, and practical support. Her caring nature and thoughtful perspective
often make her a trusted source of advice and encouragement for friends, family, and those she
mentors. She firmly believes that kindness, compassion, and serving others are among life’s
greatest callings.
Outside of her volunteer work, Jessika enjoys exploring creative and adventurous pursuits. She
loves reading, traveling, making and listening to music, hiking, creating art, and crafting. Her
creativity and enthusiasm for life inspire her to approach challenges with optimism and help
others see opportunities for growth and self-expression.
Through her work with Radiant Refuge, Jessika is dedicated to helping young women develop
confidence, resilience, and hope. She believes that when individuals are encouraged, supported,
and empowered, they can overcome obstacles and create bright futures for themselves and their
communities.
While our name may have changed, our heart for people never did.
Radiant Refuge
Walk With Us as We Build What Comes Next.
Partner with Radiant Refuge to create spaces of hope, healing, empowerment, and refuge.