Brenau Board of Trustees appoints two new members
The Brenau University Board of Trustees recently added an award-winning journalist and alumna as well as a local CEO with long experience in medical management and strong community connections as its newest members.
Maria Ebrahimji, a 1998 graduate of The Women’s College and a partner at C5 Collective, and Amelia “Mimi” Collins, CEO of Longstreet Clinic, began their three-year terms in January.
“For 142 years, Brenau University has been guided by a board of trustees who embrace the dynamic nature of higher education and who see the need for constant innovation while being ever mindful of our fiduciary responsibilities to the institution and the students we serve,” says Board of Trustees Chair Mike Smith. “Our two newest board members clearly strengthen these qualities among us as they also bring their own skills and passions.”
Ebrahimji began her career in 1998 at CNN, primarily working in the newsgroup’s on-air interview and talent division producing interviews across CNN’s international and domestic shows. In 2008, she was promoted to director and executive producer of CNN Worldwide’s Network Booking division, where she directed guest coverage across the newsgroup’s many platforms. While at CNN, she also served as vice chair of CNN’s Diversity Council and remains a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Ebrahimji is a partner, advisor and consultant for C5 Collective, a women-led global consultancy focused on event programming, media strategy and strategic communications. She works with a variety of media organizations and nonprofits to develop high-level thought leadership programs and communication strategies, with a special emphasis on Fortune 500 companies, women in leadership and social impact.
Her projects have included a high-level CEO forum at the Vatican and, most recently, serving as a producer for “The Call to Unite,” a 24-hour global livestream dedicated to hope and healing during the COVID-19 pandemic that featured over 150 speakers and garnered an audience of over 1.5 million. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Brenau and a master’s degree in political science and international affairs from Georgia State University.
“As alumnae of historic women’s colleges coupled with their professional experiences, Maria and Mimi will offer keen insights as our newest board members, especially as we enter a time of strategic planning that will provide a roadmap for our years ahead.”
Brenau University President Anne Skleder
Collins is the CEO of Longstreet Clinic, a post she has held since it was founded in 1995 through the merger of eight single specialty practices. Longstreet Clinic is a private multi-specialty medical group with office locations in nine northeast Georgia cities that employs over 900 associates,
including more than 200 physicians and advanced-practice providers who represent 19 medical specialties and subspecialties. She has served in similar management roles at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Crawford Long Campus (now Emory Midtown) and private practices.
Collins holds a dual bachelor’s degree in business administration and psychology from Queens University of Charlotte (N.C.) and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Mercer University.
Collins serves on a variety of local and state boards, including the board of directors of Lake Lanier Olympic Park Foundation, is a graduate of both Leadership Hall and Leadership Georgia and is the recipient of numerous awards and honors.
“As alumnae of historic women’s colleges coupled with their professional experiences, Maria and Mimi will offer keen insights as our newest board members,” says Brenau University President Anne Skleder, “especially as we enter a time of strategic planning that will provide a roadmap for our years ahead. Brenau is most fortunate to attract trustees of their caliber, and I look forward to working with them.”