The Susan Clark Campbell Trailblazer Award is a distinguished honor recognizing individuals who have made remarkable strides in their fields through innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. During a heartfelt ceremony at the Habersham County Courthouse on Monday, March 31, Nina Svoren, a family-law attorney from Stephens County, opened the event by reflecting on the significance of the award and its namesake, Susan Clark Campbell.
Svoren described the award as a symbol of “determination, leadership, courage, and style” when combined. She paid tribute to Susan Campbell’s remarkable ability to break barriers for women in law with not just intellect and rigor, but with grace and grit.
The recipient of the Trailblazer Award is someone whose legacy is measured not in titles or verdicts, but in the impact they leave on the world—a trait that Susan Campbell exemplifies daily in her life. The award is given each year during Women’s History Month to an individual who, like Campbell, demonstrates excellence and a dedication to creating positive change, striving for an equitable and safer world.
Since 1995, March has been recognized as Women’s History Month, with this year’s theme being, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” This theme perfectly encapsulates Campbell’s life and her profound influence on the practice of law, her community, and the countless lives she has touched.
Campbell was the award’s inaugural recipient in 2023, followed by Stephens County Probate Court Judge Glenda Ernest in 2024. This year’s honoree, Jennifer Stein, is a visionary leader whose passion for empowering others has left a lasting impact across various sectors.
A Tribute to Jennifer Stein’s Leadership and Innovation
Judge Tricia Hise introduced Jennifer Stein, describing her as an individual with the gift of words, a dedicated problem solver, and someone deeply connected to her community.
Stein’s career is a testament to her ability to push boundaries, break down barriers, and pave the way for others to follow. Known for her steadfast commitment to advancing social justice, education, and technology, she has transformed the lives of individuals and communities alike.
Through her innovative approaches and visionary leadership, Stein has become a trailblazer, particularly in social impact areas. Her contributions have empowered countless organizations and individuals, making her a natural recipient of the Susan Clark Campbell Trailblazer Award.
Championing Children and Families
Stein’s transformative work began at Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Habersham, where she identified a need in her community and established the Family Resource Center of Northeast Georgia. Judge Tricia Hise highlighted that Stein’s work has touched the lives of countless children and families, providing safe spaces for parent-child interactions, playground equipment, parenting resources, and partnerships with Superior Court Judges to ensure the best outcomes for families. After seven years with PCA Habersham, Stein became Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, now based at Georgia State University. Yet, her strong ties to Habersham County remain, and her work continues to touch lives in the region.
Now known as Positive Childhood Alliance Georgia, Stein’s organization brings together parents, teachers, children, mandated reporters, community members, and businesses to prioritize the well-being of children. Under her leadership, PCA has introduced a new mascot, “BLUE,” a giant blue teddy bear that will travel the state as a symbol of comfort and encouragement. As Judge Hise noted, even the choice of color for the mascot resulted from Stein’s thoughtful research, aiming to provide children with the utmost sense of safety and comfort.
The Susan Clark Campbell Trailblazer Award: Honoring a Legacy of Courage
Campbell is a visionary leader whose courage and determination will inspire future generations. She has made a mark in this community for women and all who strive to make a difference. This award celebrates individuals who, like Campbell, have blazed new trails in their respective fields, creating opportunities and pushing boundaries along the way.
Stein’s recognition with this prestigious award is a testament to her incredible contributions and her steadfast dedication to building a world where children have a safe and thriving childhood and essentially grow up to become healthy adults. Her efforts continue to inspire others to challenge the status quo, think creatively, and lead with purpose.
Reflecting on the Journey
In her acceptance speech, Stein shared heartfelt reflections on her work and the families she has supported. “Every family I worked with at the Family Resource Center in Habersham is a family in which I could see myself. They were lacking the support they needed,” Stein explained. She spoke about the simple protective factors that, when present in families, can help prevent child abuse, underscoring how small changes can make a significant difference in the lives of children and parents.
Stein also reflected on her early conversations with Susan Campbell about the vision for the Family Resource Center, noting that one of their core principles was creating an objective and unbiased space for parents and children. This commitment to neutrality and support was a cornerstone of the work they both believed in.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Legacy of Change
As Stein receives the Susan Clark Campbell Trailblazer Award, it’s clear that her journey is far from over. Focusing on mentorship, leadership, and social change, she remains at the forefront of efforts to improve communities, particularly for underrepresented groups. Stein’s work, like Campbell’s, will continue to empower others, and her dedication to creating safe, equitable spaces for children and families will undoubtedly bring about circumstantial change.
The significance of the Susan Clark Campbell Trailblazer Award cannot be overstated, as it honors not only the recipient but also the legacy of Susan Campbell, whose tireless work has led to stronger communities, healthier families, and more children finding adoptive homes or being reunited with their families. The paths that Campbell has blazed will never be forgotten, and her efforts continue to live on in the work of individuals like Jennifer Stein, whose contributions will shape a better future for all.
