GSF Newsletter

Stay up to date with our mission, milestones, and the families we serve across North Atlanta.

Q1 2026 Newsletter

Latest Issue

Q1 2026 Highlights

In our first quarter as an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Grounded Soles Foundation moved from vision to action. Here is what we accomplished:

  • Received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status — GSF is now officially recognized as a public charity, making all donations fully tax-deductible.
  • Established our founding Executive Board, bringing together leaders with expertise across HR, operations, law enforcement, procurement, and entrepreneurship.
  • Launched a founding partnership with Big Peach Running Co. across three locations — Cumming, Dawsonville, and Gainesville — connecting us directly to the local running and athletic community.
  • Identified pilot school closet locations at Brandywine Elementary and Denmark High School, with partnerships in the final stages of formalization.
  • Launched our website at groundedsolesfdn.org, complete with a secure donation platform, volunteer interest form, and Amazon Wishlist for in-kind contributions.
  • Received a significant in-kind donation from a local ASICS representative, adding quality inventory to support our distribution efforts.
  • Established a closed-loop inventory tracking process to ensure every pair of shoes donated is accounted for and reaches the right person.

Meet Our Founding Board

Samantha Cambridge

Founder, Board Chair & Executive Director

A visionary leader with 24 years of progressive experience in risk management, compliance, and operations at Verizon, Sam holds a Master's in Organizational Behavior and founded Grounded Soles to transform her lived commitment to equity into systemic impact.

Rochelle D. Jones, SPHR

Co-Chair

A transformational HR executive and founder of The HR Strategy Studio, Rochelle brings 25+ years of leadership experience, workforce strategy, and mission-driven advocacy to the board.

Candice Crook

Secretary

A creative entrepreneur and salon leader with 24 years in the beauty industry, Candice brings operational insight, client-centered values, and a passion for uplifting her community.

Sonja Wise

Treasurer

With 25 years of distinguished law enforcement service and extensive board leadership experience, Sonja strengthens GSF's governance, accountability, and community engagement efforts.

Chantell LaMark

Board Member, Procurement & Contracts

An executive procurement leader and founder of RenewedHER Procurement Group, Chantell brings expertise in vendor management, operational integrity, and strategic resource planning.

Grow With Us — Board & Leadership Opportunities

Grounded Soles Foundation is growing thoughtfully and we are looking for the right people to grow with us.

We are conducting an open search for a Board Chair to step into the role at the start of 2027. This is an opportunity for a mission-aligned leader to help shape the next chapter of GSF's growth. We are deliberate about this search because the right fit matters more than a fast one.

We are also welcoming board and future committee members with expertise in the following areas:

  • Legal — to strengthen our governance and provide in-house guidance as we scale
  • Accounting & Finance — to support fiscal stewardship and long-term sustainability
  • Nonprofit Leadership — to bring sector-specific strategy and best practices
  • Community Engagement — to deepen our roots and expand our reach

If this sounds like you or someone you know, we would love to start a conversation. Reach out to us at info@groundedsolesfdn.org and introduce yourself.

Make a Monetary Donation Visit Our Amazon Wishlist

Stay Connected

Sign up to receive future newsletters, updates, and ways to get involved.