The Mothers of The Phoenix Who Lead, Inspire and Thrive
Beyond the Title.
Beyond the Title: The Mothers of The Phoenix Who Lead, Inspire and Thrive
This May, we’re honoring mothers of The Phoenix—the women who are balancing careers, building legacies and leading with both power and heart. Their stories reflect more than titles or to-do lists; they capture the duality of motherhood and leadership and the quiet strength that fuels both. Through their reflections, we see how motherhood isn’t a pause in purpose—but an extension of it.
For Elizabeth Kemp Caulder, our Founder and Chief Brand Strategist, leadership begins with intention. With more than 25 years of experience building global brands, Elizabeth launched The Phoenix to create space—for big ideas, authentic leadership and a culture where family isn’t something we balance, it’s something we honor. “I want my sons to say, ‘My mom made people feel seen. She showed up every day and led people with her whole heart,’” she shares. Whether leading a strategy session or coaching her son’s teams, Elizabeth’s legacy is grounded by the power of love in action. That same love extends to her service beyond the office—she sits on the board of Vehicles for Change, champions maternal and infant health through the March of Dimes and is a proud 30-year member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. For Elizabeth, legacy isn’t just about what she builds—it’s about the people she lifts as she does it.
Jessy Gelb, our Director of Brand Strategy, brings energy, empathy and insight to every brand she touches. She entered this field drawn by a fascination with what drives people—their passions, behaviors and motivations—and turned that into a career that inspires action. But Jessy’s most meaningful work is raising three young children under the age of six. Outside the office, she’s a dedicated supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of her grandmother. One of her earliest lessons in workplace bias came from a college counselor who suggested using “Jessy” on her résumé instead of “Jessica”, because it might be mistaken for a man’s name. Today, she’s determined to rewrite that narrative—for her daughter, her sons and for the future. “My goal,” she says, “is to help create a world where the next generation doesn’t grow up with this mindset.” In motherhood and in leadership, she’s leading by example.
For Kelly Atkinson, Senior Manager of Brand Support, both storytelling and service have always been second nature. Raised in a home where organization and order were second nature, she found her rhythm early—bringing structure to chaos and writing her way through life’s chapters. As a published poet and editor, her voice is powerful. As a mother and grandmother, her purpose runs deep. Kelly has spent more than a decade volunteering with the Richmond Folk Festival and often gives rides to community members who don’t have transportation—small acts of service that reflect a big heart. For her, success isn’t loud; it’s found in the quiet moments of connection and care. “If my legacy is one of seeing, truly seeing, the goodness in others and reminding them of their own brilliance,” she says, “it would be more than enough.”
These women are the embodiment of what makes The Phoenix great. They’re visionaries, nurturers, builders and believers—leading not in spite of motherhood, but because of it. Their stories remind us that strength is not singular and success doesn’t look just one way. In celebrating them, we honor the powerful intersection of motherhood and leadership—and the women who thrive at both.
