Leading with Purpose: Anisa Palmer Featured in Highlight Georgia Leader Spotlight

Every leader has a "why": a deep-seated reason that drives them to wake up every morning and face the world’s most daunting challenges. For Anisa Palmer, the Founder and CEO of I Will Survive, Inc. (IWS), that "why" is rooted in service, sacrifice, and a profound commitment to her community. It’s no surprise, then, that her journey was recently featured in the Highlight Georgia Leader Spotlight on July 20, 2026.

In an inspiring article penned by Bonnie Mauldin, Anisa’s story was shared with the broader Georgia community. The feature, adorned with the prestigious HG Feature Badge, highlighted how a decorated combat veteran took the discipline of the battlefield and applied it to the fight against breast cancer in Atlanta. When you see the Leader Spotlight graphic, it’s more than just a headline; it’s a recognition of a leader who refuses to let families navigate the darkest chapters of their lives alone.

At I Will Survive, Inc., we’ve always known Anisa’s leadership is special. But seeing her work recognized on a statewide level reminds us all of why we do what we do: to help our neighbors move beyond surviving and start truly living again.

From the Front Lines to the Home Front

Anisa Palmer’s leadership style didn't begin in a boardroom. It was forged in the heat of combat. As a U.S. Army veteran, Anisa served two tours in Iraq, earning the Bronze Star and the Combat Action Badge. These aren't just accolades; they are symbols of her ability to lead under pressure and her unwavering dedication to the mission.

When she transitioned back to civilian life, she brought that same "no-fail" attitude to the nonprofit sector. She realized that the families in her own backyard were facing a different kind of war: the battle against breast cancer. It wasn't just a medical battle; it was a financial and emotional one, too.

In 2010, inspired by her mother’s courageous journey with breast cancer, Anisa founded I Will Survive, Inc. She saw firsthand how the diagnosis doesn't just affect the patient: it ripples through the entire family. She decided that this NGO in Atlanta would be different. It wouldn't just raise "awareness"; it would provide tangible, life-changing support.

More Than a Ribbon: The IWS Mission in Georgia

As a premier breast cancer awareness organization in Atlanta, our mission is clear: we empower individuals at higher risk for or affected by breast cancer through financial assistance, prevention education, and wellness programs. But what does that look like on a daily basis?

Under Anisa’s guidance, IWS has developed three core programs that address the holistic needs of survivors and their families. These programs are the heartbeat of our organization, and they were a major focus of the Highlight Georgia feature.

1. Financial Freedom for Fighters

The financial toxicity of cancer is a harsh reality. Many survivors find themselves choosing between life-saving treatment and paying their rent. Our Financial Freedom for Fighters program provides direct assistance to ensure that no one loses their home while they are fighting for their life. To date, we have provided over $800,000 in rental assistance with a 100% zero-eviction success rate.

2. EmpowerHER Wellness Workshops

Survival is just the beginning. The EmpowerHER Wellness Workshops focus on the "after": helping survivors reclaim their bodies, their health, and their peace of mind. These workshops provide a safe space for healing, offering everything from nutritional guidance to mental health support.

3. Beyond the Diagnosis Mentoring

No one should have to walk this path alone. Our mentoring program connects newly diagnosed individuals with survivors who have been exactly where they are. This peer-to-peer support is vital for emotional resilience and helps families get the support they need during a confusing and terrifying time.

Innovation on the Horizon: The AI-Powered Mobile Wellness Clinic

One of the most exciting revelations in the Highlight Georgia spotlight was Anisa’s vision for the future. Through her work with the Bush Leadership Institute, she is spearheading the development of an AI-powered Mobile Wellness Clinic.

This is not just a van; it’s a mobile hub of innovation. By utilizing AI to analyze health trends and provide personalized prevention education, we can reach underserved communities in Metro Atlanta that often lack access to quality care. This clinic represents the next frontier of our mission, bringing preventative education directly to the doorsteps of those who need it most.

"We aren't just waiting for the future; we're building it," Anisa shared in the feature. This forward-thinking approach is why IWS remains a leader among nonprofits in the state.

A Philosophy of Goodness

Perhaps the most touching part of the feature was Anisa’s leadership philosophy. She often says, "No matter what you are, be a good person."

It sounds simple, but in the world of nonprofit leadership, it’s a radical act. It means prioritizing people over paperwork. It means answering the phone for a survivor in the middle of the night. It means treating every donor, volunteer, and family member with the dignity they deserve.

This philosophy permeates every level of I Will Survive, Inc. It’s why we invite everyone to get involved, whether as a volunteer, a board member, or a partner. We believe that by being "good people" together, we can change the landscape of breast cancer care in Georgia.

Why Your Support Matters

The Highlight Georgia recognition is a testament to the hard work of our entire team, but we know the fight is far from over. Atlanta still faces significant health disparities, particularly among Black women who are disproportionately affected by late-stage diagnoses.

Our work is only possible because of people like you: those who choose to donate and stand in the gap for our survivors. Whether it’s $10 a month through our 10 for 10 campaign or a corporate sponsorship, every dollar goes toward ensuring stability and hope for families in crisis.

Summary: A Legacy in the Making

The Highlight Georgia Leader Spotlight wasn't just a profile of a CEO; it was a celebration of a community that refuses to give up. From Anisa's military service to the launch of an AI-powered clinic, the trajectory of I Will Survive, Inc. is one of constant growth and unwavering purpose.

As we look toward the rest of 2026 and beyond, we invite you to join us. We might not be able to change the fact that cancer exists, but perhaps we can change what happens next for the families it touches.

The takeaway is simple: Leadership is about more than a title. It’s about the lives you change and the hope you instill. Anisa Palmer has shown us that when you lead with purpose, you don't just survive: you thrive.

Take Action Today

• Support the Mission: Donate here to help us provide rental assistance to fighters.
• Get Educated: Learn more about breast cancer prevention and education.
• Spread the Word: Share this post to highlight the work being done by this veteran-led NGO in Atlanta.

The fight is not over, but neither are we.