IN THE PROFESSION Unsung Heroes: Project Pinnacle and Program Director Alvarine Wagner
HON. ASHA F. JACKSON Presiding Judge, DeKalb Superior Court Accountability Courts Immediate Past Chief Judge and 4th District Administrative Judge, State of Georgia afjackson @ dekalbcountyga. gov
In 2012, DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson launched Project Pinnacle, a groundbreaking in-court program designed to give individuals between the ages of 17 and 25 who are charged for the first time with a non-violent felony, a path diverting them away from the criminal justice system. Now in its 13th year, the metro Atlanta-based initiative has helped over 250 young adults rewrite their futures through an intensive, year-long journey of personal development, community engagement, and accountability. Participants who successfully complete the program have their cases dismissed and closed, often graduating with job offers, college admissions, or military enlistment opportunities. Project Pinnacle is supported by DeKalb County Government with generous grants
12 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 and in-kind gifts from a number of Corporate and Civic partners in the Metro Atlanta area.
ALVARINE " ALLIE " WAGNER
Judge Jackson credits much of Project Pinnacle’ s success to its first and current Program Director,
Alvarine“ Allie” Wagner. A Georgia State University College of Law graduate, Wagner began her journey with Project Pinnacle as an intern for four years and returned after law school to lead the program with passion and precision. She oversees every aspect of the program— from emotional intelligence workshops and civil engagement modules to coordinating therapy, mentorship, and community service. Wagner’ s leadership has not only elevated the program’ s impact but also created a ripple effect, with participants inspiring their peers and families. Each December, the program culminates in a celebratory graduation ceremony attended by the Mayor and other elected officials, celebrities, and corporate leaders who gift graduates with tools for success, such as professional attire, laptops, and gift cards.
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