Meet the latest winners of the Governor James M. Cox Award
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES ONE CONNECTION AT A TIME
Delma Herrera brings a spirit of selflessness and determination to all she does, both in the community and at Cox Communications, where she is vice president of field sales, West Region.
AN ADVOCATE FOR COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Delma has always had a passion for giving back. As board chair of Arizona-based Chicanos Por La Causa — a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved communities — she helped launch a free local legal clinic and business center. She also helped the organization expand its reach to Utah, California, Nevada and New Mexico, offering services from housing, social services, elder care and education to a bilingual women’s shelter.
“CPLC believes in building our better tomorrow and giving a hand up, not a handout,” she says. “These align with what I believe — helping people so that they can help themselves and build a better tomorrow for their families and communities.”
CHAMPIONING ACCESS
Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, Delma recognized the importance of digital access. Through initiatives like Connect2Compete, Delma has helped ensure students from all backgrounds have access to the internet and educational resources.
At Cox Communications, Delma is actively involved in Development Beyond Limits, an internal program designed to help employees seek opportunities in roles like field sales, technology, construction and field operations.
“The way Delma shows up every day for Cox, for our employees and for the community — I’m just so proud of her,” said Sheila Hicks, senior vice president of Residential Sales and Service at Cox Communications.
Delma says she was inspired by her parents, who immigrated to the United States from Mexico when she was a young child.
Her father, a carpenter, wanted to give the family a better life, she said. It was the sacrifice and hope of her parents that inspired Delma to give back. Her story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
THE VOICE OF THE OKEFENOKEE
As a child, Drew Kann’s first encounter with Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp was unforgettable — a family camping trip that included awe-inspiring wilderness and a near-encounter with an alligator. Today, his reporting on the Okefenokee Swamp and a mining project that was proposed near its borders has informed the public and helped shape the conversation around a precious natural resource.
LAYING OUT THE FACTS
Since joining the Atlanta Journal-Constitution four years ago as a climate, environment and energy reporter, Drew has written nearly 50 stories on the swamp and the now-halted Twin Pines mining project. His first article tackled the legal fight over the mine.
“My commitment stems from feedback I’ve received from readers, who wrote and messaged me again and again telling me how deeply they cared about this issue,” Drew said.
His reporting has been credited with influencing public opinion and even legislative attention, but that wasn’t his primary goal. “My approach is to lay out the facts accurately and fairly, explain the stakes, and do my best to ensure the work reaches the widest audience possible,” he said.
Scott Trubey, senior editor for business, climate and environment at the AJC, said Drew is a gifted storyteller and thorough reporter.
“Drew can transport readers who might never have visited the Okefenokee Swamp and immediately convey the importance of this ecological gem and the threat raised by the proposed mine,” Scott said.
BALANCING TRUST AND TENACITY
Covering a complex and controversial issue like the Twin Pines project requires more than just research — it demands trust, persistence and a willingness to listen.
Drew credits Scott and investigative reporter Dylan Jackson for helping uncover details about the environmental record of the company behind the project. He also thanks the AJC’s photographers and videographers who helped bring the story to life.
“I tried to highlight an array of voices in my stories, even if I disagreed with them personally,” Drew said. “I really tried to show up for the people who could be most affected by a potential mine near the swamp, traveling down to rural southeast Georgia to hear what they had to say.”
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Governor James M. Cox Award, named for our founder, recognizes those whose stellar job performance exemplifies What We Stand For. Selection of the winners does not depend on tenure or role within the company, but rather on what they’ve done — or are currently doing — through their work to build a better future. It’s one of the highest honors for our employees.
Visit InsideCox.com/GovCoxAward to nominate a colleague today.