Asha Ellen: Transforming Macon-Bibb, One Neighborhood at a Time

Game Changers
Jul 10
3 min read

Written by Game Changers Magazine Staff

“Change starts with conversation.” That’s the heartbeat of Game Changers Magazine, and today, we spotlight a woman who embodies that philosophy every day — Mrs. Asha Ellen, Executive Director of Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful.

In our recent sit-down on the Voices of the Village podcast, Asha shared her remarkable journey, challenges, and triumphs in her mission to build bridges across communities and turn beautification into a tool for unity, hope, and change.

From Board Member to Executive Director

Asha joined the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful board in 2021 and within just six months was appointed Executive Director. She didn’t step into an easy role. As she put it, one of her first “hurdles” was overcoming the community’s perception that the organization was an “elitist group” — disconnected from the real needs of residents, particularly in Black and underserved neighborhoods.

But Asha’s reputation as a connector preceded her. With years of experience as Director of Outreach, Engagement, and Diversity at the District Attorney’s Office, she was already deeply embedded in Macon’s civic, social, and faith communities. That foundation helped her build trust where suspicion had once lingered.

Building Bridges, Not Just Clean Streets

Asha’s philosophy is simple but powerful: everyone wants a beautiful, safe, and thriving community — no matter their race, social group, or political affiliation. Her approach has been to meet communities where they are, listen to their voices, and work alongside them, not over them.

A standout example? The Fort Hill neighborhood park project. While Asha envisioned murals and picnic tables, it was residents who raised the need for outdoor calisthenics equipment, giving neighbors — especially those with limited resources — a way to exercise and improve their health locally. That idea, born from community conversations, was written into the grant application and is now becoming a reality.

Beautification as Crime Prevention

Coming from the D.A.’s office, Asha saw firsthand the link between environment, mental health, and public safety. Blight, illegal dumping, and neglected spaces send signals of abandonment, often worsening crime and hopelessness.

Her work now — from neighborhood cleanups to tree planting to partnering with law enforcement — tackles these issues at the root. As Asha says, “You can’t prosecute your way out of community issues. You need prevention, engagement, and investment.”

A Liaison Between People and Government

Asha is clear: Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful doesn’t pave sidewalks or fix streets — that’s the city and county government’s responsibility. But she proudly acts as a liaison between residents and officials, helping elevate voices that might otherwise go unheard.

Whether it’s alerting solid waste services about dangerous overgrowth or advocating for resources to address heirs’ properties and vacant homes, she makes sure residents know they have someone in their corner.

Looking Ahead: Climate, Trees, and the Future

What’s next for Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful?

✅ More cleanups and volunteer engagement

✅ Tree-planting initiatives to combat heat and improve air quality

✅ Supporting community gardens to address food insecurity

✅ Recycling education and waste reduction programs in schools — with an eye toward America’s looming landfill crisis

Asha is passionate about preparing Macon not just for today, but for the next 30 years. “We can’t wait until the landfill is full,” she warns. “We need to act now — as individuals and as a community.”

Asha’s Message to Macon-Bibb

Asha’s leadership style is grounded in humility, inclusion, and action. She understands that real change happens when residents, local government, nonprofits, and businesses all work together.

“We all have more in common than we do differences,” she says. “We all want clean streets, safe parks, green spaces, and strong neighborhoods — for ourselves, our children, and future generations.”

Final Word

At Game Changers Magazine, we salute Asha Ellen — a true game changer whose work reminds us that beauty is more than appearance; it’s about dignity, safety, and shared hope. Macon-Bibb is lucky to have her leadership, and we can’t wait to see how her vision continues to shape the heart of Georgia.

Stay tuned to Game Changers Media Network and Voices of the Village podcast for the next chapter of this inspiring journey.

Asha Warner Ellen of Keep Macon Bibb Beautiful on VOTV