When a doctor told Ava O’Neal’s mother she would never conceive, her mother prayed for God to bless her with a child.

“So I am here because of an answered prayer,” says Ava, an accountant and fiscal analyst with the Dougherty County School System. “My life is not my own. I am here for God’s purpose and I strive to please him in every area of my life.”

A love of creating accounting systems and businesses processes leads Ava on her pursuit to become a Certified Public Accountant. For 15 years, she has been excited by creating things that enable entities to run more efficiently and effectively.

When she’s not working, it is her eight-year-old son, Jalen, who keeps her busy and very proud. She also works on outreach projects such as the Miss Deborah Women’s Scholarship Pageant, T.E.A.M. Community Outreach, and H.O.T.S. Youth Programs through her church, Center of Refuge. A Sunday afternoon might find her watching a great movie or listening to jazz. A word to the wise: Don’t mess with her daily cup of coffee at 6 a.m.!

What does Ava love about Albany?

“My hometown is cool because there are so many hidden treasures – professional athletes, musicians, and more call Albany home.”