HELEN Z. WILLIS ISN'T ASKING FOR PERMISSION The South Fulton powerhouse is taking her fearless brand of leadership to Fulton County's District 5 race—and she's doing it on her own terms.

She seeks Fulton County's District 5 Commission seat. Willis says her campaign is about more than politics—it's about people. Across South Fulton, Union City, College Park, and surrounding communities, she sees urgent challenges: rising housing costs, unequal healthcare access, food deserts, and limited workforce opportunities for young people.

To Willis, these are not isolated issues. "Everything is connected," she says.

That belief drives her vision for government as an ecosystem where decisions in housing, healthcare, transportation, public safety, and economic development directly impact one another. In her view, strong communities require more than growth—they require access, opportunity, and investment in people.

Much of that perspective was shaped during the COVID-19 pandemic while caring for her mother. Navigating the healthcare system revealed the daily struggles many families face, especially seniors without an advocate. The experience turned healthcare access from a policy concern into a personal mission.

Today, she is advocating for expanded healthcare services, better access to specialists, and increased resources for seniors, with one goal: helping residents remain in the communities they helped build.

Her commitment to service was also evident during the pandemic. As food insecurity rose across South Fulton, Willis launched Feeding the City, a grassroots initiative that united nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and community groups to support families in need.

But for Willis, the mission extended beyond crisis response. She believes lasting resilience comes from sustainable solutions, including community gardens, local food production, and reducing reliance on outside supply chains. Rooted in self-sufficiency, her approach empowers residents and reflects the same forward-thinking commitment she brings to supporting future generations.