Franklin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and moved to Atlanta in 1963. She graduated from Spelman College in 1968 with a degree in sociology and from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1972.
Franklin began her legal career as an attorney for the Atlanta Legal Aid Society. She later served as a judge of the Atlanta Municipal Court and as a member of the Georgia State Senate.
In 2001, Franklin was elected mayor of Atlanta. She served in that position for two terms, during which time she oversaw a number of major developments in the city, including the construction of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the expansion of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
After leaving office, Franklin served as the president of the Morehouse School of Medicine and the executive vice president of the Coca-Cola Company. She is currently a member of the board of directors of several major corporations, including The Home Depot and Delta Air Lines.
In addition to her work in government and business, Franklin is also an active philanthropist. She is the founder of the Shirley Franklin Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and economic development in Atlanta.
Shirley Franklin is a highly respected and influential figure in Atlanta. Her contributions to the city have been significant, and she has helped to make Atlanta a better place for all of its residents.
Here are some of the key contributions that Shirley Franklin made to the society:
* She was the first woman to be elected mayor of Atlanta. This was a significant milestone for the city, and it helped to pave the way for more women to hold positions of leadership.
* She oversaw a number of major developments in the city, including the construction of the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the expansion of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. These projects created jobs and helped to boost the economy of the city.
* She is an active philanthropist. Her Shirley Franklin Foundation supports education, healthcare, and economic development in Atlanta. She is also a member of the board of directors of several major corporations, including The Home Depot and Delta Air Lines.
* She is a role model for young women and girls. She has shown that it is possible for women to achieve success in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as law and politics.