We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Henderson Howard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is the unwavering support and love from my parents, my spouse, and my faith in God. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and integrity from an early age, always encouraging me to chase my dreams while staying grounded in humility. My spouse has been my rock—offering unwavering support, patience, and belief in me, even during the most challenging times. And above all, my faith in God has been my guiding light, giving me strength, wisdom, and purpose in everything I do. Without these three pillars in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I am deeply grateful for their presence every step of the way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Education is more than just a career for me—it’s a calling. My journey as an educator has been shaped by a deep passion for learning, a commitment to my students, and the unwavering belief that knowledge has the power to change lives. What sets me apart is not just my dedication to teaching, but my commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impacts on my students’ lives. I strive to inspire, uplift, and equip them with the confidence and skills they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. Education is a field that demands patience, resilience, and an open heart. There were times when I questioned whether I was making a difference, times when the challenges felt overwhelming—but I always returned to my ‘why.’ I overcame obstacles through perseverance, faith, and the unwavering support of my family. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a love for learning, my spouse has been my constant source of encouragement, and my faith in God has guided me through every challenge, reminding me that my purpose is bigger than any obstacle.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way is that true success in education isn’t measured by grades or test scores—it’s measured by the moments when a student realizes their own potential, when they overcome self-doubt, when they achieve something they once thought impossible. Those are the moments I live for.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my story, it’s that education is a powerful tool for change. Every student has the potential to do great things, and I am honored to play a small role in helping them unlock that greatness. My mission is to not just teach, but to inspire—to be the kind of educator who makes a difference, one student at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to ATL – Classic Downtown Experience
• Breakfast: Atlanta Breakfast Club – Start the trip with their legendary peach cobbler French toast.
• Morning Activity: Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca-Cola – See the whale sharks at the aquarium and then dive into Atlanta’s soda history.
• Lunch: Mary Mac’s Tea Room – A classic Southern meal with fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet tea.
• Afternoon Activity: Civil Rights Tour – Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
• Dinner: The Varsity – You have to try this iconic fast-food spot at least once!
• Evening Drinks: SkyLounge at the Glenn – Rooftop drinks with a killer skyline view.

Day 2: BeltLine & Midtown Adventures
• Breakfast: Home Grown GA – Get the comfy, Southern vibes with their famous “Comfy Chicken Biscuit.”
• Morning Activity: Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden – A relaxing morning walk with beautiful scenery.
• Lunch: Ponce City Market – Explore the food hall and grab something delicious from H&F Burger or Minero.
• Afternoon Activity: BeltLine Walk & Krog Street Market – Stroll along the BeltLine, check out street art, and grab a King of Pops popsicle.
• Dinner: The Optimist – One of Atlanta’s best seafood restaurants. Try the lobster roll!
• Evening Drinks: The Clermont Lounge – A quirky, legendary Atlanta dive bar.

Day 3: Buckhead Luxury & Shopping
• Brunch: Le Bon Nosh – A chic French café for pastries and lattes.
• Morning Activity: Shopping at The Shops Buckhead or Lenox Square – High-end stores and designer brands.
• Lunch: South City Kitchen – A refined take on Southern classics.
• Afternoon Activity: High Museum of Art – Immerse yourself in world-class art and exhibitions.
• Dinner: Bones – One of the best steakhouses in the country.
• Evening Drinks: Whiskey Blue – A rooftop lounge with sophisticated cocktails.

Day 4: Adventure & Outdoor Fun
• Breakfast: Revolution Doughnuts – A must-try for unique doughnuts.
• Morning Activity: Hike Stone Mountain – A breathtaking view at the top of this famous granite mountain.
• Lunch: Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – Some of the best barbecue in the South!
• Afternoon Activity: Trap Music Museum – A cool, immersive tribute to Atlanta’s hip-hop culture.
• Dinner: Two Urban Licks – Live music and bold flavors in a funky space.
• Evening Fun: Live music at Variety Playhouse or The Tabernacle – Catch an incredible concert.

Day 5: Sports & Entertainment
• Brunch: Breakfast at Barney’s – A trendy spot with a luxurious brunch menu.
• Morning Activity: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Tour – If you’re a sports fan, this is a must.
• Lunch: Slutty Vegan – One of Atlanta’s hottest spots for plant-based comfort food.
• Afternoon Activity: College Football Hall of Fame – Interactive fun for sports lovers.
• Dinner: Marcel – An old-school, elegant steakhouse.
• Evening Fun: Topgolf Atlanta or The Painted Duck – A fun night of games and drinks.

Day 6: Exploring the Unexpected
• Breakfast: Buttermilk Kitchen – Farm-to-table Southern breakfast.
• Morning Activity: The Escape Game Atlanta – A thrilling, interactive escape room experience.
• Lunch: The Busy Bee Café – A historic soul food restaurant.
• Afternoon Activity: Oakland Cemetery Tour – A beautiful and historic spot with stories of Atlanta’s past.
• Dinner: Staplehouse – A unique, chef-driven dining experience.
• Evening Drinks: Red Phone Booth – A speakeasy with a secret entrance and craft cocktails.

Day 7: Relax & Recap
• Brunch: Canoe – A peaceful riverside meal to wrap up the trip.
• Morning Activity: Spa Day at The Waldorf Astoria – The perfect way to unwind.
• Lunch: Chai Pani – Award-winning Indian street food.
• Afternoon Activity: Little Five Points Exploration – Vintage shops, street art, and quirky finds.
• Dinner: Bacchanalia – One of Atlanta’s finest restaurants for a farewell meal.
• Final Drinks: The James Room – A stylish and intimate cocktail lounge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So, my credit and recognition first goes to God because without him I wouldn’t have been able to make it to where I am today. Additionally, my husband. He is my rock and support. He pushes me mentally and physically and encourages me to chase my dreams. Lastly, my mom and dad, may he rest in peace. Although, I lost my dad at an early age he instilled a lot of wisdom and knowledge in me. Then I have my mom who is my number one cheerleader. She shouts my praises from the rooftops and always encourages me to keep going.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justam.berrr?igsh=MTlpMmpjMTh0MXRieQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/achhoward825?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.