SESSION 6

Session: Sister-to-Sister Roundtable Panelist

Date: February 21, 2026

Ciara Smith-Roston serves as Mayor of Anniston, making history as the first African American and youngest mayor in the city's history. A native of Anniston, she is a graduate of Anniston High School, Spelman College, and holds a Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University. She is currently pursuing her Juris Doctorate.

Her public service journey began at age sixteen in the City of Anniston Finance Department, giving her a rare, ground-level understanding of civic leadership. Her administration prioritizes transparency, accountability, and people-centered governance.

On the Sister-to-Sister Roundtable, Mayor Smith-Roston adds a perspective shaped by public responsibility and personal balance offering insight into leadership, resilience, and the importance of restoration for women carrying visible influence.

Sandra Kay Coats is the Senior Pastor of Life Assurance Apostolic Worship Center (LAW Nation). She carries forward the legacy of her late husband, Roy Alphonso Coats, with resilience, sound doctrine, and pastoral compassion.

Having completed ministerial and ordination training through Aenon Bible College, Pastor Coats blends teaching, discipleship, and lived faith. Her testimony speaks to restoration through loss, leadership through faith, and strength through obedience.

Her voice on the roundtable offers grounded pastoral wisdom shaped by perseverance and trust in God's sustaining power.