MAJOR TAKEAWAYS
- Barrier-breaking leadership: First African American woman from Mississippi to reach general officer rank history made, not requested.
- Service beyond uniform: Transitioned seamlessly from military command to civic influence, proving leadership doesn’t retire.
- Infrastructure builder: Strengthened institutions across military, government, and community sectors not just symbolic leadership, but structural impact.
ARCHITECTS OF IMPACT
Women Who Lead, Build, and Redefine Power.
Executive Architect Of Impact
Women Who Lead, Build, and Redefine Power
Brigadier General (Ret.) Margarett Barnes
Trailblazing •Strategic • Distinguished
By Felicia Kelly-Brookins• 5 min read
There are leaders who break barriers, and then there are those who redefine what
leadership looks like for generations to come. Brigadier General (Ret.) Margarett
Barnes has done both with honor, discipline, and historic distinction.
A scholar and strategist, Barnes earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
from the University of Southern Mississippi, followed by a Master of Arts in Public
Administration from the University of South Alabama. She later completed a
Master of Strategic Studies at the prestigious U.S. Army War College, a credential
reserved for senior leaders preparing to guide complex national and global
operations.
Her academic preparation would prove foundational for a career marked by unprecedented
achievement. Brigadier General Barnes holds the historic distinction of being the first African
American woman from the state of Mississippi to be promoted to general officer in the United
States Army. In a military career spanning more than 32 years, she rose through the ranks with
strategic acumen and unwavering dedication, ultimately retiring in 2014 as the Deputy Commanding
General of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
Her service to the nation was recognized with some of the military’s highest honors, including the
Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Meritorious Service Medal. These
awards are more than commendations, they are symbols of excellence under pressure, leadership in
complexity, and commitment beyond self.
But retirement did not signal retreat. Instead, it marked expansion into civic and community
leadership. General Barnes remains deeply engaged in Mississippi’s civic infrastructure. She currently
serves as President of the League of Women Voters of the Jackson Area, advocating for civic
engagement and informed participation in democracy.
Her leadership resume reflects wide-ranging impact: Past President of the Mississippi Court
Administrators Association, Member of the Mississippi Judicial Performance Commission, Past
President of the Pascagoula Business and Professional Women’s Club, Secretary of the Mississippi
Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army, Board Member of the United Way of Jackson County,
Army Reserve Ambassador for the State of Mississippi, and former State Chair of the Mississippi
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Her civilian career in Mississippi state government
further reflects decades of service before her retirement in 2007, a continuum of leadership that
bridges military, public administration, and community development.
What defines Brigadier General Barnes is not only the barriers she shattered, but the infrastructure
she strengthened. She leads with discipline. She governs with strategy. She serves with distinction.
Her journey is a masterclass in endurance, preparation, and purpose. In every uniform worn and
every boardroom entered, she carried not only rank, but representation. In this Women’s Executive
Spotlight, Brigadier General (Ret.) Margarett Barnes stands as a living testament to what happens
when excellence meets opportunity, and when opportunity is forged through determination.
Her legacy is written not only in medals and milestones, but in doors opened for those who follow.
And that is enduring leadership.
Urban City Podcast and Inspired Resources, LLC proudly recognizes Brigadier General (Ret.) Margarett Barnes as a true
Architect of Impact, an executive leader whose influence strengthens institutions, mobilizes communities, and builds
generational legacy. In honoring her, we celebrate not only her achievements, but the enduring power of leadership rooted
in purpose, faith, and unwavering commitment to progress.
