Two local women will be honored in Atlanta as "phenomenal trailblazers" today.

First lady Sandra Deal and former Hall County Commissioner Deborah Mack will be honored at The National Organization of Black Elected Legislative/Women's Fifth Annual Awards Luncheon.

The event will be held at Twelve Atlantic Station in Atlanta from noon until 2 p.m. and will honor 15 women with varying backgrounds.

Mack said she was surprised when she got an invitation in the mail from NOBEL/Women.

On the invitation was a list of those who would be honored at the luncheon.

But she said she had to call and be sure the letter was intended for her.

She said Rep. Sharon Beasley-Teague told her the organization had heard about her work in the community and wanted to honor her.

"It's an honor just to be recognized for anything you do in your community," Mack said.

Mack said her parents ingrained in her a sense of responsibility for her community and a desire to help others.

"Volunteering is the price you pay for just being here on this Earth," Mack said.

She said Jesus spent his life giving to and caring for others.

"If we follow the teaching of Jesus we'll be doing the right things," Mack said.

This will be the first time Mack has attended the event.

"I'm really excited. I really am," Mack said.

First lady Deal will also be given an award.

Deal is well known for her community involvement and volunteerism.

The NOBEL/Women organization was established in 1985 as a way to promote the presence of black women in legislatures.

A representative of the NOBEL/Women organization could not be reached.