Voices 2026 Annual Women’s Luncheon
https://www.wdef.com/voices-the-fifth-annual-womens-luncheon/
September 24, 2026
Lili Ford
CHATTTANOOGA, Tenn.– An annual women’s luncheon hopes to empower guests with the real life stories of others.
The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga held its fifth annual “Voices” Luncheon, spotlighting trailblazers in our community.
This year’s focus was Advocates for Change, concentrating on women who have made large impacts thanks to their leadership and advocacy.
One woman was local attorney Cecilia Garrett, who changed her university’s policies for those who are pregnant and in school.
“So, I’m still hooked up to the IV in the hospital bed the next day when I get an email. You’ve run out of absences. I’ll fail the semester if I missed another class…. I decline medical intervention I would’ve otherwise had, and I fought to stay awake, and you know– I wanted to be released in time to be in class on Wednesday morning,” said Garrett.
“But then there was movement. And while I do not know Belmont’s exact policy right now, it is gratifying to know that students who give birth may attend class by Zoom afterwards…and I heard from another graduate recently that they now have pumping rooms for new mothers. And I hope no other women have to settle for pumping in the handicap bathroom…” Garrett continued.
According to event organizers, this luncheon is a new chapter for The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga– one where they look towards diversity and greater acceptance of self in their group.
“One thing that we’re focusing on this year is the message that all women belong,” Executive Director for the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga, Melody Shekari, stated. “They belong with our organization, whether they have different opinions, a different style– and we’re talking a lot about leadership in your own capacity and whatever it looks like in women being okay with who they are and how they lead.”
In the end, Voices highlights not only the stories of those who have created change in Chattanooga but empowers its audience to recognize their own potential.
As guest of honor Dr. Edna Varner said best: “This room is full- full of women, walking among us disguised as mere mortals when you’re actually superwomen.”