Voices 2026
This fun and informative event has traditionally had over 400 people in attendance. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for networking and champagne. From 11:30 a.m. - 1:00p.m. guests will enjoy lunch and a dynamic program.
This year, our program will focus on Advocates of Change through powerful and personal stories from two inspirational women - Cecilia Garrett, a local attorney, and LaTrice Currie, an award-winning local journalist, news anchor, and advocate. By sharing their advocacy journey, they will inspire us to get involved in order to build a community where all women and girls thrive. We are also honoring Dr. Edna Varner, who has uplifted so many women and girls in our community through her work in education, philanthropy, leadership, and more - our highest Nightingale Network membership level is even named after her.
All proceeds benefit the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga. The Women's Fund works to improve the lives of women in Tennessee by focusing on the areas that matter most, including economic opportunity, health, and safety. We leverage advocacy, philanthropy, and a robust network of partners to address the root causes of inequity. Together we can make a difference in the lives of women and girls in our community.
Nightingale Network Annual Book Swap
Join us for our final Nightingale Network Social Hour of 2026! You do not have to be a member to attend. You’re also welcome to bring a friend to learn more about the Women’s Fund.
This month, Nightingale Network committee member, Colleen Kirk will be our host. We are having our annual book swap - which is always a popular event! Bring a book you have loved this year you are willing to give away as we celebrate a successful grant cycle!
Location to be announced soon!
Leadership Collaborative Networking & Social Hour
SAVE THE DATE!
Join us for an evening of leadership and connection. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Tickets will be available soon.
Want to be the first to know? Signup for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram or Facebook!
Leadership Collaborative International Women's Day Luncheon
SAVE THE DATE!
Celebrate International Women's Day with us! Tickets for this luncheon will be released in early 2027.
Want to be the first to know? Signup for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram or Facebook!
Nightingale Network Voting Launch
Join us as we hear from each of this year’s grant finalists in their own words! The finalists are:
Chattanooga Room in the Inn
LifeSpring Community Health
The Momentum Network
This special event is a great opportunity to meet new people, see old friends, and hear from our finalists as they share more about the amazing work they are doing in our community.
You do not need to be a member to attend. Everyone is welcome. Following the event, all 2026 Nightingale Network members will receive their digital voting forms to select this year’s Nightingale Network grant recipient
Nightingale Network Social Hour
Join The Nightingale Network this month at The Spritzeria in Red Bank for an evening that feels like a mini escape to the Mediterranean! Inspired by a Maltese village corner restaurant, The Spritzeria brings effortless charm, great conversation, and incredible flavors together in one place. Sip on a signature spritz or Italian cocktail and enjoy Gozitan ftira, traditional Maltese flatbreads!
Parking is available behind The Spritzeria. Take Lawton Street or Unaka Street, turn onto Redding Road, and look for the patio umbrellas. Entrances from Dayton Blvd or the back parking lot.
To learn more about the Nightingale Network, or to join, please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
Unfiltered Conversations: Breaking Down the Local Election
Join us from 5:30 to 6:30pm as we discuss the results of the August 6th local election, including national and local trends based on data provided from the Election Commission as well as local operatives. You won't want to miss this interesting discussion on where our community is going in the future!
Stay afterwards to write letters to legislators with PostScript Pizza from 6:30 - 8pm!
Nightingale Network Social Hour
Please join us at Welcome Home Chattanooga on Wednesday, July 15th from 5:30-6:30pm to learn more about their mission and the services they provide in our community. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Street parking is available.
You do not need to be a member of the Nightingale Network to attend this free event, and we encourage you to bring a friend! There will be time to connect with like-minded individuals working together to have a positive social impact in our community.
To learn more about the Nightingale Network, or to join, please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
Nightingale Network Social Hour
Join us for Women in the Warehouse! This month the Chattanooga Area Food Bank will be hosting us in their space (tour included!) as we bring women together for connection, community, and conversation.
You do not need to be a member of the Nightingale Network to attend this free event, and we encourage you to bring a friend! There will be time to connect with like-minded individuals working together to have a positive social impact in our community.
To learn more about the Nightingale Network or to join, please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
Nightingale Network Social Hour and Grant Update
Meet us at the Reading Room Chattanooga (3210b Brainerd Rd) - a woman-owned business - for our monthly meet up! Cassie Belter from the Chattanooga Free Store, our 2025 Nightingale Network grant recipient, will be joining us to give us an update on the important work they do in our community.
Free (and easy!) parking is available in the lot.
This event is open to anyone who would like to attend. If you’re interested in learning more about the Nightingale Network please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
Period Party: A Comedy Fundraiser
Mark your calendars for the evenings of Sunday, May 10 and Sunday, May 17 - the fabulous comedian Bridgette Martin is hosting our period product drive as admission to Broad's Lounge (124 E. 10th St) for Period Poverty Awareness Week!
Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm. Cost of admission is a period product donation.
This was a great show last year, and we are excited to have some laughs, raise awareness, and fill up local distribution centers with period products!
Women's Leadership Collective Lunch
We are excited to share a new effort to reconnect the spirit of leadership and community as the Women’s Leadership Collaborative, under the umbrella of the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga. We are coming together with conversations, connections, and leadership development. We invite you to join us for our first event, a Leadership Luncheon on May 11 at the Embassy Suites of Downtown Chattanooga (345 Broad St).
We are honored to welcome Janet Rehberg, President and CEO-elect of EPB, as our guest speaker. Janet will share insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of women shaping Chattanooga’s future.
This gathering is designed to be both meaningful and informal—a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new leaders, and explore how we can continue supporting women’s leadership in our community.
Tickets are sold out! Please email valerie@chattanoogawomensfund.org if you’d like to be added to the waitlist.
Period Party: A Comedy Fundraiser
Mark your calendars for the evenings of Sunday, May 10 and Sunday, May 17 - the fabulous comedian Bridgette Martin is hosting our period product drive as admission to Broad's Lounge (124 E. 10th St) for Period Poverty Awareness Week!
Doors open at 6pm and the show begins at 7pm. Cost of admission is a period product donation.
This was a great show last year, and we are excited to have some laughs, raise awareness, and fill up local distribution centers with period products!
Period Product Drive
It’s Period Poverty Awareness Week! Donate menstrual hygiene products to our period product drive May 10 - May 17th with three convenient drop off locations. You may drop off during business hours at:
WFGC office @ The Chattery: 1800 Rossville Ave #108
Chattanooga Area Food Bank @ 2009 Curtain Pole Rd
At one of the two comedy shows on Sunday, May 10 and 17 @ Broads (see events on our website for more info!)
Or you can also purchase anytime via our Amazon Wish List and products will be delivered to Hamilton County School’s Care Closets on your behalf!
Lunchtime Legislative Policy Debrief
Join us on Wednesday, April 22nd via ZOOM. This online meeting is open to everyone interested in learning about our advocacy work, and outcomes from second year of the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026).
If you are planning to attend, please RSVP below so that we can be sure to send you the ZOOM meeting link:
Nightingale Network Coffee Hour
We are changing things up with a morning event this month! Join us at Goodman’s in Warehouse Row for your morning coffee and to connect with great people.
Goodman’s is generously giving 10% of sales that hour back to the Women’s Fund! Come meet like-minded individuals and support our work!
This event is open to anyone who would like to attend. If you’re interested in learning more about the Nightingale Network please visit our website here.
Bold and Brave - Day on the Hill
We are excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming Bold and Brave Day of Advocacy, on March 24, 2026 in Nashville. “Bold and Brave” is hosted by the Tennessee Women’s Fund Alliance (Women's Foundation for A Greater Memphis, Women's Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga, and Women's Fund of East Tennessee).
We are focused on building a more just, equitable, and inclusive Tennessee for all women and girls through philanthropy and advocacy, and we host Bold and Brave to introduce women and girls to the Tennessee legislative process as well as to advocate on issues we care about. No experience is necessary to join us, and we hope to see you in Nashville!
Event Details: Tuesday, March 24th
8:15am CST (9:15 EST) - Attendees arrive and have breakfast in the Legislative Lobby
9:00am CST (10:30 EST) - Morning programming in Legislative Lobby and House Chamber
10:30am CST (11:15 EST) - Group to walk to Cordell Hull through the tunnel
10:45am CST (11:45 EST) - Programming continues in Cordell Hull
11:30am CST (12:30pm EST) - Lunch
1:00pm CST (2:00 EST) - Afternoon programming begins
3:00pm CST (4:00 EST) - Bold and Brave 2026 concludes and attendees head home
Please RSVP here: 2026 Bold and Brave Attendee Form
Nightingale Network Social Hour
Join us for this month's Nightingale Network event at Northside Neighborhood House to learn more about what they do in our community! Their mission is to to promote the independence of residents north of the river by providing a hand up through education and assistance. To learn more visit their website: nnhouse.org
This event is open to anyone who would like to attend. If you're interested in learning more about the Nightingale Network visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
Women's History Month Trivia
Join Landlord Ale Trivia and WFGC for a special women's history month trivia event at The Boneyard. There will be prizes, lots of laughs, and an opportunity to spend time with like minded individuals in our community while we celebrate women's history month.
Teams of up to 4 individuals. $25 per team. Register here: bit.ly/womensfund-trivia
All proceeds benefit the Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga in support of their mission to improve the lives of women and girls in Tennessee.
Unfiltered Conversations: Mental Health
Join us for our first “Unfiltered Conversations” event of the year where we will be exploring topics that feel “off-limits” or challenging for women. This month, we are discussing mental health with a panel of experts. Whether you are looking for information for yourself or others and/or resources in our community, bring all of your questions and hear from a panel of talented local women as they discuss trends and what they are seeing.
Heavy appetizers and drinks will be provided! Please RSVP below:
Nightingale Network Social Hour
Join us for our first Nightingale Network social hour of 2026! This month we’ll meet at Home Bar Chattanooga.
You do not need to be a member of the Nightingale Network to attend this free event, and we encourage you to bring a friend! There will be time to enjoy a drink or two and connect with like-minded individuals working together to have a positive social impact in our community.
To learn more about the Nightingale Network or to join, please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
Lunchtime Legislative & Advocacy Update (Zoom)
Join us on Tuesday, February 10th via ZOOM. Elaine Patterson, WFGC Advocacy Chair, and Melody Shekari, WFGC Executive Director, will be talking about bills at the state level & local updates.
This online meeting is open to everyone interested in learning about our advocacy work, and the second year of the 114th General Assembly (2025-2026).
If you are planning to attend, please RSVP below so that we can be sure to send you the ZOOM meeting link:
Kenda Scott Giveback and Store Opening Celebration
Join us as we celebrate the opening of the newest Kendra Scott store in Warehouse Row!
20% of your purchase will go back to the Women’s Fund - just mention our organization at checkout! Can’t make it in person? Apply code GIVEBACK-KZHGO at kendrascott.com to support virtually. This code is live Jan 9-10th.
For more information about opening weekend or to RSVP click HERE.
Unfiltered Conversations: Women + Finances
Join us for our first “Unfiltered Conversations” event where we will be exploring topics that feel “off-limits” or challenging for women. This month, we are discussing finances - from budgeting to investing to planning for emergencies and life and more. Bring all of your questions and hear from a panel of talented local women as they discuss trends and what they are seeing. After the short panel, we will be hosting breakouts with professionals for you to dig deeper into these areas.
Panelists include:
Jo Coke - AARP
Stefanie Crowe - Founder and CEO of AegleWealth
Shannan Field - Owner of Fieldcrest Financial, LLC
Heavy appetizers and drinks will be provided! Please RSVP below:
Nightingale Network Annual Book Swap
Join us for our final Nightingale Network Social Hour of 2025! You do not have to be a member to attend. You’re also welcome to bring a friend to learn more about the collective philanthropy arm of the Women’s Fund.
This month, Nightingale Network committee member, Colleen Kirk will be our host. We are having our annual book swap - which is always a popular event! Bring a book you have loved this year you are willing to give away as we celebrate a successful grant cycle! Don’t have a book to give away? No problem - we will have extras on hand.
Join us upstairs at Nic and Norman’s on Market St and please note your first hour of parking is free in the CARTA garage!
Voices 2025
SAVE THE DATE for our 2025 Voices luncheon. This fun and informative event has traditionally had 400 people in attendance and SELLS OUT! Doors open at 10:45 a.m. for networking and champagne. From 11:30 a.m.-1:00p.m. guests will enjoy lunch and a dynamic program.
Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities? Click HERE to learn more or email: melody@chattanoogawomensfund.org
Women and the Judiciary
Join SETLAW, the Chattanooga Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, and Women's Fund of Chattanooga as we host a lunchtime panel of women judges in our area to discuss policy, women and the judiciary.
Panelists include: Magistrate Judge Susan K. Lee, Judge Jennifer Peck, and Judge Tori Smith.
Lunch to be provided beginning at 11:30am, the panel will be from noon-1pm.
Nightingale Network Voting Launch
Join us as we hear from each of this year’s grant finalists in their own words. The 2025 finalists are Chattanooga Free Store, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, and The Launch Pad!
This special happy hour is a great opportunity to meet new people, see old friends, and hear from our finalists as they share more about the amazing work they are doing in our community.
You do not need to be a member to attend. Everyone is welcome. Following the event, all 2025 Nightingale Network members will receive their digital voting forms to select this year’s Nightingale Network grant recipient.
NIGHTINGALE NETWORK SOCIAL HOUR
Be part of an inspiring evening as The Nightingale Network announces the top three finalists for the 2025 Grant Award—supporting nonprofits making a powerful impact across Chattanooga.
Melody Shekari, Executive Director of WFGC, will share this year’s finalist organizations and speak to the importance of collective giving. Since 2011, the Nightingale Network has granted over $158,000 to local nonprofits—and 100% of member contributions go directly toward funding these transformative efforts.
Enjoy wine, light bites, and meaningful connections as we celebrate the changemakers shaping our community’s future. Raise a glass to generosity, collaboration, and bold leadership.
To learn more about the Nightingale Network or to join, please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
Letters to our Leaders
You’re invited to a “Letters to our Leaders” party, led by a local Chattanooga area high school student, to write for funding for the “Menstrual Hygiene Product Accessibility Act”. This bill aims to put period products in ALL Tennessee public high school bathrooms.
Join us at the Society of Work (110 Somerville Ave) where we will have pizza and ice cream while we write short letters to our legislators. We will take care of the address and postage and can even provide sample language if needed. Come be a part of advocacy in action!
Please RSVP below:
NIGHTINGALE NETWORK SOCIAL HOUR
Join us for our next Nightingale Network Happy Hour! This month we’ll meet at 50/50 Wine and Martini Bar.
You do not need to be a member of the Nightingale Network to attend this free event, and we encourage you to bring a friend! There will be time to enjoy a drink or two and connect with like-minded individuals working together to have a positive social impact in our community.
To learn more about the Nightingale Network or to join, please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
NIGHTINGALE NETWORK SOCIAL HOUR
Join us for our next Nightingale Network Happy Hour! This month we’ll meet at Hello Monty on Main Street.
You do not need to be a member of the Nightingale Network to attend this free event, and we encourage you to bring a friend! There will be time to enjoy a drink or two and connect with like-minded individuals working together to have a positive social impact in our community.
To learn more about the Nightingale Network or to join, please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
NIGHTINGALE NETWORK SOCIAL HOUR
Join us at Nuture the Next’s office (5705 Uptain Rd) to learn more about what they do in our community and their recent union with TN Voices! Nurture the Next helps families build the strong foundation they need by working with parents and children to provide them with the skills, tools, and resources they need to build that better future. To learn more, visit their website: nurturethenext.org
Mandy Cowley, from A Step Ahead Chattanooga, will also be joining us to give an update on their Spanish Appointment line. If you recall, ASAC received the 2024 Nightingale grant to help fund this project.
Snacks and beverages will be provided. Free parking is available in the lot.
This event is open to anyone who would like to attend. If you’re interested in learning more about the Nightingale Network please visit our website: chattanoogawomensfund.org/be-a-nightingale
Period Poverty Awareness Week Panel Discussion and Lunch
Join us from 12pm to 1pm at the Chattanooga Library (downtown) in the 1st floor auditorium to learn more about period poverty and women’s health. We’ll be hearing from two speakers: Lauren Barlew, Owner of Lotus Center for Women, and Curtis Wayne Cecil, co-founder of the Soddy Daisy Community Library.
Doors will open and lunch will be available at 11:30am - programming will begin at noon.
We will be collecting period products for our product drive at this time as well! You can bring physical products to the meeting or purchase online any time via our Amazon Wish List. We hope to see you there!
If you are planning to attend, please RSVP below: