Voices 2025:
Advocacy Through Adversity
Our Voices 2025 luncheon was full of education, inspiration, and celebration.
We were educated by Dr. Shae Connor on the changes to healthcare and funding that will negatively impact women and girls unless we advocate for better. Without many of the measures that haven't been in the spotlight, but are currently being defunded, and/or as a result of misinformation, women "will simply die of disease." In her words, "Please remind your representatives that health policy must not only be scientifically sound, but consistently transparent, equitable, and apolitical." We were inspired by local celebrity Stacy Martin, who had surgery to remove her stomach that was later found to have numerous cancer spots, used that experience to become an advocate and start a local small business, Seahorse Snacks. She reminded us that "There are so many opportunities to fix things wherever you live, work or play and at whatever level you choose to participate," and "We have a significant amount of work to do here in Tennessee as well, making life better for every woman and girl."
We also honored the late Dr. Carol Berz, who inspired so many of us in her work to improve the lives of women and girls. And we celebrated our Nightingale Network grant finalists, as well as our winner, Chattanooga Free Store, who received this year's $10,000 grant. Each of the runners up, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults and The Launch Pad, received $4,000 this year thanks to our great Nightingales!
Save the date for Voices - Wednesday, Sept 23, 2026
Sponsorship inquires may be sent to: melody@chattanoogawomensfund.org
Past Voices Luncheons:
2024 “Women and Power” featuring speakers Coty Wamp and Katherlyn Geter
2023 “In Their Own Voices” featuring speakers Dr. Monika Patel, Amanda Leming, and Tangela Johnson
2022 featuring speaker Kristi Hemmer
2021 “The Power of One” featuring Annabelle Hill, Kristin McCallie, Kim Shumpert, and Dr. Elaine Swafford
2020 virtual event featuring speaker Nicole Mason
“When unique voices are united in a common cause, they make history.”