Voices 2026:
Advocates of Change
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, author, 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.
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.
A limited number of tickets are available: Voices 2026 Tickets
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!
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.”