The public is invited to free and public storytelling by change-making Chattanoogans. Hear their personal stories about four hot topics: Immigrants, Education, Civil Rights, and Veterans. The Lean In-Women Ground Breakers (WGB) sixth annual celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day will include their stories, an historical perspective, and audience participation. Space is limited. Choose your favorite session/s and RSVP now by clicking here.
March 3: IMMIGRANTS – The Walden Club.
Republic Center, 633 Chestnut St # 2100, Chattanooga 37450 5-6:30 pm.
Hear how two women immigrants came to Chattanooga with very different backgrounds,
how both have made a difference, and their thoughts on what comes next.
Storytellers: 1. Jessica Oliva-Calderin, Immigration lawyer & Managing attorney partner/ CALDERIN & OLIVA 2. Nasera Souidi-Johnson, Past Pres./International Business Council (Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce), Pres./ French-American Chamber, & Manager/ BlueCross BlueShield TN
Historical Context: Dr. Lisa Clark Diller - Chair of History & Political Studies/ Southern Adventist U.
Facilitator: Denise Reed - President & CEO/ The Concierge Office Suites
March 8: EDUCATION – Girls Preparatory School (GPS). 205 Island Ave, Chattanooga 37405, 5-6:30 pm.
Hear the personal stories and advice of two women at the cutting edge of Chattanooga’s education system as it gears up for the future.
Storytellers: 1. Stacy Goodwin Lightfoot, Vice Pres. of College & Career Success/ Public Education Foundation (PEF) 2. LuLu Copeland, Director of Workforce Development & Training/ Chattanooga State Community College
Historical Context: Linda Moss Mines: Chair of History & Social Sciences Dept./ GPS, Historian/ Hamilton County, Board Member/ Chattanooga History Center
Facilitator: Luronda Jennings - Founder & Exec. Director/ Journey Educational Services, Inc.
March 17: CIVIL RIGHTS – Ridgeview Baptist Church. 6 N. Moore Rd, Chattanooga 37411 5-6:30 pm.
Hear the lessons learned from the two very different paths to justice of TN's 1st African- American woman public defender and a son of the Old South.
Storytellers: 1. Ardena Garth, Former Tennessee Public Defender 2. Franklin McCallie, Civil Rights advocate & Former HS principal
Historical Context: Caroline Sunderland, Former Sr. Educator/ Chattanooga History Center
Facilitator: Maria Noel, Diversity & Inclusion/ Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
March 24: VETERANS/ MILITARY - The Gathering Place at The Crossing Church. 7501 Standifer Gap Rd, Chattanooga 37421 5-6:30 pm.
Hear the stories of Chattanooga’s women veterans: what they achieved in service to their country, where they are now, and why we should pay attention to both.
Storytellers: 1. Patty Parks, U.S. Navy-retiree, TN State Director/ Military Women Across the Nation 2. Aubrey Williams, U.S. Army, United States Military Academy/ West Point Historical Context: Major Paul Dean - MA History/ Vanderbilt U., Sr. Army Instructor JROTC / Ooltewah HS
Facilitator: Jessica Dumitru - MA International Affairs (New York U.), BA European History
& International Politics (Sewanee)