Since the conclusion of last year’s Odyssey luncheon, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy has been busy preparing for 2019’s signature event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the school. Today, with the help of Hutton and First Tennessee Bank, the team announces that the 10th Annual Odyssey Awards Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Slated to begin promptly at 11:30 a.m. with a welcome by the event chair and local business owner, Karen Hutton, plans are shaping up for this year’s event to be remembered for years to come, officials said..
“This is CGLA’s 10th anniversary, so we are working hard to make sure this luncheon is a memorable experience for all of our guests,” said CGLA’s Development Coordinator Catherine Clifford. “We have secured a dynamic speaker, arranged a special performance and developed an engaging program... this is going to be our greatest Odyssey yet.”
"This year’s keynote address will be delivered by one of the top graduates from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, Mpumi Nobiva. Mpumi graduated from the academy some years ago and has since gone on to share her powerful story of resilience at the White House, congressional fundraisers, corporate functions and nonprofit initiatives in several countries," officials said. "She is regarded by Oprah as a 'powerhouse' and her remarks are sure to resonate with CGLA students and inspire guests. Mpumi will also be joined by previous keynote speaker and Grammy-nominated artist, Wintley Phipps for an unforgettable performance.
"With the luncheon attracting as many as 800 guests, Odyssey is also the perfect time to celebrate CGLA students and honor steadfast supporters. During the program, time is allotted to present two hardworking students with the Rising and Shining Star Awards and one community member with the Founder’s Award."
According to CGLA’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elaine Swafford, “Every year, we challenge our girls to dig deep and work hard. So, when the opportunity arises to celebrate their success we take full advantage of it, and Odyssey is the perfect time to do so.”
This year’s Founder’s Award will be presented to Jo Ann Yates for her "unwavering commitment to CGLA."
“Mrs. Yates has supported our girls and our school since the inception,” said Dr. Swafford. “No one is more deserving of this honor than Mrs. Yates.”
First Tennessee Bank and Hutton are the presenting sponsors of the 10th Annual Odyssey Awards Luncheon. Other major sponsors include: Deborah and Mitch Everhart; Mustang Leadership Partners; Marian and Jim Steffner; Kristin and Gordon Davenport; Acura of Chattanooga; Dr. Deborah DiStefano and Susan Stein; Unum; Butch and Olan Mills; Tennessee American Water; TVA; EPB; Pinnacle Financial Partners; Tom Bible Law; Times Free Press; Brewer Media Group; and WTCI.
Tickets are on sale now at $65 per person and sponsorship opportunities are also available. Money raised from Odyssey supports the school’s daily operation, which includes funding CGLA’s STEAM centered academic program and wrap-around services.
For more information about Odyssey or CGLA, contact Catherine Clifford at 423-468-4105 or catherineclifford@cglaonline.com.