Girls Inc. Announces Newest Board Members

  • Friday, September 25, 2020

Girls Inc. of Chattanooga announces three additional members to the board of directors; Kristin Leffew,  director of Real Estate Operations, Kenco Group; Shawanna Kendrick, community advocate, Office of District Attorney General; and Jody Stein, sales and marketing manager, Earthscapes.

“I am proud of the dedication, expertise and passion of 60 years of board leadership,” says Girls Inc. Interim CEO Toccora Johnson. “I have no doubt that the commitment and leadership of our current board and the addition of these outstanding women will allow us to serve and inspire even more girls in our community.” 

Officials said, "The arrival of the new board members comes just as Girls Inc of Chattanooga is embarking on a new chapter, defined by the appointment of Toccora Johnson as Interim CEO. These board members will share the unique responsibility to expand Girls Inc. programs to new schools, and to better meet the complex academic and social-emotional needs of girls at this time. Girls Inc. is committed to ensuring that every girl has every opportunity to be successful: to be strong readers and strong leaders; to graduate high school prepared for life, college and career success; and to not be limited in her career choices because of gender."

“We are excited to add the talents, experience and passion of Kristin, Shawanna and Jody to the Girls Inc. Board of Directors to further our mission for the girls of the Chattanooga area,” said Rachael Welch, board chair.


Student Scene
Local Students Receive College Honors
  • 7/3/2025

The 176th Commencement Exercises of Rhodes College took place on campus May 17. The college awarded more than 500 degrees, including the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science ... more

Lee University’s Educator Preparation Programs Earn National Accreditation
Lee University’s Educator Preparation Programs Earn National Accreditation
  • 7/3/2025

The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation has awarded five-year initial accreditation to the educator preparation programs at Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education. ... more

Chattanooga State Students Turn Skills Into Success At SkillsUSA National Competition
Chattanooga State Students Turn Skills Into Success At SkillsUSA National Competition
  • 7/3/2025

Last week, 25 Chattanooga State students and 16 advisers traveled to Atlanta to participate in the SkillsUSA 2025 National Leadership & Skills Conference, and 12 returned victorious. "The ... more