Pictured, left top, Coach Venus Lacy; left bottom, Dr. Yvette Stewart; right bottom, Dr. Angela Smith Slack; and top right, Melody Shekari
Girls Inc. of Chattanooga announces the recipients of the 2025 Sole Awards, honoring four exceptional women whose work and dedication embody the spirit of the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s mantra of being UnBought and UnBossed. The announcement was made at a special reception on Monday, Dec. 10.
"The Sole Awards celebrate extraordinary individuals who have made significant impacts in the fields of advocacy, STEM - Medicine, Education and Sports. These remarkable women will be honored at the 2025 Sneaker Gala and Silent Auction, taking place on Thursday, May 8 at the Chattanooga Convention Center at 6 p.m."
About the 2025 Sole Award Honorees:
Advocacy: Attorney Melody Shekari
Executive director at The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga, Melody Shekari is a tireless advocate for human rights and community service.
Serving on the boards of the ACLU of Tennessee and Chattanooga’s Industrial Development Board, she dedicates her time as a pro bono attorney, election monitor, and local election official. Melody’s passion for fostering equity and justice reflects her unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change.
Education: Dr. Yvette Stewart
Assistant professor and literacy director at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Dr. Yvette Stewart brings 28 years of experience in education to her mission of fostering literacy and innovation. Known for her energetic spirit and deep commitment to student success, Dr. Stewart leads transformative literacy initiatives that empower students and communities alike.
Sports: Coach Venus Lacy
An Olympic Gold Medalist and Chattanooga native, Venus Lacy’s illustrious basketball career spans international championships and groundbreaking moments in women’s sports. From her success in the WNBA to her role as a trailblazer for women in athletics, Venus continues to inspire young athletes to dream big and reach for greatness as the head coach for the Brainerd High School Girls’ Basketball team.
STEM - Medicine: Dr. Angela Smith Slack
As a board-certified and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics at Children’s Diagnostic Center, Dr. Smith Slack has dedicated decades to ensuring the health and empowerment of young people. Instilled with confidence and self-reliance from an early age, Dr. Slack uses her expertise and compassion to inspire the next generation. She is a firm believer that education is the most powerful tool for transforming the world.
"Join us in honoring these remarkable women at the 2025 Sneaker Gala & Silent Auction. This signature fundraiser supports our mission to inspire and equip all girls to be strong, smart and bold through intentional opportunities and experiences. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Be part of this inspiring event by becoming a sponsor and giving back to girls in our community," officials said.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.girlsincofchatt.org/events/ubub2025.