The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga announces the selection of eight executives for the 2025 cohort of its Inclusion by Design Executive Leadership Development Program.
Inclusion by Design is a multi-faceted executive leadership program that takes a market-based approach to cultivating diverse leaders and building a pipeline of regional talent prepared to thrive in executive or other senior level roles. Through a curriculum grounded in executive best practices and leadership development, IBD empowers and equips high potential leaders with the tools, insights and networks needed to thrive in advanced leadership roles, said officials.
The IBD program spans eight months and includes six full-day executive leadership sessions, eight personalized executive coaching sessions, and two community engagement experiences. Designed to foster strategic leadership, the program incorporates self-assessment tools, engagement with local executive champions, and culminates in a formal mentorship experience. Participants are selected through a rigorous application process facilitated by the Urban League and graduate with a clearly articulated leadership philosophy, a deeper understanding of team dynamics, and a broadened leadership style rooted in personal reflection and growth.
Since its inception, IBD has graduated nearly 80 professionals who have continued to lead across sectors and drive change in their industries and the Chattanooga region.
Congratulations to the 2025 Inclusion by Design fellows:
Shawanna Grant – BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Victal Lopes – BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Kristin Copeland – EPB
David Young, Jr. – City of Chattanooga, Chattanooga Police Department
Nicole Gaines – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Chris Brown – City of Chattanooga
Abu Swafford – Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union
Vanessa A. Jackson – City of Chattanooga, Department of Equity and Community Engagement
For more information about the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and the Inclusion by Design Executive Leadership Program, visit ulchatt.net.