Spirit
Our community is made up of countless distinguished Southern women leading the charge in their respective fields. In their own words, six local women share the experiences, lessons, and people that helped shape their careers and drive their success.
Photography by Hacker Medias
Shot on Location at The Westin Chattanooga
“Born in New York City and raised in Miami, I was shaped by a vibrant Dominican upbringing grounded in faith, family, and the belief that we rise by lifting others. Sixteen years ago, my husband and I chose Chattanooga as the place to plant roots and intentionally build the kind of community we want our son, Jonah, to call home.
From the beginning of my career, I’ve been devoted to youth development – because when we invest in young people, we strengthen generations. Today, as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, I am honored to help ensure every young person feels seen, supported, and destined for distinction.”
“I started my career as an electrical engineer at a time when many people doubted whether a woman could succeed in the field. Those early doubts became fuel – driving me to work harder, learn continually, and lead with both confidence and humility. The most influential guidance came from my dad, whose military experience shaped his leadership philosophy. He taught me to be the kind of leader where your team is willing to die with you, not for you – a principle grounded in trust, shared purpose, and genuine respect.
Today, as president and CEO-elect of EPB, I stand on the foundation built from those lessons. My journey has been guided by resilience, service, and a belief that leadership is about lifting others up. I’m grateful for the colleagues, mentors, and supporters who challenged and encouraged me along the way. Their faith, combined with my father’s example, continues to shape the way I lead and the work I strive to do for our community.”
“My life has been shaped by two enduring themes: sports and philanthropy. Growing up, I lived and breathed both – watching sports, playing sports, seeing sports movies, and reading sports books. In high school, my dad made me watch a speech Lou Holtz gave in which he said to be successful, you must do three things: do what’s right, do your best, and treat others how you want to be treated. That was the culture of my family growing up and became the culture of my life.
At age 10, my grandfather took me to my first-of-many philanthropic events, ‘For the Love of Chattanooga,’ planting early seeds of giving back.
Sports taught me teamwork, leadership, and humility; philanthropy showed me gratitude and service. Today, I’m proud to serve as the first female chairman of the Baylor School Board of Trustees, where I was also in the inaugural girls’ class in 1985. I also serve as president of the Hamico Foundation – and yes, I still love and play sports!”
“I have loved animals for as long as I can remember, but my lifelong journey into the world of wildlife truly began when I got a pony at 9 years old. Caring for my pony inspired me to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Dr. Richard Harper, our veterinarian at the time, encouraged and coached me for many years, but my time in veterinary school was cut short when my father had a heart attack. Little did I know my story was just beginning.
I started working at Chattanooga Zoo in 1985 as one of only two employees. Over the years, I have seen our Zoo family grow from a handful of animals to over 500 individuals representing 150 different species.
I also helped us achieve AZA accreditation, holding us to the highest standards in the industry. Through it all, animal care, conservation of the natural world, and a deep love for our community drove me to keep striving for excellence.”
“I was born and raised in the Chattanooga area, where my parents, E.W. and Beth Ray Dempsey, modeled for me the importance of hard work, strong faith, and trusting God’s direction.
I followed a love of learning and languages, earning a degree in German even though I wasn’t yet sure where that passion would lead.
Twenty years ago, DeFoor Brothers took a chance on me, offering an opportunity that didn’t match my degree but aligned with my potential. I started in an entry-level role and built my career by consistently saying yes to whatever needed to be done.
Over time, responsibility grew – and so did I. Today, I help lead a growing, multi-industry business. I’ve been shaped by mentors, strengthened by perseverance, and grounded in the belief that character matters as much as competence. Byron DeFoor taught me to push through obstacles, live in ‘day-tight compartments,’ and remember that opportunity lives within the woman – not the job.”
“I began my career more than 25 years ago in public and private service, but my journey has been profoundly shaped by the values instilled in me early in life. Raised in the South with strong spiritual values and a deep appreciation for faith, family, and community, I was taught early to lead with humility, work with integrity, and serve others with compassion and purpose. Those early lessons shaped not only who I am, but the leader I would become.
Throughout my journey, I have been blessed with mentors who challenged me, strengthened my confidence, and helped me grow beyond what I thought possible. My family and church ministry remain a constant source of strength and guidance, reminding me daily of the importance of faith and service.
I spent more than a decade as director of finance for Erlanger Community Health Centers, expanding access to quality healthcare for underserved communities in a place that has given me the opportunity to serve and lead with purpose.
Today, I serve as chief financial officer for Goodwill Industries of Greater Chattanooga. Goodwill’s mission – to uplift individuals through education, training, and the power of work – aligns closely with the values that guide my life. I am grateful to play a part in supporting programs that help people overcome barriers, gain confidence, and build stronger futures for themselves and their families.
I view my journey not simply as a career, but as a calling – to serve with excellence, honor God, and give back through meaningful service.”
