Annual CityScope® Southern Woman Issue
Photography by Hacker Medias
Mentorship can have a profound impact on one’s personal and professional development. Whether a colleague, friend, or family member, a mentor lends a listening ear, provides guidance, and empowers their mentee to reach their full potential. Read on to learn what mentorship means to five local professionals as they highlight the women who have made a difference in their lives.
When Aricia Gallaher met Ann Pennington Farmer in 2002, she was immediately inspired by her role as a company executive in her 20s. Gallaher knew she wanted to be a part of her team, and was hired shortly after. Now, two decades later and in different roles, Farmer remains a cherished mentor.
I always knew I wanted to grow into a management role – I love working with people, improving processes, and understanding and translating the broader vision. When I met Ann, I immediately recognized those same qualities in her, which is why I was so eager to work for her and learn from her.
She’s incredibly smart, a natural problem-solver, and one of the hardest workers I have ever met. She never backs down from a challenge and tackles every obstacle with confidence and clarity. She has this rare ability to balance grace and grit – she leads with kindness and respect but isn’t afraid of tough conversations when they are necessary. Ann expects a lot from her team, but never more than she expects from herself, and that’s the kind of leadership I admire most.
“Never present just a problem – always come with a solution in mind.”
Mentorship, to me, is a transformative partnership that goes far beyond just career advice. It is about having a trusted guide who not only shares wisdom but also inspires you to see every challenge as a stepping stone for growth. With mentorship, you’re never alone – you always have someone just a text or phone call away, ready to offer candid feedback, unwavering support, and a fresh perspective when you need it most.
Ann isn’t just my mentor – she is a true friend who has been in my corner through every twist and turn. Every challenge has become a stepping stone, and every win has been sweeter because of her guidance and genuine support. Ann, thank you for being the exceptional leader, champion, and friend that you are. I am endlessly grateful for the journey we have shared, and I look forward to the future with the confidence that comes from knowing you are always cheering me on!
“Ann has this rare ability to balance grace and grit – she leads with kindness and respect but isn’t afraid of tough conversations when they are necessary.”
Photo by Rich Smith
Dr. Jessica Van Mason met Dr. Jennifer Patel when interviewing for a position at Chattanooga Allergy Clinic. Now, having worked together for five years, she is grateful for how Dr. Patel’s consistent and supportive presence has helped grow her confidence.
Jennifer has been consistently kind and welcoming from the very first time we met, and that warmth has remained constant in every interaction since. She is someone I can always count on – both professionally and personally. Whether I need advice or just a supportive ear, she is ready to listen and offer thoughtful guidance. Her presence has made a meaningful impact on my experience, creating a space where I feel supported, heard, and encouraged to grow.
While our busy schedules make it more challenging to meet in person as regularly as we’d like, we talk regularly and I know she’s always just a phone call away.
I admire Jennifer’s strength and confidence, especially in the face of difficult or challenging situations. No matter the circumstance, she remains composed and assured, which is both inspiring and reassuring to those around her. She also has the ability to make people feel genuinely understood and cared for. She listens with empathy and sincerity, creating a sense of trust and support that makes a real difference.
Jennifer has been a great role model – seeing her navigate challenges with calmness and conviction helped me to become increasingly confident and composed in my own decisions and interactions.
To me, mentorship means having someone you can look up to, trust, and rely on. It’s about having a guiding presence who offers support, advice, and encouragement when you need it most. A great mentor provides not just professional insight but also a sense of stability and reassurance, helping you grow with confidence in both your personal and professional life.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you admire; most people are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Both you and your mentor can gain from the connection.
Jennifer listens with empathy and sincerity, creating a sense of trust and support that makes a real difference.
Photo by Kristina Armstrong
Lynda Hood met Marcy Eason when she began working as executive director of the Chattanooga Bar Association in 1994, where Eason is a member. Both skilled and successful women in their own right, Hood and Eason have forged a close friendship and learned from one another over the years.
Mentorships are built on trust, respect, and communication. Marcy is always able to articulate her advice and experiences as a volunteer for the Bar Association. She is an outstanding communicator and has excellent problem-solving skills.
Since Marcy and I are friends, we communicate often, checking on each other and calling with an encouraging word.
Marcy is honest and candid. She’s a good listener and sounding board and is able to give constructive feedback while being nonjudgmental.
From the beginning, she has always advised to accept that not everything will be perfect, identify my strengths, and embrace making my own decisions.
Marcy focuses on everyone’s success, listens actively, and always provides support.
Mentorship is an effective tool to help someone develop in any area. Mentorship is building trust and respect, being committed to the success of the mentee, providing guidance, and acting as a sounding board. Mentorship is all about providing the tools and confidence to reach one’s goals – a proactive step toward incredible growth.
We have all had wonderful mentors and we have been mentors, and I encourage others to always have mentors in your personal and professional growth. Having a mentor can open doors to exciting opportunities. A mentor can be a powerful guide, so embrace the process and reach out – that person will be excited you asked!
Marcy focuses on everyone’s success, listens actively, and always provides support.
Tracie LeSar isn’t just Cora LeSar’s mentor – she’s also her mother. From growing up to launching a business, Cora says Tracie has always been by her side and encouraged her endeavors, with plenty of love and laughter along the way.
Because we’ve always been so close, when we decided to launch our business together, we promised each other that we’d keep our mother-daughter relationship separate from our professional one. We’re mindful to maintain that balance – at work, she’s “Tracie,” and at home, she’s always “Mom.” Growing up, I saw my mom handle countless responsibilities with poise and grace. She taught me that it’s possible to wear multiple hats at once and still keep everything running smoothly.
I truly admire her dedication to everything she does and her heart for others. When she’s in your corner, you’ve got her for anything and everything you could need. She helps me not take myself so seriously sometimes – I can always count on her to make me laugh.
I’ve seen a huge growth in my confidence, especially when it comes to making decisions. Her mentorship has taught me to embrace challenges head-on, make bold choices, and most importantly, believe in myself. If she believes in me, then I’m ready to take on the world!
It’s everything. To have someone I look up to, someone I admire deeply, see potential in me – well, it makes me feel like I can take on anything that comes my way. There’s nothing like having a mentor who has been through it all and is still by your side, cheering you on.
Don’t think you’re ever too old to learn! No matter where you are in life, there’s always something new to absorb, and a mentor can really help keep you focused on your goals. Having someone in your corner can make all the difference – they’ll push you, hold you accountable, and help you laugh at your mistakes along the way.
Tracie’s mentorship has taught me to embrace challenges head-on, make bold choices, and most importantly, believe in myself.
When Ronelle Sellers joined the team at CHI Memorial, she began to meet monthly with CEO Janelle Reilly. Out of these meetings evolved a mentorship, which Sellers says has been invaluable to her growth.
My relationship with Janelle transcends a typical mentor-mentee dynamic; it’s built on genuine care and mutual respect. Over the nearly four years we’ve worked together, she’s consistently demonstrated the “family” atmosphere she espouses, particularly during challenging times. Her support has extended beyond the professional realm; she provided invaluable emotional support during my father’s passing, offering both practical advice and empathetic understanding based on her own life experiences. Her presence at my father’s celebration of life speaks volumes about her commitment to our relationship.
I admire Janelle’s visionary leadership; she’s proactive and consistently anticipates challenges, keeping us ahead of the curve. Equally impressive is her deep compassion and empathy. She’s an excellent listener, tackles difficult issues head-on, and is a tireless advocate for her team. Her ability to manage an incredible workload with grace, always maintaining a positive attitude, welcoming smile, and offering encouragement, is truly remarkable. She remains calm and effective under pressure, readily stepping in to resolve crises. Her dedication and strength of character are truly inspiring.
To me, mentorship, even outside a formal program, is about connecting with a more experienced professional in my field who can facilitate my personal and professional development. This involves receiving guidance, support, and valuable knowledge, and aspiring to emulate their positive qualities and expertise in the future. It’s about learning from their experience and becoming a better version of myself.
I highly recommend seeking a mentor, regardless of your career stage. Early in your career, a more structured mentorship program, with regular meetings, can provide valuable framework and support for building your network, skill development, and career planning. As you progress, the focus might shift towards navigating more complex challenges and seeking strategic guidance. In either case, a successful mentor-mentee relationship is built on strong communication, honesty, empathy, and mutual respect. A good mentor will celebrate your successes and serve as a role model, helping you grow both personally and professionally.
My relationship with Janelle transcends a typical mentor-mentee dynamic; it’s built on genuine care and mutual respect.
