Skip to content
  • Home
  • Leadership
  • Empowerment
  • Health
  • Justice
  • Our Work
  • Calendar
  • Conference
  • Contact

Mayor's Council for Women

OUR WORK

2023

Analyzing the Impact of the Tennessee Trigger Law on Local Healthcare Providers in the First Six Months

 

2022

Fitness Facility & Access (Updated)

2020

Improving Local Sexual Assault Kit Tracking Systems

2019

Shackling of Pregnant Inmates

Sex Trafficking

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Fitness Facility & Access

2018

Improving Health Access, Individual and Family Wellness, and Creating Safe and Healthy Communities

Filling the Healthy Sexuality Gap

2017

Financial Independence: Predatory Lending

2016

Improvement of Local Healthcare and Social Services

Changing Outcomes for Teens: Reducing Teen Pregnancies

Women Ex-Felons, Employment and Recidivism

Wage Equity

Quality, Affordable Childcare

Strategies to Facility Postsecondary Education for Women

Preventing Restraints for Women in Leadership

2015

Improving Economic Opportunities for Women

Access to Education for Women

Improving Health: Elderly, Access & Disparities, Reproductive Health

History of Women in Chattanooga

Women, Domestic Violence, and Eviction

carol berz

Carol Berz | Chairwoman, City Councilwoman

Dr. Berz is renowned for her extensive expertise in solution-oriented, collaborative problem-solving and program design across both public and private sectors. For over 25 years, she has served as a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed General Civil and Family mediator and trainer, particularly recognized for her authority addressing complex issues of the special circumstance of domestic violence.  As the owner and CEO of Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she leads its mediation services and training programs. Carol also holds a prominent role as a Councilwoman for the City of Chattanooga, where she currently chairs the Budget and Finance Committee.

Her professional pursuits span practice and teaching in mediation, law, ethics, and employment and labor/management conflicts, focusing on corporate conflict cost analysis. Previously, she served as Director of Forensic Services and Executive Director at Joseph W. Johnson Mental Health Center, and as a visiting professor at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, teaching social policy, law, and ethics.

Carol's contributions to mediation are extensive; she chaired the Curriculum and Continuing Education Committee of the Mediation Association of Tennessee and led the mediation component of the Hamilton County Courts' Pilot Project which led to the creation of Tennessee's Parenting Plan law. She also played a pivotal role as Commissioner with the Chattanooga Human Rights/Human Relations Commission, addressing employment and civil rights matters and becoming its first Chairwoman.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carol is a graduate of Leadership America in Washington, D.C., and has held leadership roles including President of the Board of Directors of the Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council. She has served on the Tennessee Advisory Commission to the US Civil Rights Commission and chaired the Tennessee Economic Council on Women, focusing on the economic impact of the issues that hold women back from living their best lives.

Recognized for her community leadership, Carol chaired the Board of Managers of the Hamilton Family YMCA and served on the Board of the Chattanooga Metro YMCA. Her accolades include the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, Chief John Ross Chapter NSDAR,  Outstanding Woman in American History, and recognition by the City of Chattanooga for advancing equality of opportunity. Currently, she chairs the Mayor's Council for Women and the Advisory Board to the Family Justice Center.

Dr. Berz holds a PhD in Social Policy from the University of Tennessee, a JD from the Nashville School of Law, an MA in Administration from the University of Tennessee, and a BA in Human Services Management from the University of Tennessee. She has pursued additional studies at Emory University, Bryn Mawr College, the Deming Institute, and Harvard University. Furthermore, she holds certifications as an IFTA certified Personal Trainer, an AEA advanced trainer, and a YMCA certified instructor and trainer in aquatic sports training. Her professional memberships include the Association for Conflict Resolution, the ADR Section of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the Academy for Professional Family Mediators, and the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators.

Close

Liz ApplingElizabeth Appling | Erlanger Health

Elizabeth Appling is Chief Diversity Officer for Erlanger Health System where she has been employed for over 20 years.  Previously, she held the position of Employee Relations Representative at Erlanger.

A 2019 graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, Elizabeth is President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Chattanooga Chapter, Inc. She also serves on the Institute for Diversity in Health Management, National Association of Health Services Executives, Tennessee Hospital Association, Equity and Diversity Council, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated, Pi Omega Chapter.   

Elizabeth’s awards and honors include UT College of Medicine Chattanooga 2015 Excellence in Equity Care Award; one of Becker’s Hospital Review 2016 “15 chief diversity officers to know at hospitals and health systems throughout the United States”, the NAACP Ruby Hurley 2017 Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award and the Outstanding Service Award from the Prince Hall Shriners.

Close

jenni berzJenni Berz | Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC

Jenni Berz is the Director of Services for Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC, where she leads the Community Parenting Plan Initiative and directs the corporation’s education program, Prior to her current role, she served the Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council, first as a Membership Manager, developing programs in outlying counties and later, as Director of Training, managing the volunteer training programs.

Jenni is a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, a past-president of the North Chattanooga Council of the Chamber of Commerce and is a former board member of the Pet Placement Center. As a founding member of the Southeast Development District Advisory Council to the TN Economic Council on Women, Jenni worked to empower women to identify barriers to their best lives. Other leadership roles include former co-chair of the Mayor’s Council for Women Leadership Committee, co-chair of the Health Committee’s Fitness Workgroup and the MCW Policy Conference Steering Committee.

She is the Assistant Race Director for Magic Sports USA, where she contributes to the production of triathlon and running events across the Southeast, including a women’s only triathlon in Nashville, an event that symbolizes a day of empowerment, endurance, and personal triumphs, culminating in front of Nashville’s women’s suffrage monument.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jenni is an avid runner and dedicates her time to volunteering with the Chattanooga Track Club, showcasing her commitment to both personal wellness and community engagement.

Close

Jo CokeJo Coke 

Jo’s long career in the concrete industry led to her election as the first woman president of the American Concrete Institute, the organization producing codes and standards for concrete in this country and many others.

Retiring in Chattanooga in 2000, she became involved in cultural and nonprofit organizations. Jo has served as board member and president of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Chattanooga History Center, and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Guild.  Currently she serves on the executive committee and board of the CSO; is AARP East Tennessee Team co-leader; and volunteers with the League of Women Voters.

Jo was a Chattanooga Woman of Distinction in 2008, and later an UnBought and UnBosed awardee.

Close

Rosite DelgadoRosite Delgado | Executive Director of Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at UTC

Rosite Delgado serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is originally from the Caribbean island of Dominica and has called Chattanooga home since 2011. She has worked in Higher Education for the past 2 decades, serving in various roles in EEO compliance, diversity and inclusion, human resources, business affairs, and student affairs and development. In her current role,  she serves as the campus ADA Coordinator, overseeing EEO compliance. Rosite holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Spanish, a master's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management, a master’s of science degree in Educational Psychology, and she is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Beyond her service to the UTC campus, Rosite is a board member of La Paz of Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, and the Enterprise South Council of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and a long-standing member of the National Planning Committee for the Faculty Women of Color in the Academy Conference based at Virginia Tech. A recent graduate of the Leadership Chattanooga class of 2024, Rosite has a passion for community service and civic engagement. She is a wife and mother of two boys, and enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures with her family.

Rosite Delgado is the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at the University. Originally from the island of Dominica, she has called Chattanooga home since 2011. With over two decades of experience in Higher Education, Rosite has held various roles in EEO compliance, diversity and inclusion, human resources, business affairs, and student affairs. In her current position, she serves as the campus ADA Coordinator and provides broad oversight for various EEO compliance functions. 

Rosite holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Spanish, an MBA, an MS in Educational Psychology, and she is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

In addition to her campus duties, Rosite serves on the boards of La Paz Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, the Enterprise South Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, and is a long-standing member of the National Planning Committee of the Faculty Women of Color Conference based at Virginia Tech. A recent graduate of the Leadership Chattanooga Class of 2024, she is deeply committed to community service and civic engagement. Rosite and her husband co-own a local Smoothie King franchise, and together with their two sons, they enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures.

Close

Jocelyn LozaJocelyn Loza | Chief Development Officer at Girls Inc. of Chattanooga

Jocelyn Loza is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in marketing, public relations, and fundraising. A graduate of Andrews University and Walden University, where she earned her master's in marketing management, Jocelyn has consistently demonstrated leadership and advocacy for women and girls.

Her numerous accolades include being named 20 Under 40 Influential People to Know in 2022 by The Times Free Press, receiving the Business Advocacy Award in 2021 from the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and earning the Latino Leadership Award from La Paz in 2019. She is also a proud Leadership Chattanooga alumna from the class of 2020.
 
Jocelyn's commitment to community service is evident through her involvement with several boards, including the City of Chattanooga Library, the Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga, and Young Professionals of Chattanooga. Currently, she serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga Diversity Task Force Advisory Council and the WTCI PBS Community Advisory Board.
 
In addition to her many achievements, Jocelyn founded Latina Professionals of Chattanooga, the first nonprofit dedicated to serving and advocating for Latina women and girls in the region. In her role as Chief Development Officer at Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, Jocelyn continues to make a significant impact, raising record-breaking funds for the organization's annual fundraiser the UnBought and UnBossed Sneaker Gala while advancing its mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold."
Close

Regina McDevittRegina McDevitt, M.Ed | Family Justice Center

Regina McDevitt is Executive Director for the Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center under the Office of Community Health for the City of Chattanooga. She has 26 years experience working in victim services, public speaking, program development, nonprofit management, community collaboration, trauma informed organization development, strategic planning, and leadership development.  She holds a BA in Psychology and M.Ed. in Guidance/Counseling and is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute (Alliance for Strong Families and Communities and the University of Michigan). She was a recipient of the 2011 National Visionary Award (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) and various awards for advocacy efforts.  She recently accepted the 2022 Alexander Hamilton Award from Legal Aid of East Tennessee for the FJC.

Regina has trained community leaders, educational institutions, social service agencies, communities of faith, health care providers, first responders, and military service personnel locally, nationally, and internationally.  She serves on various state and local boards and was recently appointed to the Parkridge Health System Board of Trustees.

Close

Beverly McKeldinBeverly McKeldin | AfLAC

 

Beverly is an independent Benefits Advisor at the American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC), where she coordinates employee supplemental products for businesses across the states of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina. Beverly worked for more than 20 years for the City of Chattanooga Human Services Department, first implementing the Foster Grandparent program, and later promoted to the Early Childhood Education Manager. She has served as state and local President of the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare, and Southeast Council on Children and Youth.

Beverly is a member of several organizations and boards including Historian of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Chattanooga Chapter, Inc., and the NCBW National Economic Empowerment Committee. She is presently co-chair of the Mayor’s Council for Women Empowerment Committee, Girls Incorporated Advance Committee and Ambassador for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and past board member of Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare. She is a previous honoree of the UnBought and UnBossed and SECCY Community Service awards. Beverly graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare/Public Relations.

Close

melody-shakariMelody Shekari | Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga

Melody Shekari is currently the Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga. She is also an attorney, community advocate, and proud daughter of immigrants. Raised in Chattanooga, TN, Melody earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Bentley University, a Master in Public Administration from the University of Washington, and a J.D. from the University of Southern California (USC). She returned home to Chattanooga to serve her community, running for political office, defending human rights and participating in local initiatives and community-building. She was selected for the 2024-2025 Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute and is a graduate of the 2022 Class of Leadership Chattanooga. She has been recognized as the 2021 Chattanooga Bar Association Young Lawyer Division Volunteer Lawyer of the Year and 2021 National Iranian American Council 40 under 40. She currently serves on the board of the ACLU of TN, as an election monitor with the Organization of Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE), as a local election official, and as a volunteer diver at the TN Aquarium.
Close

Kimberly StrongKimberly Strong | Mayor's Office Liason

Kimberly Strong serves as the Constituent Services Manager  for the Office of Mayor Tim Kelly.   She is also the Mayor’s Office Liaison for the Mayor’s Council for Women supporting all committees and Councilwoman Carol Berz. Prior to her appointment with the Kelly Administration, she served 30 years with the City’s  Department of Public Works and she remains active with the American Public Works Association serving as President of the Tennessee Chapter.  Her election made her the first woman of color the Chapter has had in its 70 year history.  She serves as the Partnership Lead for the City's Bloomberg/Columbia University Cohort, Advisory Board for UTK’s Women in Leadership Program, MTAS Search Committee and an advisor for  TN Achieves.  She has received award recognition for her community service efforts.  Her most recent  awards include the  Roger Clark Award for Excellence in Public Works,  twice awarded the W. Larry Eddins Award for Excellence within the Chapter, twice awarded Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence two times, Herocrat and an UnBought and UnBossed Girls Inc. Honoree,.   She is an APWA Accreditation Program Evaluator Team Leader and served two terms as the  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chairperson on the National level with the American Public Works Association.  She is a certified speaker and has spoken throughout the United States and Canada on the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

Close

Rachel Dooley | City of Chattanooga

Rachel Dooley is a Digital Experience Engineer for the City of Chattanooga and has a passion for creating delightful online experiences. She transitioned into web development after a decade in customer service and higher education, driven by a passion for coding sparked during a career break. Rachel constantly builds her skills by learning new technologies and enjoys working on projects that bring digital products to life. Beyond coding, she designs custom garments and enjoys playing superheroes with her son.

Close

Eve NiteEve Nite | Erlanger Health

Eve graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and her 20 years of professional experience include direct service care as an in-home crisis counselor, clinical liaison with criminal justice systems, program creator and developer, outpatient and inpatient services regional director, non-profit founder, certified mental health trainer and advocate for consumers of mental health services.  Eve is appointed by the Governor to the State Advisory Council on Suicide Prevention, committee co-chair of the Mayor’s Council on Women’s Health, Secretary of the PAIMI State Advisory Council for Disability Rights TN, and Founder and President of CIT Connect, a 501(c)3 non-profit. Eve currently works as Senior Business Development Manager for Erlanger bringing the region’s hospital systems together to streamline patient access for those most in need of help.

Close

Stefanie Crowe

Close

carol berzCarol Berz | Chairwoman, City Councilwoman

Dr. Berz is renowned for her extensive expertise in solution-oriented, collaborative problem-solving and program design across both public and private sectors. For over 25 years, she has served as a Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 Listed General Civil and Family mediator and trainer, particularly recognized for her authority addressing complex issues of the special circumstance of domestic violence.  As the owner and CEO of Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she leads its mediation services and training programs. Carol also holds a prominent role as a Councilwoman for the City of Chattanooga, where she currently chairs the Budget and Finance Committee.

Her professional pursuits span practice and teaching in mediation, law, ethics, and employment and labor/management conflicts, focusing on corporate conflict cost analysis. Previously, she served as Director of Forensic Services and Executive Director at Joseph W. Johnson Mental Health Center, and as a visiting professor at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, teaching social policy, law, and ethics.

Carol's contributions to mediation are extensive; she chaired the Curriculum and Continuing Education Committee of the Mediation Association of Tennessee and led the mediation component of the Hamilton County Courts' Pilot Project which led to the creation of Tennessee's Parenting Plan law. She also played a pivotal role as Commissioner with the Chattanooga Human Rights/Human Relations Commission, addressing employment and civil rights matters and becoming its first Chairwoman.

Beyond her professional achievements, Carol is a graduate of Leadership America in Washington, D.C., and has held leadership roles including President of the Board of Directors of the Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council. She has served on the Tennessee Advisory Commission to the US Civil Rights Commission and chaired the Tennessee Economic Council on Women, focusing on the economic impact of the issues that hold women back from living their best lives.

Recognized for her community leadership, Carol chaired the Board of Managers of the Hamilton Family YMCA and served on the Board of the Chattanooga Metro YMCA. Her accolades include the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, Chief John Ross Chapter NSDAR,  Outstanding Woman in American History, and recognition by the City of Chattanooga for advancing equality of opportunity. Currently, she chairs the Mayor's Council for Women and the Advisory Board to the Family Justice Center.

Dr. Berz holds a PhD in Social Policy from the University of Tennessee, a JD from the Nashville School of Law, an MA in Administration from the University of Tennessee, and a BA in Human Services Management from the University of Tennessee. She has pursued additional studies at Emory University, Bryn Mawr College, the Deming Institute, and Harvard University. Furthermore, she holds certifications as an IFTA certified Personal Trainer, an AEA advanced trainer, and a YMCA certified instructor and trainer in aquatic sports training. Her professional memberships include the Association for Conflict Resolution, the ADR Section of the American Bar Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the Academy for Professional Family Mediators, and the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators.

Close

Liz Appling

Elizabeth Appling | Erlanger Health

Elizabeth Appling is Chief Diversity Officer for Erlanger Health System where she has been employed for over 20 years.  Previously, she held the position of Employee Relations Representative at Erlanger.

A 2019 graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, Elizabeth is President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Chattanooga Chapter, Inc. She also serves on the Institute for Diversity in Health Management, National Association of Health Services Executives, Tennessee Hospital Association, Equity and Diversity Council, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated, Pi Omega Chapter.   

Elizabeth’s awards and honors include UT College of Medicine Chattanooga 2015 Excellence in Equity Care Award; one of Becker’s Hospital Review 2016 “15 chief diversity officers to know at hospitals and health systems throughout the United States”, the NAACP Ruby Hurley 2017 Corporate Sponsor of the Year Award and the Outstanding Service Award from the Prince Hall Shriners.

 

Close

jenni berz

Jenni Berz | Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC

Jenni Berz is the Director of Services for Private Dispute Resolution Services, LLC, where she leads the Community Parenting Plan Initiative and directs the corporation’s education program, Prior to her current role, she served the Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council, first as a Membership Manager, developing programs in outlying counties and later, as Director of Training, managing the volunteer training programs.

Jenni is a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, a past-president of the North Chattanooga Council of the Chamber of Commerce and is a former board member of the Pet Placement Center. As a founding member of the Southeast Development District Advisory Council to the TN Economic Council on Women, Jenni worked to empower women to identify barriers to their best lives. Other leadership roles include former co-chair of the Mayor’s Council for Women Leadership Committee, co-chair of the Health Committee’s Fitness Workgroup and the MCW Policy Conference Steering Committee.

She is the Assistant Race Director for Magic Sports USA, where she contributes to the production of triathlon and running events across the Southeast, including a women’s only triathlon in Nashville, an event that symbolizes a day of empowerment, endurance, and personal triumphs, culminating in front of Nashville’s women’s suffrage monument.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Jenni is an avid runner and dedicates her time to volunteering with the Chattanooga Track Club, showcasing her commitment to both personal wellness and community engagement.

Close

Regina McDevitt

Regina McDevitt, M.Ed | Family Justice Center

Regina McDevitt is Executive Director for the Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center under the Office of Community Health for the City of Chattanooga. She has 26 years experience working in victim services, public speaking, program development, nonprofit management, community collaboration, trauma informed organization development, strategic planning, and leadership development.  She holds a BA in Psychology and M.Ed. in Guidance/Counseling and is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Institute (Alliance for Strong Families and Communities and the University of Michigan). She was a recipient of the 2011 National Visionary Award (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) and various awards for advocacy efforts.  She recently accepted the 2022 Alexander Hamilton Award from Legal Aid of East Tennessee for the FJC.

Regina has trained community leaders, educational institutions, social service agencies, communities of faith, health care providers, first responders, and military service personnel locally, nationally, and internationally.  She serves on various state and local boards and was recently appointed to the Parkridge Health System Board of Trustees.

Close

Beverly McKeldin

Beverly McKeldin | AfLAC

Beverly is an independent Benefits Advisor at the American Family Life Assurance Company (AFLAC), where she coordinates employee supplemental products for businesses across the states of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina. Beverly worked for more than 20 years for the City of Chattanooga Human Services Department, first implementing the Foster Grandparent program, and later promoted to the Early Childhood Education Manager. She has served as state and local President of the Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare, and Southeast Council on Children and Youth.

Beverly is a member of several organizations and boards including Historian of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Chattanooga Chapter, Inc., and the NCBW National Economic Empowerment Committee. She is presently co-chair of the Mayor’s Council for Women Empowerment Committee, Girls Incorporated Advance Committee and Ambassador for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and past board member of Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare. She is a previous honoree of the UnBought and UnBossed and SECCY Community Service awards. Beverly graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare/Public Relations.

Close

Kimberly Strong

Kimberly Strong | Mayor's Office Liason

Kimberly Strong serves as the Constituent Services Manager  for the Office of Mayor Tim Kelly.   She is also the Mayor’s Office Liaison for the Mayor’s Council for Women supporting all committees and Councilwoman Carol Berz. Prior to her appointment with the Kelly Administration, she served 30 years with the City’s  Department of Public Works and she remains active with the American Public Works Association serving as President of the Tennessee Chapter.  Her election made her the first woman of color the Chapter has had in its 70 year history.  She serves as the Partnership Lead for the City's Bloomberg/Columbia University Cohort, Advisory Board for UTK’s Women in Leadership Program, MTAS Search Committee and an advisor for  TN Achieves.  She has received award recognition for her community service efforts.  Her most recent  awards include the  Roger Clark Award for Excellence in Public Works,  twice awarded the W. Larry Eddins Award for Excellence within the Chapter, twice awarded Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year, received the Mayor’s Award of Excellence two times, Herocrat and an UnBought and UnBossed Girls Inc. Honoree,.   She is an APWA Accreditation Program Evaluator Team Leader and served two terms as the  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chairperson on the National level with the American Public Works Association.  She is a certified speaker and has spoken throughout the United States and Canada on the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  

Close

Jo Coke

Jo Coke

Jo’s long career in the concrete industry led to her election as the first woman president of the American Concrete Institute, the organization producing codes and standards for concrete in this country and many others.

Retiring in Chattanooga in 2000, she became involved in cultural and nonprofit organizations. Jo has served as board member and president of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Chattanooga History Center, and the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Guild.  Currently she serves on the executive committee and board of the CSO; is AARP East Tennessee Team co-leader; and volunteers with the League of Women Voters.

Jo was a Chattanooga Woman of Distinction in 2008, and later an UnBought and UnBosed awardee.

Close

rachel dooley

Rachel Dooley | City of Chattanooga

Rachel Dooley is a Digital Experience Engineer for the City of Chattanooga and is passionate about creating delightful online experiences. She transitioned into web development after a decade in customer service and higher education, driven by a passion for coding that sparked during a career break to raise her son. Rachel constantly builds her skills by learning new technologies and enjoys working on projects that bring digital products to life. Beyond coding, she designs custom garments and enjoys playing superheroes with her son.

Close

Eve Nite

Eve Nite | Erlanger Health

Eve graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and her 20 years of professional experience include direct service care as an in-home crisis counselor, clinical liaison with criminal justice systems, program creator and developer, outpatient and inpatient services regional director, non-profit founder, certified mental health trainer and advocate for consumers of mental health services.  Eve is appointed by the Governor to the State Advisory Council on Suicide Prevention, committee co-chair of the Mayor’s Council on Women’s Health, Secretary of the PAIMI State Advisory Council for Disability Rights TN, and Founder and President of CIT Connect, a 501(c)3 non-profit. Eve currently works as Senior Business Development Manager for Erlanger bringing the region’s hospital systems together to streamline patient access for those most in need of help.

Close

Jocelyn Loza

Jocelyn Loza | Chief Development Officer at Girls Inc. of Chattanooga
 
Jocelyn Loza is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in marketing, public relations, and fundraising. A graduate of Andrews University and Walden University, where she earned her master's in marketing management, Jocelyn has consistently demonstrated leadership and advocacy for women and girls.
 
Her numerous accolades include being named 20 Under 40 Influential People to Know in 2022 by The Times Free Press, receiving the Business Advocacy Award in 2021 from the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and earning the Latino Leadership Award from La Paz in 2019. She is also a proud Leadership Chattanooga alumna from the class of 2020.
 
Jocelyn's commitment to community service is evident through her involvement with several boards, including the City of Chattanooga Library, the Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga, and Young Professionals of Chattanooga. Currently, she serves on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga Diversity Task Force Advisory Council and the WTCI PBS Community Advisory Board.
 
In addition to her many achievements, Jocelyn founded Latina Professionals of Chattanooga, the first nonprofit dedicated to serving and advocating for Latina women and girls in the region. In her role as Chief Development Officer at Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, Jocelyn continues to make a significant impact, raising record-breaking funds for the organization's annual fundraiser the UnBought and UnBossed Sneaker Gala while advancing its mission to inspire girls to be strong, smart, and bold."
Close

melody-shakari

Melody Shekari

Melody Shekari is currently the Executive Director of the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga. She is also an attorney, community advocate, and proud daughter of immigrants. Raised in Chattanooga, TN, Melody earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Bentley University, a Master in Public Administration from the University of Washington, and a J.D. from the University of Southern California (USC). She returned home to Chattanooga to serve her community, running for political office, defending human rights and participating in local initiatives and community-building. She was selected for the 2024-2025 Holmberg Arts Leadership Institute and is a graduate of the 2022 Class of Leadership Chattanooga. She has been recognized as the 2021 Chattanooga Bar Association Young Lawyer Division Volunteer Lawyer of the Year and 2021 National Iranian American Council 40 under 40. She currently serves on the board of the ACLU of TN, as an election monitor with the Organization of Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE), as a local election official, and as a volunteer diver at the TN Aquarium.
Close

Abby Garrison

Abby Garrison | VP of Community Investments at United Way of Greater Chattanooga
 
Abby Garrison currently serves as the Vice President of Community Investments at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, where she leads a team dedicated to driving transformational community change. As part of the executive leadership team, Abby guides the organization's strategy and operations, overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget and a diverse array of programs. She has built a streamlined Community Investments division, developed investment funds focused on advancing equity, and established strategic partnerships to grow the organization's impact. Abby’s professional passion is social innovation through collaboration and partnership.
 
Previously, Abby served as the Vice President of Venture Forward at United Way, where she achieved significant growth in membership and revenue, and led the organization's COVID-19 response efforts. She was the Executive Director at Causeway, where she secured initial funding and transitioned the organization from volunteer-run to professionally staffed. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer at Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, where she oversaw operations and managed a multi-million-dollar loan portfolio. Abby’s career is marked by her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community impact, making her a respected leader in the nonprofit sector.

Abby is a proud Tiger, having an A.B. in Politics from Princeton University, and dual Master's degrees in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning, and Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Close

Abby Garrison

Abby Garrison | VP of Community Investments at United Way of Greater Chattanooga

Abby Garrison currently serves as the Vice President of Community Investments at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, where she leads a team dedicated to driving transformational community change. As part of the executive leadership team, Abby guides the organization's strategy and operations, overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget and a diverse array of programs. She has built a streamlined Community Investments division, developed investment funds focused on advancing equity, and established strategic partnerships to grow the organization's impact. Abby’s professional passion is social innovation through collaboration and partnership.
 
Previously, Abby served as the Vice President of Venture Forward at United Way, where she achieved significant growth in membership and revenue, and led the organization's COVID-19 response efforts. She was the Executive Director at Causeway, where she secured initial funding and transitioned the organization from volunteer-run to professionally staffed. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer at Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, where she oversaw operations and managed a multi-million-dollar loan portfolio. Abby’s career is marked by her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community impact, making her a respected leader in the nonprofit sector.
 
Abby is a proud Tiger, having an A.B. in Politics from Princeton University, and dual Master's degrees in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning, and Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Close

Rosite Delgado

Rosite Delgado | Executive Director of Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at UTC

Rosite Delgado serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She is originally from the Caribbean island of Dominica and has called Chattanooga home since 2011. She has worked in Higher Education for the past 2 decades, serving in various roles in EEO compliance, diversity and inclusion, human resources, business affairs, and student affairs and development. In her current role,  she serves as the campus ADA Coordinator, overseeing EEO compliance. Rosite holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Spanish, a master's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management, a master’s of science degree in Educational Psychology, and she is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Beyond her service to the UTC campus, Rosite is a board member of La Paz of Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, and the Enterprise South Council of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce, and a long-standing member of the National Planning Committee for the Faculty Women of Color in the Academy Conference based at Virginia Tech. A recent graduate of the Leadership Chattanooga class of 2024, Rosite has a passion for community service and civic engagement. She is a wife and mother of two boys, and enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures with her family.

Rosite Delgado is the Executive Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility at the University. Originally from the island of Dominica, she has called Chattanooga home since 2011. With over two decades of experience in Higher Education, Rosite has held various roles in EEO compliance, diversity and inclusion, human resources, business affairs, and student affairs. In her current position, she serves as the campus ADA Coordinator and provides broad oversight for various EEO compliance functions. 

Rosite holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Spanish, an MBA, an MS in Educational Psychology, and she is currently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

In addition to her campus duties, Rosite serves on the boards of La Paz Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, the Enterprise South Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, and is a long-standing member of the National Planning Committee of the Faculty Women of Color Conference based at Virginia Tech. A recent graduate of the Leadership Chattanooga Class of 2024, she is deeply committed to community service and civic engagement. Rosite and her husband co-own a local Smoothie King franchise, and together with their two sons, they enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures.

Close
X