Southern Women Lean In

Women's diversity initiatives have instructed and inspired Chattanooga since the Women's Council on Diversity began the day after 9/11. The influx of international companies led to our community-wide Global Leadership Class six years later, followed by Women GroundBreakers Storytelling. Documented in the American Diversity Report, these projects demonstrate how a small Southern city tackles its growing diversity and globalization. Today, the Women Ground Breakers are part of Lean In, the international women's movement begun by Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook. The format is a Think Tank exploring the weaknesses and strengths that shape Chattanooga's Future for Successful Women.

Attendees at the inaugural brainstorming session were diverse in generation, race, religion, and profession. Several have legal backgrounds: Cathryn Cohen and Ardena Garth Hicks who is a former public defender. Others focus on education: Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee, Christine Francis, and Linda Moss Mines who is also City/County Historian. Many are experienced in nonprofit management including Sue Stohlmann and Carrie Di Memmo. The group included entrepreneurs Laura Hessler and Cathie Keegan as well as social worker Valerie Radu.

THINK TANK BRAINSTORMS

The ground breaking women addressed the underlying education issues in Chattanooga before turning to the social environment that affects the creation of successful women.

DIVERSITY & EDUCATION ACCESS

The uneven progress in Chattanooga is not unusual for a small Southern city. It's symbolized by the quality of education in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.These families historically represent much of the city's diversity. Resources in these schools are limited with some lacking social studies as well as art education. The ability to read is uneven, writing skills are elementary. Communication skills needed for advancing in the workplace are minimal. Transportation and parking necessary to reach supplemental educational are often unaffordable.

WOMEN & SOCIAL TRENDS

Chattanooga's Weaknesses

• Traditional networks don't adequately recognize "Groundbreaking" women.

Chattanooga's Strengths

• Good role models and women's organizations with specific areas of focus.

SHARING WORDS OF WISDOM

"Relationships among women are critical and inspiring. Our community thrives on them." ~ Shawn Kurrelmeier-Lee

"Need more women of color in leadership positions in human services, social services, and nonprofit sectors." ~ Valerie Radu

"Yes, there are external barriers and a culture of gender inequality, but women only need to realize our power and express our voice, and help younger generation to express their voice and claim their rights." ~ Carrie Di Memmo

"Weaknesses of Chattanooga for Successful Women - why college-aged females African American) are not staying." ~ Ardena Garth Hicks

"Find ways to teach a rounded education despite budget cuts and standardized testing. Can we combine literacy, emotional intelligence, and STEM education?" ~ Cathryn Cohen

"Be open to "Southern" traditions and ... exercise your skills and expertise in a fair and kind manner." ~ Cathie Keegan

"Chattanooga needs a more organized effort to bring women along to match the city's progress." ~ Sue Stohlmann

"We are a united tapestry of generations, genders, ethnicity, and faiths. It is our duty to march forward together! That march begins with education. Education leads to change and that change must be informed change." ~ Linda Moss Mines

"Everyone has a story that can empower the next generation with the knowledge, empathy, and understanding to compel the changes that need to happen in our community." ~ Laura Hessler

ASPIRE & INSPIRE

Chattanooga can make a difference! Women Ground Breakers share their video stories and STEM Women Study Guide to anyone creating successful women: www.womengroundbreakers.com