Occupation?
Marketing, Business Development & Client Relations
Marketing Coordinator – RaganSmith
College/University attended?
Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Tell us a little about you (short bio ~150 words).
I am a passionate marketing and business development professional with a unique background in event planning, where I developed a deep passion for brand strategy, communications, and brand experiences. A native Chattanoogan, I not only have strong local ties, but also a love for Chattanooga and a dedication to being involved in the community. I love supporting the local culture and businesses. When I’m not working, I love traveling and exploring the world around me. I am also an avid Formula 1 fan and oftentimes take day trips to Nashville or Atlanta to check out car shows. A bit of a foodie, I make it a priority to try out any new restaurant in town and am a self-proclaimed Clumpies connoisseur.
What motivates you?
I’ve always been motivated by creative projects, collaboration with my peers, and being able to draw a connection between my efforts and a positive impact on the world around me.
When you’re not working, where and how do you spend your time?
You can find me checking out the food scene in town, enjoying the outdoors, or golfing with friends!
What advice do you have for women aspiring to be leaders in their field?
Don’t be your own biggest obstacle! Oftentimes, women won’t reach for opportunities they feel they’re not qualified for, but I encourage everyone to shoot for the moon. Speak positively to yourself and put yourself out there!
Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Why and how did this person impact your life?
I have two!
One is Colin Johnson, our Vice President and Office Manager of RaganSmith’s Chattanooga location, and the other is Ladell McCullough, a long-time family friend who has always been a role model for being a strong woman and working hard.
Colin – I have learned the power of leading by example, pushing my creative boundaries, and believing in myself from Colin’s mentorship.
Ladell – I have always looked up to her as a role model for working hard and being a strong female leader. I once asked her how she managed to be so successful and if she knew she’d reach the heights she had in her career, and she said that she never focused on being the only woman in a male dominated field but rather focused each day on showing up and doing the best job she could do. I think this taught me to be focused on being a strong leader and professional in general, and not putting myself in a box.
What has been your proudest moment in your career?
I was a founding member in creating a Young Professionals program through a professional organization within my previous industry. I am passionate about empowering young professionals and supporting their professional development and leadership skills, so bringing a program to life that offered networking opportunities, educational events, and more really lit my fire. During COVID, I had to change industries, but I hope to support similar programming within my current firm in the next year.
What strides do you think members can take to make more of a difference in women’s leadership issues in the local community?
Becoming more involved with young women, especially school aged girls – I went to an all-girls school here in Chattanooga for 7 years, and when I went out into the world I never for a second thought I couldn’t do something or that there were limitations on me. This was in part due to the naivety of being young, but I attribute the confidence to my time being groomed in an environment that was so empowering and taught me that being a woman is a strength, not a limitation. It’s also important for us to advocate for each other in our workplaces and weed out any mentality of “reach the top and pull up the ladder.” When any of us succeed, we all succeed.
How would you best describe the benefit found in joining this organization?
I think CWLI creates a common space for empowering women, and that’s unique and fulfilling for me! I also love that there is a strong professional development and educational aspect in addition to networking opportunities.