Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga

This year our Voices luncheon was full of education, inspiration, and celebration. 

We were educated by Dr. Shae Connor on the changes to healthcare and funding that will negatively impact women and girls unless we advocate for better. Without many of the measures that haven't been in the spotlight, but are currently being defunded, and/or as a result of misinformation, women "will simply die of disease." In her words, "Please remind your representatives that health policy must not only be scientifically sound, but consistently transparent, equitable, and apolitical." We were inspired by local celebrity Stacy Martin, who had surgery to remove her stomach that was later found to have numerous cancer spots, used that experience to become an advocate and start a local small business, Seahorse Snacks. She reminded us that "There are so many opportunities to fix things wherever you live, work or play and at whatever level you choose to participate," and "We have a significant amount of work to do here in Tennessee as well, making life better for every woman and girl."

We also honored the late Dr. Carol Berz, who inspired so many of us in her work to improve the lives of women and girls. And we celebrated our Nightingale Network grant finalists, as well as our winner, Chattanooga Free Store, who received this year's $10,000 grant. Each of the runners up, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults and The Launch Pad, received $4,000 this year thanks to our great Nightingales! 

Join us for our final Nightingale Network social hour of 2025! You do not have to be a member to attend. You’re also welcome to bring a friend to learn more about the collective philanthropy arm of the Women’s Fund.

This month, Nightingale Network committee member, Colleen Kirk will be our host. Bring a book you have loved this year you are willing to give away as we celebrate a successful grant cycle! Don’t have a book to give away? No problem - we will have extras on hand.

Join us upstairs at Nic and Norman’s on Wednesday, October 15 at 5:30pm, and please note your first hour of parking is free in the CARTA garage!

Cathy is an in-house attorney at Unum, but she did not start her career as an attorney. Her first career was in occupational therapy, and she worked at Pazapa Center for Children with Disabilities in Jacmel, Haiti for several years. She then got her master’s degree in public health and served as the Country Director of the Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti in Leogane, Haiti for six years. She then went on to get her law degree from the University of Miami in Florida. Prior to working with Unum, she worked at Hogan Lovells in Miami and was a shareholder at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel in Chattanooga, litigating for health care and commercial clients across the U.S.

Before settling down in Chattanooga, Cathy experienced all four corners of the U.S., living in L.A., Seattle, Boston, and Miami. Cathy enjoys spending time with her children and is also an avid outdoors fan. She loves hiking, camping, canoeing, and kayaking with her family. Cathy has three beautiful adopted children – Meola, Melinda, and Brithny. At home, she has the most spoiled rescue bloodhound ever, Jane. Cathy’s familial spirit doesn’t just stop with her kids. She was a foster parent for many years and remains involved in both the fostering community and with programs in Haiti.

Phone: +1.904.385.8721 E-mail: admin@chattanoogawomensfund.org

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