Nfocus September 2021 by FW Publishing

SEPTEMBER 2021 Meet our Most Powerful Women panelists

Model Behavior Celebrating the beauty of philanthropy

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nfocusnashville.com

| SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

T:10" S:9"

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Whether you’re running a household, growing a business, serving on a board or planning for retirement, our PNC-Certified Women’s Business Advocates are here to help. We’ll work closely with you to understand your unique needs. Then we’ll access resources and connections, and provide financial solutions to help you get where you want to go, in work and in life. Reach out to an advocate today at pnc.com/women

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Contents September 2021 | Vol. xxviii, No. 9

parties

features

Courage, Confidence and Cookies

Easterseals Tennessee honors Agenia Clark as Nashvillian of the Year

20 22 26

Center Stage Concert for Cumberland Heights celebrates 25 years

Model Behavior Charting a Course Get to know the 2021 Most Powerful Women panelists

departments

The Franklin Theatre marks 10 years with a red carpet cocktail party

Curtain Call Live theater returns for Nashville Rep’s Broadway Brunch

In Our Words Love and kindness take center stage this month

Behind the Scenes In the classroom with MNPS Director Adrienne Battle

53 26

ON THE COVER

10 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

West Nashville’s newest mixed-use development offers dining and shopping in a renovated mill

Blue Stripes offers cacao in every form you can imagine and much more

PENCIL shows support to MNPS teachers at outdoor pep rally

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

Looking back at the Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Dee Patel photographed by Daniel Meigs at the Note House. Hair and makeup by BBC Nashville. Jewelry by Diamond Cellar. To meet our other Model Behavior honorees, turn to page 32.

Step Inside

Celebrating the beauty of philanthropy

Under the Marquee

Local Flavor

Nspire

Pencil In

Best Behavior

Nretrospect

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HAL ROSSON

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DER

ACT R T N

‘“EDGE ‘O MEADE”’ 4010 IROQUOIS AVE $1,500,000

Representing Real Estate Buyers and Sellers Since 1971 Freeman Webb Companies 3810 Bedford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37215 615.271-2700: Office

Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Matt Masters, Jen McDonald art director

senior photographer

Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

graphic designer /production coordinator

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton Robin Fomusa

marketing and promotions manager

Advertising

TREAT YOURSELF TO A GRAND EXPERIENCE

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski Maggie Bond, Sue Falls, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, Niki Tyree, Alissa Wetzel, Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associate Caroline Poole publisher

advertising solutions consultants

Circulation Business

Owner

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Friday, Sept. 17, 2021. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusmagazine.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR JEZEWSKI at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2021 FW Publishing, LLC.

IN O UR WO RD S

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Of all the annual features we produce, Model Behavior will always hold a special place in my heart. My very first day on the job with Nfocus nine years ago was spent at our Model Behavior shoot, and my first day after being promoted to editor-in-chief seven years ago was also on set at this shoot. It’s this issue that marks a new year for me, in a way, and how I track the pasBOOK NOW sage of time with the magazine. In addition to having personal significance for me, I also just love it. It’s a beautiful celebration of goodness and generosity, a way to honor those who selflessly give of themselves without ever expecting recognition. And I don’t know about you, but for me, with everything that is going on in the world, it is nice to see love and kindness take center stage. As our hair and makeup stylist, Betsy Briggs Cathcart,

who has worked on our Model Behavior issue seven times, said, “Model Behavior restores my faith in humanity.” I agree. I hope you’ll find some encouragement reading about these 10 amazing ladies and the diverse causes they represent in our city. You can see them all on page 32. We’re thrilled by the slow return of in-person events, and I hope it’s a trend that can safely continue. In this issue, we’ve got fabulous photos from Nashvillian of the Year (page 17), Concert for Cumberland Heights (page 20), Franklin Theatre’s 10th Anniversary (page 22) and Broadway Brunch (page 26). And with so many events on our calendars, this is the first time in 18 months that we’ve had a reason to include Pencil In. Check out the new look of it on page 64 and mark your calendar for a little fun. BY NANCY FLOYD

1000 Broadway | 615 622 1234 GrandHyattNashville.com

12 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

“HE SAVED MY LIFE” Nashville, TN resident Dawn R. had been experiencing the painful side effects of Peripheral Neuropathy, “My feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life.” Then she met Brentwood, TN’s very own William Alexander, L.Ac. Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Dawn explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful. “How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed to do simple things?”

“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t have those shooting pains. I don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,” Dawn enthusiastically describes life after receiving William Alexander’s treatments.

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering with neuropathy often describe. “The way that I would describe it, it’s equivalent to walking on glass.” Dawn hadn’t worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet.

“It’s life altering. As far as I’m concerned he saved my life!”

Unfortunately Dawn’s story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy. If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall. Your doctor told you to ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects. Fortunately, four months ago Dawn read an article about William Alexander, L.Ac and the work he was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, without invasive surgeries or medications William Alexander, L. Ac., founder of Affinity Acupuncture in Brentwood, TN, is using the time tested science of Acupuncture and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.

“I can wear socks and shoes!”

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William Alexander, L.Ac has been helping the senior community for over 9 years using the most cutting edge and innovative integrative medicine. Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable’, he consistently generates unparalleled results.

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nfocusmagazine.com

| SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

BEHIND THE SCENES

Back to School In the classroom with MNPS Director Adrienne Battle The teaching bug hit Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), as early as third grade, and it was her experiences in MNPS — especially the great teachers, support staff and principals — that inspired her to pursue a career in education. Today, she oversees a school system with approximately 5,200 teachers who support the success of more than 80,000 students in 159 schools. The Nashville native graduated from John Overton High School and earned her master’s degree and doctorate in educational administration and supervision from The Basics Tennessee State University. At MNPS, she had Name: Adrienne Battle served successfully in alProfession/Title: Director, most every capacity, from Metro Nashville Public Schools teacher to principal to Hometown: Nashville community superintenZip Code: 37204 dent, before being named Years in Nashville: All my life, interim director in April except during college 2019. On March 13, 2020, Number of students in MNPS: 80,000+ the school board unanimously voted Adrienne as director, making her the first woman and first MNPS graduate to hold the position. It was barely a week after schools temporarily closed due to the March 3 tornadoes and days before they closed indefinitely due to the pandemic. The pandemic has shown just how essential schools are to the development and education of children and also to their families. From the earliest days, Adrienne began communicating What’s the biggest challenge facing Metro regularly with parents to share plans, get feedSchools? Continuing to address the effects of back and help them spread the word. She is the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working hard every day to keep our students safe while making extremely proud of the teachers who showed sure they are known, on a path to success and enormous flexibility and great innovation in getting a high-quality education in every classadapting to the virtual learning environment, room in every school. staying in contact with students and families and keeping students on track, despite not beWhat accomplishments are you most proud ing able to see them in person for many months. of during your time as director? Well, first, I’m proud of being appointed as the first MNPS While Adrienne can be found after hours with graduate to serve as director of schools, and her husband and two little boys, we caught up with I hope I can be a role model for students who her at the office and chatted about the biggest want to be educators. While I haven’t had a challenge facing our schools, the best advice she’s “normal” tenure by any stretch, I’m proud of the received and her favorite old Nashville spots. way my team and I have been able to guide the BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

district through the tornado in March 2020 and then the pandemic, always keeping a laser focus on making sure every student is known. How do you make sure “every student is known”? By talking to them, listening to them, getting to know their families, understanding their strengths and talents and aspirations, and working to meet their needs so they can succeed in school — and so they can do great things after they graduate. What’s the best leadership advice you’ve ever received? Your performance is your résumé. What I take that to mean is that you have to focus on the now, on providing the best educational experience for the students you serve every step of the way. Every day matters and has an

14 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

impact on the futures of our young people, and it is my responsibility to perform at a high level to provide pathways for success on their behalf. When you have out-of-town guests visiting, where do you take them? Good restaurants, TSU and Titans games, and concerts. What’s your favorite “old Nashville” restaurant? The original Elliston Place Soda Shop and Houston’s. I also loved Becker’s Bakery, both in Donelson and on 12th Avenue South. What’s your favorite locally made product? Purity Orange Drink, which I remember from taking field trips to the Purity plant here in town when I was a kid. What’s your favorite local event? TSU Homecoming Weekend and our local 5K events. What trait do you admire most in others? Professionally, it’s coachability. Personally, I love people who are nonjudgmental and can work and get along with everybody because they embrace diversity. What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? I hope we don’t lose the smalltown sense of connectedness we’ve felt through the years as the city continues to grow and thrive. And I hope we never lose touch with our history. There are a lot of important pioneers who paved the way for people like myself.

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PA R T I E S

Courage, Confidence and Cookies Easterseals Tennessee honors Agenia Clark as Nashvillian of the Year

James Bosworth, Catherine Street

I Debbie Sprang, Catie Lane Bailey

Tiffany Goss, Colt Murski

t was a true celebration when Agenia Clark was honored by Easterseals Tennessee as its Nashvillian of the Year. President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee since 2004, her career spans broadcasting, technology and education, and she’s provided leadership, insight and advice in almost every industry from finance to major league sports. Along the way, she’s made numerous friends, and they came from all over for the big night. Guests mingled over cocktails while Agenia posed for photos with nearly everyone, right up until time to be seated for the three-course meal. News 2’s Neil Orne served as emcee of the program that began with a song written by Easterseals member Brittney Luna and presentation of the Buddy Killen Memorial Volunteer Service Award to attorneys Ryan Hoffman and Nikki Wethington. Without a doubt, the highlight was the video tribute filled with accolades for Agenia. Deborah Roberts and Al Roker called her the “Energizer Bunny,” and Brenda Corbin summed it up with “She’s perfect!” Sallie Bailey, Waverly Crenshaw, Lee Ann Ingram, and May and Kevin Lavender also lavished compliments on the honoree. Family members who added their loving words included husband Charles, children Alex and Haley, her mother and her aunt. The program closed with the presentation of a medallion and a large acrylic sculpture with Phil Ponder’s most recent rendition of the Nashville skyline etched on it. A Girl Scout growing up, Agenia learned the qualities of good leadership that helped make her who she is today. Nashville is certainly fortunate that, as the leader of the organization, she works to instill these traits in 10,000 girls and 5,000 adult volunteers in 39 Middle Tennessee counties, and, better yet, she shares her wisdom and vision with so many others. That is more than enough to name her Nashvillian of the Year. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND continued on page 18

Waverly Crenshaw, Agenia Clark, Deborah Roberts, Sallie Bailey, Nick Roker

Emmanuel Lugo, Jeremy Swartz

Emily Walker, Del and Karen Tucker

Sarah and Michael Mettee

nfocusmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

PA R T I E S

Eleanor McDonald, Orrin Ingram, Mary Cavarra

Sophia McCarthy, Heyward Rogers

Natasha Hemmings, Agenia Clark, Rande Bynum, Nikki Williams

Ashley Gary, Jen Vaughn, Sidney Stewart, MacKenzie Poelking

Leigh Ann Jones, Jenney Petrikin, Lorraine Ferrell, Peggy Andrews, Lee Ann Ingram

Jerry Williams, Kevin Lavender, Jessica Lavender, Deborah Varallo

Joyce Moorehead, Barbara Bowles, Challis Lowe

Cathy Bender, LoLita Toney

18 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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PA R T I E S

Center Stage Concert for Cumberland Heights celebrates 25 years

umberland Heights enjoyed a fantastic turnout as they gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Concert for Cumberland Heights. Once again, this highly anticipated event kicked off with a pre-party for patrons at the Hilton Nashville Downtown. The event’s chair, John Thackston, and other board members made their way around the lobby, chatting with donors and guests as they enjoyed drinks, hors d’œuvres and dinner. Many of those in attendance have been personally supported by the recovery programs that Cumberland Heights offers or support the organization because of its impact on a loved one. Some even join the organization in memory of someone they have lost to the disease of addiction. But everyone in attendance had a common goal: to see the eradication of the plague of addiction and substance abuse in the Nashville area and beyond. As fun and lively as the pre-party was, it was simply a precursor to the main event: a concert by country music star and CMA Award winner Lee Brice. Donors eagerly made their way over to the historic Ryman Auditorium for the special musical performance. The Concert for Cumberland Heights is the signature fundraiser for the nonprofit, which recently celebrated 55 years of service to the community. The funds raised from the event support both the Adolescent Recovery of Cumberland Heights Academy and the John Hiatt Fund for Adolescent and Young Adult Treatment. Over its 25-year history, the concert has raised more than $3.5 million for addiction treatment, and after the last year and a half, with the number of overdoses far exceeding any previous year, the services this nonprofit offers are more critical than ever.

Tonya Garton and Anthony Clark, Joe and Cindy Caudle

Tenisha Odom, Dean Porterfield

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Johnny Rosen, Chair John Thackston

Kim DeMoss, Jimmy Miller, Jenna Kaster

Alexis Hatler, Rachel and Jonathan Spence

Cassie Sengenberger, Brandy Harter, Shelly Baer

Jay and Marie Crosson

20 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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Jimmy and Cheri Batten

Victoria Freeman, Dionne Lucas

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Under the Marquee The Franklin Theatre marks 10 years with a red carpet cocktail party

he Franklin Theatre took center stage in early August, as guests dressed in their finest cocktail attire and gathered for a red carpet reception under the glowing neon marquee to celebrate the beloved theater’s 10th anniversary. With a little help from the Franklin Fire Department to close down the street, the party took place right on Main Street in historic downtown Franklin. Singer-songwriter Autumn McEntire (Reba’s wonderfully talented niece) provided musical entertainment for guests as they meandered from table to table or made themselves comfortable at the more homey seating areas complete with plush chairs, sofas and coffee tables in the middle of the street. It was a typically hot and humid Tennessee evening, but refreshing beer, wine and cocktails cooled everyone down as they enjoyed delicious cheese and charcuterie from G Catering under the tents. A tantalizing selection of hors d’œuvres, such as peach and ricotta canapés and smoked trout cakes, were served throughout the crowd. After the lively cocktail hour, patrons made their way inside for the main event produced by actor, director, designer, costumer and illustrator Matt Logan and featuring live performances by Piper Jones, Laura Matula, John-Mark McGaha, Libby Nevins and Patrick Thomas. Stonecastle Pictures also premiered a mini documentary on the history and future of the Franklin Theatre, and the theater used the occasion to honor two community members who have been instrumental in its revitalization with The David W. Garrett Green Room and The Emily A. Magid Auditorium. The theater first opened in 1937 and closed in 2007, but the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County stepped in to save the historic building. After three years and $8 million in renovations, the theater reopened in 2011 and has broadened the cultural offerings of the quaint community for the past decade through concerts, performing arts and films. BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS continued on page 24

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nfocusnashville.com

| SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

PA R T I E S

Max Narancich, Abigail Narancich, Stephen and Miriam Tedeschi

Ben Miller, Katie Childress

Autumn McEntire

Ashley and Landon Clark

Elizabeth and Ben Wheeler, Tommy and Melissa Wooten

Mel Ferrer, Joanne Haas

Bari Beasley, Barry and Jackie Alexander

24 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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PA R T I E S

Nate Eppler

Drew Ogle

Vicki and Rick Horne

Curtain Call Live theater returns for Nashville Rep’s Broadway Brunch

Patrick and Rosanne Slay

Holly and Mark Whaley

Co-chairs Tracy Wade and Julie Schneider

here is nothing quite like live performance, be it music, theater or dance, and in a city as artistically and culturally rich as Nashville, the absence of it these past 18 months has been felt widely. Fortunately, live performance is making a comeback, and nearly 300 guests packed into the City Winery to celebrate the triumphant return of the Nashville Rep to the stage at the annual Broadway Brunch. After a lively cocktail hour, where guests enjoyed mimosas, bloody marys and palomas, the cast of beloved local actors kicked off the festivities with a medley of Broadway hits, including The Book of Mormon’s “Hello!” and Beauty and the Beast’s “Be Our Guest,” that had been hilariously altered to reflect the trials of quarantine. The charming and effervescent Megan Murphy Chambers served as emcee for the program, infusing her adorable wit into the entire show. Co-chairs Julie Schneider and Tracy Wade were thrilled — and, understandably, a bit relieved — to pull off an event that had been two years in the making. The ladies first committed to chair the 2020 Broadway Brunch, which they masterfully reinvented as a virtual event at night. They returned this year to execute the inperson event, which was a rousing success. Throughout the program, executive director Drew Ogle lauded the innovation of the Nashville Rep staff, who managed to produce a new piece of digital content every two-and-a-half days during quarantine, launched new educational programs and expanded the company’s reach by 250 percent. Board President Rob Turner got choked up as he delivered a heartfelt recognition of Ovation Winner (and former board president) Vicki Horne. Vicki, who looked absolutely fabulous in a custom Christian Siriano dress with matching mask and red sneakers, is responsible for launching the Broadway Brunch six years ago. In that short time, the Rep has more than doubled the funds raised. And based on how high paddles were flying during the live auction, which included two trips to the Virgin Islands that sold for $10,000 each and a trip to Switzerland that went for $12,500, this year’s event certainly broke some records. Fortunately, all of those funds will contribute to the Nashville Rep’s quest to create exceptional theater, however that may look in the ever-changing world ahead. BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

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26 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

continued on page 28

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PA R T I E S

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| SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

PA R T I E S

Leigh and Paul Vernich

Katie Crumbo, Laurie Eskind

Stephen and Marci Houff

Co-chair Julie and John Schneider

Janet Kurtz and Ron Gobbell

Nick Gulick, Kristen Sheft

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30 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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| SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

Model Behavior For 17 years, we’ve celebrated the beauty of philanthropy through our annual Model Behavior issue. With thousands of nonprofits calling Nashville home, there’s no shortage of worthwhile causes and philanthropists to honor. That’s why, each fall, we invite local charities to nominate a woman that they feel exemplifies model behavior through her service and commitment to the cause. Dozens of nominations poured in this year for ladies who invest their time and resources into the varied organizations that make our city great. With so much generosity in Nashville, it’s never an easy feat to choose just 10 to recognize, but we are proud to present our 2021 class of Model Behavior honorees, who teach us all that selflessness is a trait that never goes out of style.

PHOTOGRAPHER: DANIEL MEIGS ART DIRECTOR: HEATHER PIERCE STYLIST: NANCY FLOYD HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTISTS: BETSY BRIGGS CATHCART AND EMALINE BRIGGS, BBC NASHVILLE JEWELER: DIAMOND CELLAR LOCATION: NOTE HOUSE WRITERS: NANCY FLOYD, HOLLY HOFFMAN AND JONATHAN SIMS

32 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

CENTENNIAL PARK CONSERVANCY

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Centennial Park Conservancy's mission is to preserve, enhance and share the Parthenon and Centennial Park so that all future generations may benefit from these enriching cultural and educational landmarks.

Dee Patel As managing director of The Hermitage Hotel, it’s only natural that Dee Patel would be keenly familiar with the relationship between the landmark hotel and Centennial Park and the Parthenon. It’s one that dates back more than 100 years to when the suffragists met at the hotel regularly, lobbied legislators in its halls and started their marches to the steps of the Parthenon. “This historic connection is what drew me to the Centennial Park Conservancy,” Dee explains as to why she became directly involved with the nonprofit, which works with the city to preserve and enhance the park. In the past few years, Dee and the team at The Hermitage Hotel worked to support the Conservancy in various ways, including hosting the 2019 Chef’s Odyssey fundraising dinner and donating the inventive — and delicious — suffrage-themed cocktails for last year's Conservancy Gala. She’s an active board member and has taken on the responsibility of serving as co-chair of the upcoming gala this November. Dee says her involvement, both personally and professionally, with the Centennial Park Conservancy has taught her the importance of honoring and protecting our past, present and future as a city. “The Parthenon and The Hermitage Hotel are two of Nashville’s most notable historic landmarks,” she says. “Supporting one another is crucial.”

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SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

MODEL BEHAVIOR

CHEEKWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS Preserve Cheekwood as an historical landmark where beauty and excellence in art and horticulture stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit.

Anyone who knows Lisa Manning knows that she has a deep love of gardening and the outdoors. So it’s only fitting that she would be invested and feel deeply connected to Cheekwood, the 55-acre botanical gardens in the heart of our city. Lisa’s involvement with the institution dates back to her college days, when she volunteered to do garden maintenance. In the decades that followed, her service with Cheekwood has encompassed a lengthy list that includes leading tours as a docent, teaching gardening classes, founding the Botanical Gardening Committee and serving on multiple board committees in nearly every facet of Cheekwood’s operations. Currently, she is in the second year of a two-year term as chairman of the board, a position that required her to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, a process that was both incredibly trying and rewarding. “This last period with COVID, I was regularly touched and humbled by the creative ways we collaborated and navigated the ever-changing situation,” she says. “Everyone at every level invested whatever time necessary to achieve our goals.” The pandemic also reminded Lisa afresh of how vital an organization like Cheekwood is to our community. “I learned during COVID that nature is some of life’s best medicine,” she says. “I understood more deeply that Cheekwood and many other nonprofit institutions make our city a better place to live and [it] reminded me how proud I am of Nashville.”

34 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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Hasina Mohyuddin PENCIL The mission of PENCIL (Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership) is linking community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools to help young people achieve academic success and prepare for life. We envision a world where access and opportunities are equitable for all students to have a successful future.

Along with her many other community involvements, Hasina Mohyuddin joined the PENCIL board in 2016. Professionally, she’s the assistant dean of equity, diversity and inclusion at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College, and the insight and expertise she shares with the university informs her work with PENCIL. As a Metro Nashville Public Schools graduate and parent, Hasina knows the fantastic work that MNPS is doing in the community, but she also understands the challenges they face. Being involved with PENCIL allows her to support MNPS in ways she never thought possible. “It was not until I joined the PENCIL board that I truly began to realize the extent of the work that PENCIL does and the impact of that work on MNPS,” she says. “They are a trusted partner and work collaboratively to bring key stakeholders together in support of public education.” In her five years on the board, Hasina has been active in PENCIL in a multitude of roles, including serving on the Program and Development Committees, acting as board secretary and, currently, chairing the Virtual Partnerships Committee, a new virtual learning and interning initiative that was started in response to the pandemic. Her colleagues appreciate her gentle and thoughtful approach to every project PENCIL takes on, and they recognize how indispensable she is to the nonprofit.

36 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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TENNGREEN LAND CONSERVANCY

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Our mission is to conserve land where people and nature can thrive. We envision large, connected, natural areas that support diversity of life, inspire the appreciation of nature and spark action to protect the water we drink, the air we breathe and the land that sustains us all.

Laurel Graefe After being a longtime supporter of TennGreen Land Conservancy, Laurel Graefe joined its board of directors in 2019. She spends her days as a regional executive and senior officer leading the Nashville branch of the Federal Reserve and still somehow finds time to help lead the organization that manages and preserves Tennessee’s public lands. Laurel has always been drawn to the outdoors and was an avid “rock climber, trail stroller and creek hopper” long before joining the nonprofit. “I was benefiting from the organization's work in Tennessee well before I even knew of the organization itself,” she says. And as a high-powered executive, she was also drawn to TennGreen’s efficiency and emphasis on collaboration and thinking outside of the box in its conservation efforts. Having spent so much time outdoors, she understands the importance of ensuring access to public spaces for everyone in the community. “We know that access to outdoor space plays a critical role in supporting mental and physical health outcomes and that healthy environmental conditions are critical for a community to thrive,” she explains. In recognition of this, Laurel has led the organization in its efforts to understand the role conservation plays in justice and diversity and has been instrumental in founding and formalizing TennGreen’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) committee.

nfocusmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

MODEL BEHAVIOR

IMPACT100 NASHVILLE Through collaborative philanthropy, our mission is to build a dynamic and diverse membership of generous women who accelerate positive social change in the greater Nashville area.

For the last two years, Joanne Sowell has served on Impact100 Nashville’s board as its nonprofit community liaison. Her day job as a successful lawyer has given her a unique set of knowledge and skills that are tailor-made for ensuring that the recipients of the organization’s grants do what they said they would in their proposals and for contributing to the oversight of the board itself. For Joanne, though, it’s about staying connected to the community. “My role as the nonprofit community liaison is to help our organization stay connected to our past grantees and to keep our members engaged with them,” she says. Joanne has a heart for the nonprofit community in Nashville. She has been active in other nonprofits by serving on the boards of Emerge Tennessee and Crossroads Campus and by volunteering with Room in the Inn and Red Cross. She also founded Rosa Hermosa, a clothing boutique here in Nashville, to provide educational funds for girls in Honduras. One of Joanne’s favorite aspects of being involved with Impact100 is meeting more women in Nashville and forming friendships she never would have without the organization. “I just love the connectivity with fellow members and with the nonprofit community,” she explains. Her driving reason for being so involved is the ability to offer significant financial support to so many other nonprofits through the one.

40 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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Debra Fair PEDIGREE FOUNDATION PEDIGREE Foundation believes every dog deserves a loving forever home. Nearly 3.5 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. The foundation has awarded more than 5,700 grants and over $9 million to U.S. shelters and rescues that help dogs in need. At PEDIGREE Foundation, we’re working toward a day when all dogs are safe, secure, cared for, fed well and loved.

Debra Fair was working on the marketing team for the PEDIGREE brand when she heard the company was looking to start a foundation to try to increase dog adoptions, and she immediately jumped at the opportunity to get involved. Since helping set up the PEDIGREE Foundation 13 years ago, she has served as its president and, for the last five years, its executive director. With a deep passion for dogs and for finding their forever homes, Debra knows she is living her purpose. “Connecting my passion for dog adoption and the great work shelters and rescues can do with support are what it’s all about,” she says. “I also love the deep connection with others through storytelling — hearing stories from our shelter partners and seeing their successful adoption stories posted on social media because of our grants program.” Debra works every day to find new ways to raise funds and to place dogs in loving homes. She builds partnerships with other animal-centric nonprofits, corporations like Nissan and Toyota, and entertainment names, including the Nashville Predators and dog-loving country music artists, to spread the word about adoptable dogs right here in Nashville. Debra has also helped lead the nonprofit in successful fundraising and awareness events and campaigns, such as the annual benefit concert and golf tournament, the Run for Rescue and the St. Patrick’s Day race.

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Jewelry: Sutra feather diamond hinge bangle, Charles Krypell medallion diamond pendant necklace, Charles Krypell fancy yellow pear-shaped diamond ring (Diamond Cellar)

MODEL BEHAVIOR

N EW TO M AR K ET.

R ECEN TLY SOLD .

U N D ER CON TR ACT.

Join Nashville Ballet on a spectacular high-flying adventure to Neverland! G R E AT F O R AG E S 4 +

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Ballet Ball is back! Join 600 of Nashville’s most prominent philanthropists and patrons of the arts for an elaborate black-tie aﬀair benefitting Nashville Ballet’s Community Engagement Initiative.

Saturday, March 12, 2022 SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER

October 8–10 at TPAC

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Individual and Corporate underwriting opportunities are available. For more information please contact kvasilopoulos@nashvilleballet.com or visit NashvilleBallet.com. LY I CA L PHYS CED N A DIST NG I SEAT LE. L AB I A V A

P H YS I CA L LY D I STA N C E D S EAT I N G AVA I L A B L E .

Tickets available at NashvilleBallet.com nfocusmagazine.com

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FIND YOUR ® PLACE There’s so much to enjoy right in our backyard — from world-class entertainment to incomparable natural beauty. When you’re ready to find a home, look no further than Village. Homegrown right here in Nashville, we know the backyard of Middle Tennessee better than anyone else.

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MODEL BEHAVIOR

Jewelry: Roberto Coin Venetian princess medallion, Roberto Coin paperclip necklace, Roberto Coin princess diamond bangles (Diamond Cellar)

Paulina Robles

REBUILDING TOGETHER NASHVILLE The mission of Rebuilding Together Nashville is repairing homes, revitalizing communities [and] rebuilding lives.

Paulina Robles has only been in the city a little over a year, but in that short time, she’s made a huge impact as the disaster recovery coordinator for Rebuilding Together Nashville. For more than 25 years, the nonprofit has been focused on helping homeowners in need make necessary repairs year-round, and they saw the urgency to offer expertise to the tornado response efforts. They hired Paulina to run their new Disaster Recovery Program, which addresses the needs of homeowners affected by the 2020 tornado and the 2021 storms and flash floods. She is no stranger to the work, having started her career in 2017 in Houston following Hurricane Harvey. Paulina can be found most days out in North Nashville and South Nashville in her work boots and baseball cap managing all aspects of the disaster recovery efforts, from reviewing applications to writing up construction work scopes and managing professionals and volunteers. With every project, she is also making disaster survivors feel comfortable and in the loop about how their project is progressing. “My continuous desire to assist those affected by disasters and broaden my education in disaster resilience and recovery led me to Rebuilding Together,” says Paulina. “This is such a special organization in that it contributes to Nashville’s ability to thrive; we fight for neighborhood health, safety and affordability.”

nfocusmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

MODEL BEHAVIOR

TENNESSEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TPAC’s mission is to lead with excellence in the performing arts and arts education, creating meaningful and relevant experiences to enrich lives, strengthen communities and support economic vitality.

It is rare that the leader of a nonprofit board of directors oversees the types of sea-change events that Tracy Kane has during her time with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), especially in recent years. She joined the board in 2015 and has served in various positions, including co-chair of the always-lively TPAC Gala. However, her biggest — and most challenging — accomplishments to date have been directing the search committee that brought Jennifer Turner in as the new president and CEO and serving as chair of the COVID Task Force to guide the organization through the pandemic that caused TPAC’s stages to close and shut off revenue streams. Growing up in Nashville, Tracy first became familiar with TPAC stages at a young age, and it’s that deeply integrated relationship the nonprofit has with the state’s education system that she believes makes the organization so important to the community. TPAC programs give tens of thousands of teachers, students and adults meaningful experiences with the arts each year. When it comes down to it, Tracy says, “I will always remain inspired by TPAC’s dedication to the belief that the arts have the power to change our lives for the better. ... [It’s] a mission that compelled me from the start and still compels me today.”

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Tracy Kane

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MODEL BEHAVIOR

Jewelry: Pomellato Fantina diamond earrings, Pomellato Fantina diamond ring (Diamond Cellar)

Dionne Lucas

NASHVILLE BALLET Nashville Ballet creates, performs, teaches and promotes dance as an essential and inspiring element of our community.

A former classical musician and self-proclaimed “arts enthusiast,” Dionne Lucas was first drawn to the Nashville Ballet when her daughter danced with the organization. For the past four years, she has served in a variety of capacities on the board of directors, including as a member of the Arts Advocacy Task Force, the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the PR Committee for the Ballet Ball. One of her primary focuses during her time with the Nashville Ballet has been on the nonprofit’s diversity, equity, inclusion and access initiatives. “Serving on this board has taught me the importance of offering diverse programming to broaden the reach of the organization’s mission and to maintain the interest of existing patrons,” Dionne says. One of the ways that Dionne has helped propel the organization forward in these goals is through her involvement with the Lucy Negro Task Force. She assisted with research around the creation of the ballet Lucy Negro Redux, in collaboration with artistic director Paul Vasterling, composer Rhiannon Giddens and poet and author Caroline Randall Williams. She also arranged and moderated focus groups with community leaders and influencers around the ballet. Dionne values the nonprofit’s steadfast commitment to change and improvement. “The executive leadership at Nashville Ballet is committed to growth through innovation,” she says. “The organization is constantly exploring ways to [be] better.”

nfocusmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

MODEL BEHAVIOR

GIRL SCOUTS OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Sarah Trahern The lessons Sarah Trahern learned early on as a Girl Scout helped her become the leader she is today. On the path to her position as CEO of the Country Music Association, she has also seen the invaluable impact of mentorship, whether she was receiving it or providing it. Serving on the board of the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee gives her the opportunity to help thousands of girls develop self-esteem and skills to become future leaders in whatever capacity they choose. In addition to championing the advancement of women and girls, Sarah is equally passionate about equitable access to services and economic opportunity for those historically left behind. As such, she is particularly enthusiastic about Troop 6000, which serves girls experiencing homelessness. Her leadership ensured that the Girl Scouts continued delivering quality experiences to at-risk youth even during the pandemic. Sarah is a master at connecting the right people to advance solutions to benefit the well-being of her community and brings that to the Girl Scouts. Her work within the music industry has allowed for a direct pipeline to connect various artists with the organization. As a member of the governance committee, she works to bring further diversity to the board to better align with the girls they serve. Her commitment to empowering girls has left a legacy at Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee and brought on new leaders that will carry on its mission for years to come.

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Jewelry: Sutra diamond feather necklace, Charles Krypell hinge leaf bangle (Diamond Cellar)

The mission of the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee is to provide all girls opportunities that encourage positive relationships, action-oriented leadership and meaningful service that genuinely influences others.

nfocusmagazine.com

| SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

0 9 . 1 7. 2 1 Grand Hyatt Nashville PRESENTED BY

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Join the Nashville Post and Nfocus for this year’s Most Powerful Women luncheon as female leaders from all corners of Middle Tennessee’s economy gather to share their stories of growth and success with peers and future community leaders.

ME E T THE PA NEL

Cordia Harrington

Kate Burke

Founder and CEO, Crown Bakeries

COO, AllianceBernstein

Dee Patel

Tina Tuggle

Managing Director, The Hermitage Hotel

Vice President of Community Impact, Tennessee Titans

MO D E L BE HAVIO R H O NO REES Debra Fair, PEDIGREE Foundation Laurel Graefe, TennGreen Land Conservancy Tracy Kane, TPAC Dionne Lucas, Nashville Ballet Lisa Manning, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens Hasina Mohyuddin, PENCIL Dee Patel, Centennial Park Conservancy Paulina Robles, Rebuilding Together Nashville Joanne Sowell, Impact100 Nashville Sarah Trahern, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee

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52 >> SEPTEMBER 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

CHARTING A COURSE Get to know the 2021 Most Powerful Women panelists On Sept. 17, we’re teaming up with our friends at the Nashville Post to co-host the Most Powerful Women luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Nashville. Launched in 2011, this event brings together rising stars and established female leaders in our community to share their wisdom, experience and success. Our all-star panel for 2021 includes four of the city’s most accomplished and inspiring leaders. With a varied set of skills and experience, these ladies are all united on one thing: bettering our community through their work and their nonprofit involvement. We chatted with our 2021 panelists about their leadership styles, their best professional advice and their commitment to philanthropy. BY NANCY FLOYD AND GEERT DE LOMBAERDE PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

nfocusmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

F E AT U R E

Cordia is the founder and CEO of Crown Bakeries ( formerly The Bakery Cos.), which bakes more than 10 million baked goods daily and employs more than 800 people, serving customers in the United States, Caribbean and South America. In addition, her businesses include Bakery Express (trucking) and Cold Storage of Nashville (a freezer facility). Her focus on regulations, sustainability, employee policies and development helped the company grow and, in 2019, attract a large investment from private equity firm Arbor Investments. She was named Nashville Post’s CEO of the Year in 2020. What is the biggest challenge facing women in leadership? Women are still not heard. Sometimes, a man down the table repeats my idea five minutes after I make a suggestion, and it then becomes a “good idea.” That is frustrating. What advice would you give those looking to become an active mentor? Be willing to spend the time, initiate the meetings and create opportunities for the candidate. What is your current involvement with nonprofits? My nonprofit involvement includes Belmont University Board of Trustees (Executive Committee and Inauguration Committee for Dr. Greg Jones); Chief Executives Organization (Board of Directors, past international chair); American Bakers Association (president-elect); Ronald McDonald House Charities (supporting 12 houses for the parents of sick children); Rocketown; International Women’s Forum; Leadership Nashville; Les Dames d’Escoffier. How do you choose which causes and organizations to devote your time to? Over the years, my involvement has included many

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nonprofit organizations. There were years we donated to 30 or more different organizations. After some time, it felt like we were not making a difference, so we have chosen education and children as our primary giving focus (scholarships at University of Arkansas, Belmont University, Millikin University and Chi Omega sorority). What’s the biggest benefit of serving the community via nonprofit involvement? Honestly, being involved with nonprofit organizations has given me the opportunity to get to know other Nashville leaders and to serve alongside them. How and when did your involvement with nonprofits begin? And what advice would you give to someone looking to get seriously involved for the first time? My involvement began with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, then the Entrepreneur Center, and from there, Cheekwood and other organizations. My advice is to volunteer in an area you love. All nonprofits need volunteers and funding — just volunteer your time. You will love it!

CORDIA HARRINGTON Founder and CEO, Crown Bakeries

F E AT U R E

Tina began her career with the Tennessee Titans in 1998 as the executive assistant to the vice president/general manager and director of football operations, where she worked closely with the team’s player development initiatives until 2007. She served as the director of player development from 2007 to 2014 before being named director of community relations in 2015 and senior director of community relations in 2019. In her current role as vice president of community impact, she oversees the development and implementation of all Titans community relations activations, has prioritized the presence of youth football in the community, and reconnected and cultivated relationships with former Oilers/Titans players. In 2020, she spearheaded the team’s $1 million donation to tornado relief and volunteer efforts, pandemic relief, social justice grants and more. What’s the most common piece of advice you find yourself giving other leaders or aspiring leaders? It’s easier to lead if they know you care. What is your current involvement with nonprofits? Being on the community impact team, we work closely with many area nonprofits. I also work closely with the Titans Foundation, which aims to assist in making a difference in the community that we live and work. What’s the biggest benefit of serving the community via nonprofit involvement? Seeing the difference. If we all find one thing that really moves us, we are making a difference. There are so many ways to serve, and it’s a really good feeling when you are part of something bigger than yourself. How do you choose which causes and organizations to devote your time to? Professionally, it’s important to select causes that are important to the league, [the] ownership, the

players, [the] organization and the community. Personally, I look for things where I feel I can truly move the needle. I try to look at volunteering as an opportunity to serve my community, so it’s important that I want to do it so it’s not seen as work. How and when did your involvement with nonprofits begin? And what advice would you give to someone looking to get seriously involved for the first time? My very first job out of school was at a mental health facility in Memphis working with physically, emotionally and sexually abused preschoolers. I was so emotionally invested that it impacted me both personally and professionally. Carrying the burdens of others can be overwhelming at times, and those that do truly are inspirational. My advice is to always lead with purpose in whatever you do. I keep harping on passion because serving and passion should be synonymous when it comes to nonprofit work. Be intentional when serving; otherwise, it doesn’t benefit you and it doesn’t benefit the nonprofit.

TINA TUGGLE Vice President of Community Impact, Tennessee Titans

nfocusmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

F E AT U R E

Dee began working at The Hermitage Hotel in the spring of 2004 and has been its managing director since early 2019. In her role, she oversees the operations of the hotel, as well as the Capitol Grille, the Oak Bar, Rachel’s Boutique, the Garden at Glen Leven and several downtown real estate properties. She has more than 20 years of hospitality experience in Nashville and Virginia and is active in area cultural preservation and green space conservation efforts. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University. What is the biggest challenge facing women in leadership? Balancing professional goals with personal lives continues to be a challenge. We continue to be faced with obstacles that prevent many working mothers from achieving their desired professional potential. The pandemic was a stark reminder of this. Extraordinary numbers of women found they needed to step back or away from their careers because of childcare demands exacerbated by the pandemic. What’s the most common piece of advice you find yourself giving other leaders or aspiring leaders? Take the emotion out of a situation so that you can examine it with clarity. What advice would you give those looking to become an active mentor? Pay it forward. Remember when you were inspired and encouraged by others along the way. How do you choose which causes and organizations to devote your time to? My professional and personal life influence my

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choices. I run an institution that’s the pride of the city, so it’s important for me to actively participate as a stakeholder here. Nashville is also home to my family, and I am committed to participating as a citizen. I serve on a number of civic boards, including the Nashville Downtown Partnership Board, the Nashville Civic Design Center, the Historic Capitol Corridor Foundation, the Centennial Park Conservancy and The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. I also serve on the board of the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association and the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association. How and when did your involvement with nonprofits begin? And what advice would you give to someone looking to get seriously involved for the first time? I believe that an important component of building a professional life is becoming a stakeholder in your community. Find causes and groups that interest you on a personal and professional level and volunteer, seek out mentors, build relationships, identify people who inspire you and do your best to surround yourself with them.

DEE PATEL Managing Director, The Hermitage Hotel

F E AT U R E

Kate became chief operating officer of AllianceBernstein in July 2020, and in her role, she oversees all corporate functions of the downtown-based investment management firm. In 2021, she also took over as head of private wealth. Kate joined AB’s Bernstein Research division in 2004 and rose to senior vice president and managing director before becoming head of human capital and chief talent officer and, later, chief administrative officer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. How would you say your leadership style and strengths have evolved over time? I have really recognized and prioritized the value of “diversity of thought.” There is so much that can be brought to the table by hearing differing opinions. One of the things we take pride in at AllianceBernstein is the value we find in our employees with various backgrounds and experiences. We value that diversity — from our people to experiences — and believe it is something that makes our firm unique while also helping us prepare for the future. Was there any advice that you received when you started that really stuck with you and inspired you? I believe there is a lot of value in a team mentality and sharing in success. [My mentor] taught me how far it goes to recognize great work and to encourage your employees when there are significant wins. I like to keep that team framework at the top of mind — how much a team can accomplish together is powerful.

What’s the most common piece of advice you find yourself giving other leaders or aspiring leaders? Opportunities that scare you or make you uncomfortable may be good for your career. Every “next” opportunity I have had has always made me uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Even if you fail or decide to alter your career trajectory or course, you have ultimately expanded your knowledge and expertise even further. That still counts as a success.

KATE BURKE Chief Operating Officer, AllianceBernstein

What advice would you give those looking to become an active mentor? I’ve found that there is so much power in time and encouragement. I truly believe in the “pay it forward” mindset. Taking time to mentor, support, encourage and guide young women has been incredibly rewarding for me. I always try to pay it forward however I can, since it comes down to women supporting other women, and that is what we need to keep in mind as we help the next round of future female leaders.

nfocusmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

STEP INSIDE

MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER Retail broker Elliott Kyle’s job is to pair businesses with a specific project, making sure they’re compatible with the environment, the neighborhood and the fellow tenants. Having worked on Fifth + Broadway and Edgehill Village, he knows a thing or two about the right retail fit. While being local wasn’t a requirement, there are no large chains, and many establishments came from East Nashville and had a following on the west side of town. Until now, they hadn’t found a location that aligned with their aesthetic, says Elliott.

GO WEST In addition to local favorites, there are much-anticipated new arrivals. Radish Kitchen is the brainchild of chef and cookbook author Amanda Frederickson, a transplanted Angeleno. The eatery offers healthy fast casual fare, including a variety of made-to-order salads, wraps and grain bowls. Red Perch is a family-owned Australian fish and chips restaurant with a devoted following that relocated from The Arcade downtown to Sylvan Supply. And East Nashville favorite Parlor & Juke will be opening Beauty School Salon, bringing their cool kid vibe with them.

Well-Supplied West Nashville’s newest mixed-use venue offers dining and shopping in a renovated mill While plans for Sylvan Supply, a new mixed-used development on Charlotte Avenue, were well underway before COVID-19, the complex, with its breezeways, large courtyard and outside seating, is appropriately imagined for a post-quarantine world. The smart design appeals to office tenants whose employees are now venturing back into the workplace and appreciate the easy access to outdoor space, says Chris Faussemagne, a partner with Atlantabased Third & Urban. The developer, in conjunction with real estate investment firm FCP and Centric Architecture, rehabbed the 60-year-old industrial building, which formerly housed Madison Mill. “When you walk into an old building, it has character,” Chris says. “It tells a story.” Third & Urban’s specialty is going into cities such as Charlotte, Orlando and its home base of Atlanta and renovating and repurposing buildings that have been abandoned or fallen into disrepair. At one time, the structure at 4101 Charlotte Ave. housed a mill that manufactured quality wood and steel products. After years of neglect, the building had become dilapidated and in desperate need of an overhaul. This is the firm’s first project in Nashville, although Chris says they are on the lookout for other properties. The industrial building, with its high ceilings, exposed steel beams and massive windows that let in natural light, appeals to both office and retail tenants, and Sylvan Supply already has an impressive roster. Retail clients already or soon to open include seafood restaurant Red Perch, Bearded Iris Taproom, Otaku Ramen West, Punk Wok, Radish Kitchen, Woodland Wine Merchant, Barista Parlor, Row House, Pure Barre, Beauty School Salon and ElàMar Skin. Office tenants, who will occupy 135,000 square feet of space, include Accenture, a global consulting company; Bricktop’s corporate office; FortyAU software developers; Keller Williams Realty; and KPFF consulting engineers. The 7-acre property that sits back from Charlotte is convenient and still offers patrons a respite. Trees and flowers are planted throughout the courtyard, and the original railroad tracks remain, reminding visitors of a time past. In addition to its other draws, there is an abundance of parking, a rarity for Nashville, according to Elliott Kyle, a retail broker who worked on the project. “We didn’t want this to be the kind of place you pull in and go to one spot,” says Elliott. “We wanted this to be the kind of place you pull in and this is just sort of your scene. I wanted this project to be a town center of sorts on the west side.” BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY DORIAN SHY AND ACCENTURE

nfocusmagazine.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 <<

L O C A L F L AV O R

A World of Pure Imagination Blue Stripes offers cacao in every form you can imagine and so much more

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KELLI LAMATIA

Oded Brenner, founder of Blue Stripes Cacao, has been heralded as a modern-day Willy Wonka, bringing cacao — the cornerstone ingredient of chocolate — to mainstream meals and markets. His Blue Stripes Cacao shops, first opened in Manhattan’s East Village before expanding to Nashville in February 2021, have elevated cacao to the headlines of menus in the form of cookies, candies, cocktails, steamed beverages, salads, breads and breakfast bowls. Oded’s branded Blue Stripes line of cacao-based products includes flavored waters, flours and granolas that line the shelves of his brick-and-mortar store in The Gulch, among an extravagant array of cacao-based delicacies that some chocolate-loving sweet tooths might call “superfood-adjacent.” Inspired by global travels and a desire to leverage more of the cacao plant than just the beans traditionally used in chocolate, Oded has built a business that is both mouthwatering and earth-friendly. Above countertops laden with croissants, cookies and other confections, a mural educates about more than just the Blue Stripes menu: “The chocolate industry wastes 70 percent of the cacao plant. Blue Stripes upcycles the whole cacao — shell, fruit and beans — to promote holistic wellness and sustainable sourcing that is good for you, the farmer and the planet.” By working to leverage the whole cacao to maximize benefits for farmers and minimize impact on the environment, Blue Stripes cacao puts a new and sustainable lens on a favorite flavor, in a gleaming and bustling neighborhood that puts a new face on the city of Nashville. BY CARRINGTON FOX

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHY VISIT

WHAT TO ORDER

Prepare to be illuminated by the many innovative iterations of cacao. In this sleek showroom of a coffee shop — where monumental slabs of Callebaut chocolate, with varying levels of cacao content, line the walls — cacao appears in the form of flours, keto snacks, dried fruit, flavored waters and espresso-style steamed drinks, to name a few not-so-obvious manifestations. By the time you leave, you could expect to experience cacao in multiple forms without even knowing it.

Blue Stripes provides an urban sanctuary of sorts, with outdoor cafe tables along an emerald green space. On the boardwalk, tucked off 11th Avenue, live music and the hypnotic trickle of a fountain balance the hustle and bustle of the main Gulch thoroughfare. There’s no better place to grab a cozy cup of hot chocolate or a cool cacao water to explore the trendy neighborhood.

Let your curiosity roam the decadent menu, where cacao flour makes its way into the toast for tartines with egg and avocado or pesto and mozzarella, and ground cacao beans infuse steamed espresso drinks, such as cacao lattes and cacaoccinos. Consume your cacao in the forms of cocktails, sodas or drinkable chilled chocolate mousse on tap. Or just lean into the good old-fashioned chocolate classics such as warm lava cake, Nutella brownies and croissants, fondue, cheesecake or soft serve ice cream sundaes.

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NSPIRE

Leveling the Playing Field PENCIL shows support to MNPS teachers at an outdoor pep rally For almost 40 years, PENCIL has been linking community resources to Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) to help young people achieve academic success and prepare for life. PENCIL, which stands for Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership, “envisions a world where access and opportunities are equitable for all students to have a successful future.” Most people know of PENCIL Partners and PENCIL Academy Partners, the businesses, organizations and individuals that pair with MNPS to provide support, resources and activities. Each of the 700-plus partnerships is unique and designed to serve the individual needs of the school and the partner throughout the year. However, for an individual or intimate group wanting to pitch in on a smaller scale, PENCIL offers fulfilling volunteer opportunities for them too. Our team was excited to learn about the Together 4 Teachers program and its outdoor pep rally. Created in collaboration with Director of Schools Adrienne Battle, the program’s goal is to ensure every classroom teacher in MNPS has access to high-need supplies. More than 5,000 bags were stuffed to distribute to teachers at First Horizon Park on the Monday before school opened. On a sweltering August afternoon, we helped move canvas trucks weighed down with bags — two eighteen-wheelers full! — to a spot to be distributed. When the pep rally opened, we watched

over the putt-putt course, allowing teachers an opportunity to have a little fun. It was rewarding to watch hundreds of educators and MNPS staff enjoying music, activities, stadium snacks and, of course, one another. Shifts are always available at the LP PENCIL Box, housed in the warehouse at PENCIL headquarters. Here, shelves are stocked with donated pencils, crayons, copy paper, notebooks, backpacks, glue sticks, hand sanitizer and more — all supplies that students need. Teachers “shop” for free for items that they would otherwise spend their own money on. Volunteers handle regular retail jobs, such as checking teachers out and restocking shelves, but if you want to work a die-cut machine, maybe the Classroom Creatives section will interest you with its flashcards and other hands-on teaching tools. If you have more time, consider the High Impact Tutoring program. PENCIL screens, trains and places a volunteer with a K-12 student for personalized, one-on-one tutoring and ensuring each student is known, supported and academically on track. The time commitment is only a few hours a week for 12 weeks: two for training and 10 for tutoring via a secure virtual classroom. Signing up for a shift is simple at hon.org. To learn more about all volunteer opportunities and PENCIL’s dedication to helping students achieve success, visit pencilforschools.org. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY JACKI ARTIS AND TOMMY LAWSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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SE P T E M B E R MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

RIVER SWING

Sept. 18

MOST POWERFUL WOMEN

Sept. 17

BEYOND BOURBON

Nfocus and the Nashville Post are teaming up once again for the annual Most Powerful Women luncheon. Our all-star panel of strong female leaders — AllianceBernstein’s Kate Burke, Crown Bakeries’ Cordia Harrington, The Hermitage Hotel’s Dee Patel and Tennessee Titans’ Tina Tuggle — are sure to inspire the crowd with wisdom from their impressive careers and leadership. The luncheon will also celebrate the 2021 class of Nfocus Model Behavior honorees and the 10 diverse nonprofits they represent. nashvillemostpowerfulwomen.com

Sept. 22 OZ Arts Nashville launches Beyond Bourbon: A Benefit Bash for OZ Arts, a revamped version of the former CigArt. Guests will still enjoy a wide range of high-end bourbons, spirits, cocktails, wines, beers and food from favorite local chefs. Co-chairs Mark Lombardi and Christie Wilson made sure that the facility’s history as a converted cigar warehouse isn’t overlooked. Cigar tastings will continue to be offered in the open-air lounge and patio area. ozartsnashville.org

CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY

CAUSE FOR PAWS

Sept. 30 The cherished fundraiser from Nashville Humane marks its 33rd year with a move to fall and brings with it all of the fun. Co-chairs Leslie Hooper and Alexee Saunders have planned a delicious outdoor luncheon under the tent at Belle Meade Country Club and a fabulous fashion show by Gus Mayer featuring the Jason Wu Collection Spring 2022. And as always, there will be some adorable, adoptable shelter animals that will steal your heart! nashvillehumane.org

Thanks to the outdoor setting and distanced nature of the event, Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing was one of the few events that was able to safely be held in 2020. The festive autumnal bash returns for its 18th year on Sept. 18. This casual outdoor party celebrates the best of the season with delicious fare, bluegrass music and a dreamy bucolic setting at River Circle Farm. Kathryn and Christian Currey return as hosts, offering guests a night to remember. harpethconservancy.org

Sept. 11

Saddle Up and the Rochelle Center are celebrating the 25th anniversary of everyone’s favorite charity polo match on Sept. 11 with the return of Chukkers for Charity at Riverview Farm. The milestone anniversary brings with it a few changes to the event, including a halftime show from Johnny and the Devil’s Box. Additionally, in lieu of a large patrons tent, VIPs can reserve tents for 10 guests that will line the field, allowing everyone to have a front-row seat for the action. chukkersforcharity.net

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OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS 8: Tiffany Circle Luncheon (American Red Cross) 18: A Tennessee Waltz (Tennessee State Museum Foundation) 24: Voices of Freedom (End Slavery Tennessee) 29: The Next Door Fall Benefit (The Next Door) 30: Conservancy Gala Patrons Party (Centennial Park Conservancy) For a full listing of upcoming events, visit calendar.nfocusmagazine.com

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SMALL TALK My boyfriend and I go out for drinks regularly with a group of our good friends. The other night, one of the guys brought along a date. She was attractive, but I’m not sure about her behavior or mine. Just trying to start a conversation, I asked her how she met him. She said, “Let’s not talk about it.” I thought she was joking, but she wasn’t. The poor guy sat there, not saying a word, so the conversation came to a full halt. The rest of the evening was difficult, to say the least. I bet he won’t bring her along again, but who was wrong this time: her or me? — Anonymous, 12South Obviously, the new girl didn’t pass the entrance test for your group. Both of you were teetering toward rude behavior, but the newcomer won that race. You asked a well-intended question, but just asking it put you on dangerous turf. It’s always risky to ask a couple where or how they met, especially if they’re still in dating mode. In this case, it’s pretty clear they didn’t hook up in a book group or in Sunday school. The date-of-the-evening might have passed the interrogation by coming back with, “We’ve just known each other for awhile,” whether that was true or not. At least it wouldn’t have brought the chitchat to a halt. The guy might have spoken up, but he didn’t. He may have been praying for the awkwardness of the moment to be over and done. Next time the guy shows up with a new date, try talking about the weather. You and she can judge each other. No final exams required.

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This past summer, I learned that a young woman, whose mother and I were in high school together, was looking for a summer job in the hospitality business. Because they don’t live in Nashville and because I have pretty good connections, I called my friend and offered my help. I understand that the girl got a job, but to the best of my knowledge, she never followed up on my leads, and she’s never even been in contact to say thank you. I’ll probably never meet her and I haven’t seen her mother in years, but I still feel insulted. Should I? — Anonymous, Cherokee Park

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Be careful when you make a gift, especially if it’s an unexpected one. If it isn’t asked for, it may not be a gift that’s wanted. There’s no reason for you to be surprised when your call from out of the blue didn’t get a follow-up or a thank you. You haven’t been in touch with the mother in years. (It’s amazing that you still could dig up her phone number.) Yes, if the daughter knew how to behave herself, it would have been right for her to be in touch with you, but it seems that you set yourself up for disappointment. The girl’s never met you. Maybe you’ll run into the mother at a high school reunion, but let the subject lie. The girl got a summer job, and that’s what mattered to her. Chalk it up to her experience and to yours.

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BY JOHN BRIDGES

John is the author of How To Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems every Friday at nfocusmagazine.com.

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Walk on the Wild Side Looking back at the Tennessee Wildlife Federation

Seventy-five years ago, 50 conservationists — outdoor writers, sportsmen and community leaders — from across the state convened at Chattanooga’s historic Read House for the inaugural meeting of the Tennessee Conservation League, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the state’s wildlife and natural resources. Today, that tradition lives on as the now-named Tennessee Wildlife Federation continues to tackle our state’s most urgent conservation issues through public policy and strategic programs. In fall 2020, they raised funds to clean up the mess from 150,000-plus purple martins that roosted at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, an effort that gained national attention. This summer, the federation launched its most far-reaching initiative yet: Tennessee CLEAN, a statewide movement seeking a meaningful response to Tennessee’s growing litter pollution problem. To learn more about the work of this organization, visit tnwf.org.

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