Women Celebrating Women
The word inspire is defined as the act of filling someone with the urge or ability to do something, and here in Chattanooga, we have no shortage of incredible women who motivate those around them day in and day out. Whether they intentionally set out to be a role model or random acts of kindness are simply in their DNA, these women are making the world a better place. Read on to learn more about the individuals who encourage others to be the best version of themselves, told by those they inspired most.
Photography by Emily Pérez Long
inspired: Jessica Whatley
inspiration: Rachel Gammon
As the leader of a mentoring organization, I know the power and impact of mentorship. When I first moved to Chattanooga, I quickly connected with Rachel. Nonprofits get a bad rap for not always being willing to collaborate, but those who know Rachel know that couldn’t be further from the truth for her and her organization. Rachel is committed to seeing and helping people thrive – whether that is through Northside Neighborhood House, her team, other nonprofit leaders, church, or family.
Many people have this scarcity mentality that we can’t help others thrive because it might not leave room for us. Rachel has always been willing to share ideas, resources, and her own experiences. She has been an amazing friend and mentor who truly wants to help and see me and others succeed. Rachel has not only inspired me as a nonprofit leader but also as a wife and mom. She reminds me to focus on my husband and two young boys and models that with her own family. She reminds me that I can be Mom and still have a career that I love!
“She has been an amazing friend and mentor who truly wants to help and see me and others succeed.”
