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Inspired: Ashley Baldwin & Maria Matthews

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.

Maria is someone who listens to my heart as I share challenges and joys.

Ashley Baldwin, Inspired by Maria Matthews

Maria and I first got connected because of a shared passion for generosity and city renewal. Through our collaborative work, I have come to know Maria not just professionally but also personally. What I didn’t know in the beginning is that she would become a friend, mentor, and significant support in my life. It has meant so much to engage with someone who I would like to emulate.

Maria is an inspiration to me because she effortlessly embodies an abundance mindset. She is an encourager at every turn and always sees the possibilities as she turns challenges into opportunities. She is a natural bridge builder, choosing to see the best in people and bring them together. She is a safe person who invites vulnerability, seeing first a person, not a profession. She is a driven, strategic thinker but leads at an appropriate pace.

I, and so many others, am a beneficiary of these qualities. Maria is someone who listens to my heart as I share challenges and joys. She never fails to encourage me, provide helpful advice, and celebrate progress. As a young, working mom, I can quickly fall into a scarcity mindset. Maria is a reminder of what could be as she shares an abundance mindset with those she encounters. It is a gift to have such a wise friend on this journey.

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