Nearly 200 business and community leaders gathered at Erlanger Park on June 16 for Diversify: Women Mean Business, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The annual event celebrated the impact, innovation and leadership of women across Chattanooga’s business community while creating opportunities for meaningful conversation and connection.
The morning’s main panel featured Dr. Lori Mann Bruce, chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Janet Rehberg, president and CEO-elect of EPB. Moderated by Dalya Qualls White, chief communications officer at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, the discussion explored leadership journeys, mentorship, innovation and the challenges of leading through change.
Both panelists reflected on the pivotal decisions that shaped their careers and encouraged attendees to embrace opportunities, even when they feel unprepared.
“Confidence usually follows action. It doesn’t precede it,” Bruce said.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of creating pathways for future leaders. Bruce distinguished between mentorship and advocacy, emphasizing the role leaders play in helping others advance.
“Mentors mentor and guide, give advice on how to navigate situations. But advocates open doors for you,” she said.
Rehberg shared insights from her career in the utility industry and discussed the value of building authentic relationships through professional and community involvement.
“Networking is a powerful tool. It’s not about who you know. It’s about who knows you,” Rehberg said.
Panelists also discussed leading organizations through growth and innovation, fostering inclusive workplace cultures and empowering the next generation of leaders to find their voice and recognize their value.
Following the main program, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a second panel discussion featuring Ella Livingston, owner of Cocoa Asante, and Monique Quarterman, co-founder of Kinlike Care. Moderated by Marcherie Savage, director of entrepreneurial development at The INCubator, the conversation focused on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, building community and scaling a business.
Quarterman highlighted the role Chattanooga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has played in Kinlike Care’s growth.
“It is the support of this community, the Chamber, the INCubator, that has allowed us to go into the next stage, creating a scalable platform,” Quarterman said. From leadership and mentorship to entrepreneurship and innovation, Diversify: Women Mean Business showcased the talent, vision and determination of women helping shape Chattanooga’s future. The event also reinforced the importance of collaboration, connection and community support in creating opportunities for business leaders across the region.
