News Summary
The Greater Chattanooga area will celebrate ten remarkable female leaders at the Women of Distinction awards ceremony. These honorees have made significant contributions to their fields and the community, showcasing excellence in professional and civic engagement. Janet Ayers will receive a special recognition as Tennessee Woman of Distinction for her impactful work in education and healthcare. Join the celebration on November 12 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Chattanooga Honors 2025 Women of Distinction
The Greater Chattanooga area will celebrate its remarkable female leaders at the 2025 Women of Distinction awards ceremony on November 12 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The event acknowledges ten honorees who have demonstrated excellence in their fields and made significant contributions to the community.
The Woman of Distinction Award has been honoring extraordinary women in the Greater Chattanooga area for over three decades, since its inception in 1993. This prestigious award recognizes women who not only excel professionally but also dedicate themselves to community service. The honorees are seen as role models, inspiring others through their achievements and commitment to making a difference.
2025 Honorees
This year’s honorees include:
- Lee Ann Adams, Attorney at Gearhiser Peters Elliott & Cannon
- Valoria Armstrong, Vice President at UNUM
- Callie Burnette, Partnerships Director at Chattanooga Tourism
- April Cameron, CEO of Chattanooga Airport Authority
- Beverly Edge, COO, General Counsel & Partner at HHM, CPAs
- Darde Long, President & CEO of the City of Chattanooga Zoo
- Christa Mannarino, Executive Director of Local Services at Signal Centers
- Tricia King Mims, Executive Director of National Park Partners Chickamauga, Chattanooga
- Angela Stiggins, Vice President of Operations at CHI Memorial
- Phyllis Williams, Community Volunteer
Special Recognition for Janet Ayers
Janet Ayers will be honored as the Tennessee Woman of Distinction. Ayers co-founded and serves as president of the Ayers Foundation Trust, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural Tennesseans through education and workforce initiatives. Her leadership has significantly impacted the lives of nearly 20,000 students across 33 high schools in 21 distressed counties through the Ayers Scholars Program.
In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Ayers has an extensive background in healthcare administration, in which she has held pivotal roles and received numerous awards for her contributions to the field.
Event Details
The awards luncheon is set for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a program that provides free, age-appropriate books to enhance early literacy. Tickets for the luncheon are available at a price of $75 each and can be reserved until November 5 at WomenOfDistinctionGC.com.
Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to Donna McConnico via email, highlighting the opportunity for local businesses to support this important initiative.
Impact on Community
The Women of Distinction awards not only celebrate professional achievements but also pay homage to significant contributions made to civic, cultural, philanthropic, and environmental efforts. The initiative seeks to inspire women from all walks of life to reach their full potential and positively improve community life.
Beyond just an awards ceremony, this event aims to effect change in children’s lives through literacy initiatives, fostering a brighter future for the next generation.
With the participation of local leaders, businesses, and community members, the 2025 Women of Distinction awards promise to be a memorable event that highlights the power of women dedicated to making a real difference.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vicky Gregg Inducted into Tennessee Healthcare Hall of Fame
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Annual Awards Luncheon
- News Channel 9: Women of Distinction
- Knox News: Tennessee Woman of Distinction Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women of Distinction
- Chattanooga Pulse: Dr. Rebecca Ashford Honored
