This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
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Tell us about yourself?
A Trailblazer in Finance and Leadership: With a career spanning four decades, I have consistently broken barriers in the financial services industry. I retired in 2018 as Executive Vice President & Manager of Private Client Services at First Tennessee Bank (now First Horizon). In July 2024, I returned as Executive Vice President, Executive Strategy Advisor, and Senior Banking Officer for Studio Bank. Throughout my career, I have championed diversity and inclusion while mentoring countless professionals.
My achievements have earned me numerous accolades, including First Horizon’s Inclusion & Diversity Leader’s Award, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Award of Excellence, the Nashville Business Journal Women of Influence Award, and the U.S. Small Business Woman Advocate of the Year. In 2018, I authored Own Your Phenomenal Self: A Guide on Character, Success, and Leadership, an Amazon bestseller designed as a “pocket mentor” to inspire success.
Commitment to Service and Community: A Nashville native, my impact extends well beyond the profession. I have served three times as Board Chair of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, leading initiatives in domestic violence prevention, financial literacy, and girls’ empowerment. Also, I served two terms on the YWCA-USA National Board, where I played a key role in fundraising and elevating programs like Shear Haven and AMEND Together to national prominence.
One of my most significant contributions is advancing financial literacy for young women. I co-founded Girls Just Wanna Have Funds, an initiative that has educated hundreds of middle and high school girls on financial independence. In recognition of my 30+ years of dedication, I received the 2024 YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee Carrie Hull Award for lifetime achievement.
Beyond YWCA, I am deeply involved in Nashville’s business and civic landscape. I serve on the Founders’ Advisory Board of Studio Bank, am a member of the International Women’s Forum, a founder of the Black Obsidian Network (B-ON), a Rotarian, and an executive coach for Deloitte. My contributions have been recognized through induction into the YWCA Academy for Women of Achievement and inclusion in NashvilleBusiness.Net’s 100 Leading African Americans.
A Legacy of Empowerment: As President & CEO of Dream Bigger Now TODAY, a company I co-founded with my daughter Britt, we continue to inspire through workshops, keynotes, and leadership programs, particularly empowering women and girls.
What should we know about you?
With over 40 years of experience in financial services and community service, I’ve dedicated my career to breaking barriers and mentoring the next generation of leaders. My passion is empowering women and creating pathways to financial independence and leadership. Through leadership roles in financial services, civic organizations, and my company, Dream Bigger Now TODAY, I focus on creating opportunities for others. Recognized with numerous awards, I remain committed to service, diversity, and inclusion while fostering leadership in the next generation.
How did you get to your current position?
After retiring as EVP at First Horizon in 2018, I was coaxed out of retirement in 2024 to help lead Studio Bank to its next stage of growth. Studio Bank has been highly successful, building a strong foundation and growing from zero to $1 billion. Now, as they position themselves for exponential growth, I’ve joined as EVP, Executive Strategic Advisor, and Senior Banking Officer to contribute my expertise, experience, network, and deep community ties to help accelerate their momentum and long-term success.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
The Chamber plays a crucial role in fostering business growth, economic development, and community collaboration. It provides a platform to support entrepreneurs, advocate for diversity and inclusion, and strengthen local businesses. As someone committed to mentorship and financial empowerment, I value the Chamber’s ability to connect leaders, create opportunities, and drive positive change in the business community.
What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
At 25, I already believed I had the power to achieve the success I wanted, but what I would tell my younger self now is to reinforce that belief with even more confidence. I would tell her to own her power fully—to trust without doubt that she is in control, that she has enough, and that she is smart enough to do anything. I’d remind her that she doesn’t need others to buy into her vision if she doubles down on herself. At 25, I felt this deep down, but I didn’t always know it. Now, I know with certainty: I can achieve anything on my own, at any time, and with unwavering conviction.
What local non-profit has a mission that resonates with you?
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women deeply aligns with my personal values and professional goals. For over 30 years, I’ve been actively involved as a volunteer, including three terms as board chair, and leading numerous initiatives that serve this vital mission. Their focus on addressing domestic violence through the Weaver Domestic Violence Center and their advocacy for racial justice and equality resonate strongly with my commitment to creating lasting change in our community.
Throughout my time with the YWCA, I’ve seen firsthand how their programs provide crucial support to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, while working towards systemic change to eliminate racism. I am inspired by their holistic approach to empowering women and creating safer, more self-sufficient lives for women and children. This is a cause I am deeply passionate about and will continue to support as my non-profit of choice.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? What is the best part of working in your field?
The most rewarding part of my role as Executive Vice President and Executive Strategic Advisor is being at the table, directly influencing decisions that help drive Studio Bank’s growth to the next level. I have the privilege of working closely with entrepreneurs, creators, and individuals with big dreams, playing a key role in connecting them to the bank’s resources for their growth and success. Additionally, my position allows me to make a positive impact on nonprofits that are changing lives in our community, supporting the missions and visions of those who serve others. All of these aspects of my job are what I find truly fulfilling.
What is your personal anthem?
“I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply all my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.”
This quote deeply resonates with me and serves as my personal anthem. Throughout my career in financial services and community service, I’ve been committed to empowering women and advancing financial independence, striving to make a significant impact rather than settling for mediocrity. My dedication to organizations like YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee reflects this purpose, as I work to eliminate racism and empower women.
Mandino’s words inspire me to continually strive for excellence, to grow beyond limitations, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. They remind me that my purpose is to reach my fullest potential and to contribute positively to my community.
This philosophy guides my actions and decisions, reinforcing my commitment to personal growth and community empowerment.
