Women Build - Groundbreakers

Meet our 2020 Women Build Groundbreakers

Groundbreakers are a determined group of women who are spirited, self-confident, and mesmerizing in their fields of endeavor.  Philanthropic, graceful, positive mentors, these women bring their unique bearing on our community,  elevating Nashville to be a more inclusive and thriving environment.

Image

Jessica Averbuch CEO Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty

More about Jessica Averbuch

Image Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift... that's why they call it present. I am very aware that the present is the one thing that we can experience and relish. Passion and Creativity Energy The sense of fulfillment I get when I am able to provide value and put others needs ahead of mine fuels my desire to make an impact. That being said, I am intentional about ensuring that my well being is nurtured by taking the time to do the things that give me energy and sustain me.  Home Beneath the surface, a home is a living breathing spirit filled with people, their energy, relationships, experience and memories. Women Supporting Women The role of confidant that women play in each other’s lives is so important. We support each other by opening up to one another and sharing our feelings through life’s biggest and smallest moments. Philanthropy The willingness to take care of people and provide a safeguard to those at a disadvantage is the key to a healthy productive society. There is a Hebrew word and concept called Tikkun olam, which is defined by the responsibility we have to repair the world by acts of kindness for others, especially those at a disadvantage. If we don’t help others, who will? Best Advice As women I think we are innately programmed to worry and my advice is to only worry about things that you have control over.

Image

Kebbyn Connell Certification Specialist of Business Diversity BNA Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority

More about Kebbyn Connell

Image Balance is the key to enlightenment. Enlightenment is the key to self-value and self-worth. An enlightened person with a solid sense of value and worth owns many kinds of shoes and wears them at the appropriate times. Passion and Creative Energy What sustains me is the rewarding joy of being of service to those who can grow into their potential, gain knowledge of who they are, and live their authentic life by finding their life’s passion and learning to share their voice. Woman Who Shaped Me My grandmother taught me how to live – how to honor life in truth, not through rose colored lenses. She has such strong infectious dignity, grace and morals. Everything she taught became my mantra.  Home Home allowed me the freedom to be me — to be loved and accepted without judgment, bias, or prejudice under the watchful lens of a large family. I learned the strength of family. Women Supporting Women Life oftentimes teaches you how to honor another woman because she is a reflection of you! I honor my sister by seeing her, acknowledging and responding to the authentic person she is — not the representative. Best Advice Be fierce! Don’t let your inabilities claim your destiny.

Image

Lisa Ferrelli Senior Vice President Global Commercial Banking Bank of America

More about Lisa Ferrelli

Image Women too often underestimate themselves and don’t really see their strengths. The best way we can support each other is to point out these strengths and build on them in actionable ways. Passion and Creative Energy I have loved the intellectual challenges my job provides to solve problems and continue to learn, but my passion and energy is for people. Inspiration Variety! With over a 35-year career with Bank of America, I have thrived on change. Woman Who Shaped Me Without a doubt it is my mom. Her best and constant advice was, ‘You can do anything you put your mind to!' She was right and I never felt limited in what I could do personally or professionally. Philanthropy Philanthropy has such an impact on our quality of life as a community, whether it is the arts, greenways, parks and conservation, or basic needs like food, water and shelter. Philanthropy has always been such a big factor in Nashville and will continue to be critical. Advice Work hard, play hard — you need to find a career that challenges you and allows you to grow professionally, while knowing the relationships in your life are the real secret to happiness and fulfillment. Stay centered and make sure you surround yourself with people who lift you up, shoot straight, and make you laugh.

Image

Angie Gore Founder and President Kaleidoscope Media

More about Angie Gore

Image I am a connector and I listen to my heart. I have learned to trust this along with my experience. Passion and Creative Energy I listen deeply to others. I listen not only to their words, but their actions, energy and intentions. I often help people see truths and identify opportunity within themselves and for their businesses that they might not see otherwise. Woman Who Shaped Me My grandmother was my champion but as I grew up in the business world, it was men who helped me. It was a man who encouraged me to start my first company. Today, I have many amazing women colleagues and mentors, but it took me growing into myself before I attracted them. Philanthropy There are so many people whose pursuit for happiness occurs within a system where the deck is stacked against them. Philanthropy can address these injustices on an individual level while also working to change the systems that perpetuate them. Advice Keep your eyes on your own paper! It doesn’t matter what they are doing…Listen to your heart, but do the work. Mantra Life is in the contrast and do what you say you are going to do.

Image

Daynise Joseph Government and Community Affairs Manager Google Fiber

More about Daynise Joseph

Image Mantra: ‘I am grateful for all my victories. But I am especially grateful for my losses, because they only made me work harder.’ _Muhammad Ali Passion and Creative Energy Connecting people to resources is the common theme throughout my life. Working on diversity, equity, and inclusion, I’ve always been excited to begin new adventures even when I may have been nervous about the challenge. Woman Who Shaped Me I was raised by my great-grandmother who was born in 1904, but it was my godmother, Jacqueline Cook, who said to me, ‘People will often forget the things you say but people never forget how you make them feel.’ This is something I keep in mind to this day. Being right has become less important to me than being kind over the years. Philanthropy Without philanthropy many students would not have school supplies, people would have to go without health services, and people who are experiencing homelessness would not have a path to housing. Philanthropy plays a vital role in the lives of people who need support. Women Supporting Women Data has shown that women who talk about their accomplishments at work are not viewed favorably particularly by other women. Women being more supportive of other women is a great way to uplift each other at work and in life. Advice I would offer another Muhammad Ali quote, ‘A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has lost thirty years of his life.’  The Daynise of today knows that Daynise in her 20s was quite foolish in many ways but appreciates her journey and path to knowing better.

Image

Janet Miller Market Leader & CEO I Partner Colliers International

More about Janet Miller

Image Be curious, say ‘yes’ to opportunities that stretch you and challenge you, know that hard work truly pays off, and always be grateful. Gratitude is the key to all the happiness that I have experienced in my life. Woman Who Shaped Me My 91-year-old mom, who passed away in September, said something to me that stuck with me over the years. She said, 'Get very good at being you.' Women Supporting Women For a person like me who values connection and security, there is nothing more nurturing than a female friend or mentor who can wrap you in their experience, their empathy and their love. Home The need for safety and connection are two of the most powerful human needs, often before all others.  That is what home means to me, and I believe every child deserves that kind of a nurturing, safe place and experience growing up. Philanthropy I am a big believer in the John F. Kennedy quote,'For those to whom much is given, much is required,’ and I think that characterizes the spirit of Nashville. We cannot be a truly thriving, successful city without embodying that spirit. Mantra Live your life on purpose.

Image

Karen Roach Principal Broker The Wilson Group Real Estate Services

More about Karen Roach

Image Thoughts become things, choose the good ones. Woman Who Shaped Me My mom! She taught me to learn from my mistakes and to also learn from other people’s mistakes because I don’t have enough time to make them all myself.  Home I feel the word home strikes a chord deep inside of everyone. Home to me is the place I can rest, relax, and enjoy time with my family and friends. Home to me means sanctuary. Women Supporting Women Women alone can have power, but collectively women have impact. Raising each other up and channeling the power of collaboration is truly how we can make change. Philanthropy When you believe in the cause you are supporting your investment turns to joy. Mantra The Golden Rule – ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ I believe that sums up how I live my life.

Image

Tara Scarlett President & CEO Scarlett Family Foundation

More about Tara Scarlett

Image Mantra: Live, Laugh, Love Passion and Creative Energy Outside of raising my children, my professional life’s work is focused on helping students follow their dreams. I believe all children have opportunity regardless of where they live and that an excellent education opens doors and inspires hope in life. Home Some say 'Home is where the heart is' but knowing where your heart can rest at night gives anyone a sense of place. As a parent, I want to ensure my family feels safe, secure and loved. Women Supporting Women Listen, lean in and lift up. Listening is not just about using your ears, it’s about using your heart to actively listen to someone. Give someone the break you never had and lift them up. Philanthropy I see philanthropy as a catalyst for change and/or an agent for support. We are a giving culture mixed with a lot of visionaries and that combination can be transformative for any community. Advice Follow your dreams. Don’t let anything stand in your way.

Image

Patricia Glaser Shea President & CEO GIVFUL

More about Pat Glaser Shea

Image   Live from your heart because love is everything. Passion and Creative Energy Unleashing human potential. What sustains me is the success of others — watching good people succeed so they can do more good work. Women Who Shaped Me My sisters — I have five of them. Their best advice: 'Be yourself. You are a unique and extraordinary person just as you are!' Women Supporting Women 'Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.'  _Maya Angelou Philanthropy Philanthropy is important because it connects us, makes us a system of humans. Those who give get as much as those who receive.  Philanthropy creates an opportunity for people to engage in their greatness.  Mantra 'You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.' _ Rumi. In other words, you have been crafted with the intelligence of the whole universe inside you.

Image

Tina Tuggle Senior Director of Community Relations Tennessee Titans

More about Tina Tuggle

Image Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence. Passion and Creative Energy I have a sign in my home that reads two of the most important days of our lives are the day we were born and the day we discover why — purpose. My purpose is to leave it better than I found it. Woman Who Shaped Me My mother is  a wonderful example of someone who lives a purposeful life. She’s intentional with her love, her devotion, her faith and her family. Home Our community embraced us and the love in my home raised us. We knew love, we knew togetherness, we played together, worshipped together and our families shared our lives together. Women Supporting Women 'When you learn, teach, when you get, give. _ Maya Angelou. It is our responsibility to lift each other up. Mantra Every day is amazing so wake up and smile. Positivity is a choice that becomes a lifestyle.

Image