2024 UnBought and UnBossed Sneaker Gala & Silent Auction

2024 UnBought and UnBossed Sneaker Gala & Silent Auction

PRESS RELEASE

Girls Inc. of Chattanooga Announces 2024 UnBought and UnBossed Honorees   

CHATTANOOGA, TN — Girls Inc. of Chattanooga proudly hosted the UnBought and UnBossed Announcement Reception on Monday, December 4, 2023, presenting the exceptional women chosen as honorees for the 2024 UnBought and UnBossed Sneaker Gala. This distinguished event celebrated outstanding achievements in STEM, education, advocacy, and media: highlighting the trailblazing efforts of remarkable women in these fields.  

The 2024 UnBought and UnBossed honorees are:  

  •  Sole Award in STEM: Lawanda Hayes, Senior Project Manager, Civil Project Management at Tennessee Valley Authority  
  • Sole Award in Education: Dr. Sarah Lane, principal at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School, Hamilton County Schools  
  • Sole Award in Media: Alison Lebovitz, Motivational Speaker, TV Host of The A List and Author of Am I There Yet? 
  • Sole Award in Advocacy: Candy Johnson, CEO of The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga  

“These remarkable women embody the spirit and determination that the UnBought and UnBossed event stands for, and their contributions serve as an inspiration to future generations,” said Toccora Petersen, CEO of Girls Inc. of Chattanooga.  

The Announcement Reception marked the opening chapter leading to the Honoree Tea scheduled for Spring 2024. This unique event, a first for Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, promises to be an intimate gathering where UBUB alumnae and guests can engage with the past and current honorees.  

Girls Inc. of Chattanooga is grateful to the UnBought and UnBossed co-chairs Jacki and Corey Madding, and Monica and Adam Kinsey, for their invaluable support and dedication to making this event a success.  

Following the Honoree Tea, Girls Inc. of Chattanooga will be commemorating the 20th anniversary of the UnBought and UnBossed signature event as an evening gala – the Sneaker Gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. “This transformative celebration, unlike any before, will bring together supporters, advocates, and champions for an unforgettable experience, all while raising funds to support the organization’s mission,” said Petersen.  

The UnBought and UnBossed event, established in honor of the late congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to run for President of the United States, holds a special place in the hearts of Girls Inc. of Chattanooga. Chisholm’s legacy of breaking barriers and championing equality aligns seamlessly with the organization’s commitment to empowering young girls to be strong, smart, and bold.  

Tickets for the UnBought and UnBossed Sneaker Gala & Silent Action will be available for purchase in January 2024. For those interested in becoming a sponsor or learning more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jocelyn Loza at jloza@girlsincofchatt.org.