The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga announces that Cecilia Garrett and LaTrice Currie will be the speakers at Voices, the organization’s annual luncheon fundraiser. The event is co-chaired by Leslie Smith and Lea Anne Wiles, board members and supporters of the organization. The 
event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at The Chattanoogan Hotel.  

“This year’s program focuses on Advocates of Change and highlights the powerful and personal stories of two inspirational women,” said Melody Shekari, WFGC’s executive director.

“By sharing their journeys and the power of advocacy, they will inspire us to get involved in order to build a community where all women and girls thrive.” 

Individual tickets are $78. Guests may host a table and purchase eight tickets for $624. Tickets are 
available to purchase at givebutter.com/voices-2026. The event typically sells out and draws 400 
attendees with doors opening at 10:45 a.m and programming from 11:30 a.m.-1p.m. 

“Voices is a fun and informative event that encourages connection and building community. The energy in the room is dynamic, as well as the opportunity to network with hundreds of women in our community. During the program, we will share stories of impactful local advocacy and the power of collective philanthropy” added Ms. Shekari. 

"We are also honoring Dr. Edna Varner, who has uplifted so many women and girls in our community through her work in education, philanthropy, leadership and more," organizers said. "She has been a longtime supporter of the Women’s Fund and a number of organizations in Chattanooga, and she has been so impactful that there is a membership level of the Nightingale Network collective philanthropy program named after her."

Nightingale Network membership donations go directly towards three grants WFGC awards to local 
nonprofits, and the 2026 winners will be announced at the event.  

A limited number of corporate sponsorships are also still available. For more information about how to become an event sponsor, visit tinyurl.com/voices2026-sponsorships or email 
melody@chattanoogawomensfund.org. 

About the speakers: 
Cecilia Garrett is a local attorney and a Chattanooga native. She is a graduate of Notre Dame High 
School, UTC and Belmont University College of Law. Outside of work, Ms. Garrett enjoys spending time with her husband and their three young children. 

LaTrice Currie is an award-winning local journalist, news anchor, author and advocate. Ms. Currie co-anchors Local 3 News at noon and 5:30 p.m. She is a native Tennessean who grew up in Nashville.