Dr. Lori Bruce
Chancellor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Chancellor Lori Bruce has seen the transformative power of higher education in her own life, something that guided her career choices. “I started as an engineer and researcher, focusing on remote sensing and pattern recognition,” she shares. “Over time, I found myself drawn increasingly to leadership roles in academia.” She went on to lead academic programs, grow research initiatives, and support students and faculty while working at Tennessee Technological University and Mississippi State University.
Now, as Chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, she is continually inspired by the change she sees education making in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. “I’ve seen firsthand how access, opportunity and support can open doors that change a student’s life trajectory,” she explains. “I realized that stepping into leadership could have a broader impact, helping shape institutions to better serve our students and strengthen our communities. That continues to motivate me daily to ensure our university is making a meaningful difference.”
Chancellor Bruce is also encouraged and energized by how UTC and Chattanooga are connected. “We have a unique opportunity to partner with our community in ways that create opportunity and support regional growth,” she says. “Every day brings a chance to make a difference—for our students, campus, and community—and that’s what I find most rewarding.”
As someone who finds great joy in being a leader in her community, Chancellor Bruce encourages women to lead as well. “It’s incredibly important for women to step forward and lead in their communities because representation matters,” she shares. “When leadership reflects the people it serves, it leads to stronger decisions and outcomes.” She hopes women will step confidently into leadership roles, authentically sharing their voices and perspectives to better their world.
Gretchen Wynn
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
As the granddaughter of a Chattanooga businessman, Gretchen Wynn had a great example of being disciplined in stewarding money. “He showed me what financial stability looks like,” she shares. “He shaped my understanding of responsibility, entrepreneurship, and money.” During COVID, she became interested in the stock market and learned as much as she could. These interests led her to working with Edward Jones. “I stepped into this work because I had people who pushed me forward,” Gretchen shares. “My husband and daughter—my biggest cheerleaders—and my colleagues and mentors believed in and encouraged me.”
Gretchen enjoys supporting others through her work by boosting their confidence in both financial matters and personal growth. “What I do isn’t transactional; it’s about relationship,” she explains. “Being a steady voice in the moments that feel too big, turning overwhelm into clarity, and fear into a plan.”
Gretchen’s life is full of women who have encouraged her growth. “I’ve been surrounded by strong women who have poured into me, challenged me, and widened my circle,” she says. “Their support is a reminder that community truly is essential.” Additionally, as she’s raising a young woman—her daughter, Jayla—Gretchen strives to live confidently, being an example by living out her faith and taking bold steps. “I want her to see courage and growth lived out, not just spoken about,” she shares. “Growth doesn’t follow a timeline, and it is never too late to step into who you’re meant to be.”
Serving her community one person at a time, Gretchen loves encouraging other women to take bold steps towards make a difference. “Seeing other women leading in the community sets off a ripple effect that allows young girls and women to step into their potential,” Gretchen says. “When we bring diverse perspectives to the table, we create better, more effective solutions.”
Heather Woods
Manager, Pet Placement Center
Whether they’re her own, those of family members, or in a shelter, waiting for a home, taking care of animals has always been a joy for Heather Woods. Growing up, her family had dogs and her uncle had horses, so animals have always been her safe space.
While living in southern Alabama for eight years, Heather’s passion grew as she volunteered at a veterinary office and worked in animal shelters. When she came back to Chattanooga, her hometown, she discovered Pet Placement Center. “I loved Pet Placement Center,” Heather shares. “It wasn't like other shelters. The animals were well attended, getting individual one-on-one time.”
Shortly after, Heather began working as a kennel technician there. “I adored it,” she shares. “The level of compassion, love, and attention in the shelter was amazing.” After about a year, Heather transitioned into her current management position and loves serving in that capacity alongside the women on the board. “They’re an amazing, supportive group of women,” she says.
Now, three years after starting at Pet Placement Center, Heather has four dogs—including three adopted from the center—and numerous others at the shelter that she embraces as her own. “We’re their home until they're adopted. We treat them like they're our animals,” she shares. “It’s so rewarding to know that we’re helping enrich these animals' lives.” Heather’s compassion comes from her mother, who is a compassionate woman and a great influence in Heather’s life.
Just as her mom inspired her, Heather hopes to inspire other women. Heather has discovered the joy from embracing her passions, so she hopes more women will pursue their dreams and experience the same happiness. “Find a way to be involved and work toward your dreams and hopes,” she says. “It's never too late to follow that dream and find different paths to make your dream a reality.”
Pam Reed
Executive Director, Houston Museum of Decorative Arts
Pam Reed has always had a passion for art and sharing it with others. For 20 years, she enjoyed a fashion design career in New York City and worked with various fashion companies. During their time in New York, she and her husband also opened a space that included a bar, restaurant, and event area. “We created a space rooted in community, creativity, and connection,” she shares. They sold the business seven years later and, with two young daughters, the future was uncertain. “Then, on our 15th anniversary trip, we unexpectedly found ourselves in Chattanooga,” Pam reflects. “We reconnected with friends and opportunities, and soon after we decided to move.”
Once in Chattanooga, Pam visited the Anna Safley Houston Museum of Decorative Arts. “I was completely captivated,” she says. In 2022, she stepped into the role of Executive Director—an excellent fit for her passions and skills, especially with her background in hospitality and love of visiting museums for inspiration during her fashion design career.
Though working at the museum was a big change for Pam, it has been an opportunity for growth. “It wasn’t about having a perfect background,” she explains, “it was about being willing to try, learn, and lead authentically.” She encourages other women to embrace the same sort of opportunities. “Be open to change, trying something new, and reinventing yourself,” she says. “It can be intimidating, but the skills gained along the way are transferable in ways we don’t always realize.”
She also hopes that other women will take chances to impact their communities. “It’s incredibly important for women to step into leadership roles in their communities because we bring a different perspective—one that often values collaboration, creativity, and connection,” Pam says. “When women see other women leading, it expands what feels possible.”
Allie Levine
Stroke Survivor
Since she was 21 years old, Allie Levine has experienced severe bouts of tachycardia due to three congenital heart defects and the malfunctioning of her heart’s natural pacemaker. She went in for surgery April 2023 to correct the third congenital defect and, as a healthy woman in her 40s, she wasn’t concerned about complications. She couldn’t have foreseen what came next.
"Waking up in the recovery room, I could feel something was very wrong," Allie shares. Doctors quickly identified that Allie had suffered a stroke, changing the course of her recovery.
Allie spent over six weeks in rehabilitation. “I shared updates on CaringBridge, started attending local in-person stroke support groups, and joined some online groups,” Allie says. “But as is often the case with online platforms, the misinformation was alarming.” She saw the need in that area and is now in the final phases of creating an online support group that will be free and led by stroke-survivors with a medical background. “God placed me at this moment in time for this purpose,” Allie shares. “My hope with launching this online community is to give back dignity to people who have fought and worked so hard.”
Additionally, Allie developed a program for new stroke survivors. “I found the early days post-stroke to be the most challenging times I faced throughout my entire journey,” Allie shares. “This program would provide support and mentorship for those who are just leaving the hospital or rehabilitation facilities and are facing life after stroke.”
She is also spreading awareness to help women advocate for themselves. “As women, our bodies don’t always present with the classical signs and symptoms of a stroke or heart attack,” Allie says. “Trust your instincts and advocate for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, say something! Keep saying something until someone listens. It may just save your life or the life of someone you love.”
“I’ve been surrounded by strong women who have poured into me, challenged me, and widened my circle. Their support is a reminder that community truly is essential. Growth doesn’t follow a timeline, and it is never too late to step into who you’re meant to be.”