Julie Edwards
Host and Producer, Local 3 Plus You
As the producer and host of Local 3 Plus You, Julie Edwards welcomes members of the community daily and helps share their stories and passions with the people of Chattanooga.
“As a teenager, I remember wishing I could have a job where I could just host people. At the time, I had no idea what that even meant, but here I am and that's what I do…host people every day,” she shares. “I really enjoy that I never have a bad day. I talk with probably 10 guests each morning and I’m met with smiling faces every day. I hope I give the smile back.”
As a mom of two daughters, Julie shares the same advice with them that she shares with others. “Look for the positive in situations, learn to listen to your gut, and don’t be afraid to live your life in your own way,” says Julie. “Also, be patient and know that a little step that seems like a little step can become a series of little steps that become a great, big one at the end.”
Julie also loves spending time outdoors and during covid when she felt stuck inside, sought out the Ooltewah Nursery as an outlet for working outdoors. She still spends a few hours there each week and declares, “I'm happiest when I've got a little dirt under my fingernails.”
Join Julie daily on News Channel 3 at 11:00am and follow her on Facebook @Local3PlusYou.
June Scobee Rodgers
Author, Speaker, and Founder of the Challenger Center
As a teacher, author, and speaker, June Scobee Rodgers inspires others to aim high, keep learning, and pursue the next adventure. “There is no one on this earth created as uniquely as you are, so use those skills and talents that God has given you to be yourself,” she encourages. “And accept your problems as challenges. If you run across a problem, think of it as a challenge and go with it.”
June’s advice reflects how she has lived her life. As the widow of Challenger Space Shuttle Commander Dick Scobee, June set about sharing the legacy and passions shared by Challenger’s crew members through establishing the Challenger Center and many related hands-on educational programs.
“The families of the Challenger crew joined me and we poured out our hearts for wanting to make a difference for children who are still waiting for their lessons from space,” shares June. “We wanted people to remember how they lived, not just how they died, and the mission of the Challenger Center shows them that they can fly a mission, just like my husband did.”
June later married Lt. Gen. Don Rodgers and it was his encouragement that led her to write books and continue to champion various learning opportunities for children. “I have loved all the opportunities that I've been given, and I have been very loved by two wonderful husbands, my children, and grandchildren,” she shares. “I’ve truly loved this life.”
To learn more about June and her work, visit: junescobeerodgers.com.
Kristen Davis
Sales & Marketing Coordinator, MurMaid Mattress
Whether through her previous career as a collegiate volleyball coach or in her current role as Sales and Marketing Coordinator at MurMaid Mattress, Kristen Davis strives to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
She and her husband, Taylor, have the unique opportunity of being the third generation of Kristen’s family to continue the legacy of serving Chattanooga through MurMaid Mattress. “Seeing how this company started with my Mimi and Pap and how my parents have grown it into what it is today is inspiring to me,” shares Kristen. “"Working with my parents has been both an incredible learning experience and a unique challenge. I’ve had the opportunity to see all aspects of the company, gain invaluable knowledge from my parents, and navigate the dynamics of mixing family and business—all while getting to work alongside my husband."
Because MurMaid is locally owned, the company has the freedom to partner with local organizations and give back to the community in unique ways that Kristen loves. “Making a difference in our community and helping others is what drives me every day,” she says. “Growing up, I never fully understood how mattress could change someone's life, but when we get a call that children are sleeping on the floor and we have the opportunity to help, even in a small way, that is what brings me the most joy in this field.”
To learn more about the legacy of MurMaid Mattress, visit murmaid.com and follow the company on social media.
LaShon Carter
Founder & Owner, Tiny Tigers Learning Center & EDU Station
As the owner and director of Tiny Tigers Learning Center, LaShon Carter works to change the narrative that childcare simply serves as a babysitting service. She is on a mission to provide a safe, positive, and education-focused environment for children ages birth to 5 years old while also equipping their families with essential skills and resources.
“I don't just educate the students, I educate the teachers and parents,” she shares. “I host classes and seminars, not just furthering the staff’s training - because we have training mandated by the state of Tennessee - but also include parents on some of this training.” Topics for seminars include first aid/CPR, budgeting, and information LaShon gleans from Child Development Associates and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She also runs the EDU Station, a school supply store that provides affordable educational resources for families who want to help their children excel academically.
LaShon’s faith, positive outlook on life, and sense of humor help her easily relate to children, staff, and parents. She also shares that having a support network to provide mentorship and learning opportunities has been invaluable in her career. “I encourage women to build a community of mentors through places like the Urban League and the Chattanooga Chamber,” she says. “Once you build that community, you're able to lean on them on days when you need encouragement and guidance.”
To learn more about LaShon’s passion for helping children and families, visit tinytigerslearningcenter.com and letsgoexpress.org.
Misty Bolt
Founder, Medicare Misty
Misty Bolt’s kindness, fun and outgoing personality, and hardworking nature permeates everything she does. With over 20 years of experience working with Medicare plans, Misty provides much needed direction for clients as they navigate a system that can be difficult to understand. With a desire to help as many people as possible, Misty has grown the agency from her being the lone agent to now having 50 agents located in 45 states. Additionally, she published a book, Navigating the Medicare Maze with Medicare Misty.
Misty strives to give back to the local community through involvement in several organizations. Whether it’s mentoring young women through the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, assisting abused women through Chattanooga Room in the Inn, or supporting Helping Hands Ending Hunger by participating in Dance Stars Chattanooga, Misty plugs into causes that support the people of Chattanooga.
Each area of Misty’s life also encompasses deep faith. It is the desire to share her faith with a younger generation that has Misty working on a children’s book to be released this summer. “I wouldn't be here for it wasn’t for Jesus. He has directed my life, and He saved me,” she shares. “I want to teach children that when you're scared, abused, or hungry, that they have someone when they think they don't have anybody.”
To connect with Misty, visit medicaremisty.com and follow @medicaremisty on most social media platforms. Also find helpful videos @MedicareMistyBolt on YouTube.
Olivia Reeves
Olympic Gold Medalist
Over the last year, Olivia Reeves accomplished several impressive milestones. Not only did she graduate from University of Tennessee Chattanooga with her undergraduate degree in Sociology, but she also brought home a gold medal from the 2024 Olympic games in women’s weightlifting.
From a young age, Olivia’s parents encouraged her to participate in extracurricular activities and sports. She enjoyed being active at her mom’s CrossFit gym, but when Olivia discovered strength training, she realized that it appealed to her in a way other sports and workout routines did not.
“I decided to start weightlifting in September of 2015, and in less than a year I stopped doing CrossFit and decided that this is my sport. Ten years later, it ended up being the right one,” shares Olivia. “I absolutely love the sport and how it makes me feel. I love the idea of being strong and having that autonomy and capability be a part of my identity.”
Being part of the weightlifting community has allowed Olivia to see the benefits that go beyond what most people see on the surface, and she encourages others to give it a try. “Strength is a thing that should be part of everybody's life, regardless of age or gender. It's a valuable skill and builds character,” she says. “It's also a really great skill to have and a base for any sport because being strong also builds speed, and those two together can make a really good athlete.”
Photo Locations: Elsie's Daughter & The Hotel Chalet
Jewelry Provided by: Borrow Luxury