What a challenge to narrow down a list of exceptional women in Memphis doing good work. So many gifted individuals are putting in the time and effort to make Memphis a better city through education, arts, entertainment, civic service, business, medicine and more. An abundance of talent and so very many natives of the River City bring home their education and experiences to make a difference in the city they love.
In these interviews, I was determined to avoid questions about COVID-19. There was no avoiding it. A two-year pandemic has had a significant impact on how these women approach their work and lives. There were some adjustments and leaning into uncertainty that can only be described as silver linings.
Augusta Campbell
Producer and Costumer
Augusta was born in Memphis to Chilean parents who moved here for her father’s work at St. Jude. An enthusiastic cinephile, her father introduced her to film and fantasy at an early age. She followed that passion to St. Agnes Academy and the University of Memphis where she studied fine art and developed her eye for fashion and design.
Ironically, her first break in styling was working for St. Jude's Thanks and Giving Campaign launching a career “telling stories through costumes,” Augusta says.
With two young boys, she went back to work in print as fashion editor for Mid-South Magazine. Her authentic style was quickly recognized, and she was scooped up for screen work including commercials and network series Bluff City Law on NBC and Women of the Movement on ABC. She has since produced award-winning short films and just completed a pilot for her first feature film and a national promotional campaign for Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
A member of the IATSE Union, Campbell is passionate about bringing creative work to Memphis and promoting local talent to benefit the city. This includes scouting locations, casting and production in addition to her costume work, culling looks from local vintage and high-end shops.
Chantal Drake
Director of Development and Communication, The Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Chantal joined The Dixon 11 years ago as an intern. A native of Alabama, she earned her MA at the University of Memphis in Art History, and her role has evolved over the years into director of Development and Communications.
Chantal has always been intentional about keeping The Dixon relevant and accessible to the community. On-line programming and virtual events helped to grow the Dixon patronage beyond expectations during the pandemic. Chantal invited influencers to work in the gardens post shutdown and let social media do its magic to attract the attention of new markets. The Dixon offered free admission as soon as it re-opened and has extended that through 2024 with the generosity of donors.
Carey Faber Campbell, MD
Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis
A native Memphian, Dr. Carey Campbell came home to join the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis in 2018. An aesthetic plastic surgeon, Dr. Carey offers the latest procedures and treatments, helping clients be “the best version of themselves.”
Demand for aesthetic procedures increased during the pandemic. “Patients are more excited to take care of themselves and make improvements.”
With degrees from Princeton and Case Western Reserve University and years of fellowships and training in New York and Dallas, Dr. Carey is uniquely qualified to achieve the results her patients are seeking. Her reputation for exceptional work has helped to grow her client base and garnered national attention, as she was recently invited to join the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Carey was first drawn to medicine in high school when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She and her husband and two young girls are happy to be back in the River City, positively impacting our community through her practice and volunteer work for St. Jude and St. Mary’s Episcopal School.
Kristen Ring, Ed.D.
President and Head of School, Hutchison School
In 2016, Kristen moved with her husband and three children to Memphis. With degrees from Wake Forest and High Point University, Kristen taught English and coached before being recruited as an administrator. Her leadership style is imbued with joy and positivity that is palpable on campus and like a seasoned coach she asks students to think like athletes.
“Schools are supposed to be happy places,” she says. “The goal is not perfection—it’s about always trying to improve.”
It has been a few stressful years for school administrators. Kristen introduced initiatives to ensure students felt “valued, known and supported,” even when they were not on campus. Developing girls’ confidence is her top priority in preparation for their next chapter. “We strive to cultivate the mind, body and spirit of our girls, so that they may lead lives of balance and integrity.”
Gretchen Wollert McLennon
President and CEO, Ballet Memphis
As a high school student at St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Gretchen was a member of the Ballet Memphis company. After earning degrees at Northwestern and Wake Forest and spending many years in the non-profit world, Gretchen joined the Board of Ballet Memphis before being named president and CEO. Her appointment coincided with the beginning of the pandemic, a challenge she embraced with the belief that “when nothing is certain, anything is possible.”
It was a perfect time to reposition Ballet Memphis. “While dance and music are the soul of the ballet,” she says, “we want to be aspirational and accessible.” She has sought out fresh new energy and incorporated popular music and a little funk into the company while always maintaining their values of excellence, belonging, authenticity and joy.
Building an audience is an ongoing challenge. Her team is constantly working to cultivate the next generation of arts patrons by being more reflective of the Memphis community in their productions. The new building has been critical to that end as have partnerships with other creative institutions like the Stax Music Academy.