We asked who’s a woman in Nashville making waves right now, and wow — you delivered. Here are 40 local women leading companies, launching ideas, and shaping the region’s future, with many more to come.
Note: Submissions have been lightly edited for grammar, clarity, and length. Psst... stay tuned for the next batch of women leaders.
Abby Trotter, Founding Partner, Hall Strategies | Trotter promotes Nashville and Tennessee through events like the Music City Hot Chicken Festival and Southern Festival of Books, building community engagement and supporting local initiatives.
Alison Clougherty, Co-founder + Executive Director, Blind Early Services TN (BEST) | After noticing a gap in services for families of young blind children, Clougherty started a nonprofit to provide critical services + support.
Annika Baylis, Owner + Founder, Prickly Pear Coffee Co. | Bayliss turned Prickly Pear Coffee Co. from a folding-table setup during the pandemic into a thriving multi-location Nashville brand, blending business growth with community impact through faith, mentorship, and connection. | Nominated by Ellie S. + others
Beth Meadows, Associate, Wold Architects & Engineers | Meadows is a visionary architect whose work spans civic, educational, and government projects. She mentors the next generation while championing equity, inclusion, and professional excellence.
Caitlin Shirock, Founder + Owner, Caitlin Shirock Gallery | Shirock showcases her art locally and online and recently opened her own gallery. She inspires women and founders to turn creativity and passion into successful business ventures. | Nominated by Aly W.
Christy Hunter, Co-owner, Photowalk Your Travel | Hunter is “Christy the Connector,” building her business while lifting up others in Nashville’s hospitality scene. She fosters collaboration, introducing business owners to one another and creating opportunities for collective growth. | Nominated by Shannon L. and Gina P.
Cynthia Florez, Co-owner, Limo Peruvian Eatery | Florez embodies Nashville’s heart, hustle, and hospitality. She has grown Limo from a food truck to a beloved East Nashville restaurant, creating a space where culture, community, and connection thrive. Her leadership goes beyond business, showing generosity and compassion — even pausing operations to feed those in need. | Nominated by Elle B.
Danielle Pyle, COO, Fraction Force Strategies | Pyle uses her voice and relationships to advocate for sexual assault survivors, advancing meaningful change through initiatives like “Danielle’s Law.” Known for her dedication and kindness, she combines leadership with deep empathy. | Nominated by a friend + former co-worker
Debbie Radish-Respess, Founder, Invisible Horizons Coaching and Consulting | Radish-Respess guides leaders and entrepreneurs through transformation, helping clients expand vision, overcome barriers, and lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Ellie Stein, Founder + Owner, Stein Studio Interior Design | Stein blends technical rigor with soulful design, turning spaces into memorable experiences. She guides high-impact clients with calm authority and has been recognized as a top Woman in Business to watch by Modern Luxury Southeast. | Nominated by Savannah D. + others
Gail Ashworth, Attorney, Wiseman Ashworth Trauger Moore Silvus law firm | Ash knows the value of developing leaders. She co-founded the Tennessee Bar Association’s Leadership Law program and the Nashville Bar Association’s six-month program for new attorneys. Her dedication to cultivating leadership is one of her strongest qualities, alongside many other community involvements. | Nominated by Deborah V.
Hannah Russell, Co-founder + Co-owner, Lightbox Ice Cream | Russell blends creativity and hospitality as the “Chief Sunshine Officer,” creating joyful, community-focused experiences with inventive flavors.
Haley Zapolski, Founder, The Lighthouse | Zapolski supports Nashville’s startup community through The Lighthouse workspace and founder investments, strengthening the city as a hub for entrepreneurship. | Nominated by John P.
Holli Turriglio Quinn, Founder + Owner, The Healing Journey Therapy Center | Quinn has grown her practice from a single office to five locations, serving hundreds of clients across the greater Nashville area and establishing a leading presence in mental health services.
Jennifer Kinsey, General Manager + Commercial Business Unit Leader, Reeves Young | Kinsey redefines people-first leadership in construction, building skilled teams and expanding the firm’s reach while mentoring future industry leaders and engaging in community initiatives. | Nominated by Jordan H.
Kathryn Swanton, Owner, Metkat Marketing | Swanton amplifies nonprofit voices and advocates for overlooked communities. She leads with heart, courage, and creativity, building meaningful impact while uplifting others. | Nominated by Clarence J. C.
Kavya Sharman, Co-founder, Phase Capital | Sharman has built an influential network of entrepreneurs and funders at the intersection of healthcare and data technologies. She organizes annual events that foster innovation, partnerships, and improved approaches to health tech. | Nominated by Todd G.
Kimberly Patterson, Station Manager, WCHI Biggs Radio Chicago, Cummins Inc.| Patterson blends corporate leadership, media presence, and community advocacy, uplifting voices and celebrating culture. Her authenticity, influence, and dedication make her a true symbol of empowerment and connection.
Lana Pargh, Founder, The Pargh Team, Compass Real Estate | Pargh and her husband are driving growth and innovation in Nashville’s real estate market.
Laura Baker, Executive Director, Nashville Humane Association | Laura has led Nashville Humane Association for nine years, expanding operations and regional impact. Last year alone, NHA achieved a 99% save rate, placed 2,691 animals in homes, delivered 1,800 vaccines, and supported 69 partner shelters. | Nominated by Nancy F.
Laura Graye, Founder, Laura Graye LLC | Graye is a Medical and Emotional Intuitive who guides clients to uncover unconscious patterns affecting health and well-being, offering over 100 online programs to help people heal and empower themselves. | Nominated by Jeffrey D.
Laurel Orley, CEO + Co-founder, Daily Crunch | Orley founded Daily Crunch, building a successful brand that introduced a healthy, delicious snack to the market.
Lauren O’Brien + Kelly Carter, Co-founders, Shakti Power Yoga | The co-founders have built Shakti Power Yoga into a thriving, community-focused studio over 13 years, leading with heart and adaptability. | Nominated by Alexis G.
Leigh Lovett, Founder, Blogger Xchange | Lovett champions local businesses and creators through Blogger Xchange, amplifying Nashville’s entrepreneurial community. | Nominated by Taylor R.
Leigh Anne Strickland, Founder + CEO, Pivot | She advocates for other women, offering support, encouragement, and practical guidance. Women in business often face unique needs and challenges, making this kind of support especially valuable. | Nominated by Mariah P.
Lindsey Cox, CEO, Launch Tennessee | Cox built a successful nonprofit supporting startups in Tennessee for over 15 years. She leads programs in finance, policy, civic engagement, and tech-based economic development, with connections across government, corporate, and entrepreneurial networks. Her leadership drives innovation statewide. | Nominated by Chloe M.
Lisa DiVirgilio Arnold, CEO + Founder, Small Town Startup | Arnold helps small-town businesses start and grow through Small Town Startup and created Junior CEO Camp to teach entrepreneurship to teens.
Macy Tabor, Independent Singer/Songwriter | Tabor has been performing since age four, including Broadway appearances. She’s won multiple awards as an independent artist and performs over 200 shows annually.
Mariela Moscoso, Executive Director, YEAH! | Moscoso leads YEAH!, sharing her passion for youth and music to empower others through the arts and humanities. | Nominated by Julie D.
Megan Ivey, Founder + CEO, Cabling Innovations | Ivey co-founded Cabling Innovations, LLC in 2014 with her late husband, Brian Pitts. Navigating single parenthood and a male-dominated industry, she exemplifies resilience and determination, leading the company’s growth during Nashville’s rapid vertical development boom.
Founded by Collin and Megan Gray, Fable Beard Co. earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country.
Photo via Fable Beard Co.
Megan Gray, Co-founder + CEO, Fable Beard Co. | Gray leads in a male-dominated grooming industry, breaking barriers while growing Fable Beard Co., which has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list and maintains a loyal online community.
Megan McGuire, Senior Program Officer, Joe C Davis Family Foundation | What makes Megan iconic is her drive to learn about Nashville and bring people together to make the city better for everyone. | Nominated by Kelly P.
Nancy Wood Stabell, Founder + Lead Attorney, Wood Stabell Law Group | Stabell is a dealmaker and connector in Nashville, building a thriving women-led law firm while shaping the business ecosystem through mentorship, civic leadership, and advocacy. | Nominated by Katie R. | Nominated by Katie R.
Rhonda Wellmann, Executive Director, Project Redesign | Wellmann has grown Project Redesign’s impact, helping families create safe, comfortable homes while bringing design, marketing, and real estate expertise to the organization.
Savannah Benefield, Owner + Creative Director, Creative & Caffeinated | Benefield helps small businesses, especially women-led, grow through strategic storytelling, strong online presence, and community connection — turning scattered content into high-impact branding. | Nominated by Ellie S.
Sydney Dumler, Founder and CEO, Forza Pilates | Featured in The New York Times, Sydney has changed the game in boutique fitness with her genius marketing and bold business moves, leading Forza Pilates to open an atelier at Soho House Nashville and a new studio in Franklin.
Tanisha Wilson, Founder + CEO, B.E. Academy for Girls | Wilson embodies leadership, integrity, and success, ensuring girls in grades 5-9 at B.E. Academy for Girls have access to top teachers and curriculum.
Tiffany Heavener, Co-founder + Co-owner, LED Marquee | Heavener grew Nashville’s LED Marquee into a nationwide brand with 70+ locations, empowering local operators and bringing a creative business model to communities across the US. | Nominated by Hannah B.
Trisha Cancilla, Vice President of Marketing + Brand Strategy, R.S. Lipman / Lipman Brothers | Cancilla bridges marketing and sales at Nashville’s largest beverage distributor, turning around labels and launching local favorites while leading in a male-dominated industry. | Nominated by Tiffany B.
Olivia Russell, Founder + Owner, Russell Crafted Cabinetry | Russell elevates cabinetry into a defining element of homes, blending craftsmanship, precision, and artistry, while supporting and inspiring the broader design community.
