Photowalk Nashville offers the experience of having a professional photographer capture a day out with you and your friends. | Photos provided by Photowalk Nashville
You spoke, and we listened — here’s the second batch, rounding out 40 local women making waves in Nashville. These leaders are running companies, launching ideas, and shaping our community.
Note: Submissions have been lightly edited for grammar, clarity, and length.
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. + 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.
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.
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.
Motto by Hilton was designed by a Nashville-based, nationally recognized firm ESa.
Photo by McGinn Photography
Open
Motto by Hilton Nashville Downtown is now open, introducing the brand’s micro-hotel concept just steps from Broadway. The 13-story, 260-room hotel features flexible, connected rooms, communal spaces, a two-story lobby, and thoughtful design by Nashville-based ESa, keeping guests rooted in downtown and connected to the city.
Ranked
Nashville-based Gresham Smith ranks No. 4 in Fast Company’s 2026 World’s Most Innovative Companies list for Architecture. The firm is recognized for its Design Lab of the Future, a client-focused innovation platform that streamlines approvals, enhances collaboration, and reimagines the architecture and design process.
Launching
The Nashville Area Chamber and MTSU’s Business and Economic Research Center are rolling out Middle Tennessee’s first quarterly Business Confidence Index. Surveying 1,200+ executives, it will track local business sentiment and provide insights to guide leaders, policymakers, and community partners.
Development
Kansas City-based EPR Properties has purchased Nashville’s Margaritaville Hotel for $70 million. The 12-story building, opened in 2019 with 165 rooms and 52 condos, was developed by Jimmy’s Last Laugh LLC, which acquired the site for $8.25 million in 2016. (NashvillePost)
Leadership
Warner Records Nashville announced key leadership moves: Patrick Sabatini, Kristen Williams, and Victoria Mason promoted to EVP roles, with Brooke Hardesty and Rohan Kohli elevated to SVP. Austin Jenkins joins as SVP, A&R. The changes strengthen the label’s executive and creative teams, driving artist growth and global impact. (MusicRow)
Job
Lead strategy, drive impact, and help MNPS become the nation’s highest-performing urban district — Metro Nashville Schools is hiring a Director of Organizational Effectiveness. This role shapes district initiatives, builds playbooks, and empowers teams to deliver measurable results, with a salary starting at $112,000.
Ranked
Franklin is proving that big careers don’t need big cities. Recently ranked No. 8 in Coworking Cafe’s US career hotspots, the city combines rising wages, a diverse economy, and high business density with affordability and quality of life. (The Tennessean)
Nashvillian
Nashville recently honored Robert Churchwell, the city’s first Black full-time reporter, with a historical marker at Robert Churchwell Museum Magnet Elementary. Known as “The Jackie Robinson of Journalism,” Churchwell chronicled Black Nashville’s triumphs despite systemic barriers, leaving a lasting legacy of perseverance, service, and storytelling that continues to inspire. (Nashville Banner)
Plan Ahead
Ever wondered what hurdles job-seekers face after incarceration? On Wednesday, April 8, join Project Return, TN Hospitality & Tourism Association, and the Nashville Area Chamber for a hands-on reentry simulation and discussion on breaking barriers to employment.
Finance
Thinking about the next phase of your business? First Financial Bank is ready to start the conversation. With the merger of CedarStone Bank, First is expanding its presence and bringing trusted guidance to more businesses. Backed by 192 years of experience, First helps owners navigate their biggest business decisions.*
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
Women in Nashville Real Estate Investors (WIN REI) | Thursday, April 2 | 4-6 p.m. | Lou/Na Rooftop | Free, reserve your spot | Connect with women in Nashville’s real estate investing community at this monthly meetup designed for networking, collaboration, and sharing insights — whether you’re new or seasoned.
Nashville Tech & Finance Networking Event | Thursday, April 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Rare Bird | $20 | Connect with tech and finance professionals at this networking event focused on meaningful conversations and career-building connections.
114-116 17th Ave. S. | 9,100 sqft | $6.5 million | Iconic Music Row property featuring a fully operational recording studio, over 9,100 sqft across two buildings, 13+ parking spaces, and a piece of music history.
Office, for lease
Woodmont Center | 1,296-16,177 sqft | $39/sqft/yr | Turnkey Class A professional suites with flexible layouts, 24/7 access, covered parking, and prime connectivity near Interstates 440/40, West End, and Green Hills.
Office, for sale
319 Plus Park Office | 10,000 sqft | $1.895 million | Prime South Nashville freestanding asset, fully leased, high visibility, minutes from BNA and interstates, surrounded by major employers — a stable, long-term investment.
Industrial, for lease
41 Hart St. | 6,000 sqft | $20/sqft/yr | Open warehouse near Downtown Nashville with drive-in bays, dock doors, and flexible industrial space minutes from interstates and BNA airport.
Extra, extra: Nashville teens are bringing print news back, and as a former student newspaper reporter, you know I’m here for this. The student-run Nashville SUNN, which launched in late 2025, covers everything from city politics to culture and community stories — all produced by high school and college contributors. It’s free, nonpartisan, and anyone can sign up to read it, and students can pitch to join the team.
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