NASHVILLE, Tenn. (JANUARY 10, 2025) – The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce announced Monday the 2025 cohort of the signature Leadership Connect program. These distinguished business professionals were selected through a competitive application process, recognized for their civic and professional achievements, as well as their dedication to community engagement.
Leadership Connect is a six-month development program tailored for small business professionals, aiming to cultivate the next generation of community and business leaders. Participants gain access to subject matter experts and engage in dialogues with peers and seasoned CEOs experienced in community leadership. Through this initiative, small business professionals not only refine their leadership skills but also forge meaningful connections that drive innovation and collaboration across Middle Tennessee.
“Leadership Connect is about empowering the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our community,” said Ralph Schulz, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “It’s an honor to support such talented individuals, helping them grow as professionals and equipping them with the tools to make a lasting impact on our region.”
The 2025 Leadership Connect Cohort includes:
- Emerald Mitchell, Founder and Executive Director, Moves & Grooves Inc.
Dr. Mitchell leads a nonprofit arts organization serving nearly 1,600 youth annually in Middle Tennessee through after-school and summer enrichment programs. She has expanded the organization from 2 to 15 employees and secured over $8 million in grants over two decades. Her latest project is a $10 million Youth Arts Center in Antioch.
- Tiffany Hardin, CEO & Founder, Gild Creative Group
Ms. Hardin is an award-winning marketer and creator economy expert. Her agency specializes in influencer marketing, collaborating with brands like Hulu, Airbnb, and Microsoft. She is also developing a creator services tech startup, Represent, and advocates for mindful leadership through her professional development brand, Conscious Hustler™.
- Shira Levy, Founder, ReMaGi Laser and Skin
Ms. Levy co-founded Levy Dermatology in Memphis, growing it to four locations with 75 employees and achieving a practice value exceeding $35 million. After selling her shares in 2023, she launched ReMaGi, a cosmetic practice in Nashville.
- Tee Wilson, Founder, CEO, and Executive Director, B.E. Academy for Girls
Ms. Wilson leads a culturally responsive, STEAM-based academy, the first new all-girls school in Nashville in over 72 years. Her background includes leadership roles in nonprofits, education, and government, including the United States Air Force.
- Hannah Brandt, Founder, HLB Lifestyles
Dr. Brandt, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified nutrition coach, founded a virtual fitness and nutrition coaching service. Having personally transformed her health, she empowers women globally to achieve sustainable health goals.
- Jonathan Oye, Co-Founder, Oye Coffee
Mr. Oye and his brother Christopher co-founded Oye Coffee Co., inspired by their family’s cocoa and coffee farm in Nigeria, aiming to bring authentic African coffee experiences to the market.
- Demetrius Short, Founder and CEO, Transformation Life Center
Mr. Short leads a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating future leaders through programs like the Pathway to Success Leadership Academy. An IT healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience, he is also the captain of Black Men Run Nashville and a motivational speaker.
- Robert Wilson, Co-Founder, Culture Shift Team
Mr. Wilson leads the inclusive workplace culture consulting and education practice at Culture Shift Team. With over 15 years of experience, he has held executive roles at Nissan North America, including Director of Diversity and Inclusion.
- Penny Haas, Owner and Lead Planner, Penny Haas, LLC
Ms. Haas has extensive experience in event planning, working with clients like CMT and Bank of America. She established her own business in 2019 and has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 Award Winner by the Nashville Business Journal.
- Liz Veyhl, Founder, Small World Yoga
Ms. Veyhl founded Small World Yoga in 2014, expanding yoga outreach across Middle Tennessee. She also established a registered yoga school, certifying hundreds of instructors since 2015.
For more information about the Leadership Connect program, please contact Lauren Overton, Director of Small Business & Growth Initiatives, at loverton@nashvillechamber.com or Veronica Marable Johnson, Vice-President Programs & Event Logistics, at vjohnson@nashvillechamber.com
Headshots available at this link.
About the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Partnership 2030
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is Middle Tennessee’s largest business federation, representing nearly 1,800 member companies. Belong, engage, lead, prosper embodies the Chamber’s focus on creating economic prosperity by facilitating community leadership. Established in 1990 as an economic development and community enhancement initiative of the Chamber, Partnership 2030 is a regional cooperative dedicated to making Middle Tennessee among the nation’s best places to live, work and do business. Partnership 2030 is supported by a diverse group of public and private companies as well as governmental agencies from the organization’s 10-county service area. The work of the Chamber is supported by its members, Partnership 2030 investors and sponsors; the Chamber’s Pivotal Partners (partnership at the highest level for all Chamber programs and events) are Community Health Systems, Gresham Smith and Regions. For more information, visit www.nashvillechamber.com.
MALICK GAYE
Director of Public Relations
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
p: 615.743.3111 | nashvillechamber.com
