50 Women Continued

2008 “50 Women Who
Make a Difference”

Lou D. Gattas
St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School Volunteer
Independent Financial Consultant
“No one can match her energy, organization and determination. Lou’s belief in the mission of our school, her commitment to our students, faculty and staff, and her willingness to devote time, effort and support to our goals is unsurpassed. Through her leadership and her example as a volunteer she has helped instill a greater volunteer spirit at St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School.”
Nominated by St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School
WHAT INSPIRES & MOTIVATES YOU:
Being an inspired volunteer requires giving time, talent and treasure. However, for me, giving “time” is the most meaningful. Being a part of a team of volunteers and adding value to the ultimate goal is very rewarding. My outlook of volunteering was given a different perception when I visited St. Catherine’s of Siena Mother House in Kentucky, the founders of St. Agnes Academy – St. Dominic School. The women then and even the current sisters of St. Catherine’s have given not just a few hours but have devoted their entire lives to make a difference for generations of young people. Seeing how time given by others before me has made a difference inspires me to give my time to continue the mission and dream for future generations.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: “Reaching for the Stars” Chair of the Parent Division at St. Agnes Academy – St. Dominic School
Lou is married to Andrew D. Gattas, Sr. They are the parents of Andrew D. Gattas Jr., 19, and Michael J. Gattas, 13.

Carol Greenwald
Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South Volunteer
Speech-Language Pathologist/Augmentative Communication Specialist
“Carol Greenwald is the most knowledgeable person in Memphis regarding services and supports for individuals with disabilities. Carol freely shares this knowledge with other parents and works to help families meet the needs of their family members. Her heart and commitment to individuals with disabilities is so great that she willingly helps those we send her way. She doesn’t do it for pay but because of her passion.”
Nominated by Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South
REWARDS: Being part of positive changes is a great reward. My son Keith who has Down syndrome has been and continues to be my teacher. He models determination to live life to the fullest with a capacity for joy in spite of challenges. He has taught me persistence and the value of believing that one person can make a difference.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: The Arc of Tenn., Board of Directors, Immediate Past President; Vanderbilt University Kennedy Center Community Advisory Council; The Tenn. Disability Coalition, Board of Directors; Tenn. Division of Mental Retardation Services, Chair, Conservatorship Association; Tenn. Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Co-Chair; West Tenn. Division of Mental Retardation Services, Committee member; West Tenn. Family Solutions, Board of Directors, Committee Chair; Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-South, Advocacy Committee
Carol has been married to Jim Greenwald for 44 years. They are the parents of Chris Greenwald, who is married with two children and resides in Zurich, Switzerland, and Keith Greenwald of Memphis. Carol has additionally earned a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology and a Doctorate in Special Education from the University of Memphis. She spent two years in Turkey with the Peace Corps.

Libby Hubbard
President, Les Passees, Inc.
“For the past 10+ years, Libby has infused a huge portion of her strength and energy into Les Passees – and though we appreciate all of her other attributes, within this organization, we know Libby is all about service. We are most fortunate that she has committed her special Libby Energy Factor toward our Organization’s continued presence and philanthropy within our community.”
Nominated by Les Passees, Inc.
WHAT INSPIRES & MOTIVATES YOU: I love a good challenge, particularly one that looks insurmountable. I am most motivated when surrounded by a group who has as much passion and enthusiasm for a cause as I do. Together, when we catch the fever, the sky’s the limit!
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Les Passees, Inc. Executive Board; Christ United Methodist Lay Delegate; Christ United Methodist Administrative Board; University of Memphis Platinum Tiger Scholarship Fund; Les Passees Fine Arts Club; MIFA No Go Gala Committee; Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County
Lifeblood Volunteer  Libby is married to Jerry D. Hubbard, President of FTNFinancial Capital Assets Corp. They are the parents of David Hubbard and wife Crystal, Douglas Hubbard and wife Tracy, Whitney Hubbard, Hallie Hubbard, and Ashley Matthews. They are the grandparents of Carly, Parker, Cade, Clair, and Gavin.

Jennifer Jaudon
American Heart Association Director of Communications
“She is an excellent representative of her communications field always exemplifying the best in professionalism, determination and above all, creativity. I am proud to know that she is helping to make a difference in the lives of Memphians for generations to come.”
Nominated by Jenny Vergos, Board Member, American Heart Association
MOST RECENT PROJECT: Nationally, lobbying on Capitol Hill and asking our nation’s lawmakers to take steps to reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke. Locally, celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Go Red For Women movement, creating awareness of the No. 1 killer of women, heart disease, and empowering women to make a promise to love their hearts.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Refugee Economic Independence Program (REIP), The Salvation Army Greater Memphis Women's Auxiliary, Hands on Memphis, Hope Church. Lifeblood Volunteer

Caroline J. Mason
Memphis Police Department Sergeant, Homicide Squad
“Sergeant Caroline Mason with the Memphis Police Department is a person that puts her life on the line everyday to make Memphis a safer place. Caroline really stands out due to her 100% solve rate for 2007, which is an amazing accomplishment!”
Nominated by Bluff City Jaguar Land Rover
CHALLENGES: Being a female police officer in a male dominating field has been very challenging for me. When we think of police officers we think of men only, therefore our abilities to perform are often second guessed by our co-workers. For some reason they seem to think we cannot get the job done. I am currently assigned to Homicide and in 2007 I had a one hundred percent clearance rate on all my cases.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Active member at Jordan River Church Ministries 616 Scott Street (Choir Member)
Caroline is the mother of Carolyn Johnson, 24, Kevin Hollister II, 17, and Collette Hollister, 15.

Debra McLemore-Duffy
McSportz Lifestyle & Fitness Center Owner/Kinesiologist
“What Debra has created is much more than a gym. It is place that a person of any age or weight would feel comfortable and encouraged. The embodiment of positive energy, Debra is uniquely able to motivate and inspire through her actions and faith.”
Nominated by Barrett Creative
FUTURE PROJECT: Future project is working with children at risk of dropping out of school, risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer with Community Center
Debra is married to Jerome C. Duffy Jr., an officer in the United States Military. Their children attend school in Germantown.

Kelli Mitchell
Service Assurance President
“Kelli Mitchell is co-founder and President of Service Assurance, the largest locally owned information technology company in the Mid South. An avid runner, Kelli leads by example as she helps other young entrepreneurial women succeed on their own.”
Nominated by Mark Giannini, CEO, Service Assurance
GOALS: Continuing to stay ahead of the technology curve and bring innovative solutions to our clients in the Mid South. I am also looking forward to staying very involved in this great community.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Memphis Development Foundation ( Orpheum Board and Executive Committee) Race for the Cure ( Technology Provider)

Ginger Morgan
Memphis Shelby County Humane Society
“Ginger’s enthusiasm, positive energy and love of her job have made her one woman who really makes a difference in Memphis. The injured and abused dogs and cats in Memphis have a much better chance at life because of Ginger Morgan.”
Nominated by Star Distributors
REWARDS: My reward for a job well done is to see all the dogs and cats at the Humane Society fast asleep in their beds, some snuggling with their playmates as classical music plays softly in the background. I sometimes sit on a bench over looking the Dog Adoption area and look at all the happy, healthy dogs and listen to the music. In those moments all is perfect in my world.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: My dog Pete and I have been a Pet Partner Team for the past 8 years. We have spread canine cheer to patients at St. Jude, LeBonheur, various nursing homes, Alzheimer’s day care facilities and hospitals.
Ginger is a graduate of the University of Memphis and presently resides in Mid-Town. She enjoys spending free-time with her dogs and cat.

Patricia Jones Murphy
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. President
“Patricia Jones Murphy is the essence of what a president of an organization should be and does. Patricia is the president of the largest women's organization in the city of Memphis with more than 817+ members; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. [She] has motivated and mobilized 800 women with her grace, elegance and kindness to perform even greater service to the city of Memphis and Shelby County.”
Nominated by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
KEYS TO SUCCESS: The keys to success in life are to always put God first in all of your endeavors, play by the rules, give the world the best that you have, and strive to leave this world a better place that you found it.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Board – Delta Fine Arts Education & Cultural Center, Inc.
Volunteer – High Point Nursing Home
Patricia is married to Dennis Murphy, Sr. and they are the parents of Tamala Murphy-Johnson and Dennis Murphy, Jr. They are the grandparents of four granddaughters and one grandson.

Susan M. Graf
Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center Volunteer
“Susan works tirelessly behind the scenes on numerous fundraisers to support the hospital and has brought countless new friends to Le Bonheur. Through these efforts, and as part of Le Bonheur's campaign committee, she personally has been responsible for raising several million dollars toward our campaign goal. Susan constantly searches for new ways to get individuals, companies and the community as a whole involved with Le Bonheur - seizing every opportunity - whether during a Grizzlies' or Tigers' game - to share our story.”
Nominated by Le Bonheur Foundation
WHAT INSPIRES & MOTIVATES YOU: My personal experience as the sibling of a special needs child inspires me. I saw first hand the difficulties my parents endured and the difficulties that my brother experiences still today, and I want to make things better for the children and parents of Le Bonheur.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Member of Le Bonheur Club serving as the Chair of the Bunny Room @ Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, Le Bonheur Foundation Board Member, Member of the Executive Committee, Member of the Facilities Committee, and founding Board member of the soon-to-be FedexFamilyHouse (Le Bonheur’s very first residential facility).
Susan is married to Alan B. Graf, Jr. the EVP and CFO of Fedex Corp. They are the parents of Bridget Graf, a first year MBA student at Vanderbilt University, and Carrie Graf Garcia, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Baylor University, now married and living in Brussels, Belgium.

Saundra Hannah
Girl Scouts Heart of the South Service Unit Manager
Personnel/Recruitment Manager, Century Management LLC
“In an organization that exists to develop girls of courage, confidence and character; who make the world a better place, Saundra leads by example. She makes sure that those girls have great experiences, develop life and leadership skills and have memories that will last a lifetime. She is priceless to Girl Scouts of the Mid-South, to the girls we serve and the volunteers she works with.”
Nominated by Girl Scouts Heart of the South
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: My greatest passion is my children. Being a Mom to Megan, John, Jr., Victoria, and Lauren has given an indescribable sense of purpose and meaning to my life. In addition, I am passionate about helping others. Through my work with Girl Scouts, I feel I am reaching and helping young ladies grow to become the Future 50 Women Who Make A Difference.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Naval Academy Parents’ Club President; Girl Scouts Heart of the South Service Unit Manager, Trainer, Troop Leader; Lifeblood Volunteer  Saundra is married to John Hannah and they are the parents of Megan, John Jr., Victoria, and Lauren. Megan attends Valparaiso School of Law, John is in the United States Naval Academy, Victoria attends the University of Memphis-Loewenburg School of Nursing, and Lauren will attend the University of Memphis this fall.

Karen Fields Isaacman
Armstrong Relocation Executive Vice President
“Karen is a successful business executive with strong leadership skills who uses them effectively to build consensus among board members and other team members. Our community reaps the rewards of Karen’s business acumen and her personal efforts!”
Nominated by Bettye Speake Fundraising & Consulting
Endorsed by Germantown Performing Arts Centre and University of Memphis
CHALLENGES: One of the greatest challenges I ever had was hiking in the Himalayas for nine days to reach a summit of over 16,000 feet in potentially life-threatening weather. My reward was the discovery that I am capable of pushing myself to the limit, both mentally and physically, and conquering my fears. My next challenge is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Memphis Development Foundation Board, Wesley Senior Ministries Foundation Board, Salvation Army Auxiliary Lifetime Member, Employee Relocation Council Member, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Member, University of Memphis Ambassador
Karen is married to Dr. Kenneth L. Isaacman and is mother to Allison and Clint Fields. She is the step-mother of Phillip, Lauren, and Leslie Isaacman.

L. Kim Kimbrough
Fournier Learning Strategies Chief Marketing Officer
“Ms. Kimbrough has made the decision to use her communications expertise to make another type of difference – a difference for the children of the United States and beyond. Inspired and determined, Kim Kimbrough is a woman of change. She has changed communities through knowledge, she has changed corporations with honesty, and now she is determined to change education with inspiration.”
Nominated by Dr. Yvonne Fournier , Fournier Learning Strategies
REWARDS: From a lifetime perspective, and considering the end of my life, it would be a great reward for people to say, “Kim Kimbrough left a mark on me with kindness, love, hope and compassion.” From a daily perspective, I am rewarded with both parents still alive and in good health. I speak to my mother every day by phone. It is rewarding to see them beam at my accomplishments and to see the joy they have from my success personally and professionally, and how proud they are that they taught me to deal with people always with understanding, care and compassion. Finally, I am rewarded when I walk in the door at night after a day at the office and my dogs want to love on me unconditionally. It is rewarding to know that I am caring for the least of God’s creatures.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Present: Volunteer, St. Jude; Bible School Teacher, Getwell Ave. Church of Christ; Neighborhood Watch Committee Leader – Fair Meadows area of East Memphis; Neighborhood Campaign Leader, March of Dimes. (I did 10 years worth of volunteer service from 1993 – 2003 with the American Heart Association, was Communications Committee Chair for AHA HeartWalk from 1997-2000, Jack Russell Terrier Rescue Groups Foster Mom, ASPCA Neighborhood Donations Captain, March of Dimes – various committees).
Kim enjoys spending her free time with her dogs and close friends.

Sharon Taylor McKinney Tennessee Department of Economic Development BERO Enterprise Specialist
“Sharon works tirelessly to increase the resources and provide a voice for small businesses in Tennessee. Sharon goes beyond most be providing direct counseling and advice to emerging and growing businesses. She continues to serve as a role model and mentor for many women and men pursing business opportunities.”
Nominated by Tad’s Mr.Fix-It Handyman Services
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: Helping People with Dreams Deferred, especially women, to transform their lives from rubble to rubies using their God given talent, skills, interest
COMMUNITY SERVICE: UT Martin West Star Leadership Development Board of Trustees, Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute, Women Business Owners Opportunities Conference, Minority Enterprise Development Week (MEDWeek)
Sharon is the mother of Tiffany Antoinette McKinney, a 2008 graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Will Otis McKineey III, a rising freshman majoring in film at the Art Institute of Atlanta.
Sharon also graduated from Memphis State University with a BA in Journalism and Communications

Sherrie McNall
People of Promise, Founder
“Sherrie is the founder of People of Promise, an outreach program designed to improve the abilities of children living in at-risk neighborhoods. Sherrie’s impact will be felt for many years to come. When one impacts a child, she impacts the future. Sherrie McNall has done just that.”
Nominated by Bartlett United Methodist Church
KEYS TO SUCCESS: Because our reading program with innercity children depends upon volunteers, I am always recruiting. People have a difficult time saying no if you look into their eyes and ask them directly to help. The key to success is faith in what I’m doing and persistence.
COMMUNITY SERVICE : People of Promise through Bartlett UMC Soup Kitchen
Sherrie has been married to Lynn McNall for 41 years. They are the parents of Dr. Rene McNall Knapp, Pediatric Oncologist and mother to three sons, Lisa Pirwitz, self-made international business manager and mother to three daughters. She is also the mother of Nicole McNall, a deceased daughter who was an inspiration with her faith, determination, and never-ending gratitude of the good things in life.

Lisa Morris
Memphis Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Chapter President and Walk Committee Co-chair
Business Systems Analyst, FedEx Express
“Lisa has taken an experience of unspeakable pain, and she has reached out to others to help them along a pathway she has already tread. I respect her strength, and I admire her determination to make a difference in our community.”
Nominated by Memphis Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
YOUR GREATEST PASSION: After my son’s 6-year battle with bipolar disorder and his death, I knew God wanted me to use the tragedy that my family experienced to help others. My greatest passion is two-fold: helping others who have suffered loss through suicide, and working to prevent suicide from taking one more life. Mental Health and Suicide Prevention go hand-in-hand.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Chair, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Memphis Chapter
Founder and Co-Chair, Memphis Out of the Darkness Community Walk for suicide prevention
Facilitator, Healing Hearts Suicide Grief Support Groups
Chair, 2007 National Survivors of Suicide Day Conference
Lisa is the mother of Robert Mitchell Morris, 22, and Stephen Ray Morris (October 15, 1980- April 5, 2001).

Continue 2008 “50 Women”