Women leaders across industries gathered Tuesday, March 3, to launch Women’s History Month with a call to collaboration, courage and conviction at the annual Women’s Initiative Network breakfast hosted by the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC), now in its tenth year.
Held at the Memphis Botanic Gardens, the event brought together executives, entrepreneurs and community advocates for a time dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in Memphis and learning how that leadership can shape the future and success of Memphis.
Rory Thomas, MMDC president and CEO, opened the breakfast by underscoring the organization’s commitment to equity within the Medical District and the broader community. He introduced vice president, Keesa Smith, noting her tenure with the collaborative since its earliest days and her role in shaping the Women Inspiring the Narrative program, known as WIN. “This work has always been about building an ecosystem where everyone can thrive,” Thomas said.
Before the panel began, Mayor Paul Young gave remarks and acknowledged the women in his life who positively influence him and move our city forward. He made a clarion call for women to come together, saying it takes everyone to make change and make Memphis a city that people will continue to love and serve.
Serving as panel moderator was Candace Stewart, vice president of business operations and head of external affairs for the Memphis Grizzlies, who acknowledged she was stepping outside her comfort zone to lead the conversation. Stewart kept the discussion focused on practical lessons while inviting panelists to reflect candidly on obstacles and breakthroughs.
The panel featured Shante Avant, CEO of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis and a Shelby County commissioner; Marta Self, executive director of Regions Foundation; Jen Andrews, CEO of Shelby Farms Park Conservancy; and Dana Pointer, CEO of PreserverPartners.
Stewart’s first question was about overcoming adversity. Avant spoke openly about a recent incident in which she was victimized during a county commission meeting, an experience that drew public attention and tested her resilience. She emphasized the importance of having community during moments of adversity.
“It’s the village that helps hold you up,” Avant said. “You also need people around you who are willing to give critical feedback, not just those who love you and compliment you, but those who give you a different perspective,” she added.
Stewart asked the panel what barriers exist that keep women from positions of power. Andrews noted that most CEOs in the United States remain white men. That reality, she said, makes collaboration among women and allies essential.
Self encouraged attendees to pursue knowledge even when they feel unqualified. “Even if you don’t know something, learn about it,” she said.
Self recounted how she networked to learn more about what everyone in her company did and stepped into her current role with the support of a male CEO who advocated for her, despite the position not being publicly posted. The experience reinforced for her the importance of both preparation and champions in positions of influence.
Andrews shared that she had not initially planned to apply for the CEO role at Shelby Farms. Remaining open to unexpected opportunities, she said, proved pivotal. “Staying open and being resourceful matters,” Andrews said.
Stewart asked how the group handled boundaries in business.
Andrews said earlier in her career, she said yes to nearly every request. She eventually recognized that overcommitment can undermine effectiveness and lead to burnout. Learning to set boundaries, and to say no, became a critical leadership skill, she said.
Regarding mentorship and sponsorship, Pointer drew a distinction between mentors and sponsors, arguing that both are necessary for advancement. Mentors, she said, help draw out talents and insights that individuals may not yet see in themselves. Sponsors, by contrast, “speak your name in rooms you’re not in,” she said. “It’s important to have both.”
Throughout the discussion, collaboration emerged as a recurring theme. Whether in philanthropy, public service or corporate leadership, panelists agreed that collective effort strengthens individual impact.
Stewart asked panelists to impart final inspirational thoughts.
“The battle is in your mind,” Self said. “We have to challenge the narratives we tell ourselves.”
“Women belong in all places … ,” Andrews said, echoing part of a quote attributed to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Pointer: “Stop second-guessing yourself. You belong.”
Avant offered a challenge that guides her work: “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”
Stewart also added a note of aspiration, telling the audience “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”
The breakfast also included recognition of two women for their leadership and vision. Last year’s award recipient, Dr. Joann Massey, CEO of EDGE, presented this year’s honors.
Named 2026 Woman of Vision was Tish Towns of Regional One Health, a 2025 TSD Best in Black awardee, who believes quality health care is a right, not a privilege. Her colleague, Lori J. Evans, president of the Junior League of Memphis, received the award on her behalf.
The 2026 Woman on the Rise award went to Bre’asia Bradley, founder of BEATS, Bringing Epilepsy Awareness to Society, an advocacy organization focused on education and support for individuals living with epilepsy.
The program ended, appropriately, to the sounds of “All I Do Is Win,” by DJ Khaled and T-Pain.
