20 Under 40: Honor Hostetler

Honor Hostetler
Honor Hostetler
photo Honor Hostetler

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HONOR HOSTETLER, 30

Director of community outreach for the Chattanooga Chamber; 2017 graduate of Women Mentoring Women; first female president of Rotaract of Chattanooga 2017-2018. (This is especially important to me since my grandmother was the first female president of her Rotary Club.)

What is your anthem or theme song?

"Shake it Off," by Taylor Swift.

If you were a musician, what would your stage or band name be?

Honor, like Beyoncé. My name was sort of made for this!

If you were starting a band, who from your life would you pick to be in it and why?

My brother would probably be my manager. He's my constant advisor and has a sharp business sense.

Which member of the band would you be?

Lead singer! I have no actual musical talent, so why not be the lead in this dream scenario?

If you achieved rock star status, what would you hope it would be for?

Using my platform to be an advocate and make a major impact.

Random green room demand?

Cookies from this teeny shop in New York state where I spent every summer growing up called Skaneateles Bakery.

Who are your top influencers (not necessarily musically)?

All the women in my family - my aunt, grandmother, and my mom for sure. She is genuinely a kind person and has an unfailing faith. Also, Sheryl Sandberg. I'm currently reading "Option B," a powerful message about resilience and your mindset when things don't go according to plan.

Which musical style best describes your personality?

Pop.

Who would write the soundtrack to your life and why?

Sara Bareilles, because she's brilliant. She encompasses the pop, strong female vocals and also reaches out to the Broadway nerd in me.

First album you bought for yourself?

I'm pretty sure it was the soundtrack to "Annie." My parents took me to see it on Broadway for my 10th birthday. My poor family had to listen to me belt that whole album out for weeks!

If you could change one thing about Chattanooga, what would it be?

I've lived in Chattanooga about 15 years, so I've had the advantage of seeing a lot of positive change already. I hope we continue on our current path toward being a more inclusive city that offers all Chattanoogans the opportunity to succeed.

To what cause would you donate the proceeds from your first benefit concert?

Lookout Mountain Conservancy. This is an organization I've gotten to work with very closely through my involvement with Rotaract. They are doing incredible work with their internship program. Look them up!

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