Girls Inc. of Chattanooga has announced its new board of directors and the honorees for its 16th annual Unbought and Unbossed luncheon.
This year's April 22 luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention Center will honor Melinda Bone, Sarah Broadnax, Lynda Minks Hood, Victoria Overholser Johnson, Dr. Shevonda Sherrow, Kimberly M. Strong, Rebecca Styles and Dr. Edna Varner.
More than 150 women have been honored at the luncheon over the past 15 years, according to a news release.
"Honoring Chattanooga's influential women at UnBought and UnBossed is our way of celebrating the powerful impact women have had in our community," the release states.
The luncheon began in 2005 to celebrate local female role models who also embody the ideals of former U.S. Rep. Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to run for president.
Joining the board are Andy Burnett, Jeannine Carpenter, Tonya Gentry, Hall Gregg, Linly Mason, Leslie Mayfield, Joe Shudan, Jenna Skuza, Niti Tejani and Rachael Welch.
"I am proud of the dedication, expertise and passion of almost six decades of past board leadership," Girls Inc. CEO Melissa Blevins said a in news release. "And I have no doubt that the commitment and outstanding leadership of our current board and the addition of these men and women will advance our organization to new heights."
The organization said the arrival of the new board members comes as it launches a new five-year strategic plan aimed at serving more girls, expanding programs to new schools and better meeting the academic and social-emotional needs of girls in the Chattanooga community, the release states.
"Girls Inc. is committed to ensuring that every girl has every opportunity to be successful: to be strong readers and strong leaders; to graduate high school prepared for life, college and career success; and to not be limited in her career choices because of gender," the release states.
For more information on Girls Inc. and the luncheon, visit girlsinc.org.