Thank you to all the speakers, panelists, sponsors and guests who made our 2025 Leadership Elevation Summit a huge success. See you at our next conference on 9.26.2026!
The Power of the Pink Robe
Every woman has a comfy piece of clothing that she wouldn’t be caught wearing in public! For some of us, it’s a tattered T-shirt. Others have sad sweatpants with a safety-pin in an over-stretched waistband. For me, it’s a stained, faded, pink robe caught on sale during a now defunct superstore’s blue light special!
Honestly, my robe . . . is downright ugly! But I LOVE so many things about this 21-year-old relic! Mainly, it has stood the test of time and has managed to survive some tough days. But, more importantly . . . like me . . . my robe has great capacity for more . . . more life and more purpose.
My pink robe is like so many amazingly resilient women who are full of life, extremely capable, versatile, and determined to live life with purpose and confidence. It reminds me that our strength doesn’t come from the polished version we show the world, but from embracing every part of who we are. That is the heart of this year’s theme, Leadership Wholeness: the understanding that we lead best when we lead from a place of wholeness, bringing our whole selves, worn edges and all, to the work we are called to do.
The Pink Robe Society exists to celebrate and support those bold, authentic women. Women who want to continue to evolve, grow, and shape their destiny. We want to help them nurture their ideas, strategize their future, and positively influence the causes and issues they care about in their families, their communities, their organizations, and in the world around them. Because whole women build whole communities, and wholeness is where true leadership begins.
The Power of the Pink Robe
Every woman has a comfy piece of clothing that she wouldn’t be caught wearing in public! For some of us, it’s a tattered T-shirt. Others have sad sweatpants with a safety-pin in an over-stretched waistband. For me, it’s a stained, faded, pink robe caught on sale during a now defunct superstore’s blue light special!
Honestly, my robe . . . is downright ugly! But I LOVE so many things about this 21-year-old relic! Mainly, it has stood the test of time and has managed to survive some tough days. But, more importantly . . . like me . . . my robe has great capacity for more . . . more life and more purpose.
My pink robe is like so many amazingly resilient women who are full of life, extremely capable, versatile, and determined to live life with purpose and confidence. It reminds me that our strength doesn’t come from the polished version we show the world, but from embracing every part of who we are. That is the heart of this year’s theme, Leadership Wholeness: the understanding that we lead best when we lead from a place of wholeness, bringing our whole selves, worn edges and all, to the work we are called to do.
The Pink Robe Society exists to celebrate and support those bold, authentic women. Women who want to continue to evolve, grow, and shape their destiny. We want to help them nurture their ideas, strategize their future, and positively influence the causes and issues they care about in their families, their communities, their organizations, and in the world around them. Because whole women build whole communities, and wholeness is where true leadership begins.
Chief Transformation Officer
Relaxed Power Global
Tangela Johnson is a luminary in the shifting realm of corporate culture and leadership development. With a career spanning nearly three decades as a seasoned coach, author, and visionary entrepreneur, Tangela has earned the reputation as a powerful thought leader and gifted change agent. At the helm of her company, Relaxed Power Global, Tangela is elevating the next two generations of leaders with strategic coaching for high performers and next level strategy for mission-driven organizations.
Psychiatrist & Educator
Marks Psychiatry
Dr. Tracey Marks is a psychiatrist, educator, and corporate speaker who bridges the gap between brain science and real-world performance. For over two decades, she has helped high-achieving professionals manage stress, avoid burnout, and build mental resilience. Known to a YouTube community of over 2 million subscribers and through commentary on CNN, ABC's 20/20, and Discovery, she now brings clinical insight into boardrooms, helping leaders stay well and lead well.
Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Associates in Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Wood earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Princeton University before receiving her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 2004, where she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. She completed her Ob/Gyn residency in Asheville, North Carolina, and returned to northwest Georgia in 2008 to join AOG. Her interests include daVinci robotic surgery, preventive care, and the menopausal transition. She lives in Dalton with her family.
Director of Development / Multimedia Professional
Erlanger Health
Andrea has built a distinguished career in media, marketing, and nonprofit leadership. A former radio personality and TV host, she earned recognition including the NAACP’s 45 Under 45 Award and two journalism fellowships. She later held director roles at First Things First, UTC, and Erlanger Health. Andrea holds degrees in business and public administration, is an active voiceover artist and emcee, and continues serving the community through music, mentorship, and volunteerism.
Dean, Wright School of Business
Dalton State College
Dr. Sweta Sneha is Dean of the C. Lamar and Ann Wright School of Business and an endowed Sesquicentennial Chair and Professor of Management Information Systems at Dalton State College. With more than twenty years of leadership experience, she is committed to positioning the Wright School as a hub of innovation driving workforce and economic development across northwest Georgia. Her honors include TITAN100, Tech Leader of the Year, and Woman of the Year in Technology.
Dietitian
Tonya Scott is a Registered Dietitian and experienced health educator with 24 years in nutrition and dietetics. She specializes in nutrition therapy for kidney disease, heart health, and managing menopause-related changes, offering clear, evidence-based guidance that helps individuals improve their wellbeing. With an MBA and an extensive clinical background, she pairs practical nutrition expertise with strategic insight, making complex concepts easy to understand and apply.
Singer Songwriter
Raised in the Appalachian Mountains, Charlsey Etheridge carries deep Americana music roots. After moving to Nashville in 2003, she immersed herself in the city's songwriting culture, collaborating with the late Harley Allen, Steve Wariner, and legendary guitarist Jack Pearson. Her debut album, Memories of Mine, drew stellar reviews, and her 2023 release of all original music, Scars of Mine, earned praise from outlets including Americana Rhythm Music Magazine and Melody Maker.
Owner
Functional Patterns Chattanooga
Courtney Smith is a certified Human Biomechanics Specialist and Functional Patterns practitioner dedicated to helping others move without pain and reconnect with their bodies. Drawing on a background in weightlifting, calisthenics, yoga, and gymnastics, she brings a holistic, evidence-based approach to movement and training. In 2023, she founded her Vance Avenue facility, where clients build strength, resolve chronic pain, and rediscover the freedom of feeling at home in their bodies.
Leadership Communications Content Strategist
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Ali Whittier is a competitive amateur cyclist and member of the Chattanooga Cycling Hall of Fame Class of 2026. An Iowa native now based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she competes in mountain bike, gravel, and ultra-endurance events across the U.S. and internationally, with highlights including a Tennessee state championship and two UCI World Championship qualifications. Professionally, she brings nearly 20 years in communications and not-for-profit administration.
Founder & Clinical Director
Evergreen Therapy PLLC
Erin established a private practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2010 and founded the city's first equine-assisted psychotherapy program. She quickly became known as one of Chattanooga's top therapists specializing in EMDR for trauma, sexual abuse, and eating disorders. Today she works with high-achieving individuals, couples, and families, and founded Evergreen Therapy to develop other mental health professionals. Her expertise has been featured in Forbes Health, Men's Health, and more.
Comedian
Bridgette Martin brings more than two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, spending 11 years behind the scenes at a comedy club before stepping on stage as a performer. Touring extensively across the Southeast, she has performed alongside TJ Miller, Pauly Shore, and Michael Winslow, and was featured on the Feral Hogs Comedy tour. A producer, tour organizer, and mentor to fellow comedians, Bridgette currently produces comedy fundraisers in Chattanooga and serves on the board of Lookout Live.
Associate Rector
St. Timothy's Episcopal Church
The Rev. Kat Chappell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Centre College before finding a church home at St. Paul's Chattanooga, where she completed the Education for Ministry program. She taught Math and Science at St. Nicholas School for six years and served as Lay Chaplain for three. Ordained to the Diaconate in December 2022 and to the Priesthood in July 2023, she was joyfully called as Curate beginning in June 2023. She loves reading, coffee, and friends.
Artist
Elena Burykina is an artist based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Originally from Ukraine, she received a classical art education before earning degrees in architecture and city planning and working over a decade as an architect. In 2011 she returned her full attention to art, and after moving to the United States in 2013 she began working full time as an artist. She is an awarded Signature member of the Portrait Society of America and awarded member of Oil Painters of America.
The Agenda
Part I
- September 26, 2026 8:15 AMRegistration/Meet & Greet
Arrive early to ensure you have plenty of time to register, settle in, and start your day with inspiring conversations.
- 9:00 AMGet Started!
Tangela Johnson will kick off the conference and set the stage for an extraordinary day. Prepare to be energized and motivated as we embark on a journey of growth, learning, and connection together.
- Opening Keynote: Listen to Your Body . . . She Speaks
Your body is always talking. Tangela Johnson and Dr. Angela Wood have a candid conversation about tuning in to the signals we too often push aside, and why listening is an act of self-respect.
- Workshop: The Mind-Body Edge: How Movement Protects the Executive Brain
Dr. Tracey Marks explores the powerful connection between physical activity and executive function, offering practical strategies to keep your mind sharp under pressure.
- Panel Discussion: The Mind Body Connection
A discussion on the critical link between how we feel and how we function. Tonya Scott, Ali Whittier, Erin Rayburn, and Courtney Smith offer real-world strategies for tending to mind and body together.
Part II
- 12:00 PMLunch & Informal Networking
Enjoy lunch while networking with fellow attendees.
- Panel Discussion: The Men in My Life
In this candid conversation, Tangela speaks with the men who have shaped, challenged, and supported her journey into leadership. Together, they’ll explore the vital role of allyship, the power of authentic relationships, and how men and women can work side by side to create lasting impact.
- Panel Discussion: Spirit - The Power of the Creative Process
Creativity is not a talent reserved for a few. Bridgette Martin, Rev. Kat Chappell, Elena Burykina and Charlsey Etheridge explore how the creative process can unlock confidence, spark fresh thinking, and restore your sense of purpose.
- Closing Keynote: Wholeness - The Future of Leadership
In her signature bold and inspiring style Tangela Johnson closes the day with a vision of leadership that refuses to separate the personal from the professional. She makes the case that wholeness is not a luxury for leaders but the foundation of what comes next.
- September 26, 2026 3:00 PMAdjourn @ 3:00 PM
