Celebrating Nashville-Based Organizations that Uplift Women

By Janae Hudson

This International Womens Day, we are highlighting five Nashville-based organizations that support and uplift women. These organizations boost the dreams of women by boosting their professional, mental and physical health. Read more about these organizations in our #duGoodWork article below.

  1. YWCA Nashville: For 125 years, the Young Women’s Christian Association of Nashville and Middle Tennessee have offered free programs that benefit the lives of girls and women in the area and beyond. YCWA is dedicated to helping girls and women build self-sufficient lives through providing services that not only educate but also empower them despite their situation. As the operator of Tennessee’s largest network of domestic violence services, the organization promotes the wellbeing of adults and children around the state. YWCA strives to end stigmas surrounding womanhood and provide mentorship through its various programs. Even though YWCA’s largest audience is women, there are services that allow men to cultivate healthy lives. AMEND Together, is a violence prevention initiative founded by YWCA and sponsored by the Nashville Predators. This program promotes healthy perceptions of masculinity in men and boys through mentorship. dGC is honored that our organization was able to attend the Academy for Women of Achievement banquet where women leaders are honored. One of the 2023 honorees is near and dear to our hearts – Mrs. Hannah Paramore-Breen.  Visit their website here.
  2. Creative Girls Rock: At Creative Girls Rock (CGR), innovation is key to mental health and women empowerment. Led by TSU and Trevecca Nazarene alumna Charmin A. Bates, Creative Girls Rock has empowered girls and women of all ages to heal the world around them through mentorship, youth development utilizing their creative strengths since 2017. CGR’s virtual programming, The Creative Girls Rock Master Class, is offered to girls and women both in and out of the Nashville area. These classes are a safe space for women to boost self-esteem and explore their emotions with others. To enhance the virtual experience, the CGR team sends diy kits to event participants who register through their website. dGC’s COO, Anthony Owens was excited to learn that his kids are learning from CGR after a brand new partnership between Purpose Prep and the organization to teach art to all students.  “Our boys thrive when learning from strong women!” To learn more about Creative Girls Rock, visit their website here.
  3. Dress for Success Nashville: Dress for Success Nashville is helping women achieve financial independence and success through networking opportunities and providing professional attire. Started in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to over 100 cities globally and has assisted over 1.2 million women in building their confidence. Nashville’s location accepts gently-used clothes and monetary donations. As an affiliate of YWCA Nashville & Middle TN, all donations and volunteers can be received at YWCA’s office. To learn more information, visit their website here.
  4. The Women’s Fund:In 1994, The Women’s Fund was established by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to community members that wanted to improve the prosperity of women and girls in the area. By funding solutions that allow girls and women to become financially self-sufficient, healthy and free from violence, The Women’s Fund seeks to bring social change to our communities. Also, The Women’s Fund is the only endowed fund in Middle Tennessee that acknowledges the challenges that women routinely face. With over $2.07 million granted to nonprofit organizations in Middle Tennessee, The Women’s Fund truly seeks to be a driving force for women and girls to receive the adequate resources needed for success. Our #TeamdGC leader, Perri duGard Owens is a former member of the organization’s board of directors. To learn more about The Women’s Fund here.
  5. Advancing Women in Nashville: Advancing Women in Nashville aim to shape women into business and community leaders. Bridgestone, Renaissance Nashville Hotel, Meharry Medical College and other Nashville-based organizations and businesses have collaborated on programs focused on diversity and inclusion in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. By uplifting the professional development of budding women leaders, Advancing Women in Nashville is ensuring that Music City is a thriving place of growth of woman-owned businesses. Eve Hutcherson, AWN’s executive director, is no stranger to dGC, she and Perri worked together at HCA. Learn more about Advancing Women in Nashville here.