During the annual CGR Charity Sneaker Ball, CGR highlights innovative women who are the epitome of our four key initiatives: Creative Arts, Mental Health & Wellness, Women Empowerment and Youth Development. In addition, CGR will present a special award to a recipient that has a major influence within the community and inspires others to achieve their personal and professional aspirations: the Influencer Innovator Award.
CREATIVE ARTS INNOVATOR: An individual who has demonstrated unparalleled creativity and innovation in the arts. This prestigious award celebrates those who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and introduce groundbreaking ideas and practices within the creative arts community. Honorees of this award are visionary artists, designers, performers, and creators who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. They inspire through their originality, ingenuity, and dedication, creating works that captivate audiences and drive the creative arts forward. Their innovative approaches not only elevate their craft but also influence and shape the broader cultural landscape.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS INNOVATOR: An individual that is dedicated to advancing mental health and wellness through creative and pioneering approaches. This distinguished award celebrates those who have made significant contributions to promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma, and providing support for mental health through innovative programs, practices, or initiatives. Honorees of this award are leaders and advocates who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving mental health outcomes in their communities.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT INNOVATOR: An individual who has made significant strides in empowering women through creative and innovative initiatives. This prestigious award celebrates those who champion gender equality, advocate for women's rights, and create opportunities that uplift and inspire women to achieve their full potential. Honorees of this award are visionary leaders and change-makers who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing the status of women in various spheres, including the arts, business, education, and technology. Their work breaks barriers, challenges stereotypes, and fosters an inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INNOVATOR: An individual who is dedicated to empowering and nurturing the next generation of creative leaders. This esteemed award celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to youth development through innovative programs, mentorship, and educational initiatives. Honorees of this award are passionate advocates for young people, creating transformative opportunities that foster creativity, leadership, and personal growth. They work tirelessly to bridge gaps in access to creative resources, provide platforms for young voices, and inspire youth to reach their full potential.
INFLUENCER INNOVATOR: An individual who has made significant contributions to the creative community through innovative and influential work. This prestigious award recognizes those who harness their creativity to inspire, educate, and uplift others, setting new standards in their respective fields. Honorees of this award are trailblazers and visionaries, often at the intersection of art, technology, and social impact. They demonstrate exceptional creativity, originality, and a commitment to using their platform to drive positive change.
2025 Innovator Award Recipients
Creative Arts Innovator
Lyndell B. Edmonson is a proud native of Nashville, Tennessee, and a lifelong advocate for education and youth development. A proud graduate of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Lyndell was inspired early on by the legacy of education within her family—many of whom served as teachers and administrators—making her path to becoming an educator both natural and purposeful.
She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University and continued her academic journey at Cumberland University, Fresno Pacific University, and Trevecca Nazarene University, where she completed her Master’s in Administration and Supervision.
Lyndell’s teaching career spans nearly every neighborhood in Nashville, with the majority of her service rooted at Meigs Magnet Middle School as one of its original educators. After 46 years of unwavering dedication to MNPS and the students of Nashville, she retired in 2021—but her passion for teaching remained strong. She returned to the classroom part-time at John Early Museum Magnet Middle School, where she currently serves as an Instructional Designer and Senior Museum Curator, helping preserve and elevate the educational history of Nashville.
In addition to her legacy in education, Lyndell is also a lifelong musician. She began playing the violin in fifth grade and continued through college, performing across the country with the acclaimed "Cremona Strings" jazz ensemble. By her junior year of high school, she was performing with the Fisk University Jazz Ensemble, sharing the stage with musical legends such as Aretha Franklin, Cannonball Adderley, Donny Hathaway, Quincy Jones, and Donald and Bobby Byrd.
Above all, Lyndell finds her greatest joy in her faith, her beloved daughter Quen, and her four cherished grandchildren. Her life’s work reflects a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation through education, creativity, and love.
Mental Health & Wellness Innovator
Sheila Gibson is a native of Oak Ridge, TN., and has resided in Nashville for twenty-nine years
Sheila is currently employed by Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA). She has worked at HCA for 28+ years in the Information and Technology Services Group (ITG) as Assistant Vice President of Acquisitions, New Constructions and Divestitures and she is the Chair of the ITG Culture and Values Council.
Sheila earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Business Administration from University of New Orleans; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Bristol University; and she is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She was a member of the Women’s Basketball team for the University of New Orleans and University of Alabama/Huntsville, where she was All-American her sophomore year. Following her collegiate career, she played 2 years semi-pro for Athletes in Action. Most recently, Sheila led the City of Nashville Leadership team that partnered with Athletes Unlimited (a professional women’s basketball team) leadership team to finalize the decision for Nashville to host AU’s 2025 Women’s Basketball season.
Sheila is an advocate for athletics and supporting women, with a strong desire and passion for mentoring and guiding young leaders and youth. Sheila executes this passion in the Nashville community with board membership and community engagement for the numerous nonprofit organizations.
Women Empowerment Innovator
Gail Carr Williams possesses a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit School of Law. After her legal practice in Michigan, she relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where she contributed to human resources at The Ohio State University and played a key role in establishing its Office of Outreach and Engagement. In 2001, Ms. Williams joined Vanderbilt University, dedicating nearly two decades to community engagement efforts. From 2014 to 2021, she also served as an instructor in governance and community engagement at Peabody College.
Recently, Gail founded Taylor Street Connections, an organization committed to fostering meaningful connections both within and outside of organizations, using practical strategies. The company employs a variety of tools, such as community engagement initiatives, active listening, data analysis, educational programming, and collaborative partnerships to effectively support clients.
Gail has established herself as a respected leader in the community sector, recognized for her ability to foster understanding of complex societal issues and implement sustainable solutions.
Her longstanding commitment is evidenced by her service on numerous boards, including her current role as Chair and over twenty years of membership with the Metropolitan Nashville Transit Authority Board of Directors. She also contributes to the arts as a board member of The Frist Art Museum and The Nashville Symphony and just completed a twelve-year tenure on the Tennessee Performing Arts Center board.
Her involvement continues with board positions at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The Women’s Fund Advisory Board, and the Regions Foundation Board. A dedicated advocate for education, Ms. Williams serves on the boards of American Baptist College and the Nashville Public Education Foundation. She also maintains a decade-long membership on The University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and Arts Dean’s Advisory Council. Additionally, she provided two decades of service to The University School of Nashville, including terms as Board President and honorary board member, and has also served on The Harpeth Hall School for Girls board.
She is also affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Nashville (TN) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, and the International Women’s Forum (IWF). Her accolades include the 2019 YWCA of Middle Tennessee Women of Achievement Award, the 2025 Women of Influence Community Supporter Award, and, together with her late husband David Williams II, the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Francis S. Guess Bridge to Equality Award.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Ms. Williams enjoys spending time with family and friends and has interests in travel, sports, and reading.
Youth Development Innovator
Tanisha “Tee” Wilson, Founder and CEO of B.E. Academy for Girls (Beyond Excellence Academy), is an experienced non-profit leader and organizational strategist from New Orleans, Louisiana. She holds a BA degree in Communications and a Master of Arts in Secondary Education. Her background includes progressive experience across multiple industries, including national non profits such as The American Red Cross and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She has held leadership roles in K-12 education, colleges and universities, real estate, and government, including the United States AirForce. Tee also served as Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for Black Business Boom - a social enterprise dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs. A former entrepreneur herself, Tee founded B.E. Academy for Girls, a culturally responsive, STEAM-based academy that is the first new all-girls school in Nashville in over 72 years. B.E. Academy is leading the way for innovative new education spaces for girls in Tennessee.
In her role as Communications Manager for The John R. Lewis Legacy Institute, Tee leads brand development andmarketing strategy to amplify the legacy of Congressman Lewis. Tee has served on the Board of the American Red CrossHeart of Tennessee Chapter and Rutherford Cable. She is also a 2021 Mosaic Fellow graduate and a member of the 2022Class of Leadership Rutherford. Tee was recently honored to be selected as a 2025 Leadership Connect Fellow and a2025 McLeod Society Fellow. In her spare time Tee enjoys watching documentaries, traveling and spending time with her husband of 25 years, their two children, and two fur babies.
Influencer Innovator
Shannen Stewart is the Founder of Heels & Handshakes, a national community built to foster authentic connections and collaboration among women in business. Since its founding in 2013, Heels & Handshakes has grown from a ten-person networking meetup into a vibrant network of over 3,000 members, spanning four cities: Nashville, Chicago, and Las Vegas.
A seasoned hospitality professional, Shannen has curated and produced more than 200 in-person and virtual events focused on professional development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. Her work has attracted collaborations with major brands including Kendra Scott, Virgin Hotels, BetterHelp, Covve, and Rivian.
Shannen’s leadership has earned widespread recognition, including the 2024 Eventex The 100 Most Influential Event Professionals, 2023 Nashville Business Journal Women of Influence Award, 2021 Nashville Lifestyles Women in Business, and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce NELA Award for Hospitality & Tourism. She was also named one of the 100 Leading Persons in Personal Services, Food, and Hospitality.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Mass Communications from Tennessee Technological University. Outside of her professional work, Shannen enjoys time with her husband, son, and their two beloved dogs.
