The Fem Lab
2025


  • Amy has Ph.D. in Sociology, formally taught college, and worked in public policy. In 2011, she founded Wide Lens Media, a small consulting company with an emphasis on video and audio production. A few years later the the nonprofit, Walk With Me was born. She and her business partner, Bob, continue to operate both. Amy has been married to John, a native Australian, for 32 years and they have a cat named Louis, aka Fluffy.

  • Kristin is a Knoxville native and lives in Fountain City with her husband and two Basenji dogs, Saavik and Zeppelin. As an Associate Director at KPMG International, she manages technology and systems for the firm’s procurement functions. She’s passionate about social justice and currently serves on the board of A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee. In her free time, she is an avid traveler who loves music, art, and history.

  • Although Emily moved several times growing up, no place has felt like home more than Tennessee. After living in Chattanooga for six years, she migrated slightly north to Knoxville for college, where she has hunkered down ever since. She graduated with a B.S. in Communications with a concentration in Journalism and Electronic Media. With hopes of working for a magazine, she landed a job out of college as the Assistant Editor for a local publication. With a desire to grow, she took the leap into social media marketing through recommendation of a Maple Hall friend. She began her position there in 2020, working in content creation, photography, design, and marketing – adding Babalu under her umbrella in 2021. Her passion for the hospitality industry made the transition seamless and she enjoys conveying that experience through social media. Beyond the bowling lanes and restaurant tables, Emily enjoys traveling with friends and family, experiencing all that Knoxville has to offer, and satisfying her creative side in whatever way possible. She strictly follows "the phone eats first" motto. 

  • "I strive to see the world intentionally, understanding that every interaction impacts others in either a positive or negative way. I grew up in a combination of Nashville, TN, and Upstate NY, where I developed a passion for sports, music, and band. This passion led me to the University of Tennessee, where I earned a nursing degree and was a proud member of the Pride of the Southland Marching Band.

    After college, I worked in a Trauma/Surgical ICU and later in Chemotherapy. Outside of work, I pursued my love of traveling and action sports, with hobbies like scuba diving, snowboarding, and hiking. I’m happily married, with two adventurous dogs, and I have a deep passion for helping and connecting with others through knowledge and experience.

    At 25, I lost my younger brother, Grant, to a completely preventable condition—Exertional Heat Stroke—during a college wrestling practice. This devastating loss left me in a state of shock. My family endured a three-year lawsuit following Grant’s passing, and while the grief was overwhelming, it ultimately reignited my determination to create positivity, inspire change, and advocate for others.

    Today, I am the founder and Executive Director of The Grant Brace Foundation, and I am currently co-authoring a book and hosting a podcast to share my family’s story. My mission is to drive meaningful change in sports culture and heat safety—creating a legacy that Grant would be proud of.”

  • University of Tennessee

  • Deedee Chism is a dynamic professional with a rich background in athletics and academia. Having excelled as a former professional volleyball player, Deedee brings a distinctive blend of strategic thinking, leadership, and teamwork to her current role as the Grants Manager with the City of Knoxville.

    Graduating with honors from The University of Tennessee in 2013, Deedee holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Sports Management, showcasing her early dedication to understanding the intersection of business and sports. Building upon this foundation, she pursued further academic excellence, earning Master's degrees in Business and Sports Psychology, solidifying her expertise in these areas.

    In addition to her academic achievements, Deedee is renowned for her commitment to community service and her dedication to positively impacting others, as demonstrated by her previous role in Early Education. Her involvement in various community initiatives underscores her commitment to effecting meaningful change.

    Deedee's proficiency in contemporary marketing strategies, mainly social media, allows her to create impactful campaigns and foster engagement in digital spaces. Her extensive international travels have given her a unique perspective, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures and global dynamics. This global outlook informs her approach to problem-solving and collaboration, making her a valuable asset in any cross-cultural context.

  • Born in Crossville, Tennessee, my family moved to Texas when I was young, where we bounced around several significantly smaller towns before returning in time for me to graduate as a Cumberland County Jet. Upon arriving in Knoxville to attend  the University of Tennessee, I decided I was never going to live in a small town again. My major changed from Medical Technology to Anthropology to Education to Social Work and finally stuck on English/History when I realized I would never graduate if I didn't stop switching and losing credits. Having never had a sales job in my life, my first job out of school was selling yellow page ads. I didn't have a clue what I was doing, but within six months, I was doing it better than anyone else. As Baby #1 came along, I switched to an admin role to avoid so much travel. As Baby #2 came along, I retired, because daycare for two is expensive! Friends I had made along the way, though, pulled me out of retirement to work in television and radio, where once again I had no clue what I was doing (modeling, producing, hosting, and promoting), but I did it well enough to garner some national recognition for each of the companies. But there was a lot of travel and time away from my family, so I retired. Then I got restless and started Word Nerd (a writing and editing service). Then, a friend said, "Hey, Maple Hall is hiring and they need you." Again, without a clue, I joined a new team and built the Events department (I'm a certified wedding & events planner), until deciding to retire one more time in 2019 to stay at home with my youngest before he was too cool to be seen with me. Now, with both boys in college, I dabble in paid work with the Knox County Election Commission and with Bijou Theatre. My volunteer work is spread mostly between Visit Knoxville and Centro Hispano. I'm teaching myself Korean and brushing up on my Spanish so that I can teach ESL abroad as soon as my husband feels he has enough bail money to get me out of whatever jam my mouth might get me into overseas.

  • I grew up in Memphis, TN, and moved to Knoxville to attend school at UTK. I attained my Bachelor's degree in RHTM (Retail, Hospitality, Tourism Management). While in college I stumbled upon a Facebook post about the opening of a bowling alley on Gay Street. I applied, interviewed, and was hired as a hostess. This is where my journey at Maple Hall began. I started as a hostess, worked at the bowling desk, became a server, and was hired as an Event Coordinator for Maple Hall shortly before graduation. I have spent over 8 years working at Maple Hall. Living 6 hours away from family was an adjustment, but Maple Hall became like family. Maple Hall and the people who work there have shaped me into who I am. I am now the Director of Events at Maple Hall along with our sister company, Babalu. Aside from my career, I am a newer homeowner and enjoy curating my home with finds from thrifting/antiquing. I would say my main hobbies are thrifting, bowling, getting out and about in Knoxville and trying new restaurants/bars with friends, cooking, arts/crafts, lounging in a body of water, and spending time with my 3 furry children (cats) who are my pride and joy. I am looking forward to The Fem Lab and am super excited to meet and learn from the other women in this group! 

  • Dr. Cassandra McGee Stuart is Manager of Strategy and Performance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). She leads the Small Business Programs Office, which works to increase the laboratory’s small business utilization. Additionally, she manages the laboratory’s strategic sourcing catalogs program as well as the intercontractor purchase agreements and subcontracts with the University of Tennessee. She often leads strategic initiatives for the Contracts division and Business Services directorate at ORNL.

    The laboratory has won several awards for its commitment to small businesses, including the DOE OSDBU Director’s Excellence Award, DOE Mentor of the Year, and the Veteran’s Enterprise Award from the National Veteran Small Business Coalition. Stuart also received the DOE Small Business Program Manager of the Year Award.

    Stuart is a former producer at CNN-Headline News and later worked as a reporter and anchor for the NBC affiliate, WBIR-TV, in Knoxville, for 10 years. She was also Director of Public and Government relations at the Knoxville Area Chamber followed by positions as Director and Vice President of Business Development at two area firms. She also owned a small consulting business.

    Stuart is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville and serves on the boards of Emerald Youth Foundation and Legacy Parks and completed two terms on the City of Knoxville’s Diversity Business Advisory Committee. Stuart also served on the Knox County Election Commission for 15 years. She holds a Doctorate in business administration from Lincoln Memorial University, a Master’s in management from Colorado State University, and a B.S. in communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

  • I'm Erin, a 28-year-old Executive Director with the YMCA, passionate about leadership, community impact, and making a difference. I work hard so Monster and Cheeto (my cats) don't have to.  

    When I’m not at the Y, you can find shaking up a cocktail behind the bar, decorating cakes, cooking up something delicious, or getting a good workout in. I believe in working hard, staying creative, and never underestimating the power of a good nap.  

  • Vivian graduated a million years ago from the University of Tennessee with a journalism degree. I returned to Knoxville in 1989 and shortly after was hired by The Knoxville News Sentinel. KNS retired me (laid me off), eight years ago, two years after my husband of 31 years, Duncan Mansfield, died of pancreatic cancer. I was retirement age, so the layoff payoff was a bonus. I have one son, Craig. He lives in Hamburg, Germany, with his wife, Andrea, and my three grandchildren - Nola, 8, Harper, 5, and Flynn, 3. In November, while on a trip to Spain and Portugal, I met and fell in love with a man who lives in Colorado. We are both pretty freaked about it. (Delete those last two sentences if you feel they are inappropriate.) I enjoy Words with Friends, Sudoku, Connections, and gardening.

  • Mary is a Tennessee native from a small town about 2 hours from Knoxville, Pall Mall. She grew up working in her family’s production greenhouse and moved to Knoxville to study biomedical engineering at UT. After designing medical devices in Indiana after college, she returned to Knoxville to manage DeRoyal’s engineering department. She earned an MBA from UTK and then was inspired to transition to academia, creating and managing UTK’s Integrated Business and Engineering Program. She eventually returned to DeRoyal, with a new focus on marketing and product development. 

    Outside of work, Mary serves on the board of Sertoma Center, a non-profit organization that supports adults with disabilities. She is also a curator for Knoxville PechaKucha, a quarterly event featuring a unique presentation style of Knoxville community members showcasing inspiring projects they are working on. A Master Gardener and devoted dog lover, she treasures time spent with her mini-schnauzer, Big Chunk.

  • I am a member of the admin team at Maple Hall/Babalu! I wear a few different hats, but primarily fill the role of Financial Assistant. I grew up in Cleveland, TN - about 30 minutes outside of Chattanooga! However, I have lived in Knoxville since 2013 when I arrived for college, and I never left. I graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2017 with a Bachelor's in English with a concentration in literature, then again in 2018 with a Master's in Secondary English Education. I spent 6 years as a high school English teacher until I decided I was ready for a life change in 2023, which is how I found myself in my current role! I've been at Maple Hall for 8 years (since day 1), so I was very thankful for the opportunity to grow within a company that already felt like home. My husband & I live in the Parkridge neighborhood with our 2 dogs, Riley & Matilda, and our 2 cats, Hamlet & Ophelia. Though I love Knoxville as my home base, I love traveling even more & my main life goal is to see as much of the world as possible! When I'm not playing with data & spreadsheets at work, you can probably find me kicking a soccer ball, listening to live music, or laying on my couch solving NYT crossword puzzles. I can't wait to get to know everyone through Fem Lab, and I am excited for the opportunity to grow and make connections!

  • Taylor is the Executive Director of A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee in 2009 and has over a decade of experience in nonprofit management and leadership. Her experience includes extensive work on development and marketing-focused initiatives in the nonprofit sector, as well as program management and supervision. As an East Tennessee native, Taylor is passionate about mitigating barriers to healthcare services for rural communities and has a first-hand perspective of the unique access issues facing East Tennessee residents. Taylor is a mother of two and is extremely passionate about helping women achieve their goals and dreams. She currently serves as the President of the Knoxville Volunteer Rotary Club and is a program alum of Intro Knox – Class of Spring 2022, as well as an alum of Leadership East Tennessee – Class of 2023.

  • Director, Audit Chair and proven C-suite executive with 30 plus years of experience helping companies grow and transform. Experience driving strategy and large-scale transformation initiatives including executing M&A transactions in domestic and global markets, overseeing enterprise risk management, corporate governance, organizational redesign, talent development and optimizing financial management processes.

  • I am an event coordinator for Maple Hall and Babalu.  I grew up in West Tennessee, more specifically in the cities of Memphis, Brownsville, and Jackson.  I went to college at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduated in May 2023 with a bachelor's degree in RHTM (Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism Management). In my second year of college (2021) I began working as a host at Babalu. I fell in love with the team and culture and eventually worked my way up to serving. May 2022 I took a summer internship with St. Joe's Hospitality Group at the Pearl Hotel in Rosemary, FL. When I returned from my internship I began serving at Maple Hall. Shortly after I started servering, management approached me with the opportunity to be a part time event coordinator. I assumed the roles of being a part time server and part time event coordinator until I graduated college and then stepped into the role of being a full time event coordinator! Some hobbies I enjoy outside of work consist of painting, working out (sometimes), spending time with friends, and last but not least, playing with my orange kitty, Nala. 

  • New2Knox - Owner/Head of Operations. Bailey is the newest to Knoxville, finally journeying from Texas to the Scruffy City circa 2019. She’s a big fan of coffee in an IV, adorable dogs who can fit in teacups, and discovering gems at local thrift stores. If you need someone to straighten your crown (or first find you a crown at said thrift store), Bailey Rose is your girl!

  • Carly Ebersberger and I am a second-year law student here in Knoxville, Tennessee. I moved from Mount Juliet to Knoxville in 2018 to attend the Univesity of Tennessee where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in both English and Political Science. While my love for Knoxville is great, my love for exploring is even greater: that is how I found myself in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this summer! I believe there is so much to learn from the people around you if you open yourself up to new stories and cultures – which is why I am thrilled to be a part of this amazing group! As for more personal facts about myself, I love my pets (Calvin the cat and Evee the dog), spending time outside, thrifting, cooking, and meeting new people!

  • I’m a Cuban-American from Miami, FL who has lived in Knoxville for 15 years, first going to UT and graduating with honors from the school of Communication. To then working at a non-profit and developing a special interest in Human Resources and the science and practicality of psychological safety and effects of burn out in the workplace. She then transitioned out of the non-profit sector into corporate leadership positions. Now she assists in a Client Relations and Marketing position at Pittman Properties with her husband and father in law. 

  • Wealth Management Advisor, Axiom Wealth Management.

    Kimberly graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Statistics) from the University of Tennessee then completed a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from UT. She had an 18+ year career in Urban Planning and Property Development before joining Northwestern Mutual. She is an Associate Wealth Management Advisor and has completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, ChFC®, CLU®, and RICP® designations. She holds the Series 7, 6, and 63 securities registrations, as well as Tennessee and other states’ life/health, long-term care, and variable insurance licenses.

    Kimberly is a member of the 2021 Leadership Knoxville class and the 2022 UT Chancellor’s Associates class. Kim is involved with various civic organizations including the Marble City Opera Board (Chair), Every Woman Vote (Board), and formerly volunteering for and serving on the Boards of Knox Heritage, Knoxville Opera, Friends of Literacy, and Dogwood Arts. Kim was appointed by the Mayor of Knoxville to the Metropolitan Planning Commission (2005-2008), the Downtown Design Review Board (2005–2011, Chair for 5 years), the Wrecker Commission (2013-2017, Chair), and Knoxville's Community Development Corporation (2017- current, Vice-Chair).

    Kimberly lives in Downtown Knoxville and enjoys Foodie events, SCUBA diving, and traveling to interesting worldwide destinations.

  • Karyn Adams is a mother, runner, cyclist, writer, and connector-of-dots. She directs the creative and strategic efforts of H-A ThirtyOne, a woman-owned higher-ed focused marketing and communications firm. Together with the H•A ThirtyOne team, Karyn helps institutions solve problems, reach goals, and exceed their expectations through innovative approaches to communications, enrollment marketing, and institutional initiatives

    Throughout nearly two decades of experience in higher education, Karyn has served inside the academy in numerous leadership roles and as a consultant and strategist for institutions across the United States.

    Her specialties include all aspects of communications and marketing: integrated marketing and institutional branding, enrollment initiatives, capital campaigns, website redesigns, public-private partnerships, and crisis communications. In addition to her work in higher ed, Karyn serves as a Planning Commissioner and may (or may not) be pursuing a pilot's license. She lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, with her husband and two sons.

    She is also running for City Council!

  • Domonica Bryan was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She graduated from Olympic High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Fayetteville State University in 2007. Her career experience includes working in social work.

    She also ran for State Senate in 2024.

  • Amy is a seasoned marketing professional with a diverse career spanning healthcare, non-profits, animal welfare, and property management. Currently, she serves as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for LHP Capital, a real estate development firm specializing in development and management of multifamily affordable housing. Her primary duties involve managing social media, the company website, internal employee communications, and corporate events.  Amy is a loyal volunteer and fan of Young-Willliams Animal Center and has been a foster parent to dozens of cats and kittens. In 2023, she experienced a classic “foster fail” and couldn’t resist adopting a tuxedo kitten.  As an enthusiastic hiker, Amy took up backpacking at the age of 60, enabling her to hike the 72-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She aspires to become a '900-miler' by hiking every trail in the park.  Amy is a devoted daughter, sister and aunt, and caring companion to her 94-year-old father and mischievous purrball, Kituwa.

  • Lauren is a Memphis native who has proudly called Knoxville home since 2006. She majored in 4D Studio Art (video, sound, performance, installation) at the University of Tennessee and found her dream career path, blending art with marketing. Since joining Loch & Key Productions in 2013, Lauren has been instrumental in transforming the company into the dynamic force it is today. As Vice President and Senior Producer, she excels at bringing in new business, guiding clients through the creative process, managing the team, and overseeing all aspects of pre and post-production workflows, ensuring every project runs smoothly.

    Beyond her work at Loch & Key, Lauren has been an active board member of Knoxville’s Pechakucha since 2017, curating quarterly events that showcase inspiring presentations on diverse topics. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her husband, Landon, and their adorable pup, Eva. Lauren’s passions include cooking, gardening, traveling, crafting, yoga, and soaking up live music.

  • COO, YMCA of East Tennessee

    Kim J. Ballard is a seasoned executive with a distinguished career in YMCA leadership, characterized by a robust track record in operational management, fundraising, strategic planning, and community engagement. With over two decades of experience at the YMCA of East Tennessee, Kim has consistently driven organizational growth and innovation, spearheading key projects and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.

  • Adalyia is a Knoxville native who recently returned home after spending nearly two decades in Memphis, TN, bringing with her a wealth of experience in sales, leadership, and community impact. A proud graduate of The University of Memphis, she has served on numerous boards and committees including The Apartment Association of Greater Memphis and has been actively involved with the National Apartment Association, advocating for better housing and community standards. She is the founder of The 29:11 Project, a nonprofit on a mission to “Make Room for Hope” by creating restorative living spaces for children and families impacted by housing insecurity. As a mom of two, she believes in the power of connection and community because she understands we are truly better together. She lives by the mantra: changing the world starts at home and is excited to use her gifts and talents to support in the progression of her hometown. 

Upcoming events

  • Welcome!

    August 20 5:300-7:30PM

    More info here

  • Topic 2.

    September 17, 5:30-7:30PM

    More info here

  • Topic 3.

    October 15, 5:30-7:30PM

    More info here

  • Topic 4

    Novemer 19, 5:30- 7:30

    More info here

  • Topic 5

    December 17, 5:30-7:30

    More info here

Questions and Comments?

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