Leadership takes many forms. Sometimes it means finding a solution to a problem exposed by disaster. Other times, it means years of service, opening doors for others or bringing people together around a common purpose.

This week’s Let’s Talk: Leaders recognizes East Tennesseans who are doing just that — building connections, strengthening communities and making a difference.

Helene’s lessons inspire new connections across East Tennessee

When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of East Tennessee in 2024, the response demonstrated the extraordinary willingness of neighbors and organizations to help one another. It also revealed a challenge: Many organizations doing similar work had difficulty finding each other.

The East Tennessee Foundation, led by President and CEO Dr. Keith Barber, has turned that lesson into a resource intended to strengthen communities long after disaster recovery ends.

The foundation launched the East Tennessee Nonprofit Directory on Oct. 8, providing a searchable resource connecting nonprofits, businesses and individuals across its 25-county service area.

“Our experience responding to Hurricane Helene reminded us of the strength that exists across East Tennessee when people and organizations come together,” Barber said. “We saw organizations working toward a common goal that simply needed a way to find one another.”

The directory is designed to help organizations identify potential partners, share resources and connect residents with services.

The foundation hopes those relationships will prove valuable not only during emergencies but also in addressing everyday challenges involving housing, food insecurity, education and other community needs.

“When organizations can find one another, share knowledge and build partnerships, we create more opportunities to use our collective strengths to make lives better and communities stronger,” Barber said.

It’s a reminder that sometimes effective leadership means making it easier for others to succeed.

Learn more through the East Tennessee Foundation.

Urban League celebrates leaders who make a difference

The recognized individuals, businesses and organizations whose work has strengthened the community during its annual Equal Opportunity Awards Gala on Oct. 8 at The Press Room.

Knoxville Area Urban League Gala

Among those honored was Dewey W. Roberts II, who received the Whitney M. Young Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.

Roberts, a longtime civil rights activist, author and community leader, previously served as president of the Knoxville Branch NAACP and the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. His decades of advocacy have helped shape conversations about education, opportunity and equality in Knoxville.

Other honorees included:

  • Clayton Homes, Corporate Leadership Award.
  • Asheville Highway Animal Hospital, Minority Business of the Year Award, accepted by founder Dr. Joseph Kendrick.
  • Dr. Olga M. Welch, Volunteer of the Year Award.
  • East Knoxville Lions Club and Five Points Up, Community Champion Award.

The East Knoxville Lions Club’s work includes vision care and youth education, while Five Points Up focuses on community engagement, beautification and unity in East Knoxville.

“These award recipients exemplify the mission of our organization through their commitment to empowerment, equality and community uplift,” said Dr. Laurie Shanderson, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League.

The gala celebrated not only individual accomplishments but also the lasting value of service to others.

Learn more at the Knoxville Area Urban League.

YWCA brings leaders together for an important conversation

Community leadership also means addressing difficult issues and finding ways to work together.

YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley will host From Response to Resilience on Friday, Oct. 23, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Nancy J. Land Center, 420 W. Clinch Ave.

The discussion will focus on domestic violence response, survivor safety and community collaboration. David G. Kitts, program manager for the Knoxville Police Department’s Special Crimes Unit, is among the announced speakers.

The gathering offers an opportunity to examine how organizations and community leaders can work together to improve support for survivors.

The announced RSVP deadline is Oct. 20. Contact the YWCA for attendance details.

New board members strengthen YWCA leadership

The YWCA also has welcomed new members to its board of directors, bringing additional experience and perspectives to the organization’s work.

The announced members are Adrienne Anderson, Julia Bentley, Julia Goodrich, Delphia Howze, Diane Humphreys-Barlow, Krystyna Laba and Holly Young.

Their service supports an organization with a long history of providing programs and advocacy for women and families throughout Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley.

Meet the leadership team on the YWCA board directory.

Leadership isn’t always measured by titles or recognition. Often, its greatest impact comes from the people and organizations who are willing to connect, collaborate and keep showing up for their communities.

Have a leader making a difference in your community? Send suggestions for Let’s Talk: Neighbors, Schools, Leaders or Outdoors to news@knoxtntoday.com.

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