2025 S.W.A.G. Luncheon RECAP

She Shines: 2025 S.W.A.G. Luncheon Recap By the Brownsville-Haywood County Chamber of Commerce

3rd annual S.W.A.G. (Successful Women Achieving Greatness) Luncheon at Carver High School

Honoring Women Who Shine

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2025 S.W.A.G. Awards, which recognize women who have shown exceptional leadership, service, and impact. This year’s honorees were thoughtfully selected by our Title, Platinum, and Gold Sponsors, in partnership with the City of Brownsville and Haywood County.

We are proud to recognize the following recipients and thank each sponsor for their thoughtful selections.

Kayla Taylor (Ford at BlueOval City)

Here are the sentiments from Ford at BlueOval City:

"Kayla and her team at Younger & Associates works tirelessly on behalf of Ford Motor Company. Younger & Associates treat this partnership with Ford like we are ONE team rather than a customer. Ford Community Relations team decided to grow our partnership based on their constant willingness to help Ford with everything they have. Kayla’s attention to detail is not only impressive, but really important to keep our team on track as we work so hard to be a “Good Neighbor”.  Kayla’s sweet spirit and bold drive helps Ford Community Relations and Marianne in so many ways and for that, Kayla is especially deserving of this recognition."

Lexie Voss (Ford at BlueOval City)

Here are the sentiments from Ford at BlueOval City:

"Lexi is a hometown girl who was hired by Ford at BlueOval City to help build a team of thousands of employees. Lexi not only proves her desire to hire local, but she always proves her love for this community through her actions which includes coordinating volunteer projects for Ford employees within the community.  Lexi serves on the board for non-profits in Haywood County and personally volunteers with others when she is asked.  Ford is proud to have Lexi on our team due to her amazing spirit and dedicated collaboration with her community and our team!"

Emma Covington (Ford at BlueOval City)

Here are the sentiments from Ford at BlueOval City:

"When Ford came to town, we knew we wanted to start a local advisory council to help us make sure residents were included in the process of deciding how and where Ford would make community investments.  Emma was the clear choice to be the Chair of this council.  She continues to be so connected with everything we are doing to help serve people directly around our new BlueOval City site.  We are grateful for her wisdom and guidance as we worked so many hours creating our Ford Good Neighbor Plan. Emma’s leadership helped us create a plan that ensures Ford wants to always be a “Good Neighbor”.  Thank you Emma for your steadfast service to this amazing community."

Mallory Cooke Bell (BlueOval SK)

Here are the sentiments from BlueOval SK:

"Mallory exemplifies Successful Women Achieving Greatness. She has gone from being in front of the camera as news anchor on WBBJ to orchestrating what goes on behind the camera. She spends countless hours ensuring BlueOval SK's communications are organized, clear and accurate. In addition to that, she is an amazing wife mother, colleague and friend. Mallory, your outstanding work is not unnoticed. Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you more than you will ever know. Today we celebrate you for your past, present and future accomplishments. On behalf of the entire BlueOval SK Family, we salute you. You shine!!"

Sarah Levy (BlueOval SK)

Here are the sentiments from BlueOval SK:

"Sarah has a brilliant legal mind that has helped Haywood County Government navigate through challenges as well as opportunities. She is always on the battlefield for what is fair and just. She is a cheerleader for other women and advocates for them to have a seat at the table. In a world of a lot of noise you (Sarah) bring clarity and extreme legal expertise. She continually gives excellent advice and counsel to Haywood County Government, even when it's not easy. Mrs. Legal Eagle, keep fighting the good fight! We are listening and salute you for all you do!"

Mary Priddy (Haywood County Government)

Here are the sentiments from Haywood County:

"Mary has been a very big asset to the Haywood County Courthouse family. She is helpful, caring and a kind person. She is very informative in our finance department. Mary has been in finance for 20+ years. She holds an associate's degree in finance and a Batchelor's Degree in Business." To encourage Mary Priddy, Haywood County Government offers this quote: "Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life. Mark Twain"

Rebekah White-Williams (TCAT Jackson)

Here are the sentiments from Tennessee College of Applied Technology Jackson:

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"We selected Miss Rebekah White-Williams because of her tireless and faithful commitment to the students ofTCAT Jackson. She is always willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed. She is a truly gifted educator who meets each student's needs and learning style. We selected Miss Rebekah because she is dedicated to our mission, to our technical college system's mission. She serves as a mentor and leader in her academic area, providing her expertise to faculty throughout the state of Tennessee. She has graciously completed rigorous training to gain nationally recognized credentials to offer our students support and coaching in the employment process. Ms. Rebekah, you are an example to us all in the higher education profession: in serving others and in the pursuit of excellence in work. You are always happy to help, willing to share, and ready to serve sacrificially. Your commitment to every TCAT student is your legacy. There are countless success stories that could not be told were it not for you and your commitment to our students. Some things your students say: 'In all my years of schooling Ms. Rebekah is the best teacher I have ever had. Totally understanding and an absolute joy to be around.' 'I truly owe my success to her tutelage.'"

Dr. Martha Lyle Ford (Haywood County Democratic Party)

Here are the sentiments from Haywood County Democratic Party:

"Dr. Ford is a lifelong Democrat who has served in ministry, natural resource conservation, higher education, politics and government. Dr. Ford has always sought to make her town, community, and environment better by being a good steward of God's gifts and talents. She seeks to build bridges, not barriers to make us all better human beings and live as we are commanded to do so. Dr. Ford seeks to be a beacon of honor for all she encounters, to ben an example to all with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and to center her life and work in Jesus' call to love God and thy neighbor as thyself."

Julie Carver (Conner Real Estate)

Here are the sentiments from Conner Real Estate:

"Julie was selected for the award because she is a truly inspiring woman. She exemplifies what it means to be successful, compassionate and dedicated to her community. She is known for her professionalism and commitment to her clients. Julie's heart for service extends beyond her career as she is a passionate advocate for local animal welfare, volunteering time and energy to the Animal Shelter and Spay Haywood. Julie - today we celebrate you - not just for your success in your career and your dedication to your family, but for the remarkable impact you have on our community. This success isn't just measured by what we accomplish, but by how we use our gifts to help others and make the world a better place. Keep shining your light, Julie! Congrats on this well-deserved recognition.

Dr. April Webster (Westlake Pipe & Fittings honored our keynote speaker with this award)

A Powerful Message

We were truly honored to welcome Dr. April Webster as this year’s keynote speaker. An accomplished author, entrepreneur, and evangelist, Dr. Webster delivered a heartfelt and inspiring message about purpose, perseverance, and the power of owning your shine. Her words reminded us that every woman has a light—and when we allow it to shine, we ignite strength in others. 

Westlake Pipe & Fittings so graciously honored this successful woman with their 2025 S.W.A.G. award!

Westlake Pipe & Fittings gives!

Finally, congratulations to Sonia Outlaw-Clark of the West TN Delta Heritage Center for being selected as a 2025 S.W.A.G. Award recipient by the City of Brownsville!

A special Happy Birthday to Ms. Juanita Austin

We even had a Chamber member celebrate her 72nd birthday with us! So we surprised her with a special bouquet of flowers. Her reaction was priceless!

Sharing this experience with our next generation of leaders from HCS!!

Gratitude for Our Supporters

This event would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors. A special thank you to our Title Sponsor, Ford at BlueOval City, for your continued leadership and commitment to empowering women in our region.

We also deeply appreciate our Platinum Sponsor, BlueOval SK, our Gold Sponsors—Westlake Pipe & Fittings, Haywood County Democratic Party, TCAT Jackson, and Conner Real Estate, and our Bronze Sponsor, InSouth Bank, for helping make this event meaningful and memorable.

Sincere thanks also go to our dedicated S.W.A.G. Committee members, whose hard work and heart brought this vision to life.

We are grateful to Gail Carver and her team at Lilie’s on the Square for providing an absolutely delicious luncheon, and we give a big round of applause to the student volunteers from Haywood High School, who assisted with professionalism and pride throughout the event.

Thank you to all of our 2025 S.W.A.G. Sponsors

2025 S.W.A.G. Committee members PLUS Vice Mayor for the City of Brownsville, Alderwoman Carolyn Flagg!!

Don't miss this wonderful event next year!

Until Next Time

The 2025 S.W.A.G. Luncheon was a beautiful celebration of women’s impact, community, and connection. As we look ahead, we are reminded that when women support one another, greatness multiplies.

To every woman who shines—thank you for sharing your light with us. We can’t wait to continue this tradition next year!

#WeAreBetterTogether