Nashville's Charitable Women

Danielle Lares-Bouharoun

Senior Vice President, Senior Private Banker, Wells Fargo Private Bank
Danielle Lares-Bouharoun considers herself very fortunate for having some great mentors. She started her career at age 20 because she finished college early and, she says, “at home, my mother was a fabulous role model for volunteerism and fearlessness: She went back to school when I was 12 to get her Masters Degree. x93

Her Cause: T.J. Martell Foundation
“The T.J. Martell Foundation raises funds for cancer research that is so needed. Locally, the Foundation helps to fund research grants at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center. We have a world-class cancer center research facility in Nashville and the developments there are so exciting in the fight against cancer. x93

Rita Mitchell

Senior Vice President & Manager of Private Client Services, First Tennessee Bank
Over the course of her 33-year career, Rita Mitchell has served on countless committees and boards, including the YWCA where she was the chair from 2009 to 2012 and is currently serving on the Board of the 2014 NCAA Women’s Final Four.

Her cause: Purpose Prep
“I am passionate about making sure that everyone has a pathway to success. Purpose Prep is serving the North Nashville Community, which is where I grew up and still reside. As a child of North Nashville I know that children there need a rigorous curriculum that is both challenging and exciting and taught in a safe and happy place; they need high quality instruction from great teachers; and they absolutely need positive character development that will firmly set their foundation of beliefs in place. x93

Beth Alexander

Vice President, Community Relations, Private Banking, CapStar
Beth Alexander makes it a point to serve on boards with missions that are centered on, or stay focused on, helping children including the Family and Children’s Services and the Tennessee Reparatory Theater. But, she admits, “regardless of the cause, it’s the people behind it—staff and volunteers—that make it so rewarding. x93

Her cause: The Nashville Public Library
“Our Library is nationally renowned and just received the 2013 Innovators Award from the Urban Libraries Council. While experiencing great growth in demand for services, the Library’s professional staff embraces change in the way we learn and read through unbelievably creative new media. x93

Lori Badgett

Senior Vice President, City National Bank
Lori Badgett has country music in her blood—her father served as vice president of marketing and public relations for Opryland, USA. Today, she works closely with entertainment companies and individuals at City National but also serves as vice president of the Academy of Country Music Lifting Lives and serves on the board of The Recording Academy and Nashville Screenwriters Conference.

Her cause: Lifting Lives
“I’ve been so grateful to experience first-hand the impact music can have to empower those with disabilities and the incredible commitment and generosity from the Nashville music community to make that happen. x93

Lisa Harless

Wealth Advisor/Senior Vice President Entertainment and Sports Division, Regions Private Wealth Management
In her 28 years as an entertainment banker, Harless has been recognized multiple times for her support of the entertainment community. She is a past president and advisory council member of W.O. Smith Nashville Community Music School and currently serves as secretary of the Nashville Board of The Recording Academy, which makes an impact on lives through The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares.

Her cause: MusiCares
“I have a solid appreciation of, and passion for, the amazing work being done by MusiCares. This is a nationwide organization that provides health and human services to people in need. I hear first-hand about the tremendous impact MusiCares is making on lives. x93

Lisa Meiers Smith

Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing, Avenue Bank
Throughout her career, Meiers Smith has served as a community relations contact for Avenue Bank and has worked hard to leverage corporate support for a wide range of non-profit organizations.

Her cause: The YWCA
“Their work to provide shelter and assistance to victims of domestic violence is unfortunately much-needed in our community, and is life-saving for the women and families they serve. In addition, they are a leading provider of GED-education, which creates opportunities for women to better their future through education. x93

Tara Alford

Senior Vice President, Private Banking Executive, Fifth Third Bank
Within her role at Fifth Third Bank, Tara Alford serves as the executive sponsor for the bank’s Women’s Business Resource Group—outside of the bank, she strives to bring strong female leaders to the groups she serves, including the United Way.

Her cause: The United Way
“The United Way has such a powerful and positive impact in all of our communities. You can touch so many lives and truly make a difference. Once you know their mission and the staggering number of people they help every year, it’s hard not to want to give your time and donate as much as you can. x93