Inside Nashville’s Inspiring People 2026

Keynote speakers Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East, along with panelists Ashlyn Burger, Hugh Howser, and Zoe Scheiderich, took the stage to share their inspiring stories.

by Bella Ceto

Community Pics

April 24, 2026

4:19 PM

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Honorees Zoe Scheiderich, Andrew East, Shawn Johnson East, Hugh Howser, and Ashlyn Burger with Publisher Brian Barry

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Keynote speakers Andrew East and Shawn Johnson East

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Ashlyn Burger, Cindy Watts

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Ella Morrissey, Marco Vega, Kerri Fox-Metoyer

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Hugh Howser, Brian Barry

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Brian Barry, Stefanie Ball with Gaylord Opryland Resort

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Welcome wine courtesy of Dolly Wines

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Zoe Scheiderich, Cindy Watts

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Special thanks to our sponsor SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort

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W Nashville provided light bites for the event

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Special thanks to our sponsor Yearly Co.

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Stage setup courtesy of Curated Events

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W Nashville hosted Inspiring People 2026

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Nashville Smile Bar brought the picture perfect moments

On Thursday, April 23, Nashville Lifestyles hosted its annual Inspiring People event at W Nashville in The Gulch. Prior to the seated program, attendees enjoyed an hour of cocktails and networking. Guests were welcomed with wine from Dolly Wines and snacked on hors d'oeuvres from W Nashville. SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland Resort gave guests a sneak peek at their upcoming summer fun, Yearly Co. showcased a stunning display of jewelry, and Dillard’s hosted a pop-up packed with spring and summer must-haves. Following the cocktail hour, guests were treated to an inspiring panel discussion.

The panel featured Ashlyn Burger (The Burger Family Foundation Co-Founder), Hugh Howser (Comedian and Wedding Planner), and Zoe Scheiderich (Miss Tennessee 2025).

The evening concluded with keynote speakers Shawn Johnson East & Andrew East, Olympic Gymnast, NFL Athlete, Influencers, Authors, TV Personalities. The couple shared insights on their social media platform, their experience on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, and their new book, The Courage to Commit.