In honor of Black Philanthropy Month 2025 and Nashville Lifestyles’ Women in Business issue, we proudly recognize the women in this year’s Gamechangers cohort, a powerhouse of Black philanthropic leaders and bold community collaborators shaping a stronger Middle Tennessee through innovation, generosity, and trust.
Launched in 2024 by Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), the Gamechangers program celebrates Black leadership in philanthropy across sectors. These women are part of a broader cohort, recognized for creating meaningful, lasting change while inviting others to lead alongside them.
They embody the spirit of Sankofa, a West African principle and the focus of this year’s global Black Philanthropy Month celebration, calling us to look to the past to build a better future. CFMT’s Gamechangers are visionaries and bridgebuilders, grounded in community and driven by equity.
2025 Featured Women Gamechangers include: (pictured left to right)
Johari Matthews – Vice President and Executive Director, ONE Community and Tennessee Titans Foundation
Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones – Founder and CEO, MOJO Marketing & PR
Holly Rachel – Executive Director, Darrell S. Freeman Sr. Incubation and Innovation Center
Charmin Bates – Founder and CEO, Creative Girls Rock
Gail Carr Williams – Community Leader and Philanthropist
Jennifer Oldham – Vice President of Communications and Partnerships, The Healing Trust
Rev. Jen Bailey – Executive Director, Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund
Chandra Allen – Program Director, West End Home Foundation (not pictured)
Phylanice Nashe – Philanthropist and Community Leader (not pictured)
Their stories reflect the shared truth that while philanthropy is about giving, it is also about leading with purpose, building trust, and opening doors for others.
“Philanthropy is not a new concept for the Black community. It’s ancestral, and it’s how we’ve always cared for each other,” said Erika Burnett, Vice President of Community Development at CFMT. “This year’s Gamechangers honor our past, invest in the present, and rise together with and for the community.”To learn more about the full Gamechangers cohort and how Nashville is celebrating Black Philanthropy Month, visit cfmt.org/ gamechangers/.