Story and photography by Holly Lane-Adreon

Supporters of Girls Inc. of the Tennessee Valley came together to show their support at the annual Day of the Girl Luncheon held at the Hilton Airport location in Knoxville. Girls Inc. has been serving girls for over four decades, empowering and recognizing their potential. This year’s event celebrated the accomplishments of girls and women who exemplify the organization’s core values of being strong, smart and bold. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Sharon Hannum. A Blount County native and Maryville High School graduate, Sharon broke barriers as the first woman recruited into a supervisory role in Alcoa’s North Ingot Department, going on to a distinguished 30-year career with the company. Sharon, who is now retired, spends her time in service across East Tennessee — serving on the East Tennessee Foundation Board of Trustees, chairing Blount County’s Jail Inspection Committee and founding the Accelerated Candidate Leadership Development Program.