Mulitple alumni and a staff member recognized across multiple categories, reflecting Belmont's impact on Nashville's professional landscape
Belmont University was well represented at the 17th annual Nashville Emerging Leader Awards (NELAs), a signature event for the Nashville Chamber of Commerce and Young Professionals Nashville.
Each year, the NELAs recognize Middle Tennessee young professionals for significant accomplishments in their chosen field as well as their commitment and contributions to Nashville’s growing community. NELAs attendees gathered to recognize 64 finalists from 17 industry categories at the Woolworth Theater in downtown Nashville, July 23.
Virginia Ezell Briley, Belmont’s external engagement & creative strategist for the Creative Arts Collective, won in the Community Service & Nonprofit category and seven Belmont alumni were finalists in their respective categories.
Briley helped lead the grant proposal process which resulted in the University receiving a historic $32 million Lilly Foundation grant to support Belmont’s major nationwide initiative in Christianity and the Arts.
“To have the opportunity to represent the Creative Arts Collective and the nonprofits with which I am engaged is a heartfelt honor and a joy," Briley commented. “I have been so inspired by all these finalists, who are each writing the next chapters of Nashville’s story.”
“What a thrill it is to represent the Creative Arts Collective and Belmont University in our community,” she said. “Our remarkable team at the CAC is driven by our mission, to inspire people to discover and live the beauty and wisdom of the Christian story and encouragers God through the arts.”
Additional NELA categories with Belmont alumni finalists:
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Financial Services: Jonathan Joyce (political science ‘16, MAcc ‘18), merger and acquisition manager at Deloitte
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Government & Public Affairs: Scott Radock (MBA ‘22), Senior Management Consultant for the State of Tennessee
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Government & Public Affairs: Steven Henry (political science and public law ‘18), Principal & Director of Client Services at Jigsaw
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Hospitality & Tourism: Zach Haisten (MBA ‘24), market development manager at PepsiCo
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Arts, Entertainment & Music Business: Blair Miller (music business ‘18, MBA ‘26), founder of Chaos Creators Entertainment
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Medical & Health Care Services: Anjali (Mukherji) Doria (entertainment industry studies ‘19, MEd ‘21), executive director at The Dava Foundation Inc.
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Wellness: Jenna Wolf (public relations ‘09), founder and CEO of The Lotus Room
Belmont’s Jack C. Massey College of Business was the presenting sponsor at the event. Dr. Sarah Fisher Gardial, Massey College of Business dean, addressed the award finalists and winners who received this early career award and recognition.
“The mission of Belmont's campus is to develop diverse leaders for a flourishing world for all,and that is a vision that extends far beyond your job and your role in industry or your organization,” she said. “Finding your career purpose and making the world a better place should go hand in hand. Nashville is the ideal place to do this. As an emerging leader, you are already making your footprint. Congratulations.”
NELAs finalists and winners were recognized for achieving an accelerated level within their careers and their commitment to impacting the community. Together the finalists are involved in supporting and leading more than 200 Middle Tennessee nonprofits and for-profit companies.
The breadth of industries represented by Belmont's alumni finalists—from financial services to arts and entertainment—showcases the versatility and widespread influence of the Belmont community. As these emerging leaders continue to make significant contributions to Nashville's growth and vitality, they serve as a testament to the strength of Belmont's on-campus community and alumni network and the University’s role in cultivating a new generation of impactful professionals dedicated to both their careers and their community.