NASHVILLE, TN — The historic Scarritt Bennett Center came alive with joy, laughter, and inspiration as the Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes; Incorporated hosted its 2025 Meet and Greet with the Jewels and their parents. This spirited event marked the official start of an exciting new season for the chapter’s signature youth mentoring program Lighting the Path for Girls. A total of 25 vibrant young ladies, ages 13 to 17, were warmly welcomed into the Jewels program, where they will embark on a year of growth, service, and sisterhood. Under the leadership of the Tri-Chairs; Rene’ Whittaker, Patsy Rees and Wanda Miller-Benson, each Jewel is paired with a dedicated mentor from Les Gemmes. This ensures every Jewel receives personal guidance, encouragement, and support. Parents, members, and community guests looked on proudly as the Jewels were introduced, symbolizing the beginning of a journey that promises to shape bright futures.
The Jewels program is carefully designed to prepare participants to be good global citizens. Through life-skills training, mentoring, and community engagement, the girls will gain the confidence and tools needed to succeed in higher education, the workforce, or military service. A special highlight of the program is the etiquette class, where the Jewels will learn poise, social graces, and professional presentation skills—valuable assets that will serve them well throughout life.
In true Les Gemmes spirit, the Jewels will engage in acts of service alongside chapter members, and working within the community on projects that reflect the National President’s Initiatives. These experiences not only benefit others but also cultivate leadership, empathy, and a lasting commitment to service.
The festive Meet and Greet set a bright and hopeful tone for the year. The program will culminate in February 2026 at the 19th Annual Literary Luncheon, where the Jewels will be celebrated for their accomplishments and growth. This grand event will serve as both a showcase of their progress and a shining reminder of the chapter’s mission: empowering young women to thrive, excel, and shine like the Jewels they truly are. The Nashville Chapter of Les Gemmes, Incorporated is led by President Sondrea Tolbert.
