Deborah Levine
DL Opinion columns

Women Storytelling for Women’s History Month – by Deborah Levine

originally published in The Chattanooga Times Free Press

Folks often cite famous women in history as their inspiration during Women’s History Month. The stories about Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt and Ruth Bader Ginsburg are good examples. But here in Chattanooga, we have our own inspirational women who have spoken about Women’s History Month and its meaning. Let’s learn from the stories that they share.

Felicia Jackson invented a CPR product that makes it possible for more lives to be saved through CPR. Felicia Jackson said she read about women who changed the world, but never imagined standing among them. She mentioned Marie Curie who made it possible to use science to fight disease, Dr. Patricia Bat who made it possible for people to see again, and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson who made it possible for us to stay connected every day. 

“These weren’t just stories I admired… They were examples of what was possible. Women who saw a gap and filled it. Women who created solutions that changed lives forever. And now, I carry that same responsibility… to build, to serve, and to create something that outlives me. We’re not just celebrating women’s history. We are walking in it!”

Amanda Jelks of Jelks Law, Trust & Estates Attorney offers these words: “Our firm is made up entirely of women. Different backgrounds, different strengths, and one shared purpose: helping people make informed decisions about their future. In a field that has traditionally felt intimidating to many, especially when discussing life, family, and long term planning, I have found that clients often value an environment that feels approachable, thoughtful, and clear.

Women’s History Month is not just about celebrating progress. It is about recognizing the responsibility that comes with building something others can grow from. My goal has always been to create a space where clients feel educated, supported, and confident in the choices they are making for themselves and their families. I am grateful to do this work alongside this all women team that approaches every conversation with care and intention.”

I’m happy to also share the stories of Denise Reed regarding women and communication, a favorite topic of mine. Denise is President of The Concierge Office Suites and its Vlogging Studio. Her background includes extensive work with Toastmasters and a National Speakers Assoc. chapter. She shares that Women’s History Month has many people reflecting on progress. “This year’s theme is Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future. When I hear “sustainable,” I think about trust. I also think about keeping your voice alive in business.

If leaders do not record what they know, who will? How will the next generation learn? Your experience is an asset. It should not disappear in a calendar archive. For years, women heard ‘lean in’ and ‘break glass ceilings’. In 2026, the bigger shift is communication itself. Credibility is earned in long-form conversations. Your thinking becomes visible. Your standards become trackable. That is not ‘content’. That is executive presence, documented.”

I’m honored that Denise referred to me: “I have met many trailblazers in Chattanooga. One is Deborah Levine whose work highlights a simple truth. Our brains are wired for connection, not just facts. Storytelling helps people remember. It also helps them feel safe with you. When you speak on camera or on a microphone, you create closeness. A written post rarely does that. A real voice carries emotion, certainty, and tone. Those signals create trust faster.”

I studied the science of storytelling at Harvard in the 1960s. The experience shaped me forever and helps me shape others. Telling, reading, writing … your stories have tremendous value. They’re inspirational and transformative. So get started on yours, and share!

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