The upcoming 2024 Creative Girls Rock (CGR) Innovator Awards will honor influential women dedicated to promoting the arts, mental health, women’s empowerment, and youth development. Set to be held during CGR’s fifth annual Charity Sneaker Ball on November 9, 2024, at The Factory in Franklin, the event serves as a crucial fundraiser for supporting creative arts programs for young girls and women across the greater Nashville area. This year’s honorees represent diverse fields of leadership and service, highlighting their commitment to fostering creativity, resilience, and empowerment. “The Creative Girls Rock Charity Sneaker Ball is our annual fundraiser in support of empowering young girls and women through creative arts, mental health and wellness, women’s empowerment, and youth development programming,” said Charmin Bates, founder and CEO.  We are proud to celebrate our dedication to integrating creative arts into our programs and our commitment to providing a powerful outlet for self-expression and emotional healing.” 

The 2024 Charity Sneaker Ball Innovator Award Recipients

At the annual Sneaker Ball, CGR honors innovative women who embody its four key initiatives: creative arts, mental health and wellness, women’s empowerment, and youth development. The event will also feature the presentation of the Influencer Innovator Award to a community leader who significantly influences and inspires others to reach their personal and professional goals. 

2024 Creative Arts Innovator Award Honoree

Jennifer Turner_Courtesy_MA2LA

Jennifer Turner

Jennifer Turner, a champion for community service and live arts performance, currently serves as president and CEO of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to performing arts and education. With 20 years of experience, she also serves on two committees and contributes as a voting member of The Broadway League. In addition to those organizations, Jennifer is also involved with the Nashville Rotary and serves on the boards of other organizations such as Friends Life Community and the Live Arts Center of North America. 

2024 Mental Health and Wellness Innovator Award Honoree 

Sabrina Greenlee

Sabrina Greenlee

Sabrina Greenlee, a renowned community leader, author, and certified life coach is a beacon of hope for domestic violence survivors worldwide. As president and founder of S.M.O.O.T.H., Incorporated, she leads initiatives to empower women and children escaping domestic abuse, offering resources and mentorship through events like Pretty Scars Into Stars and 100 Shades of Purple. Greenlee has earned multiple accolades, including the 2021 Iconic Woman Award and the 2020 Humanitarian Award, and has been featured in USA Today and ESPN’s Cover Story. 

2024 Women’s Empowerment Innovator Award Honoree

Johari Matthews

Johari Matthews

Johari Matthews, named one of Nashville’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2020, is making her mark on the city of Nashville. Matthews pioneered the ONE Community program through the Tennessee Titans which focuses on increasing opportunity for small and diverse businesses. Currently serving as the vice president and executive director of ONE Community and the Tennessee Titans Foundation. She previously led projects such as the BlueCross BlueShield Healthy Place Park through her role at the YMCA. She continues her dedication to serving her community through outlets like serving on the boards for Corner to Corner and Nashville Living Wage, as well as other organizations. Matthews is also an alumna of Tennessee State University and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  

2024 Youth Development Innovator Award Honoree

Dr. Tonja Williams

Dr. Tonja Williams

Dr. Tonja Williams is an educator with nearly 30 years of experience in curriculum development, policy, and faculty training. As head of school at New Hope Academy in Franklin, TN, she has enhanced staff retention and school operations, fostering a thriving learning environment. A member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Williams has received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Principal of the Year award from the Greater Nashville Alliance of Black Educators in 2022 and the Outstanding Administrator Award from the Tennessee Music Education Association. 

2024 Influencer Innovator Award Honoree

Dr. Contrecia Tharpe

Dr. Contrecia Tharpe

Dr. Contrecia Tharpe, known as Dr. T, is a communications powerhouse who has over 14 years in the marketing industry. She has provided her expertise to many different sectors, prioritizing the success of small and medium-sized businesses, and even founded her own boutique marketing firm in Nashville. Listed in the 2024 Women of Influence for the Nashville Business Journal, Dr. T serves on the board of numerous organizations and co-founded The DREAM initiative, a reentry program for those released from correctional institutions.

Creative Girls Rock Charity Sneaker Ball

Established in 2019, the Charity Sneaker Ball has become a cornerstone in supporting CGR’s mission to provide free creative arts programming for girls and women worldwide. In honor of this year’s fifth annual event, the theme is “For the Love of Flowers: Creativity, Growth and Renewal,” symbolizing the organization’s commitment to fostering creativity, encouraging personal growth, and embracing renewal in every aspect of its mission.  “The profound impact that Creative Girls Rock has on young girls is a direct result of the incredible generosity displayed by the donors and supporters of our initiatives, including the 4th Annual Charity Sneaker Ball. Their collective support not only fuels our mission but also sends a powerful message to these girls – that their dreams are valued and achievable. It’s through this shared commitment that we create a legacy of empowerment and inspiration,” Bates said.  Proceeds from the event are used to partner with other 501(c)(3) organizations to create additional programming for young girls and women, aged 6 and up, that aligns with CGR’s mission, purpose, and initiatives.  Throughout the event, heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Vegetarian options will be available. Tickets for the event can be purchased here. Valet parking is included in the ticket price. Click here for more information. Creative Girls Rock is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring young girls and women through creative arts programming. Since its inception in 2017, CGR has been committed to fostering creativity, mental health, women’s empowerment, and youth development. CGR serves low- to moderate-income families both locally and globally.