January 2026 Newsletter 
President's Report
Dear EWI Members,
January: A Year of Purpose, Growth, and Community Impact
As we begin a new year, January provides us with a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and look ahead with intention. On behalf of EWI of Chattanooga, I am excited about the possibilities 2026 holds and the continued growth of our Chapter as leaders, professionals, and community advocates.
A new year often encourages us to set goals and create fresh momentum. I believe the most impactful growth happens when we focus not only on individual success, but on how we grow together. At EWI, our strength comes from connections — supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and working collectively to lead with purpose and compassion.
“Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not.” – John C. Maxwell
That growth is especially meaningful when aligned with service. Community involvement remains at the heart of our mission, and I am proud of the ways EWI of Chattanooga continues to invest in opportunities that make a lasting difference. One of our most significant initiatives this year will be Readers Rock! Our 2026 Reading Rally event being held on July 18, 2026 at Miller Park. R
The Readers Rock! Reading Rally is more than an event — it is a reflection of our commitment to education, empowerment, and the future of our community. From planning and sponsorship to volunteering and outreach, there are many ways for our members and firms to be involved in making this event a success. I encourage each of you to consider how your skills, time, or resources can support this important effort.
As we move forward into 2026, I invite you to take an active role in our Chapter. Attend meetings, serve on a committee, invite a guest, and engage in community service opportunities — especially the Readers Rock! Reading Rally. Your involvement not only strengthens EWI of Chattanooga but also amplifies the impact we have beyond our organization.
Thank you for your continued dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm. Together, we can make this year one of purpose, growth, and meaningful change—both within EWI and throughout our community.
Here’s to a year of inspiration and service.
With Appreciation,
Monthly Meeting
EWI of Chattanooga is thrilled to welcome Krissa Smith Barclay as our January meeting speaker. As Executive Director of the Hamilton County Schools Foundation, Krissa leads efforts to support local educators through fundraising, marketing, and community engagement. Her work with the Teacher Supply Hub ensures that more than 3,300 public school teachers have access to free classroom resources—making a lasting impact on education in our community.
Krissa brings a wealth of experience and passion for service, holding a J.D. from Nashville School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Tennessee. She is also a dedicated community leader, serving on the Chattanooga Theatre Center Board, the Mayor’s Council for Women, and participating in Dancing with the Chattanooga Stars.
Come connect, learn, and be inspired by Krissa’s story and vision for education in Hamilton County. We can’t wait to see you there!
Upcoming Webinars
Go Here to Register: https://ewiconnect.com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2018803&group=
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINARS
The Anti-Resolution Reset:A New Way to Begin the Year |
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Krysta Pogge Wednesday, January 21, 2026 12 Noon CT |
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The start of the year often comes with pressure to set bigger goals, move faster, and “do it better this time.” This experience offers a different entry point, one that focuses on clearing what no longer serves before building what comes next.
Rather than traditional resolutions or vision boards, this session invites you to explore a more sustainable reset rooted in clarity, self-trust, and internal alignment. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and a simple, grounded approach to beginning the year with intention rather than pressure.
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ASIST
It is time once again for the Executive Women International chapters to begin accepting applications for the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) scholarships. ASIST helps provide financial support to adult students wanting to transition into a better life. EWI believes the scholarship will positively impact the personal life, family, employment opportunities, and the community of the applicant.
ASIST is a non-discriminatory, educational scholarship program for the benefit of non-traditional students pursuing an associates, bachelor's or master's degree. Additionally, someone enrolled in a certification program at an accredited educational institution is eligible. These include persons who are:
· Past high school age and are entering a college, university or trade school and/or entering the workforce for the first time.
· Non-traditional students already enrolled in a college, university or trade school.
· Re-training due to changes in the workplace.
EWI began accepting applications for ASIST on January 9. The deadline for submission is March 31, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. The website for submitting applications is: https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/Asist2026.
Further information regarding ASIST will be discussed at January’s meeting.
Fundraising
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For every standard membership purchased at $20 (normally $60) we will receive $5. Everyone please share the link with your family & friends…… www.bjs.com/partner/ewiofchattanooga Questions? Contact Gail Major @ [email protected] BJ’s Wholesale 🛒 Special Rates: New Memberships How to Sign Up: Use the link or QR code
🕒 Bonus Time to Shop 📍Pick Up Your Membership: Expires 1/30/2026 THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH…..THIS IS GOING TO BE TERRIFIC. |
Community
Crockpot Pork Tenderloin & Gravy
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2½ to 3 lb pork tenderloins
- 2 (0.87-oz) packets pork gravy
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
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Place pork tenderloins in slow cooker. Mix together gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Pour over pork.
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Cover slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours.
Notes
- Do NOT make the gravy. Only use the dry packet ingredients.
- You will need 2 or 3 pork tenderloins - depending on the size of each one.
- Use a knife to carefully trim the silver skin off the pork tenderloins before adding them to the slow cooker. The silver skin is a silvery-white sheen membrane on the pork tenderloins. It is a thick connective tissue and it doesn’t break down when the pork is cooked.
- You may substitute chicken or turkey gravy packets if you can't find pork gravy packets.
- May use any cream of soup in this recipe in place of cream of chicken.
- I suggest using Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup in this dish to control the sodium.
- You can buy it by the case at Amazon: https://amzn.to/49n4uZE
- Need Gluten-free Cream of Chicken Soup? You can buy it here: https://amzn.to/3MtqQ1s
- Here is our recipe for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-cream-of-chicken-soup/
- I sprinkled the cooked pork with some dried parsely and fresh cracked pepper.
Nutrition
Save The Date
📚 Announcing the Official Name & Logo for Our 2026 Reading Rally!
Save the Date — July 18, 2026 — and get ready to volunteer, donate, and join us in making this event unforgettable!
We are thrilled to announce the Official Name and Logo for our upcoming City-Wide Reading Rally, an event designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading in children and families throughout Chattanooga and surrounding counties.
📅 Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: Miller Park
🎟 Admission: FREE
About the Event
This community celebration will be open to all families and filled with fun, learning, and inspiration. Here’s what you can look forward to:
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🎒 Free School Supplies (while supplies last)
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📖 Local Authors hosting live book readings
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🚚 Food Trucks offering delicious treats
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📚 A Free Book for Every Child (while supplies last)
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🎨 Face Painting & Fun Activities
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🐾 Appearances by Local Sports Mascots
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🚒 A visit from the Local Firetruck
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…and many more family-friendly experiences!
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to help make the 2026 Reading Rally a resounding success. Sponsorship packages include special recognition and promotional opportunities:
Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
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Prominent logo placement on all event materials
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Featured mention in press release
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Opportunity to speak at the event
Gold Sponsor – $2,500
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Booth option at the event
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Logo placement on event materials
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Mention in press release & recognition during event
Silver Sponsor – $1,000
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Booth option
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Logo placement on event materials
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Recognition during the event
Bronze Sponsor – $500
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Recognition on event materials and during the event
Individual Sponsor – $100
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Recognition during the event
If you don’t see a package that fits your budget, we’ll be happy to tailor a sponsorship level to match your goals.
Get Involved
Be part of an event that will put books, smiles, and opportunities into the hands of local children.
For questions or to secure your sponsorship:
📧 Charlie Rosenquist – [email protected]
Let’s rally together for reading, community, and our children’s future!
