Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga (BBBS) at the 5th Annual City of Potential Awards Breakfast on October 1st from 8am-9:30am, where we will honor the champions of mentoring: the individuals and organizations who are creating opportunity and impacting lives through one-to-one mentoring engagement. BBBS will present awards in several categories to salute the contributions of individual mentors, corporate mentors, and mentoring programs.

All proceeds from this event will directly support the mentorship programs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga.

Awards

Chris Ramsey Mentoring Legacy Award
Established in memory of Big Brother and community leader Chris Ramsey, this award honors an individual whose lifelong dedication to mentoring has changed the lives of many. This mentor’s long-standing commitment, generosity, and leadership reflect the values Chris embodied—creating a lasting legacy of support, empowerment, and opportunity.

Travaar “Tra” Armstrong is the Founder and President of The Bridge Builder Collective, a Chattanooga-area nonprofit dedicated to youth development through year-round mentorship. A nine-year Army National Guard veteran and first-generation college graduate, Tra leads the organization’s Navigators Mentoring Program, providing young people with nearly 60 annual hours of hands-on guidance in leadership, financial literacy, STEM, and career exploration. Through consistent support and meaningful relationships, Tra is committed to showing youth that their circumstances do not determine their potential.

Lakweshia Ewing is a nationally recognized leadership strategist and founder of Unlearn Everything and Live, with over 20 years of mentorship woven throughout her life's work. From walking alongside K–12 and college students to coaching emerging entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals across corporate, civic, and nonprofit sectors, Lakweshia consistently invests in the next generation. Driven by the belief that mentorship helps people become who they were created to be, she continues to empower leaders to unlock their potential, grow in confidence, and strengthen communities across every generation.

LaDarius Price is a native Chattanoogan who has dedicated his career to guiding and empowering young people across his home city and beyond. As President of PEAK (Placing Emphasis Around Kids) and Youth Pastor at Pneuma Church, LaDarius’s passion for mentorship shines through his extensive background as a former educator, basketball coach, and national youth speaker. Currently serving as Hamilton County’s Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development, he continuously bridges civic leadership with grassroots youth advocacy to invest in the next generation.

‍Excellence in Mentoring Award
This award recognizes an individual or organization actively making a difference through mentorship in their specific context. Whether through one-on-one guidance, advocacy, or bold new initiatives, the recipient of this award is putting mentorship into action in a way that creates meaningful, lasting impact. Their dedication to expanding opportunities through mentoring is shaping brighter futures today.

Donelle Dunning (“Coach D”) is a former UT Knoxville track athlete who has mentored hundreds of Chattanooga youth through the Chattanooga Jets, D-Elite Track Club, and Brainerd High School. Coach D uses track and field as a vehicle to instill discipline, perseverance, self-respect, and academic excellence. Deeply committed to removing barriers for local youth, he consistently goes the extra mile to ensure every athlete has the access, transportation, and support needed to participate and thrive. Recognized with the 2025 Best of Preps Guy Francis Award for "Going the Extra Mile," Coach D continues to serve as a trusted mentor and father figure whose impact extends far beyond the track.

Cheri Hudgins leverages over 25 years of healthcare leadership to educate, mentor, and empower others through life’s major transitions. As COO of Rose of Sharon’s Senior Villa and founder of Time for the Talk, Cheri actively guides caregivers, families, and community leaders through her four-volume workbook series, Sunday Dining Room Conversations podcast, and community outreach. Dedicated to turning reactive stress into proactive leadership, the 2026 Chattanooga Business Elite Entrepreneur of the Year continues to inspire and uplift those navigating caregiving and life's unexpected shifts.

Nolan McDaniel is the Founder and Director of ChattAcademy Community School, built on the mission to create an inclusive, family-centered safe haven for students of every background. Beyond leading the school, Nolan stays directly connected to students by teaching Algebra 1 and leading a daily advisory group for young men. From providing personal check-ins and rides to school to guiding students and staff through life’s toughest moments, his hands-on mentorship ensures every child feels seen and supported. Nolan leads with compassion and consistency, inspiring students to embrace their potential and pursue greatness.

Big Brothers Big Sisters will also recognize award recipients in the following categories at the event on October 1st, which have been selected by BBBS:

Big Brother and Little Brother of the Year
Big Sister and Little Sister of the Year
Big Couples Match of the Year
Defenders of Potential Award
Chip Allen Award for Extraordinary Service

Thanks to our Sponsors

TALLEY CARROLL

5th Annual City of Potential Awards Breakfast

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga in honoring the champions of mentoring—and invest in the future of Chattanooga's youth by supporting mentorship.