Savannah Maddison embodies the essence of empowerment through her multifaceted roles as a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for veterans and active-duty military personnel. At just 23 years old, Savannah has made a significant impact both locally and nationally, earning recognition for her achievements in various domains.
Her journey into the spotlight begins with her outstanding performance at the Miss Tennessee scholarship competition, where she emerged as the 1st runner up. Savannah's accolades that evening, including the "Overall Interview" and "Overall Community Service" awards, underscored her dedication to excellence and service. Notably, she was honored with the inaugural "Legacy Service" award for her exceptional contributions through Savannah's Soldiers, a nonprofit she founded at the age of 10.
Through Savannah's Soldiers, Savannah has touched the lives of countless veterans and military families, spreading joy and appreciation through initiatives like visiting veterans' homes across Tennessee. Her dedication to honoring those who serve our country reflects her deep-seated values of gratitude and compassion.
Beyond her pageant success, Savannah is a volunteer firefighter and the CEO of Southern Sitters, an innovative childcare service that empowers women by providing job opportunities and professional development. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community service have garnered her acclaim, including being nominated as a "Woman of Impact" by the American Heart Association.
As we celebrate empowerment and leadership among women, Savannah Maddison's story stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication, compassion, and entrepreneurial drive. She continues to inspire others to make a difference and pursue their passions with purpose.
Hi, Savannah! Congratulations on being crowned 1st Runner-Up at the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition! How has this experience influenced your perspective on female empowerment?
Thank you! Competing at the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition was a remarkable experience that significantly enhanced my perspective on female empowerment. This year, I was honored to receive over $8,000 in scholarships through various awards, including 1st Runner-Up to Miss Tennessee, which came with a $6,500 scholarship. Additionally, I was privileged to receive the Inaugural Joe and Janie Albright Legacy of Service Award, presented by Colonel Maria Eoff, recognizing my commitment to service.
Participating in Miss Tennessee has been more than just a competition; it has been an incredible professional development opportunity for women. Winning the Overall Interview award, Prelim On Stage Question Award, and 1st Runner-Up to Ad Page Sales Award highlighted my strengths and capabilities, affirming the importance of articulate communication and strategic thinking in leadership roles. These achievements have shaped my belief in the power of female representation and the value of empowering women to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
Through this experience, I have gained invaluable skills, built lasting connections, and expanded my understanding of the impact women can have in their communities. I am deeply grateful for the support and mentorship I received throughout this journey, which continues to inspire me to advocate for female empowerment and educational opportunities for young women across the state.
Your platform emphasizes empowering women and girls. Could you share a specific story or moment where you felt your work made a significant impact on someone's life?
My advocacy for military families began at a young age, but a deeply impactful moment stands out from my recent visit to Fort Campbell here in Tennessee. During my time there, I had the privilege of speaking at several schools on the post. At one school, I performed a song titled 'Soldier's Daughter,' which resonates deeply with the sacrifices military families endure.
After the performance, a young girl approached me with tears in her eyes. She said, 'Thank you for bringing light to my dad's sacrifice. We recently lost him, and I am a Gold Star child.' Hearing her words touched me profoundly, reminding me of the immense strength and resilience of children like her. She continued to share with me her love of music, a love shared by her father. My heart went out to her, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to support her in some way. As a gesture of solidarity and remembrance, we sent her a Gibson guitar as a gift. While nothing can replace her father's presence, I hope it serves as a reminder of his incredible sacrifice and the enduring impact he has left on her life and our nation.
This experience reaffirmed my commitment to advocating for military families and using my platform to raise awareness about their challenges and contributions. It's moments like these that drive me to continue supporting and empowering young women like her who face adversity with courage and grace.
Being the CEO of Southern Sitters at just 23 years old is a remarkable achievement. Can you share some of the lessons you've learned and the challenges you've faced in assuming such a leadership role at a relatively young age?
Taking on the role of CEO at Southern Sitters and founding this company at a young age has been a whirlwind of learning and challenges. One big lesson I've learned is not to be afraid of making mistakes—they're learning opportunities. Every stumble has helped me grow and improve.
I've also realized the importance of constantly improving my skills. Whether it's through reading, workshops, or seeking advice from mentors, I'm always striving to become a better leader.And speaking of mentors, asking for advice has been crucial. I quickly learned the power of tapping into the knowledge and experience of others.
Personally, growing Southern Sitters has been incredibly fulfilling. We're helping parents find exceptional childcare, and that impact is what drives me every day. It's truly been the most amazing experience of my life.
In your experience, what are the key qualities or skills that aspiring entrepreneurs should cultivate to succeed in business?
Firstly, lead by example—show your team the values you believe in through your actions. Secondly, determination and passion are non-negotiable. Entrepreneurship is tough, and your passion will keep you going when things get challenging. Don't let anyone discourage you. Trust your instincts and stay focused on your goals, despite any negativity. As women in business, our inner confidence is crucial. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Build a support network of mentors and peers who can cheer you on.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your career so far?
Some of the most rewarding moments in my career have been through my work with Savannah's Soldiers, our 501c3 nonprofit. Over the past 11 years, we've achieved significant milestones, such as sending over 350,000 letters of encouragement to brave military members across all branches. Our programs have also impacted over 2,000,000 youth in the United States, empowering them to make a difference.
Beyond the numbers, it's the personal stories that have truly touched my heart. I've received countless emails from deployed soldiers expressing how our letters arrived during their darkest days of deployment. I've sung for Vietnam Veterans who shared that they hadn't heard "thank you" in years after returning home. In the past year alone, I embarked on our #HeroesHomeTour across Tennessee and the southern region, raising awareness and funds for veteran resources. These experiences have reinforced the profound impact of our efforts and fueled my dedication to supporting our military community.
While the numbers reflect our organizational achievements, it's these personal connections and moments of heartfelt gratitude that have been the most meaningful rewards of my career.
Who has been a female idol or role model that has inspired you the most, and why?
The female role model who has inspired me the most is undoubtedly my mom. From a young age, she instilled values of hard work and strength within our family. She dedicated herself tirelessly to supporting us and helping us achieve our goals. Her resilience in the face of challenges and her unwavering determination have always been a source of inspiration for me.I still call her daily for advice because her wisdom and perspective are invaluable to me. She not only taught me the importance of perseverance but also showed me the power of kindness and empathy in leadership and in life. I am so grateful for her!
As a female leader in traditionally male-dominated fields such as firefighting, what obstacles have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Navigating a male-dominated field like firefighting has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding for me. Initially, I faced stereotypes and biases, but I approached them with resilience and a determination to prove my capabilities through hard work and dedication.
My journey into firefighting was unexpected—I started as a support member, assisting firefighters on scene at my local volunteer department. After completing the fire academy and graduating at the top of my class, I fell in love with the work.Becoming a volunteer firefighter and advanced EMT has not only enhanced my skills but also made me a better leader and public servant. Through this work, I've had the opportunity to represent the American Heart Association and advocate for CPR. Serving as the chair of the Go Red for Women Pulse Board, my teams and I have raised over $600,000 for women's health. These opportunities wouldn't have been possible had I not stepped out of my comfort zone and joined the fire service.
My commitment to safety and advocacy for CPR certification has directly benefited our team at Southern Sitters, ensuring our babysitters are well-equipped to serve our clients effectively.
In essence, overcoming challenges in firefighting has strengthened my leadership and prepared me to excel in both emergency response and running a business, while also allowing me to make significant contributions to community health and safety advocacy!
In your opinion, what can be done to encourage more women to pursue careers in firefighting and other emergency services?
In my opinion, encouraging more women to pursue careers in firefighting and emergency services starts with highlighting the value and necessity of their contributions. Women need to know that their skills and perspectives are crucial in these fields. Personally, the moments I've shared with young girls who never considered emergency services have been transformative. When I speak at schools and mentoring events, their reactions are priceles —they often can't believe that I'm both a CEO and a volunteer firefighter.
I love telling them, "You can do anything. You can be anything." It's about breaking down stereotypes and showing them real-life examples of women thriving in traditionally
male-dominated roles. Visibility and representation matter deeply. By showcasing diverse role models and sharing our stories of success and fulfillment in emergency services, we inspire the next generation of women to pursue these careers.
Moreover, supportive policies and programs that actively recruit and retain women in firefighting and emergency services are essential. This includes mentorship programs, gender-inclusive training environments, and efforts to create a culture of respect and inclusivity within departments. Ultimately, by emphasizing the importance of diversity and empowering women to pursue their passions in emergency services, we can create a more inclusive and effective workforce that serves our communities with excellence.
How do you use your platform as Miss Lexington to raise awareness about important causes, such as supporting military families through Savannah's Soldiers?
As Miss Lexington, I am privileged to use my platform to raise awareness about critical causes such as supporting military families and veterans through Savannah's Soldiers. I engage with the community through fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives to highlight the sacrifices and challenges faced by military families. By sharing their stories and advocating for support services, I aim to foster a greater understanding and compassion for the needs of military families and encourage meaningful contributions to their well-being. I can’t wait to continue this work for years to come!
As we celebrate Savannah's achievements and insights today, we're reminded of the importance of highlighting awesome women like her. This series aims to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, showcasing stories of resilience, innovation, and boundless determination. Let us know who you'd like us to feature next!
Kommentare