Belmont honors female excellence during Women's History Month
Belmont University celebrated Women's History Month with a series of engaging events
highlighting female leadership, artistic expression and the institution's rich history of women's education. The month-long celebration featured meaningful conversations, historical exploration and recognition of outstanding women whose contributions continue to shape both the University and broader community.
In Her Honor: A Celebration of Women's Leadership
The inaugural “In Her Honor” luncheon served as the centerpiece of the month's festivities, bringing together women from across departments and positions to celebrate female leadership in an atmosphere of authentic community and support.
The space hummed with connection as faculty and staff greeted one another, exemplifying what this year’s chair of the Women’s History Month planning committee Essence Collins described as the one-of-a-kind community that makes Belmont special.
"The caliber of women at Belmont is different in the most amazing way," Collins said.
Belmont alumna Kia Jarmon delivered the event’s keynote address, reflecting on influential female mentors who shaped her journey. Jarmon, the University's first Ingram Scholar, highlighted four key mentors: her high school guidance counselor Charlotte Lampley who introduced her to Belmont, Kathy Cloninger, former CEO of Girl Scouts, who taught her fundraising and advocacy, Patricia Smedley from Belmont's financial aid office who provided support during orientation and helped her maintain her scholarship and Dr. Susan West who demonstrated how to lead effectively while maintaining grace and kindness.
Throughout her speech, Jarmon emphasized that these women invested in her without knowing the outcome, teaching her that "you don't have to see the full legacy for it to be impactful."
Jarmon now serves as CEO of the MEPR Agency, founded the Equity Collaborative nonprofit, and advises Give Black Give Back. Her work extends to various community initiatives addressing affordable housing, food insecurity, health access and youth violence prevention throughout Nashville and Tennessee.
2025 In Her Honor Award Recipients and Nominees
Following Jarmon's address, the luncheon honored exceptional women whose leadership and service have made significant impacts at Belmont and in the Nashville community through six distinct award categories.
This award recognizes a dynamic team of women who have demonstrated a remarkable track record of outstanding contributions to Belmont’s community. Their combined leadership, innovative spirit and commitment to the Belmont mission has not only strengthened the campus community but has also inspired others to pursue bold ideas and make transformative impact. This award honors the power of teamwork, and the extraordinary achievements made possible through shared purpose and passion.
Recipient: The ladies of Belmont landscaping
“We love being here,” Melissa Finan-Demalon said. “I've been here for 17 years. I plan on retiring here. I actually came to school here in 1985, so to just be back is amazing. I just love Belmont.”
This award celebrates an inspiring member of the Nashville community who has made significant contributions to social progress and the advancement of women's empowerment. The honoree embodies a spirit of advocacy, leadership and service, working tirelessly to create opportunities, break down barriers and uplift the voices of women in marginalized groups through their impactful initiatives, community engagement and dedication to equity. They serve as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for meaningful change in Nashville and beyond.
Nominee: Dr. Mona Ivey-Soto, Associate Professor, College of Education
Recipient: Bianca Morton, Chief Culinary Officer at the Nashville Food Project
Morton has dedicated her career to serving and impacting communities through food. At the Nashville Food Project, she leads initiatives combining culinary education and community support. The organization focuses on growing, cooking and sharing nourishing meals to ensure everyone in Nashville has food access. Acknowledged in the “givers” category of the Nashville Post’s “In Charge List” for 2025.
“I don't know who nominated me and I don't know why, but I'm very thankful,” Morton said. “Sometimes it's hard to look at yourself and feel seen. I don't do what I do to get a pat on the back, but sometimes it's okay and it feels good to be acknowledged."
This award honors a Belmont University staff or faculty member who has made a significant and lasting impact within the University community. This recipient exemplifies excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to Belmont values through their contributions to academic, social, cultural or organizational initiatives. Their dedication has enriched the campus environment, inspired others and fostered a spirit of growth, inclusion, environment and innovation. This award celebrates those whose influence has not only shaped the Belmont community but also created a ripple effect of positive change.
Nominee: Dr. Kathy Eschete, Associate Dean & Associate Professor, College of Education
Recipient: Dr. Sabrina Sullenberger, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Professor, Bachelor of Social Work Program Director
With over 20 years of experience in the social work field and 12 years at Belmont, Sullenberger is a voice of equity, justice and inclusivity in the spaces she serves. She constantly uses her voice to uplift students, faculty, staff members and others who may not have the words or the voice to speak up. She also works closely with members of the Edgehill Community through Belmont’s family partnership program.
Sullenberger was recognized for her contribution and work behind the scenes. In her acceptance, Sullenberger shared a nugget of wisdom passed down to her by Belmont’s own Joyce Searcy: “you can do a lot of good if you don't care who gets the credit.”
This award recognizes an exceptional, emerging female leader at Belmont University who exemplifies outstanding potential and a commitment to make meaningful impact. The honoree demonstrates remarkable leadership qualities, innovative thinking and a dedication to driving positive change in their field through their passion, perseverance, influence these rising stars inspire others and represent the future of transformative leadership and community.
Nominee: Dr. Lyla J. Bonner, Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance for Title IX Coordinator
Recipient: Carly Elliot, Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance for Title IX
Elliot oversees all Title IX related matters, providing guidance and support to students and helping shape policies that promote equity and accountability University wide. In addition to her professional career, Elliot is an active member of the Disability Coalition on Education and Lawyers Association for Women.
“To be frank, I felt so seen,” Elliot stated in her tearful acceptance. “Dr. Greg Jones talked about hospitality and how making just one person feel seen was hospitality. To me, this is such a wonderful example of Belmont’s hospitality. I just love working here. Thank you so much for this award.”
This award recognizes one extraordinary woman whose enduring legacy reflects a lifetime of outstanding contributions to Belmont’s community. Demonstrated unwavering dedication, Transformative Leadership and a profound commitment to fostering growth, equity and excellence through their visionary efforts, mentorship and impactful service, they have both played paved the way for future generations, leaving an indelible mark on our institution, our communities and lives that they've been they've impacted.
Nominee: Dr. Maggie Monteverdi, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Professor
Recipient: Dr. LaKeisha Armstrong, Vice Provost for Academic Excellence
Armstrong’s influence at Belmont spans over two decades. In that time, she has touched countless lives through her leadership, vision and unwavering support. Armstrong leads with both wisdom and compassion. With an investment in how to help students, faculty and staff reach their full potential, she oversees key University initiatives in student success, academic assessment, the Registrar's Office, flourishing programs and more.
In her acceptance address, Armstrong thanked her family and educators and colleagues as well as specifically addressed her mentor Dr. Susan West. “To a phenomenal mentor who has been there for me through the years — a godly woman, unselfishly serving for so many and always impacting. Thank you all.”
This award recognizes one extraordinary individual whose enduring legacy reflects a lifetime of outstanding contributions to Belmont’s community. Honorees have demonstrated an unwavering dedication to transformative leadership and a profound commitment to fostering growth and excellence. Through their visionary efforts, mentorship and impacting service, they have paid the future they have paved the way for future generations, leaving incredible mark from the institution and community. Their legacy continues to inspire and uplift, embodying the true essence of leadership and lasting influence.
Recipient: Dr. Linda Jones, Associate Dean in the College of Sciences & Mathematics
Dr. Jones joined the University faculty full-time in the fall of 2020 after several years as an adjunct. A beloved professor and respected leader, she has served in many roles at the institution since 2000. Jones brought her expertise to Belmont following impactful work in teaching and research at Vanderbilt University's Kennedy Center. Her scholarly interests include chronic illness, minority populations, sickle cell disease and health psychology, areas where she continues to make a difference in both research and mentorship.
Art, Healing and Women's Resilience
Among the month's powerful events was a compelling exploration of art's role in addressing women's experiences globally, as Belmont welcomed acclaimed photographer Pradip Malde for an exhibition and panel discussion that examined the intersection of artistic expression and social change.
Held in the Jack C. Massey Center's 1890 Theater, the event featured Malde alongside Kristin
Beckum from Thistle Farms and Dr. Olivia Bahemuka, assistant professor of nursing at Belmont.
Malde presented his exhibition "From Where Loss Comes," which documents the experiences of women affected by female genital mutilation in Tanzania. The panel, moderated by Dr. Jennifer Crowell Thompson, examined how art and empathy can amplify marginalized voices and address social injustices.
"Our biggest motto at Thistle Farms is that love is the most powerful force for change in the world," said Beckum, whose organization provides a residential program for women survivors of trafficking and addiction. "It's not about grand gestures; it's about the cumulative impact of small acts of love and service."
Women's History Month (Taylor's Version)
Student organizations actively participated in the month's celebration, with Belmont's Swift Society hosting "Women's History Month (Taylor's Version)," an event exploring pop star Taylor Swift's cultural and economic influence.
"Taylor Swift is such a role model and inspiration for all women — anyone can find a piece of her journey that they can relate to," said Kassidy Shupp, president and co-founder of the Swift Society.
The event highlighted Swift's unprecedented success, including her Eras Tour which independently generated over $2 billion, positioning her as a cultural icon who has reshaped conversations about female empowerment and artists' rights.
Honoring Belmont's Educational Heritage
Closing out the month, University Archivist Molly Randolph presented "The Blue and the Bronze: Exploring Belmont College for Young Women and Ward-Belmont," sharing the institution's history from its 1890 founding through its evolution into today's University.
Randolph highlighted how the school was founded by Ida Hood and Susan Heron, progressive educators who believed "girl brains were as deserving of development as boy brains" and created a rigorous academic program beyond typical finishing schools of the era.
The presentation covered Ward-Belmont's formation in 1913 when Belmont College for Young Women merged with Ward Seminary, becoming one of the premier women's educational institutions in the South, and celebrated notable graduates including Broadway star Mary Martin and Grand Ole Opry legend Minnie Pearl.
By weaving together recognition of exemplary leadership, artistic expression, pop culture influence and historical reflection, this year's Women's History Month celebration honored the ongoing legacy of women's contributions while inspiring future generations of female leaders at Belmont and beyond.
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