Honoring the Past. Empowering the Future: the 2022 Louisa Nelson Awards
One of our favorite things to do here at Nelson’s Green Brier (aside from making award-winning whiskey) is to recognize the powerful, inspiring folks doing great work in our community.
Every year, we honor the legacy of our matriarch, Louisa Nelson, by celebrating three inspiring, powerful women in the Nashville community that really capture the spirit of our great great great grandmother.
We know we say this every year, but 2022 might be the best year yet. Not only are the honorees all outstanding, inspirational members of our community, but we were able to celebrate them in a truly meaningful setting at the Thistle Farms, a space for healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.
Hosted by local news anchor Lauren Lowrey, the memorable evening full of emotion and celebration was a great reminder of just how wonderful our hometown can be when we remember to “Lead Like Louisa.”
Check out the honorees below and be sure to keep an eye our for next year’s call for submissions.
2022 HONOREES
Dr. PAQUITA PULLEN
Dr. Paquita Pullen is the founder of Ubuntu Counseling and Wellness, a mental health cooperative that supports all individuals, regardless of racial/ethnic identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status. As a mental health provider, she has invested her professional career in bringing affordable and accessible mental health support to underserved populations often overlooked by traditional services. Dr. Pullen’s designated charity is Nurturing Black Minds.
RHONDA CAMMON
Cocktail entrepreneur Rhonda Cammon is a 20-year nurse and hospitality veteran who founded Nashville-based cocktail mixer company Perfectly Cordial in 2019. Rhonda has a passion for people, hospitality, and libations and has pursued her passion via several successful ventures. She is the current Treasurer of the United States Bartender Guild (USBG) Nashville chapter and is the chapter’s first African American female board member. Rhonda’s designated charity is Buy from a Black Woman.
ANGELA BUCKNER
Angela Buckner founded DFH Services, a successful, woman-owned mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm. Founded in 2010, the firm has completed over 1200 substantial projects under Angela’s leadership, including Gaylord Opryland, Nashville Sounds park, Plaza Mariachi, Pinewood Social, Fat Bottom Brewery, and the Johnny Cash Museum. Angela’s designated charity is the Mt. Zion UMC Food Pantry.