Pink comes in many different shades, from zealous, flashy magenta to mellow, soothing blush.

Just like every shade of pink has a specific meaning, every woman has a unique purpose and meaning for which she is made. When we live in our right hue of pink-ness, amazing things happen. 

Three women who, in their own unique way, are making a big difference through their own “shades of pink” were awarded at the recent White House Area Chamber of Commerce Thrive Women’s Luncheon. Nominations were submitted and then narrowed down by the awards committee without the recipients’ knowledge. 

The winners — Jill Kelly, Julie Spence, and Amy Williams — showed up expecting a nice lunch and some time with the girls. They walked away with prestige and reward for all they do. 

Here is a rundown of each award recipient, prefaced by comments from those who nominated them:

Thrive Woman of the Year – Jill Kelly

Favorite shade of pink: Hot Pink, which symbolizes fearless whimsy, extreme sociability, and  powerful playfulness.

“Jill is a real estate agent who gives a generous amount of time and attention to her clients. She makes them feel special and a priority no matter what the price of the house is and even after the transaction is done, she gives of her money, time and attention to their special days, holidays and a “thank you” gathering at a Nashville Sounds game. 

She does not only do this for her clients but she does it for this community. She does blood drives, pictures with Santa and the Ester Bunny for free, and sponsored the Music Under The Stars Event this year. I am aware of many women who she selflessly helped out. 

She loves the city of White House and its residents, she thrives on people making connections and making this city a better place to live. 

She created the White House Lady Squad on Facebook to help create a space for local women to meet, feel they are part of the community and set up donations when there is a big need to be met. She meets with women twice a month to help them connect, taking time away from her own family, in order for those who don't know anyone, to be made to feel comfortable. 

She is on a few real estate boards, is doing continuing education, while raising 4 kids full time and 1 part time, all while doing the above. She lights up a room when she enters, she listens to people and loves unconditionally. She will make friends with women from all walks of life. I should know, I am lucky to call her my friend but even more blessed to call her my daughter.” - Sandi Hoke

“Jill is the definition of a team player. She thrives off building community and connections. She cares deeply about people, and that shows not only in her business of real estate but in her efforts through the WH Lady Squad group + events. I’m so proud to call her my friend and she inspires me to get involved and plugged in within the community.” - Lindsey Korrect

Jill has been in White House since 2005 when, as a struggling young mother, she chose the town for a fresh start. 

After moving here and marrying her husband, Chris, she landed a job at Dollar General corporate headquarters and quickly advanced through their ranks. After a stint at another corporate job and a brief run as boutique owner, Jill felt she wanted to do more to serve her community. In 2018, she sought out a realtor’s license and began working at Chamberlain Reality.

But it wasn’t enough to scratch the community service itch. 

“I began praying about what I could do to really make an impact and do good for the people here,” says Jill. “And that’s where the idea of the White House Lady Squad came from.”

The “Lady Squad” started out as a way for Jill and her friends to connect and plan outings, but quickly grew and now includes over 3,800 members from the White House area. The members plan dinners, networking events, give advice and recommendations and, most of all, offer support to community needs. 

“I thought, ‘If I can get 2,000 women to donate $5 to a need, we can make a big difference!’” Jill recalls. 

To date, the White House Lady Squad has helped people in numerous ways: aid to two families who lost their homes due to fires; expenses for two kids to go on a field trip to Washington D.C.; Christmas blessings to more than 20 different families; assistance to a couple of single moms trying to get back on their feet; and recently, raising enough funds to purchase 200 custom shirts for Heritage High School students to wear as a memorial for a classmate who passed away. 

Jill says receiving the award was totally unexpected. 

“My mom doesn’t do anything on her own, so I thought I was going for moral support,” she admits. “I feel like I’m undeserving. The truth is, hundreds of women should receive this award for the work we’ve done. I truly wish everyone could see the power of the women in this community when we work collectively.”

Thrive Trailblazer Award – Julie Spence

Favorite shade of pink: Coral, which symbolizes warmth and acceptance. 

“Coach Julie is a gymnastics coach and gym owner here in White House. She has raised 14 children and has dedicated her life to helping young girls achieve their dreams in gymnastics. She is an outstanding role model and strives to teach our young girls to be proud of the accomplishments they have made. 

She has worked in the field of gymnastics for 30+ years. I think Coach Julie should get this award because she is very invested in the well-being of the girls here at Tennessee Gymnastics Athletic Center. She is so encouraging and supportive of the girls. She also teaches our girls to support their competitors. She will even help girls we are competing against who have been struggling on a skill and they are able to complete it. 

Coach Julie is not only an amazing coach but the best role model I could ever have for my daughter.” - Ashley Watson

In 2016, Julie and her husband, Scott, opened Tennessee Gymnastics Athletics Center (TGAC) in White House after spending many years coaching in other communities.

As an award-winning coach and successful business owner, Julie somehow figures out how to balance being a mother of 14 children and a grandmother to 20. Her devotion to guiding and encouraging children to be the best they can be — regardless of aptitude — is evident in the culture of her business. 

She passed on her love of gymnastics to her children, many of whom also coach at TGAC.

“I am passionate about working with children, especially in their growth and development, and encouraging them to accomplish their dreams,” Julie stresses. “Children learn lessons in gymnastics that help them in all different areas of their lives.”  

Julie says she was completely shocked to hear her name called as the award recipient. She just thought her husband was taking her to a nice lunch. 

“It was such a surprise and also such an honor,” she adds. ”You do what you do because you love it, but you never know who you touch and encourage. It’s an honor to have that come back to me.”

Thrive Rising Star Award – Amy Williams

Favorite shade of pink: Coral, which symbolizes warmth and acceptance.

“Amy has impressed and inspired me so much in just the past few months I’ve known her. She just started her new business, The Magic Dog Bus, which takes a lot of drive, creativity and courage. She also reached out to me, when I had never met her before, and asked how she could help my son and I with something we were fundraising for. She went above and beyond for us. I believe she’s very deserving of this award.” - Jenna Nelms

A lifetime Robertson County resident, Amy has her hands in everything, but very few people know her story. As a wife to Jamin, mother to two teenagers, employee of nixonPro media, owner/bus monitor of the Magic Dog Bus, and volunteer for countless different organizations, Amy is always wearing four or five hats …. at once. 

Amy’s desire to give her time and pour her heart into so many different charities comes from intimate knowledge of struggle and witnessing how one wrong choice can affect your entire life. Pregnant at 19 years old and living in a home with no water, electricity or food, she made a choice for a better life. 

Now, at 34, Amy is on a mission to help ANYONE in need. 

“My whole life, I’ve watched my family struggle with finances, addictions and death,” says Amy. “From far back as I can remember, I always saw all these people around me struggle.”

Amy says despite her childhood surroundings, one person in her life taught her a lesson she applies every day. 

“My granny was always giving back,” she recounts. “If you needed a place to stay, you could stay at her house. It didn't matter who you were. If you needed someone to talk to, you were welcome on her porch for as long as you needed.”

Proud, excited and shocked is how Amy describes the feelings she had when receiving her award. 

“I say excited because I can’t do what I do without community support,” she explains. “If this award leads me to one person who can help one of our organizations down the road, then that’s wonderful!” 

The long list of organizations Amy supports and/or volunteers for, to name a few, includes Open Door Pregnancy Center, Isaiah 1:17 House, Grace Place Ministry, His Children Foundation, Orange Heart Medal Foundation, Gigi’s Rescue, Safe Place for Animals, Pigfest, Live Love Nashville, Together Freedom, and Warriors Renewal Coalition.