Chalene Helmuth, Chair
|
Chalene Helmuth is the Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Languages and an Associate Professor of the Practice in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Originally from San José, Costa Rica, she has been part of Vanderbilt University for more than 17 years, contributing to language education and the first-year experience. Specializing in cross-cultural competencies, she has extensive experience designing study-abroad programs and is known for her innovative classroom instruction. She also served as faculty head of Sutherland House at The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons, where she was recognized for her mentorship and community-building. In 2022, she received Vanderbilt’s K.C. Potter Outstanding Service to Students Award for her dedication to students.
|
Walter Hunt, Vice-Chair
|
Walter Hunt is a former Nashville Metro Council member who represented District 3, where he championed neighborhood-focused legislation, including zoning and development policies. A graduate of Pearl High School and Tennessee State University, Hunt also served in the U.S. military and worked with the Tennessee Valley Authority before entering public service. He previously chaired the Planning, Zoning, and Historical Committee and served on the Metro Planning Commission. Married to his wife Cathy, Hunt is active in the Baptist community and the proud father of three children.
|
Brenna Davenport-leigh, Treasurer/secretary
|
Brenna Davenport-Leigh is a Nashville-based public relations and marketing professional, founder of Hellbender Public Relations & Marketing, specializing in artist development and entertainment industry strategies. She has extensive experience managing operations, media outreach, and promotions for prominent music artists. Davenport-Leigh is active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Pet Community Center and is a member of Leadership Music Alumni.
|
Ofelia VAsquez, BOard
|
Ofelia Vázquez is the founder and creative director of Carbajal Couture, a Nashville-based fashion brand that blends Mexican heritage with contemporary design, highlighting cultural storytelling and artisanal craftsmanship.
|
Walter Perry, Board
|
Walter Perry previously served as Tennessee District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where he led agency programs in lending, federal contracting and entrepreneurial development. He coordinated with banks and credit unions to encourage utilization of SBA lending products and collaborated with federal agencies to encourage contracting opportunities for 8(a) Business Development and HUB Zone program participants. He led agency support for Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers and SCORE chapters, all valuable resources that assist start-up and existing small businesses in the Volunteer State. In addition to his professional role, Perry is involved in community service, serving on the University of Tennessee Martin’s College of Business and Global Affairs Advisory Board. Perry's work reflects a commitment to public service and community development, with a focus on small business support in Tennessee.
|
Loraine Segovia, Executive Director
Loraine Segovia Paz is the Executive Director of the Nashville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (NAHCC Foundation), where she leads initiatives that foster arts, culture, community, wellness, education, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. Born in Cuzco, Peru, she has called Nashville home since 2001 and became a U.S. citizen in 2010.
She firmly believes that empowering small businesses within immigrant communities is key to building both economic strength and civic leadership. Over the past two decades, Loraine has co-founded La Noticia Newspaper, advanced immigrant business development, and served on multiple boards, including Sister Cities of Nashville, the Tennessee Indigenous Women’s Circle, the Indigenous Peoples Coalition of Tennessee, and the Southeast Center for Cooperative Development. Under her leadership with NAHCC Foundation, she supported the initiative to rename Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park, honoring the Shawnee name for the Cumberland River.
In July 2025, Loraine was appointed to serve on the Metro Nashville Minority Advisory Council, continuing her commitment to equity, representation, and inclusive community development.
She firmly believes that empowering small businesses within immigrant communities is key to building both economic strength and civic leadership. Over the past two decades, Loraine has co-founded La Noticia Newspaper, advanced immigrant business development, and served on multiple boards, including Sister Cities of Nashville, the Tennessee Indigenous Women’s Circle, the Indigenous Peoples Coalition of Tennessee, and the Southeast Center for Cooperative Development. Under her leadership with NAHCC Foundation, she supported the initiative to rename Cumberland Park to Wasioto Park, honoring the Shawnee name for the Cumberland River.
In July 2025, Loraine was appointed to serve on the Metro Nashville Minority Advisory Council, continuing her commitment to equity, representation, and inclusive community development.
VOlunteers
Karlha Ramon,
|
Greg Welsch |
Sharon Courtney |
Celebrating Culture, Creating Opportunity, Strengthening Communities
NAHCC Foundation
PO Box 40541
Nashville, TN 37204
PO Box 40541
Nashville, TN 37204
