Arts (Visual & Performing)

When Molly Lyon graduated college in 2021, she entered Nashville’s music industry. But over time, her focus shifted from playlists to page turns. She began writing a book, started a book club, and soon searched for a community that reflected her growing passion for literature. A quick Google search led her to the Women’s National Book Association (WNBA) Nashville chapter—a decision that felt, as she says, like a “no-brainer.” From her very first meeting, Molly...

John Henry Soto’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and selfless service. Growing up in New York City during the 70s and 80s, he experienced a chaotic upbringing, raised primarily by his grandparents. Volunteer work was ingrained in his childhood, but his perspective shifted dramatically when he experienced homelessness as a teenager. Now based in Nashville, John is dedicated to giving back, working with organizations like the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, The Way...

A musician, student, and volunteer, Jack Valentino has taken his music and teaching skills to Love Learning Music, a nonprofit organization that provides music education and therapy to children in need. As a rising junior at Belmont University, Jack decided to spend the first part of his summer studying abroad in Austria. This meant that Jack had to sacrifice any prospects of a summer internship, given the timeline. After returning to Nashville, Jack needed something...

Keisha Felton has only begun her journey to improve the lives of youths. She is a volunteer extraordinaire who founded the nonprofit, Project E3, with a mission of helping kids from low-income families attend summer camps in Nashville. She successfully served 26 kids from kindergarten through sixth grade in her first summer running Project E3. There are many different organizations that serve children from low-income families, so why specifically summer camps? Keisha notes, “There’s a...