L'Evate

10/07/2026

How do you lead a workforce made up of multiple generations?

Join us on Friday, October 9th for our next Leadership Learning Series
Generational Insights: Leadership Guide to Managing a Diverse Workforce

🎤 Featuring Tonzia Buor, HR Leader with HCA Healthcare

This interactive session will explore how societal, cultural and historical experiences have shaped different generations—and how leaders can use that understanding to:

• Recognize and move beyond generational stereotypes
• Improve communication and collaboration
• Strengthen intergenerational relationships
• Build trust and reduce workplace misunderstandings
• Bring diverse perspectives together around a shared purpose

📅 Friday, October 9, 2026
⏰ 7:30–9:00 AM CT
📍 Hermitage Police Precinct – Community Room
3701 James Kay Lane, Hermitage, TN 37076

Doors open at 7:30 AM | Networking 7:30–8:00 AM | Program 8:00–9:00 AM

🎟️ Free to L’Evate members and the community!

👉 Register Now: https://tinyurl.com/Leadership-Learning-Series

10/03/2026

The YELL Class of 2026 had the most wonderful time visiting with TriStar Summit Medical Center - loads of hands on experience! Just what we always want! Thank you TriStar Summit Medical Center! You are all appreciated!

09/30/2026

Dear L’Evate Alumni & Friends,

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Phil Ponder today.

Phil leaves an extraordinary legacy throughout the Donelson-Hermitage community, but for those of us connected to L’Evate, his impact is especially personal.

Phil was the founder of Leadership Donelson-Hermitage, the organization we know today as L’Evate. Long before our current name, our current programs, and the hundreds of relationships that have grown from this organization, Phil had the vision to bring people together to learn about their community, develop as leaders, and, most importantly, find meaningful ways to serve it.

What he created became much bigger than a leadership program. It became a network of people who care deeply about this community and about one another. Every class that has come through Leadership Donelson-Hermitage and L’Evate, every friendship and partnership that began because of it, and every alumnus who has gone on to serve and lead in our community is part of Phil’s legacy.

Organizations evolve. Names change. New generations take the reins. But none of us would be part of L’Evate today had Phil not first believed that Donelson-Hermitage needed an organization devoted to developing and connecting its leaders.

There is perhaps no greater tribute to someone who spent his life investing in his community than to see that investment continue long after him.

We are incredibly grateful for Phil’s vision, his leadership, and the foundation he built for all of us.

Please join the entire L’Evate family in remembering Phil and keeping his family and those who loved him in your thoughts and prayers.

Phil may be gone, but what he started is very much alive, and it is now our responsibility to carry it forward.

With gratitude and love,

Deann & The L'Evate Board of Directors

09/18/2026

M3 Class of 2026 visiting Picture This Creative Framing and Gallery. A great tour by owner Brian Ledford, Class of 2024! There was even some shopping going on! They also visited Clay Lady Campus for a tour and demonstration, Lunch at Donelson Cafe' & Catering (Thank you Mark Dickerson, Class of 2018 and Kevin Miehlke Class of 2023) and a tour of The Keeton by Donna Driver, Class of 2026.
Thank you to all our Alumni who took time to make this a wonderful day!

09/10/2026

https://conta.cc/4xMzzBz

Email from L'Evate     Good morning L'Evate Alumni! It is with a very heavy heart that we share that our Founder, Phil Ponder, Class of 1999 is at home resting and being cared for by family with the a

05/13/2026

What a fabulous day with the Class of 2026 at BNA. We all had so much fun and learned so much as well!

04/16/2026

Good morning L'Evate Alumni! The Fabulous Class of 2022 is the current holder of the Bradford Cup! Will your class be the one to win it at the Alumni Lunch on April 28th? Sign up today to be there and encourage your classmates to come.
Link to sign up: https://levate.org/product/leaderslunch-2026-annual-alumni-luncheon/

04/15/2026

Yesterday was Metro Day for the Class of 2026! We had a great day!

03/20/2026

Last night’s In My Life was a celebration of legacy, community and connection—and the setting made it all the more meaningful.

Thank you to Ga***rd Springs Golf Links for graciously serving as our venue sponsor. Your breathtaking space provided the perfect backdrop to honor a remarkable local family and the impact they’ve made on our community.

We’re incredibly grateful for your support in bringing this special evening to life!

03/19/2026

Tonight wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our presenting sponsor, The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy. Thank you for helping make In My Life possible and for championing L’Evate’s mission of creating leaders for life. Your commitment to this community truly makes an impact—and we’re honored to celebrate this meaningful night with you!