As a nontraditional student, Ginny had to depend on student loans to help make ends meet while going to school and being a single parent. The difficulty of making it work – and seeing it through to the end – was eye opening as every semester presented new challenges. After receiving a scholarship during her final year of school, she realized how beneficial programs geared towards low-income and/or nontraditional students can be. As a professional in the tech industry, she believes everyone deserves a chance to commit to creating a better life for themselves and desires to help make applying for resources more accessible.

Christine Foster returned to college as a non-traditional student at the age of 38 and graduated at 42 with her undergraduate degree.  During this time, she discovered the many challenges women face when either returning to school or re-entering the workplace.  Christine funded her return with scholarships (based on grades) and student loans. While a student Christine became active in two internship programs which helped to shape her view on the need for mentoring for women.

Sharon Lee is the Principal at Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, a collaborative marketing consulting group that fosters enduring brand-consumer connections, cultivating loyalty and long-term success.

A dedicated advocate for women in business, Lee co-founded InPowered Women, a leading networking group in metro Atlanta, offering mentorship and celebrating achievements of women in the solar, renewable energy and utility space, as well as female business leaders. She also hosts and executive produces the InPowered Women podcast, showcasing powerful women in various industries. The podcast provides a platform to share amazing success stories and learn from challenges they have overcome throughout their careers. 

With extensive experience in sales leadership and marketing, Lee has excelled in solar energy, manufacturing, construction and even pioneered a solar division, developing a robust solar portfolio exceeding 17 megawatts. She actively contributed to the Georgia Solar Energy Association, including serving as a board member, and as the first female president. 

Lee is a charter member of the Professional Women in Building chapter, a member of the Greater Hall County Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Georgia Literary Society and serves as a supporter and Camp Champion for Camp Amplify, a local Christian summer camp serving underprivileged children. 

Lee holds a B.S. degree in Communications with double minors in Marketing and Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University. Beyond her professional pursuits, she cherishes her role as a mother to two boys and revels in her passion of college football. In her leisure time, she and her husband, John, can often be found at the baseball or football fields, though they occasionally indulge in a quick round of golf.

Grant Laughter works to connect the business community to Women 4 Mentors through people, resources, and financial support.

Grant is the CEO of two corporations and is a second-generation jeweler from Western North Carolina. He actively works as a jewelry designer, metal smith, gem setter and CAD artist. Creating physical representations of life’s significant moments is his daily passion. Creative problem solving along with a passion for Microsoft Excel spreadsheets are his favorite benefits to Women 4 Mentors.

“My mother and aunt were great examples to me as I was learning and growing as a child. They encouraged me to reach higher than I could see as I watched both of them leave the farm life they both were accustomed to and became the first college educated women in our family. Through Women 4 Mentors I hope to be able to provide a lift and platform for the Women in our program to achieve their greatest goals and dreams”