2026 Literary Luncheon

Les Gemmes Nashville 19th Annual Literary Luncheon

Welcome From the Chairs
Stephanie Williams, Charlotte Mann & Marquita Qualls

Our 19th annual Literary Luncheon is a major fundraiser that raises money to support the “Lighting the Path for Girls” program that supports our “Jewels,” as we call them. The annual Literary Luncheon brings some of the best and brightest authors from the nation. The Les Gemmes, Incorporated Nashville Chapter's annual Literary Luncheon is one of the most highly regarded social events in Nashville. Tickets are $125 for the luncheon that includes a delicious meal, entertainment and support of our Youth Mentoring and Tutoring initiative.

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Speaker Dr. Felicia Phillips

Speaker Cheryl Mckissack

Dr. Felicia Phillips is a Master Business Strategist and CEO Of PPICW, Incorporated headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. PPICW is a 2-Time award-winning, certified Minority Business Enterprise consulting firm specializing in program development, supplier diversity and inclusion training, and leadership development. Felicia has built her 30-year entrepreneurial career on serving, educating, and mentoring small and diverse businesses as well as assisting corporations with their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Cheryl McKissack Daniel is the award-winning president and CEO of McKissack & McKissack. She serves as principal-in-charge and project executive on numerous high-profile projects, including major work in the commercial, healthcare, education, and transportation sectors. She serves on numerous, corporate, charitable, and community boards, and has been honored as a “Hero of Liberty” for her support of humanitarian initiatives and for promoting the responsibilities of a free and diverse America. Cheryl represents the fifth generation of the McKissack family’s century-old business, the oldest minority and woman-owned professional design and construction firm in the nation.