Meet the Panelists

Emily McCarthy is a renowned American clothing designer celebrated for her bold, modern aesthetic that seamlessly blends vibrant color palettes, sophisticated silhouettes, and timeless elegance. With a background in fine arts and design, Emily’s journey into fashion began in her early years, driven by a passion for creativity and a deep love for fabrics and textiles.   

After studying Graphic Design and Photography at LaGrange College, Emily honed her skills through various internships and freelance design projects, gaining recognition for her keen eye for detail and innovative approach to fashion. Her eponymous brand, Emily McCarthy, was founded with the vision of creating stylish, versatile clothing that empowers women to feel confident and expressive in every aspect of their lives. Emily has led her team in building an 8-figure business with tremendous growth rates since the launch of her clothing brand in 2019. The brand strategically positions itself to balance a flagship location in Savannah, Georgia, booming e-commerce platform and expanding wholesale division consisting of approximately 400 retailer locations. The new 14,000 sqft renovated headquarters houses the entire operation between retail, wine and coffee bar, fulfillment, offices, and warehouse.   

Emily’s designs feature a distinctive mix of modern minimalism with playful, statement-making elements, often incorporating custom prints and luxurious fabrics. Known for her strong sense of individuality and her commitment to craftsmanship, Emily’s collections have garnered a dedicated following of fashion enthusiasts and celebrities alike.  

 As an advocate for sustainable fashion, Emily incorporates eco-conscious practices in her design process, using cut to order production and ethical manufacturing methods wherever possible. Her work reflects her belief in the power of fashion to inspire confidence, self-expression, and positive change.  

 Whether designing for the everyday woman or a special occasion, Emily McCarthy continues to be a leader in the world of contemporary fashion, celebrated for her creativity, versatility, and unwavering commitment to quality.  

Amy Pierce is a Registered Nurse, Certified Aging Life Care Professional, and co-owner of Coastal Care Partners, one of the Southeast’s largest and most trusted aging-care organizations. With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Amy has guided thousands of families through some of the most complex and emotional decisions surrounding aging, healthcare, and independence. 

Her clinical background spans primary care, emergency medicine, surgery centers, hospice, and aging care management, giving her a deep understanding of both the medical and day-to-day challenges older adults and their families face. Under her leadership, Coastal Care Partners has expanded to offer comprehensive services including home care, nurse care management, concierge medical services, and more, offering families a reliable and compassionate place to turn when they need clarity and support. 

Since co-founding the company in 2016, Amy has helped grow Coastal Care Partners into a mission-driven organization with over 300 employees, 254 of whom are women, fostering a culture rooted in leadership, advocacy, and excellence in care. Coastal Care Partners has been voted Best Home Healthcare Provider in Savannah for four consecutive years, and Amy has been recognized as one of Savannah’s “Best Nurses” by multiple organizations. 

Amy is also the creator of Skin Tear Defense, a skin-care product designed to help prevent painful and dangerous skin tears in older adults. Through her work, leadership, and advocacy, Amy is deeply committed to improving the lives of older adults while empowering women to lead, innovate, and thrive in healthcare and business. 

Luella Sanders is an accomplished leader with more than 30 years of experience in accounting, finance, and community engagement. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Regional Community Engagement at VyStar Credit Union, where she oversees strategic philanthropic initiatives supporting Military, Youth, and Community programs, with a strong emphasis on advancing organizations that serve the ALICE population.

A dedicated advocate for education and nonprofit leadership, Luella has been an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College since 2007, shaping the next generation of business and community professionals. She also lends her expertise to numerous boards, including Over the Moon Diaper Bank, DEEP Center, the South Bryan Advisory Council for the Bryan County School System, and the United Way of South Bryan County Advisory Board.

Luella’s regional leadership extends to her roles as the 2026 American Heart Association Go Red for Women Program Chair and the 2026 Leadership Southeast Georgia Team Chatham Program Chair. She is also a proud 2025 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia.

Committed to equity and opportunity, Luella serves as President of the Bryan County NAACP, where she leads initiatives focused on economic development, education, and youth empowerment. In 2021, she founded the Bryan County NAACP Higher Education Scholarship, which has awarded over 48 scholarships totaling more than $55,000 to local high school seniors.

Driven by service and a passion for strengthening communities, Luella Sanders is widely recognized as an influential educator, advocate, and regional leader across Southeast Georgia.