Board Members
Sharon Paris-Treadway, President
I became a member of the NFB of Tennessee almost six years ago, at first glance I wasn’t really sure that the NFB was for me, but as I got involved I found that the desire I have to make a difference for blind individuals was the same philosophy of the NFB. I have served as the Middle Tennessee chapter’s treasurer and as state secretary and at the present I am president of the Middle Tennessee Chapter and treasurer of the state affiliate. The titles are not the important part, making a positive change with and for the blind of Tennessee is the motivation for me.
Brian Wooten, Vice President
My story? Well, I am a Tennessee native, born right here in Nashville. I began losing my sight in the late 90’s. For many years,, I maintained the pretense of being sighted, and passed my blindness off by feigning clumsiness. “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to bump into you, I should pay attention to where I’m going.” After some intense self-examination, I realized that the feelings of fear, uncertainty, and doubt had to give themselves over to embracing the unknown and let go of anxiety and apprehension. I felt less than whole; fighting blindness. Was blindness my adversary? I joined the NFB more than 2 years ago, got some great training at the Louisiana Center for the Blind(an NFB Center), and now the answer to that question is NO, blindness is not the enemy. It can be reduced to a physical nuisance; even an inconvenience. It is just part of who I am. Some may have blonde hair, some are tall or short, I just happen to be without sight, but not without VISION. So many out there do not yet know that it IS respectable to be blind. Now I collaboratively reach out to others to let them know that together we can change what it means to be blind.
Ryan Smith, Treasurer
Ryan Smith was born in Middletown, Ohio, where he spent his first 13 years. He later moved to Tennessee, where he was the Valedictorian of his high school class. In 2001 he graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in electronic media management. In 2003 Ryan married Rachel, a Nashville native, and one year later, she gave birth to the couple’s first child, Kylie. The two are currently expecting the birth of their second daughter later this year. Since graduating from MTSU, Ryan served as sales and marketing rep for Nashville-based Colt’s Chocolates for one year, before moving into the banking industry for more than three years. In 2006, he made the decision to leave “Corporate America,” and go to work for himself. Today Ryan is a successful entrepreneur as the owner/operator of the food service and vending operations at the metro courthouse in Nashville.
Lucy Alexander – Secretary
In 2008, terrified of losing custody of my son and fearful of rearing my autistic son alone, I reached out to the National Federation of the Blind for assistance and was embraced with understanding from other blind parents of autistic children from around the country, was supported by learning of other blind parents stories of successful parenting and retention of custody through difficult divorces despite allegations of inabilities to parent due to blindness, and was encouraged by talking with other blind people in the local chapters. As I received support and encouragement, I was educated as to the many issues we face. Before finding the National Federation of the Blind, I felt alone, different, abnormal, an as if I belonged no where and in no particular group. My fellow Federationists are like brothers and sisters to me now. I know that I can ask questions that will have as many answers as people I ask, but there will be answers. I know that I will be supported and understood. I am grateful to the sense of confidence the NFB has helped me find within myself. I know that it is okay to be blind, and after attending my first National Convention in 2010, I know with certainty blindness does not inhibit a person from doing anything, except possibly flying an airplane and in the future that too may not be out of our reach.
I am a very proud mom, Rehabilitation Instructor for the Blind, goalball player with the Tennessee Association of Blind Athletes women’s team, member of the NFB of Tennessee State board, co-chair of the family support district 5 Council, and avid reader. I have also worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Team Leader and Instructor of computer and clerical skills for adults with mental illnesses, English as a Second Language tutor and substitute teacher, caterer assistant, and swim instructor.
Venus Wooten, Board Member
From the beginning: I’m a daughter, free spirit, only child, friend, writer, artist, wife, mother, gardener, student and teacher, volunteer, conservationist and believer.
That said, please, let me add.
I am the spouse of a blind member of the NFB. My husband lost his sight as an adult, nineteen years into our marriage. Of course we always knew it would happen “someday” and of course “someday” came much sooner than he thought it would. When Brian lost his sight we both began a journey into the darkness, we were just on different paths. Meeting the members of our local NFB chapter, opened the door for what was to become our new path, together.