The Light the Way Luncheon Celebrates the Transformative Power of Love

Thirty years ago, Becca Stevens founded Thistle Farms in a single house, transforming her vision of helping women survivors into a life-changing reality. Today, this organization has grown into a global movement advocating for women’s freedom. Through the simple act of providing a safe place to rest and the stability to dream, Thistle Farms has empowered women to become the architects of their own futures, with an emphasis on love and a commitment to paying that love forward to others.

Recently, Thistle Farms hosted its inaugural Light the Way Luncheon in the Symphony Ballroom at the JW Marriott Nashville. This event brought community leaders, corporate supporters and passionate advocates together to engage in a dynamic panel discussion focused on Thistle Farms’ four core pillars: heal, house, employ and advocate. Among the 200 attendees were state and local elected officials, representatives from major employers and longtime Thistle Farms volunteers and partners.

Following a warm welcome by senior ambassador Dorris Walker-Taylor, table hosts participated in a cherished tradition by lighting a candle — a symbol of hope and healing within the Thistle Farms community. The event’s highlight came with an inspiring announcement from Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, who introduced the Tennessee Businesses Against Trafficking (TBAT) program led by his office. This initiative aims to empower businesses to combat human trafficking through targeted training and educational resources, building statewide awareness and urging all businesses to be catalysts for change.

To close out this inspiring program, Becca took the stage with the heart and vision that only the founder of this remarkable organization could bring. She shared powerful stories from her work around the globe, from meeting a nun in Uganda who shelters kidnapped “lost girls” to witnessing the challenges on Nashville’s own streets. “The business and corporate space is a perfect place for us to start,” she said. “Love is powerful enough to transform how we do business and sustain our communities. When you invest in women, you build community. When you exploit women, you destroy community. That is a simple truth.”

Becca’s words left an indelible impact on everyone in attendance, underscoring Thistle Farms’ mission and its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and freedom.