Carrie Deese, a social worker in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, was named one of Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 professional and philanthropic leaders for 2025.
Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 is a recognition program and philanthropic fundraising competition showcasing Nashville’s most active young professionals under the age of 30. The program benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s (CF Foundation) work to develop ways to treat and cure cystic fibrosis.
“I am a Nashville native, so it is such a special recognition,” said Deese, who has worked at Monroe Carell since 2020. “As a social worker, I have a proclivity for community service. I have been volunteering in the Nashville community since high school and am currently involved with several young professional organizations (Junior League of Nashville, Young Leaders Council, Nashville Jr. Chamber) that provide training for community service and leadership.
“This award confirms that my dedication to serving Nashville is recognized by my colleagues and peers. It is such an honor to represent Nashville in this way.”
The CF Foundation works to recognize young professionals who are already making a name for themselves in their profession and helps them grow into community leaders and influencers who make an impact on those around them.
Honorees will participate in a 16-week development program to grow their skill sets through a philanthropic competition raising funds for the nonprofit organization.
Middle Tennessee residents can nominate those who exemplify leadership qualities, are active in the philanthropic community, and have excelled in their chosen career field.
“Thank you to all my colleagues, friends and family for supporting me over the years and during the selection process,” said Deese. “I am looking forward to connecting with the other honorees and making new personal and professional connections during the program.
“I also hope to enhance my advocacy skills while working to promote the mission of the CF Foundation and supporting the children and families affected by CF.”
The foundation’s Tennessee Chapter launched the recognition program in 2009 to honor young professionals growing in their careers, engage them in community service, and train them to make the biggest impact possible for the community.
Since its creation, Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 honorees have raised more than $1 million to support the mission of the foundation.
To find out more about the event, visit https://finest.cff.org/Nashville.
