Nashville Cable

Founded in 1978, Cable started with a simple, yet powerful idea: networking between women. In the first year and half of its existence, Cable membership numbers reached 200, representing at least thirty-five to forty different career fields. The organizing committee, which included Carol McCoy, Barbara Richards, Martha Trammel, Bea Hubbard, and Mary Martin Schaffner, chose the name “Cable” because the word suggests strength of the links between women. Cable’s first luncheon meeting in 1978 drew a standing room only crowd to hear attorney Jayne Ann Woods speak about the “The Old Girl Network.”

Mary Martin Schaffner was the Vice President of the YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Board of Directors. She helped with the details of a partnership between the YWCA and Cable. The YWCA provided space and staff support for the new Cable organization. In 1979, Cable recognized Mary with a plaque in honor of her pivotal role and named her as Cable’s Founding Mother.

Cable and the YWCA worked together for 23 years creating diverse networks and promoting opportunities for business and professional women in our community. On February 14, 2001, Cable ratified new By-laws and became an independent organization, but continued its support of YWCA programs and activities.