CityScope Annual Business Issue 2025 Featuring Solara Sain

Solara Sain

From 1992 to 1995, the Bosnian War displaced more than 2 million people as they fled to seek safety from the violence - and Solara Sain was one of them. "I was granted the opportunity to move to the U.S. through a Lutheran Church refugee program," shares Sain. "I had little work experience, but I was determined to find a job that allowed me to earn a living."

At the time, Goodwill was opening a new store within walking distance of Sain's apartment, and she was hired as a store associate in January of 1997. Before the war, Sain never imagined she would live in America, so her English was very limited.

"When I arrived in the U.S., my English vocabulary consisted of about 200 words, shares Sain. "Every day presented a new challenge to learn something new."

Despite this obstacle, Sain persisted. She became a U.S. citizen in 2001, and from 1997 to 2005, Sain was promoted three separate times, eventually earning the title of store manager. But Sain's journey didn't stop there. She continued to participate in training programs and accept any opportunities for growth. From 2008 to 2020, Sain continued to advance in leadership roles at Goodwills across the country, from Oklahoma City to Dallas, Texas. "Today, I am proud to serve as vice president of retail operations at Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga area," says Sain.

"Goodwill is much more than a store. More than 85 cents from every dollar generated in stores by the sale of donated items is used to support our mission to help people transform their potential into opportunity through edu-cation, training, and employment."

Throughout her career progression at Goodwill, Sain was inspired to persevere by her late father, and his influence still guides her journey today. "He never stopped learning, which is why I enrolled in college to pursue his dream of all of his children obtaining a college degree," finishes Sain. "In May of this year, I will graduate with my master's degree."

Cards and Coffee with the Catoosa County Chamber

By Lora B • May 26, 2026

We had a great time with the Catoosa County Chamber at Cards and Coffee at our Battlefield store and donation center!

DC

By Lora B • May 26, 2026

Recently, Goodwill held an annual award ceremony in conjunction with our first organization-wide One Goodwill event, a day dedicated entirely to investing in the people who make our mission possible. For one day, we closed every Goodwill store, donation site, Opportunity Center, distribution center, and administrative office in the greater Chattanooga area to invest in our people. On that day, our entire Distribution Center team was honored with the Opportunity Accelerator award. This award celebrates innovation that accelerates opportunity and drives meaningful progress for Goodwill and for our community. Over the past year, the Distribution Center has undergone a significant and inspiring transformation, one centered on stronger communication, increased trust, and a more unified team culture. One nominator shared, “The Distribution Center has transformed and grown in amazing ways.” Kai, Goodwill’s Manager of Distribution and Transportation, has a passion for people, communication, and integrity, which has elevated the entire team. One nominator wrote, “Since Kai’s first day in new hire orientation, he has communicated his desire to develop and grow. He cares deeply about his employees, considers their challenges, and goes out of his way to help people find success.” Supporting this transformation is Pan, Director of Operations. Pan is a leader whose commitment to his people has not gone unnoticed. A nomination stated, “Pan is always willing to listen to our problems and do what is necessary to correct them.” “The biggest change I’ve seen with our distribution center team is our cohesiveness,” said Pan. “We work well together.” “Winning the Opportunity Accelerator award was amazing,” said Kai. “I'd be hard-pressed to say I've had a better day professionally. I wasn't only proud of myself; I was proud of our team.”