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."

Dalton Emerging Leaders

By Lora B • March 13, 2026

Introducing our newest Emerging Leaders Institute graduates! This cohort was celebrated earlier today with a ceremony marking their completion of our ELI program. After six sessions filled with plenty of challenging material, it's safe to say each of these individuals is even better equipped to serve the Greater Dalton area and beyond. This was a great group, and it's been an honor growing with each of them throughout the program. We'll see you all in LDW soon, right? Shoutout to Dr. Stephani Womack, Gita Harden, and Lynn Osborne for keeping this ship sailing smoothly, plus the many, many volunteers it takes to pull it off. To our Program Sponsors, Dalton Utilities and Mohawk, and the Supporting Sponsors, Dalton Box and North Georgia EMC, we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you, all! That's a wrap on ELI 2026!