Location: Oak36

Time: 5:30 PM

Our Wine Down Wednesday event has gotten better with age! This year we welcome four panelists and our moderator with the theme of Blueprints for Her Future : Women Shaping Space + Story.

Moderated by Chelsea Phillips. Confirmed panelists are : Christina Gonano, Sarah Ward and Ashley Scott.

About our Moderator

Chelsea Phillips
Chelsea Phillips isn’t just one of Savannah’s hardest-working real estate pros—she’s a true advocate for her clients and community. She believes real estate isn’t just about buying and selling; it’s about making smart financial moves that align with your goals.
Real estate runs in her blood—growing up with two Atlanta brokers as parents, Chelsea developed a passion for the industry early on. She sharpened her skills at the University of Georgia, earning degrees in Marketing, Psychology, and Real Estate, giving her a unique edge in understanding both markets and people. 
Her expertise extends beyond traditional sales—she has a deep understanding of construction, renovations, and new developments, making her an invaluable partner for buyers, sellers, and builders alike. Whether helping clients navigate the complexities of a new build, assessing the value of a renovation, or marketing a development for maximum return, Chelsea’s insight ensures a seamless process.
Her dedication has earned her a loyal client base, the title of Savannah’s Best Real Estate Agent (Connect Savannah Magazine) for the past 12 years, and a spot in the prestigious Distinguished Sales Society. Beyond business, Chelsea is all about giving back. She leads an incredible real estate team that delivers top-tier service while also making a difference—donating a portion of commissions to local nonprofits.
When you work with Chelsea, you’re not just getting an agent—you’re getting a knowledgeable, trusted partner who truly cares.

About out Panelists

Christina Gogano, IIDA, ASID, RID, NCIDQ
Christina Gonano is a Registered Interior Designer in the state of Georgia, bringing extensive leadership experience and academic expertise to the field. As a Past President of the IIDA Georgia Chapter, she has demonstrated her commitment to advancing the interior design profession through strategic initiatives and community engagement. Currently serving as the IIDA Georgia Coastal Empire City Center Director, Christina continues to foster connections among design professionals and strengthen the design community in the Savannah area. 

In addition to her professional leadership roles, Christina shares her expertise and passion for design as a Professor of Interior Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). At SCAD, she helps shape the next generation of interior designers by incorporating real-world experience and industry insights into the classroom. 

Her dual roles in professional practice and academia uniquely position Christina to bridge the gap between design education and industry demands, ensuring that emerging designers are well-prepared for the evolving challenges of the profession. 

Sarah Ward, AICP, LEED AP
Sarah Ward is the President and Preservation Principal for Ward Architecture + Preservation. She specializes in historic building assessments, rehabilitation plans, historic preservation tax credits, review of local and national preservation standards and guidelines, documentation and research.  Sarah has over 25 years of experience in historic preservation in the Southeastern United States.   

Originally from Tennessee, she moved to Savannah in 1999 to attain her Masters degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design.  She fell in love with the city and aspired to move back to Savannah in 2005 where she began work as a planner and later Director of Historic Preservation at the Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission.  She now works with her husband and a great preservation team for firm she helped create in 2010 working on select projects throughout the region.   

Sarah is a registered member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), local, state and national preservation organizations, and serves on the Preservation Grant Committee for the Fox Theatre Institute.  She is a mom to two amazing high schoolers and plays as much tennis as possible.