NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 20, 2024) – YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is celebrating the32nd Academy for Women of Achievement (AWA), presented by Amazon, recognizing seven women and one organization who have made their mark on Middle Tennessee. This inspiring group will be inducted into the AWA on Oct. 24 at the Music City Center.

The 32nd AWA honorees are Ivanetta Davis Samuels, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Meharry Medical College; Michele Johnson, Executive Director and Co-Founder, Tennessee Justice Center; Rita Johnson-Mills, Independent Director and Regional President, CINQCARE; Sylvia Rapoport, Founding President of Centennial Park Conservancy, District Attorney’s Office Conviction Review Unit; The Honorable Emily J. Reynolds, Vice Chair, Tennessee Board of Regents, former Secretary of the U.S. Senate and Corporate Board Member,  Amanda Weeks-Geveden, Senior Wealth Advisor and Senior Vice President, 1834, a division of Old National Bank; Evette White, CEO/Executive Director, Leadership Nashville; and corporate honoree Ingram Industries.

“The Academy for Women of Achievement recognizes women who have made their own unique and powerful mark on the Nashville and Middle Tennessee community,” said YWCA President and CEO Sharon K. Roberson. “Honorees are passionate about empowering other women and improving the community in which we live, work and play. They are role models to us all.”

This year’s honorees join a prestigious group of 191 women and 34 organizations previously inducted into the AWA. They are leaders in the business, health care, legal, community and social justice sectors. The selection committee, composed of business and community leaders and YWCA’s Executive Committee, chose the individual and corporate honorees from an impressive list of nominees.

The AWA reception begins at 5 p.m. and will be followed by dinner and a program from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Music City Center at 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S. More information on the AWA ceremony and history can be found on YWCA’s website, www.ywcanashville.com/awa.

The emcee of this year’s AWA is Lelan Statom, weather anchor and co-host of “Talk of the Town” on NewsChannel 5 in Nashville. YWCA is grateful to the many sponsors who support this program and our work, including Presenting Sponsor Amazon and Key Sponsors Dollar General, Deloitte, HCA Healthcare | TriStar, Nashville Electric Service and Cumberland Trust.

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee began the Academy for Women of Achievement in 1992 to increase community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and the community. Women are honored for their community service, professional achievement, integrity, leadership, and dedication to the lives of others and the quality of life for all. This year’s co-chairs are Marlene Eskind Moses, Partner at GSRM Law; Laura Smith, Vice President and General Counsel at Nashville Electric Service; and LoLita Toney Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Tennessee State University.

About YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. For more than 125 years, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has helped women, girls and families in Nashville and Middle Tennessee build safer, more self-sufficient lives. Programs include Domestic Violence Services, Girls Inc., AMEND Together, Dress for Success, Family Learning Center, and Social Justice and Advocacy. For more information, visit ywcanashville.com, follow us on X/Twitter @YWCANashville and Instagram @YWCANashville, and find us on Facebook at facebook.com/YWCANashville.

For sponsorship inquiries, contact:
Brandis Cashdollar, Senior Director of Development Events,

brandis.cashdollar@ywcanashville.com, (615) 579-4068

For media inquiries, contact:
Lydia Henry,

lhenry@mpf.com, (615) 259-4000