YWCA OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR ACADEMY FOR 2024 WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
l-r Jean Ann Banker, Hannah Paramore Breen, Honorable Angelita Blackshear Dalton, Sherry Deutschmann, Mary Ann McCready, Sharon W. Reynolds, Denine Torr - Individual Honorees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 30, 2024) – YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is calling for nominations for the 32nd Academy for Women of Achievement. The AWA award recognizes Middle Tennessee women who have made extraordinary accomplishments through career success, community service, and leadership. They are also dedicated to the YWCA mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The deadline for submitting nominations is Wednesday, May 15 at 5 pm CST.
The 2024 event co-chairs are Laura Smith (AWA-2014) Vice President & General Counsel at Nashville Electric Services Dr. LoLita Toney, PhD (AWA-2020) Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Tennessee State University.
“The Academy for Women Achievement recognizes women who are passionate about empowering other women and improving the community in which we live, work, and play,” said Smith. “They have made their own unique mark on the Nashville and Middle Tennessee community and are role models to us all.”
The YWCA also honors a local organization each year with the AWA corporate award. Corporate nominees must be Middle Tennessee companies or organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to aid the entry, career advancement and working conditions of female employees.
HCA Healthcare is the 31st AWA Corporate Honoree.
“YWCA programs have a tremendous impact on our community,” said Toney. “The AWA program not only recognizes individuals and organizations for their service to the community, but it also serves as a primary fundraiser for the 125-year-old nonprofit.”
Since 1992, the YWCA has inducted 191 women and 32 organizations into the prestigious Academy for Women of Achievement.
Nomination forms are available on the YWCA’s website, and the deadline for submitting nominations is Wednesday, May 15. Honorees will be announced in early August. Please email Brandis Cashdollar if your organization is interested in sponsoring this event.
The AWA award ceremony will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Music City Center. Proceeds fund the programs of the YWCA, including the Weaver Domestic Violence Center, AMEND Together, Family Learning Center, Girls Inc., Dress for Success Nashville, and Social Justice & Advocacy.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle Mowery Johnson, YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee, (615) 983-5125, michelle.moweryjohnson@ywcanashville.com
Lydia Henry, MP&F Public Relations, (615) 259-4000, lhenry@mpf.com
