30th Anniversary
Academy for Women of Achievement

Postponed to spring 2022

Co-Chairs: Marilyn Dubree, Cynthia Whitfield-Story, Christie Wilson

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Academy for Women of Achievement induction ceremony will be moving from the planned date of Nov. 4 to the spring of 2022. Due to the rising COVID caseload in Middle Tennessee and challenges placed on our healthcare systems, the 30th anniversary celebration will be delayed so our guests, volunteers, and staff can stay safe and healthy. We look forward to celebrating these inspiring women and their contributions to our community in the months leading up to the 30th anniversary AWA event at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Read our press release here. 

2021 Academy for Women of Achievement Honorees

Consider making a donation in honor of a current or past AWA honoree*.

*Please include the name of the honoree under “tribute” on the donation page

Proceeds from AWA help fund the programs of YWCA, including Weaver Domestic Violence Center, the largest provider of domestic violence services in the state. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email our Sr. Director of Marketing & Development, Shannon Lapsley.

Revolutions don’t appear out of thin air.  They start small.  Then, they become mighty.

For YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, the revolution to provide a better future for women and families took root in the hearts of bold and determined women more than a century ago. The vision to recognize those individuals who have helped create a stronger, more generous and more just community began 30 years ago with the founding of the Academy for Women of Achievement. 

Today, we celebrate those early achievements.  Tomorrow, we march on.

About the Academy for Women of Achievement:

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has served women and families for more than 123 years and works to advance the quality of life for women of all ages, races, and faiths. Our programs and services help them move from safety to self-sufficiency. YWCA exists to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Each year, YWCA pays tribute to women who are making significant contributions to our community. Academy for Women of Achievement (AWA) honorees are passionate about empowering women and they make Nashville a more inclusive, informed, just, healthy, and thriving place to live. The AWA was launched locally in 1992 by YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. The AWA honors women who, through excellence and leadership in their chosen fields, serve as role models for other women. This year’s recipients will join 179 other women who were honored previously with this distinction. The Academy’s independent judging committee, composed of community and business leaders, select honorees from an exceptional list of nominees.

Thank you to our 2021 Academy for Women of Achievement Sponsors and their generous support!

Dignity Sponsor

Freedom Sponsors

Peace Sponsors

Justice Sponsors

Marketing & Media Sponsors

Advocacy Sponsors

Jackson National Life Insurance Company    |     LP Building Solutions   |   Mars   |   Scarlett Family Foundation   |   Studio Bank   |   Turner Construction Company