Celebrating Excellence — The 33rd Academy for Women of Achievement

Nov 3

*The 2025 Academy for Women of Achievement Class with members of AWA inductees from the past three decad*es.

(NASHVILLE, TENN - Nov. 3, 2025) - More than 600 community leaders from Nashville’s business, education, healthcare, philanthropic, nonprofit, and athletic sectors came together on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, to honor six extraordinary changemakers at the 33rd Academy for Women of Achievement (AWA), presented by Amazon. The event, held at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, was a sold-out celebration of leadership, purpose, and service. This year’s theme - The Women Who Shape Us - was created by longtime YWCA and AWA supporter, FINN Partners.

This year’s inductees — Missy Eason, Deana Ivey, Courtney Ross, Candice Storey Lee, Cynthia Whitfield-Story, and Belmont University — embody the mission of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee: to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Nearly 50 past AWA honorees attended the celebration, underscoring the legacy of excellence that continues to inspire future generations.

The evening was emceed by NewsChannel 5’s Lelan Statom, a longtime friend and supporter of YWCA. The event was co-chaired by Hon. Emily Reynolds (AWA Class of 2024), Deborah Taylor Tate (AWA Class of 2006), and Adrienne Johnson (YWCA Board Member), who led a dedicated committee of volunteers in selecting this year’s honorees and creating a powerful evening of inspiration.

YWCA President & CEO Sharon K. Roberson and Board Chair Marlene Moses presented the awards, reflecting on YWCA’s 127-year legacy and the enduring spirit of women who lead with courage and compassion. The audience was deeply moved by YWCA Board Member and domestic violence survivor Rusty Burdge, who shared her personal story to remind all in attendance why YWCA’s programs — including the Weaver Domestic Violence Center, AMEND Together, Girls Inc., Dress for Success Nashville, and the Family Learning Center — are essential to building safer, stronger communities.

YWCA extends special thanks to its generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Amazon, Peace Sponsors Dollar General and the Mary Wester Foundation, Justice Sponsor Belmont University, and the many Freedom and Dignity Sponsors and supporters who made the evening possible.

For more than three decades, the Academy for Women of Achievement has recognized women and organizations whose vision, leadership, and service have changed our community for the better. With this year’s class, YWCA is proud to have inducted 203 women and 35 organizations into the AWA. This year’s honorees remind us all that when women rise, we all rise.

33rd Academy for Women of Achievement Reception & Induction Ceremony Photos Courtesy of Pat Casey Daley