YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee Earns Three 2026 Purple Ribbon Awards
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 20, 2026) — YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has been honored with three 2026 Purple Ribbon Awards, presented by Alliance for HOPE International and DomesticShelters.org, recognizing outstanding contributions to the movement to end domestic violence.
YWCA Nashville received the following national honors:
AMEND Together – Youth Initiative of the Year
Rusty Burdge – Survivor of the Year
Susanne Shepherd Post – Advocate of the Year
“These awards reflect the depth and impact of the work happening every day at YWCA Nashville,” said Sharon K. Roberson, President and CEO of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. “From prevention programs like AMEND Together, to the courage of survivors like Rusty Burdge, to the global advocacy led by Susanne Shepherd Post, we are honored to be recognized among leaders in this field.”
Launched in 2021, the Purple Ribbon Awards are the most comprehensive awards program honoring the “hopegivers” of the domestic violence movement, including advocates, survivors, programs, shelters and community leaders. Now in its fifth year, the awards draw nominations from across the globe and are judged by a national panel of professionals in the field.
This year, winners were selected across 42 categories and evaluated based on impact, innovation, supporting materials and overall performance. To ensure fairness, nominees were grouped by organizational size and judged among their peers.
The 2026 recognition builds on a strong history of Purple Ribbon honors for YWCA Nashville. Susanne Shepherd Post was previously named Survivor of the Year, and the YWCA’s Shear Haven program has been recognized as an Innovative Program. In 2025, Sharon K. Roberson received the program’s highest distinction as CEO of the Year.
All winners will be recognized during a virtual Purple Ribbon Awards celebration on May 21, 2026, where $30,000 in grant funding will also be awarded to select honorees.
“Domestic violence is a global issue affecting millions of individuals and families,” said Ashley Rumschlag, National Director of DomesticShelters.org. “The Purple Ribbon Awards shine a light on the extraordinary individuals and organizations working to bring hope and support to survivors.”
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee remains committed to providing critical services, prevention programs and advocacy to support survivors and create lasting change in the community. YWCA Nashville launched the region’s first crisis line and emergency shelter nearly five decades ago. Today, the 70-bed the Weaver Domestic Violence Center is a place of hope and healing, offering emergency shelter, adult and children’s counseling, and a state-of-the-art pet shelter, Abbie’s Safe Home.
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. For over 125 years, the YWCA has helped women, girls, and families build safe, self-sufficient lives. Programs include Domestic Violence Services, AMEND Together, Girls Inc., Dress for Success, Family Learning Center, and Social Justice and Advocacy. Learn more at ywcanashville.com, and follow us on Instagram and X @YWCANashville or Facebook at facebook.com/YWCANashville.
