YWCA President & CEO Sharon K. Roberson with the 2026 Academy for Women of Achievement Honoorees: Denine Torr (Dollar General), Dee Patel, Edie Carell Johnson, Cathy Bender, Beth DeBauche, Tara Scarlett, Dr. Cherae Farmer-Dixon, and Tracey Henry
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 23, 2026) — More than 500 community and business leaders gathered Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel for YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s 34th Academy for Women of Achievement (AWA), celebrating seven remarkable women and one outstanding organization whose leadership, accomplishments and service have made a lasting impact on the Middle Tennessee community.
Presented by Amazon, this year’s celebration embraced the theme “Because of Her,” recognizing the women whose courage, vision and determination have opened doors, strengthened communities and inspired generations.
The 2026 Academy for Women of Achievement inductees are:
Cathy Bender, First Vice President, Sr. Financial Advisor Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Beth DeBauche, Executive-in-Residence, Lipscomb University and Commissioner (retired), Ohio Valley Conference
Cherae Farmer-Dixon, Dean, Meharry Dental School, Meharry Medical College
Tracey Henry, Community Volunteer
Edie Carell Johnson, Chair, VUMC Board of Directors; President, Legal Counsel Carell Family LLC
Dee Patel, Managing Director, The Hermitage Hotel
Tara Scarlett, President/CEO Scarlett Family Foundation
Dollar General Corporation, headquartered in Goodlettsville, was inducted as the 2026 Corporate Honoree in recognition of its longstanding commitment to education, opportunity and community advancement. Through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the company has supported YWCA Nashville’s adult education programs for decades, helping individuals and families build stronger futures.
Adding to the evening’s significance, more than three dozen past Academy honorees, representing classes spanning the past three decades, returned to welcome the newest inductees into this distinguished group of women leaders.
“For 34 years, the Academy for Women of Achievement has celebrated women who lead with purpose and use their influence to make our community stronger,” said Sharon K. Roberson, President and CEO of YWCA
Nashville & Middle Tennessee. “This year’s theme, ‘Because of Her,’ reminds us that the impact of one woman extends far beyond her own accomplishments. Each of our honorees has helped create opportunities for others, and we are proud to recognize their extraordinary contributions.”
One of the evening’s most moving moments came from Karyn Johnson, a domestic violence survivor, public speaker and advocate, who shared her personal journey and powerful message of resilience, hope and the importance of supporting survivors.
NewsChannel 5 meteorologist Lelan Statom returned as master of ceremonies, guiding guests through an evening of recognition, inspiration and celebration. The event was co-chaired by Missy Eason, Cameron Simmons and Valerie Smith Molette, whose leadership helped make the evening a success.
YWCA Nashville extends special thanks to Amazon, the event’s Presenting Sponsor, and the generous organizations and foundations whose support made the celebration possible:
Peace Sponsors: Dollar General and Mary Wester Foundation
Justice Sponsor: The Enchiridion Foundation
Freedom Sponsors: Jackson and HCA Healthcare – TriStar Health
Established in 1992, the Academy for Women of Achievement is one of Nashville’s longstanding traditions of recognizing women whose professional achievements, leadership, and commitment to service have shaped the region. The annual event also supports YWCA Nashville’s life-changing programs serving women, children and families throughout Middle Tennessee.
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. The organization operates the Weaver Domestic Violence Center, Tennessee’s most comprehensive emergency domestic violence shelter, along with Abbie’s Safe Home pet shelter and a 24-hour crisis and support helpline. YWCA also provides prevention, education and empowerment programs through Girls Inc., AMEND Together, Dress for Success, Family Learning Center, and EmpowerHer.
For more information, visit www.ywcanashville.com.
Media Contact
Michelle Mowery Johnson
Vice President of Strategic Communications & Advocacy
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee
Michelle.moweryjohnson@ywcanashville.com | 615-424-0544
