YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has announced the honorees for its 33rd annual Academy for Women of Achievement (AWA), presented by Amazon. Five distinguished women and one leading organization will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community during a celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
This year’s individual honorees are:
- Missy Eason, community advocate
- Deana Ivey, president, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
- Courtney Ross, senior manager, external affairs, Amazon
- Candice Storey Lee, ‘vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs’ and ‘athletic director,’ Vanderbilt University
- Cynthia Whitfield-Story, retired corporate executive and CEO, INSPIRE1, LLC
Belmont University will receive the 2025 Corporate Honoree award.
The event is co-chaired by Deborah Taylor Tate (AWA Class of 2006); Emily J. Reynolds, attorney’ (AWA Class of 2024), and Adrienne Johnson, YWCA board member.
“The women and organization we celebrate this year embody the values of the YWCA—strength, leadership, and commitment to community,” said Sharon K. Roberson, president/CEO of YWCA Nashville and Middle Tennessee. “They are breaking down barriers, lifting up others, and shaping a more inclusive future for our region.”
With this year’s class, the academy will have honored 204 women and 36 organizations since its inception in 1992. Honorees are selected by a committee of business and community leaders along with members of the YWCA Executive Committee.
A private gathering in September will unveil the 2025 event theme, which is being developed by FINN Partners, a longtime AWA supporter. The public awards reception will take place on Oct. 28. Additional event details, including ticket and table information, are available at <www.ywcanashville.com/awa2025>.
Lelan Statom, NewsChannel 5 weather anchor and co-host of Talk of the Town, will return as emcee.
Major sponsors include:
- Presenting Sponsor: Amazon
- Peace Sponsors: Mary Wester Foundation and Dollar General
- Freedom Sponsors: BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Community Trust and Jackson National Life Insurance Company
The Academy for Women of Achievement was established to raise public awareness and appreciation for the accomplishments of women across Middle Tennessee. Honorees are recognized for their integrity, leadership, professional excellence, and commitment to serving others.
