Beth Fortune, vice chancellor for public affairs at Vanderbilt University and 2011 Academy for Women of Achievement honoree, and Rita Mitchell, senior vice president and manager at longtime AWA lead sponsor First Tennessee, have been named co-chairwomen for the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s 2013 Academy for Women of Achievement. The 22nd annual AWA ceremony is set for Oct. 15 at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville.

“Beth and Rita are two talented, intelligent, hardworking women who are dedicating their time and leadership to the 2013 Academy for Women of Achievement,” said Claire Gulmi, YWCA board chairwoman and CFO of AmSurg. “We are grateful for their commitment to the mission of AWA, and I am confidant their passion for the YWCA and for this community will help them create an outstanding event for 2013.”

The 2013 AWA honorees will be announced following a nominations process, which kicked off March 24. Nominees include women who are involved in efforts and activities that have made a positive, sustained difference in the community. The nominations process is open to the community, and forms are available online at www.ywcanashville.com

The YWCA’s Academy for Women of Achievement was launched locally in 1992 by the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee. The Academy honors women who, through excellence and leadership in their chosen fields, serve as role models for other women. This year’s recipients will join 125 other women who hold this distinctive honor.

The YWCA of Nashville and Middle Tennessee helps families leave abusive households and start new lives. It provides free GED education to men and women and mentors middle school girls in some of Nashville’s toughest neighborhoods. The YWCA exists to educate, to encourage and empower women, and to break down the barriers that perpetuate racism, violence and hopelessness.