YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is celebrating the 31st Academy for Women of Achievement (AWA) presented by Amazon and recognizing seven women and one organization that have made their mark on our community. This inspiring group will be inducted into the AWA on Jan. 26, 2023, at the Music City Center.
The 31st AWA honorees include: Jean Ann Banker, Community Volunteer; Hannah Paramore Breen, founder, Paramore Digital; Angelita Blackshear Dalton, judge, Davidson County Criminal Court; Sherry Deutschmann, founder/CEO, BrainTrust; Mary Ann McCready, founding owner and business manager, FBMM Entertainment Business Management; Sharon W. Reynolds, president/CEO, DevMar Products, LLC; Denine Torr, vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy, Dollar General; and corporate honoree H0A Healthcare/TriStar Health.
This year’s honorees join a prestigious group of 184 women and 33 organizations previously inducted into the AWA. They are leaders in the legal, advocacy, medical, business, education and philanthropy fields.The selection committee, composed of business and community leaders and YWCA’s Executive Committee, chose the individual and corporate honorees from an impressive list of nominees.
“Our theme for this year’s Academy for Women of Achievement program is ‘United with Purpose,’ in recognition of our power to create a stronger, more generous and more just community by working together,” said YWCA President/CEO Sharon K. Roberson. “The honorees are women united in our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
“YWCA is grateful to the many sponsors who support this program and our work, including Presenting Sponsor. Amazon; Dignity Sponsor, Dollar General; Freedom Sponsor, Mary Wester Foundation; Peace Sponsors, Deloitte and First Horizon; Justice Sponsor, Jackson National Life Insurance; and Marketing and Media Sponsors, FINN Partners, The Tennessean, Hatcher & Fell Photography, MP&F Strategic Communications, and FW Publishing. Proceeds from the AWA event help fund YWCA programs and services, including the Weaver Domestic Violence Center.”
The awards celebration will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the Music City Center. Individual tickets are $225, and corporate tables are $1,800. They can be purchased now on YWCA’s website <www.ywcanashville.com/awa>.
The Academy for Women of Achievement was launched locally in 1992 by YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee to increase community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and the community. Women are honored for their community service, professional achievement, integrity, leadership, and dedication to the lives of others and the quality of life for all. This year’s co-chairs are Sallie B. Bailey, the Judge Ana Escobar and Jerry Williams.
