The YWCA of Greater Atlanta honored the 2011 Woman of Achievement Kathy Betty, owner of the Atlanta Dream, at the annual Salute to Women of Achievement Luncheon on May 18th at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. This year’s theme was “Life is But A Dream” and featured a special performance by Jennifer Holliday, singer and Tony Award-winning actress, known for her Broadway role in Dreamgirls. The YWCA presented a new award, the Y’s Man Award to Tad Hutcheson, VP of Marketing and Sales for AirTran Airways.

This year’s event, co-chaired by Erica Qualls (General Manager, Atlanta Marriott Marquis) and Hala Moddelmog (President, Arby’s Restaurant Group), was be the 28th year that Salute has been in the philanthropic landscape of Atlanta.  Established in 1984, Salute to Women of Achievement is the first event of its kind to honor women of distinction who are trailblazers in business and philanthropy. 

YWCA Salute honorees include Emily Ellison (front row from left), Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, Molly Burke, Dr. Candace Kaspers, Judge M. Yvette Miller, Penny McIntyre, Sheryl Sellaway, and Hala Moddlemog. Also, Rabbi Analia Bortz (back row from left), Geri Thomas, Kathy Betty, Justine Boyd, Tad Hutcheson, Leslie Sibert and Erica Qualls.

Kathy Betty and the Atlanta Dream  

Kathy Betty [the first woman in Atlanta history to own a professional sports team], purchased the Atlanta Dream in October 2009 shortly after the franchise completed its second season in Atlanta. Betty, widow of former EarthLink CEO, Garry Betty, has more than 25 years of business management and consultancy experience, one of the first female partners with Ernst & Young, and later served as Executive Vice President and Partner with Scott, Madden and Associates.

Tad Hutcheson and Airtran

For the first time in 28 years, the YWCA presented the Y’s Man Award to Tad Hutcheson, VP of Marketing and Sales at AirTran Airways. Hutcheson has been a longtime supporter of the YWCA and is clearly and absolutely dedicated to the empowerment of women and elimination of racism. “AirTran Airways has partnered with the YWCA over the years because of their positive reputation for providing quality and impactful programming to the Atlanta area,” says Hutcheson.

Also Honored

The 2011 College Woman of Achievement and recipient of the Carol Dunlap Reiser Scholarship is Kayla Hogan, a senior at McNair High School, and a participant in the YWCA’s Teen Girls in Technology (TGI Tech) program. This scholarship was created in 2002 [with the support of Rich’s-Macy’s] as a special tribute in memory of Ms. Reiser, a champion of the YWCA.

As Kayla, reminds us all, "Never lose sight of your dream."

Amy Peat's story bought us to tears as she explained how she lost her home and hope due to fire and how the YWCA helped her dream again.  "The YWCA helped me get back on track, pushed me to do what I had to do, and made me realize that the unexpected does not have to derail dreams. In fact, it can build resolve to make them even greater. Thank you." -- Amy Peat, Women in Transition graduate 

  "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of the dream"- Jordan Mosby - 2010 College Woman of Achievement gives her testimony.

My name is Patricia Henderson and I never imagined that one of my dreams would come true at a fast food restaurant! I have no health insurance and no regular doctor. I am on my own when I get sick and I am always scared because I have no idea what is going on in my body. I hadn’t had a mammogram in over ten years. One day, while sitting and eating breakfast with a friend, Thomasine from EncorePlus, walked right over to us and asked if we had regular mammograms. When I said no, she recruited me on the spot and invited me to attend a Comprehensive Breast Health Care Day at the Y. In partnership with DeKalb Medical Center, she advertised the day in local newspapers and also the unemployment office. She knew those women, like me, had no access to healthcare. Through her outreach – both in fast food restaurants, the media and other locations, 150 women inquired about the day and the maximum of 30 women were served, which was the maximum on that day. The others were given access to other free mammogram services on other days. There are still a lot of unknowns with my health – but I can tell you that it is a dream come true to know that I am negative for breast cancer. This allows me to sleep at night…and have sweet dreams. Thank you EncorPlus and the YWCA for being my advocate and breast health coach!

What People Say

The YWCA Salute this past week was awesome! The theme “Life is But a Dream” had me in tears the entire luncheon. Tears of admiration and happiness for the Salute recipients, tears of joy for what the YWCA is doing for women and children; and many tears of regret about my own…dreams deferred. So you can see the Salute was a lot more for me than an Awards luncheon. It was a time of reflection that I now know I needed. Please extend my gratitude to the planners of this wonderful event.   Darryl Griffin, president, Accolades, Inc. 

“It was like a YWCA/Atlanta Dream prep rally – the Atlanta Dream players, coaches, owners and even Star, the mascot showed up along with 810 other guests to salute Kathy Betty, Tad Hutcheson and eight other amazing women.,,and to help the YWCA “score” $380,000 to support our mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.  We had an incredible turnout, phenomenal entertainment, inspiring testimonials about our programs and a celebration out of this world. This event truly inspires and reminds us why we are passionate about the work we are doing. I am grateful to the Atlanta community for their unwavering support”, says Justine Boyd, CEO of the YWCA.

"It was better than anything I could have ever expected! So amazing and inspirational! I would love to bring some of the girls we mentor at the YWCA in Mobile, AL next year...they would've have LOVED it!"  Ashley McGee