ACADEMY OF WOMEN ACHIEVERS
Since its inception in 1984, the YWCA Greater Atlanta Academy of Women Achievers has been dedicated to recognizing and celebrating extraordinary women who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond. These trailblazers come from diverse backgrounds and professions but share a common goal—making a difference in the lives of others.
The Academy has grown to include more than 300 women who exemplify leadership, service, and a commitment to empowerment. From business and education to healthcare and activism, these women are shaping a brighter future for Atlanta and beyond.
We invite you to explore the list of remarkable women who have been inducted into our Academy and continue to inspire with their contributions to society. Their legacies of change and advocacy embody the YWCA’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
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2024 Woman of Achievement
In a touching tribute, this year’s surprise Woman of Achievement was named as Phillis Wheatley, in honor of the Collaboration in Action Campaign to renovate the Phillis Wheatley YWCA on Atlanta’s Westside.
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2024 Academy Reception
We are thrilled to share highlights of the September 12 Academy reception. This celebration was filled with camaraderie, reflection, and inspiration as we recognized our newest inductees, shared details about upcoming events and provided a progress report on our Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA Collaboration in Action Campaign.
Class of 2024
Paige Alexander Chanel Frazier Ayesha Khanna April Ross
Deisha Barnett Julia Houston Lauren Koontz
Gina Espinosa-Meltzer Kaye Husbands Fealing Maya Penn
Class of 2023
Misty Fernandez Jenna Kelly Beth Lowry Carolyn Young
Venessa Harrison Katie Kirkpatrick Saadia Madsbjerg Helene Gayle
Sarah Irvin Carrie Kurlander Fay Twersky
Class of 2022
Chloe Barzey Sharmen Gowens Nancy Quan Leocadia I. Zak
Nicole “Nikki” Clifton
Class of 2021
Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice
Class of 2020
Kali Beyah Kathy Colbenson Kim Greene Bentina Chislom Terry
Lori Billingsley Cynthia Day Alicia Philipp Sandy Welfare
Martha Brooks Pat Gardner Condace Pressley
Class of 2019
Liz Blake Sonya Halpern Juliette Pryor Martha Wilber, M.D.
Allison Dukes Soumaya Khalifa Blythe Robinson Andrea Young
Sharon Gay Helene Lollis Erika Shields
Class of 2018
Erica Qualls-Battey Beth Holder Mary Laschinger Beatriz Perez
Dr. Debra Carlton, M.D. Erika James Wonya Lucas Wendy Stewart
Daryll Griffin Anne Kaiser Mary Pat Matheson
Class of 2017
Ann Cramer Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell Dr. Valerie Camille Jones Teresa Roseborough Dr. Mary Wilson, M.D
Ann Curry Edie Cofrin Stephanie Mains Joanne Smith
Ann Stallard Lisa Gordon Ileana Martinez Yvonne Thomas
Class of 2016
Billye Aaron Sandra Deal Meredith Leapley Sarah-Elizabeth Reed
Liz Blake Francesca Gary Julie Miller-Phipps Julie Seitz
Shan Cooper Lila Hertz Qaadirah Rahim
Class of 2015
Carol Tomé Luncinda Bunnen Kelly Loeffler Dr. Sita Ranchod-Nilsson
Erika Alexander Dr. Meria J. Carstarphen Bari Love Lisa Williams
Myra Bierria Charmaine Davis Patrise Perkins-Hooker
Class of 2014
Rev. Dr. Joanna M. Adams Dana Halberg Michelle Nunn Nita Sardana
Lisa Cremin Danita V. Knight Natosha Reid Rice Charmaine Ward
Beth Finnerty Paulette Norvel Lewis Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice
Class of 2013
Rosalind Brewer Janine Brown Holly Hughes Marian Pittman
Keisha Lance Bottoms Stacy Cole-Bell Cheryl Lomax Tisha Tallman
Mary Brock Denise Harrod Mary Moore
Class of 2012
Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum Kelly Dolan Donna Hyland Leslie Sibert
Kim Anderson Terri Badour Glenda Minkin Lottie Watkins*
Amy Brady Noni Ellison-Southall Brenda Muhammad
