A Tradition of Leadership: YWCA Greater Atlanta’s Academy of Women Achievers

Since 1984, YWCA Greater Atlanta has honored extraordinary women whose lives and work embody its enduring mission: to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. The Academy of Women Achievers is a living tapestry of leading women dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Atlanta area and helping to create a more secure and equitable future for all. 

With over 400 inductees to date, “Academy sisters” come from diverse fields—politics, business, education, technology, healthcare, and philanthropy—united in their pursuit of social equity and community uplift. Across generations, from Johnnie Clark’s (C’1984) stellar accounting acumen and Carol Tomé’s (C’2015) visionary stewardship to Jewel Burks Solomon’s (C’2025) groundbreaking entrepreneur funding initiatives, the women of the Academy exemplify how leadership rooted in service can transform communities.

Enduring Impact Driven by Service

Trailblazers inducted early in the Academy’s history include prominent names whose purpose-focused impact is evident today in our city, nationally, and beyond. These members include: 

Grace Towns Hamilton (1907-1992) – Academy Class of 1985

As the first African American woman elected to the Georgia General Assembly, Grace Towns Hamilton shattered racial and gender barriers. Before that, she led the Atlanta Urban League, championing housing, healthcare, education, and voter registration within the Black community—key pillars of YWCA’s social justice mission. 

Evelyn Lowery (1925-2013) – Academy Class of 1986

Founder and chairwoman of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Women’s Organizational Movement for Equality Now and a tireless advocate for the rights of women, children, and families, Lowery championed civil rights through protests, voter registration, and educational programs—work that echoes YWCA’s dedication to empowerment and social justice.

Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023) – Academy Class of 1986

Reflecting YWCA’s emphasis on women’s health and leadership, former Georgia First Lady Rosalynn Carter was a lifelong advocate for mental health awareness. Her initiatives broke stigma around mental illness and empowered women in policy and care.

Coretta Scott King (1927-2006) – Academy Class of 1986

A global advocate for civil rights, Coretta Scott King carried forth the work of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., championing African American equality, women’s empowerment, and nonviolent social change. Her life embodied the YWCA principle of dignified advocacy.

Constance Curry (1933-2020) – Academy Class of 1977

A passionate civil rights activist, educator, and author, Curry worked closely with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and played a pivotal role in desegregation efforts in the Deep South. Through her writing and teaching, she advanced racial and gender equality, core tenets of the YWCA mission.

Sandra Deal (1942-2022) – Academy Class of 2016

While serving as Georgia’s First Lady, Sandra Deal championed literacy through classroom visits, charitable partnerships, and statewide literacy programs. Her work reinforced the YWCA’s education and empowerment mission—improving access to learning for women and children across Georgia.

Mission in Action Today

Today’s Academy is a constant demonstration of mission‑driven leadership by more than 350 of Atlanta’s most outstanding women. Living members include two former mayors of Atlanta, C-suite leaders of Atlanta’s most iconic corporations and institutions, renowned scholars, authors, and thought leaders, as well as dynamic entrepreneurs and changemakers. These women from all walks of life, selected because they embody the YWCA mission, remain passionate and connected to advancing the work of YWCA Greater Atlanta, realizing the value of women supporting women to benefit our communities. Academy members actively:

• Champion policy and civic engagement to advocate around pressing social issues affecting women, girls, and their families 

• Drive fundraising and advancement to support the association’s objectives, including the successful $19.5 million “Collaboration In Action” capital campaign to restore the Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA

• Support programming in education, health, economic empowerment, and advocacy focused on enhancing the lives of women, girls, and their families

More than 40 years since its creation, the Academy of Women Achievers stands as tangible proof of YWCA Greater Atlanta’s impact and sustainability. As the Academy grows—welcoming new members each year—it reaffirms that empowering women and fighting for racial justice is a sustained effort of many, a mantle taken up by one generation and passed on to another. Their stories continue to light the way and ignite change, proving that when women lead, the entire community thrives.