NASHVILLE, TN — More than 500 community and business leaders gathered at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on October 21 for YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s 34th Academy for Women of Achievement (AWA), celebrating seven outstanding women and one corporation whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on Middle Tennessee. Presented by Amazon, this year’s celebration embraced the theme “Because of Her,” recognizing women whose accomplishments, determination and service have opened doors and inspired future generations.
The 2026 inductees were Cathy Bender, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management; Beth DeBauche, former Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner; Dr. Cherae Farmer-Dixon, Dean of Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry; Tracey Henry, community volunteer; Edie Carell Johnson, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Board Chair; Dee Patel, Managing Director of The Hermitage Hotel; and Tara Scarlett, President and CEO of the Scarlett Family Foundation. Dollar General was inducted as the 2026 Corporate Honoree in recognition of its longstanding commitment to education and community advancement, including decades of support for YWCA Nashville’s adult education programs through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
The evening also brought together more than three dozen past Academy honorees representing three decades of women leaders. YWCA remembered two distinguished past inductees who passed away this year: Rosetta Miller-Perry, founder/publisher of The Tennessee Tribune and a 2014 Academy honoree, and Martha Rivers Ingram, whose philanthropy and civic leadership helped shape Nashville.
“For 34 years, the Academy for Women of Achievement has celebrated women who lead with purpose and use their influence to make our community stronger,” said Sharon K. Roberson, President and CEO of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee. “This year’s theme, ‘Because of Her,’ reminds us that the impact of one woman extends far beyond her own accomplishments.”
A moving highlight of the evening was an address by Karyn Johnson, a domestic violence survivor and advocate, who shared her journey and a message of resilience, hope, and support for survivors.
NewsChannel 5 meteorologist Lelan Statom served as master of ceremonies. The event was co-chaired by Missy Eason, Cameron Simmons and Valerie Smith Molette.
Established in 1992, the Academy for Women of Achievement recognizes women whose professional accomplishments, leadership and community service have strengthened Middle Tennessee. The annual celebration also supports YWCA Nashville’s life-saving and life-changing programs, including the Weaver Domestic Violence Center.
For more information, visit www.ywcanashville.
