NASHVILLE, TN — Six inspiring women and one area company have been selected as inductees into the 2019 Academy for Women of Achievement. They will be honored at the 28th annual AWA celebration and induction dinner at the Music City Center on Oct. 24. The event is presented by YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee and the Nashville Predators.
The 2019 honorees are Gail Carr Williams, Associate Director of Community Relations at Vanderbilt University; Beth Chase, Senior Managing Director at Ankura; Hon. Ana Escobar, Davidson County General Sessions Judge – Division 3; Mendy Mazzo, Corporate Senior Vice President at Skanska; Consuelo Wilkins, MD, Vice President for Health Equity at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Vicki Yates, News Anchor/Reporter for WTVF-TV NewsChannel 5. Bank of America is the 2019 corporate honoree.
“Our 2019 honorees have made an indelible mark on Nashville through their involvement in business, public service, media, education, health care and community service,” said AWA Co-Chair Sara Finley. “I feel privileged to work with YWCA to welcome them into the Academy for Women of Achievement.”
The AWA judging committee, made up of business and community leaders and the YWCA Executive Committee, chose the individual and corporate honorees from an exceptional list of nominees.
“This year’s Academy for Women of Achievement honorees are all purposeful, bold leaders who do what’s right for our community,” said Tara Scarlett, AWA Co-Chair and YWCA Board Member. “Each has an amazing and intentional heart, and we are inspired by their leadership and honored to celebrate their accomplishments.”
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 in the community. Women are honored for their community service, professional achievement, integrity, leadership, dedication to the lives of others and to the quality of life for all. This year’s recipients join 165 other women who hold this distinctive honor.
“These leaders stand as a reflection of the YWCA’s historic mission and values,” said YWCA President and CEO Sharon K. Roberson. “They serve as role models not only for other women in the community, but for all, and we are excited to honor them during this AWA season.”
In addition to presenting sponsor Nashville Predators, AWA signature sponsors include Dollar General, DVL Seigenthaler – Finn Partners, The Tennessean, Hatcher & Fell Photography, and MP&F. Proceeds from the AWA recognition dinner help fund YWCA programs and services, including the Weaver Domestic Violence Center.
The awards celebration will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, at Music City Center’s Davidson Ballroom. Tickets are $200 and corporate tables are $2,500. Tickets and tables can be purchased now on the YWCA website (www.ywcanashville.com/awa) or by calling (615) 983-5146.
YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. For more than 120 years, YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee has helped women, girls and families in Nashville and Middle Tennessee build safer, more self-sufficient lives. Programs include Domestic Violence Services, Girls Inc., AMEND Together, Dress for Success and the Family Learning Center. For more information, visit ywcanashville.com, follow us on Twitter @YWCANashville and find us on Facebook at facebook.com/YWCANashville.
