Women of Achievement

What is 'Women of Achievement'?

Each year, YWCA Central Carolinas honors three generations of women who have enhanced social justice in the Charlotte community. Women of Achievement honors three generations of women whose lives exemplify YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. For our annual event, YWCA is joined by our generous supporters to celebrate the change these leaders are making in our community.  

Please note that past honorees, current YWCA staff and board members and current elected officials are not eligible for consideration. Award honorees from previous years are listed below.

Our 2023 Women of Achievement

From left to right: Isis Bey, Dr. Nikita Lindsay, and Princess Black

YWCA's previous Women of Achievement honorees

Lifetime Advocate - these are mature women who exemplify a lifetime commitment to promoting social justice.

  • Dr. Mary Gail Frawley-O’Dea
  • Mary Lou Babb
  • Sarah Bryant
  • Dorothy “Dot” Counts-Scoggins
  • Fannie Flono
  • Sarah Belk Gambrell*
  • Ophelia Garmon-Brown 
  • Elizabeth “Lib” Harkey
  • Gibbie Harris 
  • Carlenia Ivory
  • Kathy Izard
  • Cynthia Marshall
  • Jane McIntyre 
  • Mary Nell McPherson 
  • Sally Robinson
  • Jessica Schorr Saxe
  • Judy Seldin-Cohen
  • Sarah Stevenson
  • Claire Tate
  • Janice Valder
  • Charlotte Watkins
  • Velva Woollen
  • Marian Yates

*YWCA’s first Woman of Achievement

Community Champion - these are established women currently working at the forefront of social change.

  • Tomeka James Isaac
  • Tiffany Capers
  • Caroline Chambre-Hammock
  • Liz Clasen-Kelly
  • Valaida Fullwood
  • Patrice Funderburg 
  • Sil Ganzó
  • Maria Hanlin 
  • C. Renee’ Little
  • LaWana Mayfield 
  • Deronda Metz
  • Melissa Mummert

Emerging Leader - these are women under the age of 35 who will lead our community forward.

  • Ashley Stevens
  • Shavette Campbell
  • Antonia Childs
  • Carrie Cook
  • Kristina Cruise
  • Elyse Hamilton-Childres
  • Amy Hawn Nelson
  • Ashley Jackson
  • Natalie Marles
  • Jessica Moss
  • Nakisha Washington
  • Allison Winston