The 2008 Women of Achievement Honorees are:

Courage – Corinne Derenburger, founder of Ryan's Hope and advocate for special needs children and their families

Determination – Rebecca Jane Edwards, founder of the Cultural Development Foundation

Steadfastness – Carolyn Gates, lifetime of community leadership and involvement in Shelby County politics and the Republican Party

Initiative – Ruth Lomo, a Sudanese refugee, advocate and the founder of International Community for Refugee Women and Children

Heritage – Florence McIntyre, barrier-breaking artist and teacher whose work led to the creation of the Memphis Academy of Art

Heroism – Ashley Sanders, whose selfless act and quick response saved the life of a stranger shot during a car jacking and captured national attention

Vision – Phyllis Betts, PhD, founder of the Memphis Area Women's Council and Center for Community Building and Neighborhood Action at the University of Memphis