Award Categories:

COURAGE – For a woman who, facing active opposition, backed an unpopular cause in which she deeply believed
DETERMINATION – For a woman who solved a glaring problem, despite widespread inertia, apathy, or ignorance around her
HERITAGE – For a woman of generations past whose achievements enrich our lives
HEROISM – For a woman whose heroic spirit was tested and shown as a model to all in Shelby County and beyond
INITIATIVE – For a woman who seized the opportunity to use her talents and created her own future
STEADFASTNESS – For a lifetime of achievement
VISION – For a woman whose sensitivity to women’s needs led her to tremendous achievements for women

Past Honorees (Click on Name)
Courage Lauren Williams-Batiste, 2025 Jennifer Murry-Rodley, 2024 Vanessa Rodley, 2024 Anne Stone Carriere, 2023 Mildred Richard-Edwards, 2019 Kamillia Barton, 2018 Rev. Lisa Anderson, 2017 Ashley Coffield, 2016 Amerah Shabazz-Bridges, 2015 Cristina Condori, 2014 Chelsea Boozer, 2013 Vanessa Luellen, 2012 Deb Whalen Word, 2011 Teri Craven, 2010 Africa Gonzalez, 2009 Corinne Derenburger, 2008 Modeane Nichols Thompson,* 2007 Dr. June Averyt,* 2006 Pat Morgan, 2005 Rev. Cheryl Cornish, 2004 Laurel Reisman, 2003 Tandy Gilliland, 2002 Patricia Merrill, 2002 Anne Shafer,* 2001 Helen Adamo, 2000 Susan Mackenzie, 1999 Doris Bradshaw, 1998 Novella Smith-Arnold, 1997 Frances Goodman McMahon, 1996 Nickii Elrod, 1995 Georgia King, 1994 Eunice Wilson,* 1993 Teresa Rae Dowdy, 1992 Rita Underhill, 1991 Jocelyn Wurzburg, 1990 Josephine Burson,* 1989 Alzada Clark,* 1988 Margery Rumbarger McSweeney, 1987 Maxine Smith,* 1986 Minerva Johnican,* 1985	Determination Kayla Gore, 2025 Phillis Lewis, 2024 Barbara Boucher, 2023 Mercy Mahal-Ko “Mahal” Burr, 2020 Rachel Coats Greer, 2019 Mary E. Mitchell, 2019 Rachel Sumner Haaga, 2018 Ines Negrette, 2017 Claudia Haltom, 2016 Shelia Williams, 2015 Margot McNeeley, 2014 Felica Richard, 2013 Carolyn Chism Hardy, 2012 Carol Barnett, 2011 Onie Johns, 2010 Nancy Williams, 2009 Rebecca Jane Edwards, 2008 Rev. Rebekah Jordan, 2007 Regina Walker, 2006 Rev. Rosalyn R. Nichols, 2005 Carol Prentiss, 2004 Mars Child, 2003 Harriet McFadden, 2003 Polly Glotzbach, 2003 Joe Ann Ballard, 2002 Jalena Bowling, 2001 Denny Glad,* 2001 Debbie Norton, 2001 Bernice Donald, 2000 Bert P. Wolff, 1999 Shelia Tankersley, 1998 Deborah Cunningham,* 1997 Doris Walker,* 1996 Ruth Knight Allen, 1995 Shera Bie, 1994 Ola Mae Ransom,* 1993 Dorothy “Happy” Jones,* 1992 Virginia Dunaway, 1990 Joyce North, 1989 Lucille Ewing,* 1988 Willie Pearl Butler,* 1987 Joan Turner Beifuss,* 1986 Angie D’Agastino, 1985
Heritage Joyce Blackmon,* 2025 Madame Florence Cole Tolbert McCleave*, 2024 Elizabeth Fisher Johnson,* 2023 Lillian Wyckoff Johnson,* 2023 Citizens to Protect Overton Park, 2020 Estelle Axton, * 2019 Cornelia Crenshaw, * 2019 Lois DeBerry,* 2018 Mary Magdalene Solari,* 2017 Lil Hardin Armstrong,* 2016 Alberta Hunter,* 2016 Emma Currin Barbee Wilburn,* 2015 Bessie Vance Brooks,* 2014 Susanne Scruggs,* 2013 Georgia Patton Washington,* 2012 Louise Fitzhugh,* 2011 Phoebe Omlie,* 2010 Alma C. Hanson,* 2009 Florence McIntyre,* 2008 Barbara Lawing,* 2007 Joan Fulenwider Strong,* 2006 Elizabeth Avery Meriwether,* 2005 Lide Smith Meriwether,* 2005 Eleanor Dicky Ehrlich,* 2004 Ethel Niermeyer,* 2003 Dr. Juanita Williamson,* 2002 Marion Keisker,* 2001 Charl Ormond Williams,* 2000 Lucille DeVore Tucker,* 1999 Lucie Campbell,* 1998 Sara Roberta Church,* 1997 Marion Griffin,* 1996 Dorothy Sturm,* 1995 Elizabeth Phillips,* 1994 Cora Price Taylor,* 1993 Judith Schwarz Scharff,* 1992 Lena Angevine Warner,* 1991 Suffragists of Shelby County,* 1990 Mary Treadwell,* 1989 Georgia Harry,* 1989 Patricia Walker Shaw,* 1989 Julia B. Hooks,* 1988 Ida B. Wells,* 1987 Myra F. Dreifus,* 1987 Yellow Fever Heroines* 1986 Frances Wright,* 1985	Heroism Gwendolyn Turner, 2025 Jennifer Pepper, 2023 Sandra Ferrell, 2020 Gabriela Salinas, 2019 Tami Sawyer, 2018 Rebecca Terrell, 2017 Leah Walton, 2016 Dr. Owen Phillips, 2015 Meaghan Ybos, 2014 Summer Owens, 2012 Constance McMillen, 2011 Jasmine Gray, 2010 Caroline Turns,* 2009 Ashley Sanders, 2008 Sheila White Parrish, 2007 Kathy Kastan, 2005 Dr. Rhea Seddon, 2004 Brenda Henson,* 2003 Wanda Henson, 2003 Sharon Pollard, 2002 Jodie Gaines Johnson, 2001 Molly Meisenheimer, 2000 Sandra Harrison, 1999 Alison Williams, 1998 Lisa Herdahl, 1997 Pauline Jones Hord,* 1996 Sandy Sanders, 1995 Patty Wallace, 1995 Sarah Clayborne, 1994 Anne White, 1993 Viola Harris McFerren,* 1992 Shirley Baliss, 1991 Dinia Cruz, 1990 Alma Lovett,* 1989 Nancy Hastings-Sehested, 1988 Frances Coe,* 1987 Nina Katz,* 1986 Arlene Stamm,* 1985
Initiative Maritza Dávila-Irizarry, 2025 Ellen Rolfes, 2024 Melanie Smith Taylor, 2023 Ayile Arnett, 2020 Maxine Starling Strawder, 2019 Wanda Taylor, 2018 Kamekio Lewis, 2017 Bennie Nelson West, 2016 Nadia Matthews, 2015 Gayle Rose, 2014 Karla Davis, 2013 Dr. Lisa Jennings, 2012 Jenny Odle Madden, 2011 Rev. Sonia Walker, 2010 Jodie Vance, 2009 Ruth Lomo, 2008 Nancy Lawhead, 2007 Susan Stephenson, 2006 Mahaffey White,* 2005 Deanie Parker, 2004 Hazel Moore, 2003 Joyce Cobb, 2002 Cordell Jackson,* 2001 Rachel Shankman, 2000 Tina L. Birchett,* 1999 Tonga Nguyen, 1998 Karen Shea, 1997 Evelyn Thorpe-Hibbler, 1996 Elnora Payne Woods,* 1995 Veronica Coleman-Davis, 1994 Edith Kelly-Green, 1993 Peri Motamedi, 1992 Franketta Guinn, 1991 Elaine Lee-Turner, 1990 Joan Lee-Nelson,* 1990 Carol Coletta, 1989 Thom Thi Bach, 1988 Dorothy Gunther Pugh, 1987 Eunice Carruthers, 1986 Judy Peiser, 1985	Steadfastness Judge Julia Smith Gibbons, 2025 Joy Brown Wiener, 2024 Beverly Robertson, 2023 Beverly Marrero, 2020 Dr. Jane H. Hooker, 2019 Miriam DeCosta-Willis, 2018 Joyce Springfield-Collins, 2017 Dorothy Kirsch, 2016 Barbara C. King, 2015 Martha Ellen Maxwell,* 2014 Jane Walters,* 2013 Yvonne Acey, 2012 Linda Miller, 2011 Dr. Laverne Tolley Gurley,* 2010 Gloria Kahn,* 2009 Carolyn Gates,* 2008 Gertrude Purdue,* 2007 Virginia ‘Ginger’ Ralston, 2006 Mildred Schwartz, 2005 Mary Alice Hubbard McWilliams,* 2004 Nancy Bogatin, 2003 Fannie Belle Burnett,* 2002 Lois Freeman, 2001 Elizabeth Toles,* 2000 Carlotta Stewart Watson,* 1999 Jeanne Dreifus,* 1998 Frances Dancy Hooks,* 1997 Ann Bell,* 1996 Marjorie Raines,* 1995 Mattie Sengstacke,* 1994 Selma Lewis,* 1993 Alberta Gaines,* 1992 Ellen Correll,* 1991 Mertie Buckman,* 1990 Althea Price,* 1989 Mary Robinson,* 1988 Susie Bryant,* 1987 Verla Petit,* 1986 Zana Ward,* 1985
Vision Dr. Nikia Grayson, 2025 Amy Moses, 2024 Sara Lynn Johnson Fultz, 2024 Lori Spicer Robertson, 2023 Judy Card, 2020 Dr. Carol Danehower, 2019 Cherisse Scott, 2018 Ruby O’Gray, 2017 Karen Moore, 2017 Linda Sessoms, 2016 Bettye Boone, 2015 Elaine Blanchard, 2014 Judy Wimmer, 2013 Dr. Beverly Greene Bond, 2012 Cynthia Grant Tucker, 2011 Melvena Leake, 2010 Sonja White,* 2009 Dr. Phyllis Betts, 2008 Donna Fortson,* 2007 Perre MacFarland Magness, 2006 Ruby Bright, 2005 Mickey Babcock, 2004 Mariel Loaiza, 2003 Marcela Mendoza, 2003 Nancy B. Sorak, 2002 Janann Sherman, 2001 Donna Sue Shannon, 2000 Frances Grant Loring,* 1999 Ellida Sadler Fri,* 1998 Deborah M. Clubb, 1997 Elinor “B” Bridges,* 1996 Dr. Theresea Okwumabua, 1995 Paula Casey, 1994 Audrey May, 1993 Vickie Scarborough, 1993 Patricia Howard,* 1992 Karen Williams, 1991 Elma Neal Roane,* 1990 Carol Lynn Yellin,* 1989 Marilou Awiakta, 1988 Astrid Braganza, 1987 Lorrine Cunningham,* 1986 Bonnie Thornton Dill, 1985
* = deceased

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List of Each Year’s Group of Honorees by Category

The Women of Achievement honorees for 2025 are:
Courage: Lauren Williams-Batiste, organized successful neighborhood opposition to a proposed industrial sawmill
Determination: Kayla Gore, builds housing for trans people of color
Heritage: Joyce Blackmon, first female and African-American vice president at MLG&W
Heroism: Gwendolyn Turner, domestic violence survivor and advocate
Initiative: Maritza Dávila-Irizarry, Puerto-Rican born acclaimed printmaker, art educator
Steadfastness: Judge Julia Smith Gibbons, federal appeals judge and first woman appointed to a court of record in Tennessee
Vision: Dr. Nikia Grayson, midwife and chief clinical officer at city’s first birth center

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The Women of Achievement honorees for 2024 were:
Courage: Vanessa Rodley and Jennifer Murry-Rodley, Mid-South Pride leaders
Determination: Phillis Lewis, founder and CEO, Love Doesn’t Hurt
Heritage: Madame Florence Cole Tolbert McCleave, barrier-breaking opera singer and educator
Initiative: Ellen Rolfes, philanthropy strategist and innovator
Steadfastness: Joy Brown Wiener, concert violinist, teacher, 40-year Memphis Symphony
Orchestra concertmaster
Vision: Amy Moses and Sara Lynn Johnson Fultz, co-founders MOJO Pelvic Health

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The Women of Achievement honorees for 2023 were:
Courage: Anne Stone Carriere – first female priest to serve the Episcopal Church as rector in the Diocese of West Tennessee
Determination: Barbara Boucher – organizer of multi-church food gleaning and feeding programs
Heritage: Elizabeth Fisher Johnson and Lillian Wyckoff Johnson, mother-daughter activists for women’s safety, education and paid work
Heroism: Jennifer Pepper – president, CEO, CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health
Initiative: Melanie Smith Taylor – Olympic gold medalist and equestrian sport commentator
Steadfastness: Beverly Robertson – former president of the National Civil Rights Museum and first African American chief executive of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce
Vision: Lori Spicer Robertson – Founder, Wundher experiential production company designed to connect women and mothers to their joy

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The Women of Achievement honorees for 2020-2022 were:
Determination: Mahal Burr – BRIDGES community action coordinator, social change activist        
Heritage: Citizens to Preserve Overton Park – women who sustained the historic campaign to stop Interstate 40 from cutting through the park
Heroism: Sandra Ferrell – Lisieux Community founder, survivor and advocate for women experiencing trauma, addiction and prostitution
Initiative: Ayilé Arnett – nonprofit entrepreneur and health care innovator
Steadfastness: Beverly Marrero – former state senator, women’s advocate and reproductive rights warrior
Vision: Judy Card – storyteller; co-founder of Women of Achievement, Women in the Community

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Our 2019 Women of Achievement honorees were:
Courage – Mildred Richard-Edwards, HIV/AIDS advocate
Determination – Rachel Coats Greer, Binghamton community advocate, and Mary E. Mitchell, Orange Mound community advocate
Heritage – Estelle Axton, co-founder STAX recording studio, and Cornelia Crenshaw, civil rights activist
Heroism – Gabriela Salinas, cancer survivor, scientist, legislative candidate
Initiative – Maxine Starling Strawder, dancer
Steadfastness – Dr. Jane H. Hooker, women’s sports advocate
Vision – Dr. Carol Danehower, domestic violence researcher and educator