YWCA of Greater Atlanta welcomes eleven inductees to its Academy of Women Achievers

The YWCA of Greater Atlanta team is gearing up for its Salute to Women of Achievement ceremony later this week — an annual event recognizing women who excel in their professions, and are committed to the YW’s mission to empower women and eliminate racism. The inductees are honored for their work within corporate, philanthropic, government, nonprofit and volunteer capacities. The celebration will be held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis on Thursday, April 20 with an expected 600 attendees.

Since its inception in 1984, the annual event has honored accomplished women in Atlanta and beyond. Over the last 40 years, the YW has inducted over 300 women into its Academy of Achievers.

The 2023 signature event will recognize 11 women. Spelman College President Helene Gayle is the 2023 Woman of Achievement. Other new inductees are:

Misty Fernandez — Regional Director, Georgia Power Company
Venessa Harrison — President, AT&T Coastal States
Jenna Kelly — Group Regional President, Truist
Katie Kirkpatrick — President & CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Carrie Kurlander — VP of External Communications, Chick-Fil-A
Sarah Irvin — President & CEO, Metrics Marketing
Beth Lowry — President, Holder Construction
Saadia Madsbjerg — VP of Global Community Affairs, The Coca-Cola Company; President of The Coca-Cola Foundation
Fay Twersky — President, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Carolyn Young — Philanthropist, Andrew J. Young Foundation

The YWCA of Greater Atlanta has been a voice for change for women and families in Georgia since its founding at Spelman College in 1902. The nonprofit is built upon a foundation of mobilizing diverse groups to identify community problems facing women and their families and advocating for solutions.

Danita V. Knight was named YWCA of Greater Atlanta’s President and CEO in September, 2022, stepping into the role in January. She most recently served as vice president of communications and marketing at Agnes Scott College and is a past board chair of the Atlanta Women’s Foundation. She currently serves as vice chair of the Brookhaven Social Justice, Race and Equity Commission.

To find additional details about the upcoming Salute to Women of Achievement, click here.