Case Studies

The YWCA and First Tennessee announced the 2010 Academy for Women of Achievement honorees at a reception held Thursday, June 24, 2010 at the Tennessee State Museum.

Seven Nashville women will be inducted into the Academy for Women of Achievement at a celebration and induction dinner, co-sponsored by the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee and First Tennessee, on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010.

The 2010 honorees are: Justice Cornelia Clark, Tennessee Supreme Court chief justice; Elizabeth Seigenthaler Courtney, chairwoman and CEO, Seigenthaler Public Relations; Judge Barbara Haynes, 3rd Circuit Court judge; Susan Short Jones, senior corporate counsel, HCA Davidson County; Christine Karbowiak, chief administrative officer, Bridgestone Americas; Sue Fort White, executive director, Our Kids Center; and posthumously, Sigourney Cheek, author and community activist.

Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis has been selected as the 2010 corporate honoree. Corporate honorees are chosen based on their commitment to helping women enter the work force and advance in their careers, and for providing a positive work environment for female employees.

The Academy for Women of Achievement was launched locally in 1992 by the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee. The Academy has sought to honor women who, through excellence and leadership in their chosen fields, serve as role models for other women. This year’s recipients join 98 other women who hold this distinctive honor.

“The 2010 honorees are inspirations for the community,” said Doyle Rippee, Nashville market president for First Tennessee. “Each woman shows true leadership, devotion and a high standard of excellence as they unselfishly work to build a better Middle Tennessee. First Tennessee is privileged to serve as the title sponsor for the Academy for Women of Achievement for the fifth consecutive year. We are committed to helping provide women with the tools they need to break barriers and achieve their goals.

The Academy judging committee, composed of business and community leaders, chose the seven honorees from an impressive list of nominees.

“The YWCA is proud to honor these seven remarkable women by highlighting the great work they have done for Middle Tennessee – each one going above and beyond the call of duty to serve this community,” said Theresa Markum, who is co-chairing the event with Ann Pruitt. “They are extraordinary achievers, respected advisers and inspirational role models to us all.”

“Each honoree embodies personal and professional excellence and has acted as a catalyst for change and growth in her respective field,” Pruitt said. “We are a fortunate city to have so many exceptionally talented women who strive to make positive changes in the lives of their neighbors.”

The YWCA helps families leave abusive households and start new lives. It provides free GED preparation to men and women, and mentors middle school girls in some of Nashville’s toughest neighborhoods. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The awards celebration will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5, (reception at 6 p.m., program and dinner at 7 p.m.) at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Tickets are $150 per person ($90 tax-deductible) and can be purchased through Oct. 4 by calling (615) 983-5128. For more information about the YWCA Academy for Women of Achievement, please visit www.ywcanashville.com.