YWCA Greater Atlanta, the city’s leading voice for women’s empowerment and racial justice, announced today the 2026 Academy of Women Achievers Class — a distinguished group of trailblazers whose influence shapes Atlanta’s civic, corporate, and cultural landscape. Together, the inductees exemplify the enduring power of YWCA Greater Atlanta’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

The 2026 Academy of Women Achievers Class includes the 2026 Ann Stallard Award for Excellence and Leadership recipient, KATHY WALLER, executive director of the Atlanta Committee for Progress and board president of the Atlanta Rotary Club; RITA BREEN, executive director, Georgia Power Foundation; SARAH BROWN, trustee, The John and Rosemary Brown Family Foundation; TERRICA GANZY, executive director, Southern Center for Human Rights; CYNTHIA NEAL SPENCE, associate professor, Spelman College and board vice chair, YWCA Greater Atlanta; ELIZABETH NOE, board chair, Agnes Scott College; KATIE SAEZ, Georgia Region president, Truist; and CAROL WADDY, corporate responsibility and community affairs leader, Chick-fil-A.

The inductees will be honored at the annual Salute to Women of Achievement luncheon on May 13, 2026, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

“YWCA Greater Atlanta has recognized women who are transforming our community and beyond through their leadership, service, and vision for more than four decades,” said YWCA Greater Atlanta President and CEO Danita V. Knight. “The 2026 Academy class represents the next generation of leaders carrying forward our mission and are examples of women who are breaking barriers and building bridges of opportunity. Their lives and work reflect the continued relevance of YWCA’s purpose: to create a more just and equitable community for all.”

Since its founding in 1984, the YWCA Greater Atlanta Academy of Women Achievers has honored more than 400 women from diverse fields whose lives and work uplift communities and inspire systemic change. The more than 350 living members include two former mayors of Atlanta, C-suite leaders of Atlanta’s most iconic corporations and institutions, renowned scholars, authors, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. “Academy Sisters” are also deeply engaged in advancing YWCA Greater Atlanta’s mission. They mentor emerging leaders, champion civic and policy engagement, and drive the association’s major fundraising initiatives such as the successful $19.5 million Collaboration in Action Capital Campaign to restore the historic Phillis Wheatley Westside YWCA, set to reopen in 2026.

Save the Date: Salute to Women of Achievement, May 13, 2026 | Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Event registration information coming soon.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available: ywcaatlanta.org/events