May 13, 2026
YW Boston to Honor Five Leaders Advancing Equity at 31st Annual Academy of Women Achievers on June 4
Celebration takes place during YW Boston’s 160th anniversary year, marking a legacy of advancing equity in Greater Boston
BOSTON, MA – YW Boston will host its 31st Annual Academy of Women Achievers (AWA) on June 4, 2026, from 11:30am-1:30pm at the Westin Copley Place. The celebration recognizes five exceptional women whose leadership and impact are helping to build a more equitable Boston.
To purchase tickets to the Annual Academy of Women Achievers, click here.
As YW Boston marks 160 years of advancing equity and opportunity, the Academy of Women Achievers remains a cornerstone moment to honor leaders who are shaping a more just and inclusive future. Each year, the Academy recognizes individuals across sectors who are driving meaningful change in their communities and industries. Since its inception, the Academy has recognized more than 200 women whose leadership has helped shape Greater Boston’s civic, nonprofit, and business communities. The event reflects YW Boston’s ongoing commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women — centering the advancement of women, people of color, and particularly women of color.
This year’s honorees represent a dynamic cross-section of leadership across education, financial services, community development, and higher education:
- Lauren Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Ellis Early Learning
Advancing equitable early education and family support across Boston communities - Nathalie Gauthier, Vice President of Internal Communications, State Street
Driving inclusive workplace culture and global communications strategy - Sandra McCroom, President and CEO, Children’s Services of Roxbury
Expanding community-centered services and advancing equity for children and families - Shavel’le Olivier, Executive Director, Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition —
Sylvia Ferrell-Jones Awardee
Championing community-led solutions at the intersection of mobility, health, and youth leadership
The Sylvia Ferrell-Jones Award honors a young professional woman of color who exemplifies leadership while advancing YW Boston’s mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. - Yves Salomon-Fernández, President, Urban College of Boston
Advancing inclusive higher education and economic mobility for diverse learners
The evening will be emceed by Latoyia Edwards of NBC Boston and will convene business, civic, and community leaders for a powerful celebration of leadership, resilience, and impact.
“The Academy of Women Achievers is a powerful reflection of what it means to lead with purpose and courage,” said Aba Taylor, President and CEO of YW Boston. “This year’s honorees are not only advancing change within their respective fields; they are shaping a more equitable and therefore more sustainable, robust and thriving Boston for
everyone. We are proud to celebrate their impact and the example they set for future generations of leaders.”
“The Academy of Women Achievers reminds us that progress is driven by individuals who are willing to challenge systems and reimagine what’s possible,” said Joké Balogun-Nyren, Board Chair of YW Boston. “Each of this year’s honorees demonstrates a deep commitment to community, equity, and collective advancement. Their leadership strengthens not only their organizations, but the fabric of our entire city.”
As YW Boston continues its work to advance racial equity and build more inclusive communities, the Academy of Women Achievers serves as both a celebration of progress and a catalyst for what comes next — bringing together leaders committed to creating lasting, systemic change across Greater Boston.
Tickets, tables and sponsorships for the 31st Annual Academy of Women Achievers are available for purchase here. For more information about the Academy of Women Achievers, visit https://www.ywboston.org/awa.
About YW Boston
YW Boston is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. As the first YWCA in the nation, this year YW Boston marks 160 years of advancing equity and opportunity across Greater Boston. Through its programs and partnerships including DEI Services such as InclusionBoston, LeadBoston, and the newly launched WE360 alongside its advocacy efforts and F.Y.R.E. Initiative, YW Boston equips individuals and organizations to transform policies, practices, and systems. Together, this work advances racial equity and social justice, ensuring that all people, especially women of color, can thrive. For more information, visit www.ywboston.org.
Media Contact:
Nancy Rachel Rousseau
Chief External Relations Officer
nrousseau@ywboston.org
