This year marks YW Boston’s 31st annual Academy of Women Achievers (AWA) celebration, which brings together hundreds of Boston professionals to honor five extraordinary women exemplifying leadership and creating change in our city. This celebration is YW Boston’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting our crucial work to build a more inclusive Boston.
Proceeds from AWA directly support YW Boston's programs which focus on dismantling systemic barriers faced by women, people of color, and especially women of color. Our programs work with individuals, institutions, and organizations across Greater Boston to change policies, practices, attitudes and behaviors to be more inclusive, breaking down barriers to opportunity and leadership for those who are often excluded.
This year’s AWA event will take place on June 4, 2026, at The Westin Copley Place. We’re excited to honor Lauren Cook (Ellis Early Learning), Nathalie Gauthier (State Street), Sandra McCroom, (Children's Services of Roxbury), Shavel'le Olivier (Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition), and Yves Salomon-Fernández (Urban College of Boston) as this year’s awardees. We are grateful for your consideration, and we hope to partner with you this year to recognize some of Boston's most exceptional women leaders.