YW Boston to Honor Five Women Leaders Advancing Equity at 31st Annual Academy of Women Achievers

YW Boston will host its 31st Annual Academy of Women Achievers on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Westin Copley Place in Boston. The event takes place during YW Boston's 160th anniversary year and reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women.

Emceed by Latoyia Edwards of NBC Boston, the Academy of Women Achievers celebrates leaders who are shaping a more just and inclusive future and driving meaningful change throughout Greater Boston. Since its inception, the Academy has recognized more than 200 women whose leadership has helped shape the region's civic, nonprofit and business communities.

This year's honorees are Lauren Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Ellis Early Learning; Nathalie Gauthier, Vice President of Internal Communications at State Street; Sandra McCroom, President and CEO of Children's Services of Roxbury; Shavel'le Olivier, Executive Director of the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition and recipient of the Sylvia Ferrell-Jones Award; and Yves Salomon-Fernández, President of Urban College of Boston.

The event serves as both a celebration of progress and a catalyst for creating lasting, systemic change across Greater Boston.