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

BOSTON - May 19, 2026 - PRLog -- YW Boston, which is celebrating 160 years of advancing racial equity and building more inclusive communities, will host its 31st Annual Academy of Women Achievers (AWA) on June 4, 2026, from 11:30am-1:30 p.m. at the Westin Copley Place. 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. The event, which will be emceed by Latoyia Edwards of NBC Boston, is a celebration of progress and a catalyst to create lasting, systemic change across Greater Boston.

The Academy of Women Achievers remains a cornerstone moment to honor leaders who are shaping a more just and inclusive future and 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. This year, YW Boston will recognize five exceptional women whose leadership and impact are helping to build a more equitable Boston.

YW Boston is thrilled to honor:

• 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; Championing community-led solutions at the intersection of mobility, health, and youth leadership. Olivier is this year's Sylvia Ferrell-Jones Awardee, which 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 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."

To purchase tickets, tables and sponsorships for the 31st Annual Academy of Women Achievers, click here (https://www.ywboston.org/academy-of-women-achievers-ticke...).

For more information about the Academy of Women Achievers, visit https://www.ywboston.org/awa.