Click to enlarge photos.By Elizabeth Farnsworth
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer
SMYRNA - The YWCA of Northwest Georgia chose Lillian Darden for 2008 Woman of the Year.
"This makes me even more determined to work on behalf of the YWCA and their mission to eliminate racism and empower women," Darden said after receiving the honor. "All throughout my life I have tried to help people. This group does a wonderful job."
Darden is a co-founder of Kennestone Regional Hospice, the Open Gate children's center and the Mountain Top Boys Home. Currently, she is president of the Foundation of Wesley Woods, Inc. Darden has lived in Cobb County for 40 years. During that time she has seen huge improvements in the county, she said. She believes women have more opportunities now than ever before.
"I hope to convey to other women to please continue to stand up for what they know is true and right. The challenges are greater than ever," Darden said.
Darden and 14 other were inducted into the YWCA's Academy of Women Leaders on Thursday night at the Cobb Galleria Centre.
The Tribute to Women of Achievement, now in its 23rd year, is the YWCA's biggest fund-raiser, said Holly Comer, executive director of the YWCA of Northwest Georgia. The event grossed about $100,000, she said.
More than 300 people attended the tribute, which also featured a silent auction with an "open your hearts … and purse" theme.
This was the first time since 2000 that the YWCA has named a Woman of the Year at the annual event. The last woman to receive the honor was Jane Carithers of Carithers Florist, who passed away last year, Comer said.
The evening was a good opportunity to help women learn to support themselves, organizers said.
"We're trying to teach women through the shelter and the program to stand on their own. Women like this - they're the ones that pave the way. They really show a good example of what women are capable of," said Amy Phillips, chairwoman of the board for the YWCA of Northwest Georgia.
Lassiter High School senior Jordan Krenz received a $1,000 scholarship at the ceremony.
"I've always taken my education seriously," the 17-year-old, who plans to attend Vanderbilt in the fall, said. "We need to understand the world around us. I've just found so much in learning."
Georgia Power was honored for its commitment to diversity. The company received the Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award. Frank McCloskey is Georgia Power's vice president of diversity.
"It is a demonstration of fairness and trust. We are intentional about tapping into all the available labor pool in our state," he said. "This is a different business environment than ever before."
The other 14 Women of Achievement honorees are: Dawn L. Billings, CEO and founder of the Heart of a Woman; state Rep. Charlice H. Byrd (R-Woodstock); Rep. Sharon M. Cooper (R-Cobb); Gina I. Coss, Cobb Teacher of the Year; Nancy L. Desmond, CEO of The Gingrich Group/Center for Health Transportation; Helen Goreham, Cobb commissioner; Dr. S. Anne Hancock, of the U.S. Department of Education; Vicky L. Haney, a Bank of North Georgia vice president; and Denise K. Hardin, a SunTrust Bank vice president.
Carole J. Kell, a former principal in Cobb County schools; Dr. Emily Lembeck, superintendent of Marietta City Schools; Kimberly I. Paris, a WellStar Foundation development officer; Holly M. Walquist, a Marietta councilwoman; and Julie R. Whitehead, a chief engineer at Lockheed Martin.
efarnsworth@mdjonline.com
Comment on this Story
Posted Comments