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COBB COUNTY - The YWCA of Northwest Georgia will induct 15 women into its Academy of Women Leaders on Thursday at the Cobb Galleria Centre. One of them will be named the 2008 Woman of the Year.

"These individuals truly represent the very best in our community," said Kim Menefee, co-chair of the event and a senior vice president at WellStar Health Systems. Beth Sessoms, the economic development director for the city of Marietta, is the other co-chair.

Lassiter High School student Jordan Elizabeth Krenz will receive a $1,000 scholarship at the ceremony.

Georgia Power will also be honored for its commitment to diversity. The company will receive the Kathryn Woods Racial Justice Award.

Thursday's event will feature dinner and a silent auction to benefit the YWCA of Northwest Georgia. The YWCA's programs include women's leadership and child development as well as support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The 23rd annual Tribute to Women of Achievement will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at Cobb Galleria Centre, Two Galleria Parkway. Tickets are $100 and are still available. Call Kim Jorgensen at (770) 423-3582 for more information.

The 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; and Lillian B. Darden, president of the Foundation of Wesley Woods, Inc.; 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.

kisaza@mdjonline.com

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