PR Advice for Professionals

The YWCA Academy of Women Awards

by Gloria

In today’s issue of The News & Observer, you may have noticed the large quarter-page ad about the Academy of Women Awards sponsored by the YWCA. This is a big event in the Triangle, and this year it will be held November 7 at the Grand Ballroom of the Embassy Suites Hotel on Harrison Oaks Boulevard in Cary.

Eleven amazing women will be honored that night.

The Academy of Women was founded in 1983 by the YWCA of Wake County for the purposes of honoring the superlative achievement of local women in various categories and disciplines. While their professional and community efforts are pioneering in nature, these women also embody the Mission of the YWCA: the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women.

What does it take to win an award like this?

In 2005 MMI client Billie Redmond was honored by the YWCA Academy of Women in the category of Entrepreneur. This prestigious award was made for someone like Billie, who has worked to empower women and minorities both in her personal and professional life.

Billie is President of Coldwell Banker Commercial TradeMark Properties, a Raleigh-based property management, leasing, and brokerage services company. Women have traditionally dominated the field of residential real estate, but Billie is one of the few women who holds a powerful position in the field of commercial real estate. She encourages other women to join this sector because, “It’s an exciting and thriving industry.”

As immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Billie served an unprecedented extended term. During her time as Chair of the Chamber Executive Committee, she had the highest number of women and minority women members in the history of the chamber.

Billie contributes her leadership and business skills to a variety of civic and charitable activities. She and her family attend an historic church with a predominantly African-American congregation, and Billie was instrumental in raising funds for a new building for this church. She has actively supported the mission of the YWCA in so many ways, empowering women through her efforts with the Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women chapter and by serving as President of the Board of Directors for the Women’s Center. Her strength, determination, commitment to excellence and desire to give back to the community exemplify all the qualities the 2005 YWCA Academy of Women seeks to honor.

Do you know a woman like Billie? Perhaps you are one yourself. If you are, consider having someone nominate you for this award. More than 200 women of extraordinary accomplishment have been inducted into the prestigious YWCA Academy of Women since 1983. You or someone you know may join their ranks next year.

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