E&H's Withers among Tribute to Women Award winners
Dr. Lisa Withers, associate vice president of Academic Affairs at Emory & Henry University.
The 35th annual YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia Tribute to Women Awards Banquet will honor six women at the Bristol Train Station on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m.
Organizations from across NETN and SWVA submitted nominations for categories that reflect the many avenues and professions women utilize to effect change: Business/Industry, Community Engagement, Education/Arts, Finance, Healthcare, and Mission Impact.
An independent panel of out-of-state judges made their award selections for each category based on leadership qualities, positive impact on the community, and demonstrated growth and achievement.
“When I completed my rankings for this incredible group of women, it was honestly so difficult not to give every single one of them the highest ranking,” said Jenna Miner, Channel Development Manager at ConnectWise, 2026 Tribute to Women Panel judge. “It was a challenging task, but also such a motivating and meaningful experience to be part of.”
Among the 2026 YWCA NETN and SWVA Tribute award recipients was Dr. Lisa Withers, associate vice president of Academic Affairs at Emory & Henry University, who was honored for her role in Education/Arts.
Her nomination said that Withers “demonstrates excellence in education and the arts, inspiring creativity, collaboration, and lasting impact. Since joining the faculty in 2002, she has earned deep respect for her visionary leadership—bridging divides, restoring faculty trust, and guiding innovation during a critical time for the institution. As a music educator and accomplished pianist, she nurtures students’ confidence, emphasizing the arts as essential to personal growth and community connection.”
The description continued, “Her leadership has expanded interdisciplinary programs, strengthened partnerships with community colleges, and launched new academic pathways in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and teacher education. She also championed an innovative general education model centered on service leadership, connecting students with real-world challenges across the region. Through her commitment to mindful, inclusive leadership, she empowers educators and students alike—shaping a stronger, more connected future through learning and the arts.”
The other winners included Baylor Hendrickson Hall, Deputy Director at Birthplace of Country Music, for her contributions to Business/Industry; Nicole Hughes, founder of Levi’s Legacy, for her Community Engagement; Maggie Elliott, executive director at Believe in Bristol, for her leadership in finance; Dr. Paula Hill-Collins, clinical director and vice president of St. Mary’s Health Wagon, for role in healthcare; and Kelli Broussard, head swim coach at Elizabethton High School for her mission impact.
Since its inception, the YWCA NETN and SWVA Tribute to Women has honored more than 230 women. A previous Tribute recipient reflected on what the awards program meant to her.
“As the 2025 recipient of the Mission Impact Award, I was humbled and honored to be recognized for my work to improve the lives of women, children, and people of color in Appalachia,” said Dr. Theresa Burriss, Director of Foundation Philanthropy & Major Gift Officer at Emory & Henry University and the 2026 Tribute to Women Emcee. “Thanks to many strong role models over the course of my life, coupled with my career in higher education, I value service to community, especially those community members historically marginalized, and wholeheartedly believe in the YWCA's work. Tribute to Women celebrates that work!"
Bristol Train Station is at 101 Martin Luther King Blvd., Bristol, Va. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ywcatnva.org/tribute-to-women-tickets. Please send questions to tribute@ywcatnva.org. Funds from this event support the mission of YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, including efforts to eliminate racism, increase the economic empowerment of women and girls and promote women’s health and safety.
