The Academy of Women Leaders is a network of accomplished women, selected by their organizations and recognized by GAWA of the City of New York (GAWA NYC) for their leadership, achievements in their respective fields, and dedication to empowering other women. Upon nomination, inductees meet with GAWA NYC leadership to familiarize themselves with the Academy, upcoming events, and opportunities to engage with the YW. They also learn how to give back to the girls, women, and youth of NYC.
For more information about the GAWA NYC Academy of Women Leaders, please contact the Development team at .
Academy of Women Leaders Annual SALUTE Luncheon
Each spring, GAWA celebrates exceptional achievements at our “Tsitsinatela Banquet,” where we induct 50+ Georgian-American women into the Leadership Academy. This special event unites three generations—grandmothers, mothers, and daughters—across five award categories: Arts, Law, Science, Business, and Cultural Stewardship. Founded in 2021 as the diaspora’s premier recognition program, we blend Western professional standards with traditional Georgian values. All honorees commit to mentoring young women and engaging in authentic wine rituals and poetry recitals. Recipients receive: • A miniature copy of “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin” epic poem • Their name inscribed in the permanent Register of Leaders • The responsibility to preserve and teach one Georgian tradition
Academy of Women Leaders (AWL) Committee
The GWLC Steering Committee leads our flagship leadership development initiatives, uniting accomplished Georgian-American professionals across generations. Since 2021, this group has: • Curated our mentorship program, pairing established executives with emerging leaders • Designed the annual “Tamar Awards” to recognize professional excellence and cultural preservation • Established ethical guidelines that blend Western business practices with Georgian values Comprising 15 elected members serving 2-year terms, the Council represents a diverse range of sectors while staying true to our core mission. Members must demonstrate: ✓ Professional achievement in their field ✓ Active involvement in Georgian cultural preservation ✓ A commitment to advancing women’s leadership The GWLC convenes quarterly through hybrid meetings (New York/Tbilisi) and oversees: • Leadership curriculum development • Cross-cultural partnership building • Succession planning for diaspora organizations
Philanthropy
Rooted in Georgia’s ancient tradition of communal responsibility, the GAWA Philanthropic Foundation transforms generosity into lasting impact. Since 2021, we’ve directed support toward three interconnected pillars: cultural preservation, women’s advancement, and community resilience. Our approach reflects the spirit of the Georgian supra, where shared purpose drives collective action. Donors become partners in funding language schools that teach both Georgian and English, sustaining artisan collectives that preserve centuries-old crafts, and documenting the stories of women who’ve shaped our diaspora. The Women’s Advancement Fund opens doors with microgrants for entrepreneurs and scholarships that bridge U.S. and Georgian institutions, while our Community Endowment ensures no Georgian family faces hardship alone. What sets GAWA apart is how we give. Our signature Supra Giving Circles invite contributors to break bread with grantees, fostering connections that go beyond financial support. These gatherings—rooted in tradition but focused on the future—embody our belief that true philanthropy intertwines resources with relationships. As our founders often say while toasting with Georgian wine: “We don’t just fund programs, we nurture legacies.