The Academy of Women Leaders is a network of successful women selected by their firms and recognized by the GAWA of the City of New York (GAWA NYC) for their leadership, achievements in their fields and contributions to the success of other women. Upon nomination, inductees meet with GAWA NYC leadership to get acquainted, learn about the Academy and upcoming events, and about opportunities to get involved with the YW and give back to the girls, women and the young people of NYC.
For more information about the GAWA NYC Academy of Women Leaders, contact the Development team at .
Academy of Women Leaders Annual SALUTE Luncheon
Each spring, GAWA honors exceptional achievement at our "Tsitsinatela Banquet", where we induct 50+ Georgian-American women into the Leadership Academy. This unique celebration brings together three generations (grandmothers, mothers, and daughters) across five award categories: Arts, Law, Science, Business, and Cultural Stewardship. Established in 2021 as the diaspora's premier recognition program, we blend Western professional standards with traditional Georgian values. All honorees pledge to mentor young women and participate 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 guides our flagship leadership development initiatives, bringing together accomplished Georgian-American professionals across generations. Since 2021, this body has: Curated our mentorship program pairing established executives with emerging leaders Designed the annual "Tamar Awards" recognizing professional excellence and cultural preservation Established ethical guidelines blending Western business practices with Georgian values Comprised of 15 elected members serving 2-year terms, the Council represents diverse sectors while upholding our core mission. Members must demonstrate: ✓ Professional achievement in their field ✓ Active involvement in Georgian cultural preservation ✓ Commitment to advancing women's leadership The GWLC convenes quarterly in 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 channeled support toward three interconnected pillars: cultural preservation, women’s advancement, and community resilience. Our approach mirrors the Georgian supra’s spirit of shared purpose. Donors become partners in funding language schools that teach both Georgian and English, sustaining artisan collectives that keep centuries-old crafts alive, and documenting the stories of women who’ve shaped our diaspora. The Women’s Advancement Fund opens doors through microgrants for entrepreneurs and scholarships bridging U.S. and Georgian institutions, while our Community Endowment ensures no Georgian family faces hardship alone. What distinguishes GAWA is how we give. Our signature Supra Giving Circles invite contributors to break bread with grantees, forging bonds that transcend financial support. These gatherings—steeped in tradition yet 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.