Women’s Foundation names Legends Award honorees
The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is honoring a minister, philanthropist and advocates as its 2019 Legends Award honorees.
The awards pay tribute to women “whose visionary and innovative work embodies the mission of the Women’s Foundation,” which unites women to help break the cycle of poverty through philanthropy, leadership and collaboration. This year’s award recipients are: ❚ Cheryl Beard, receiving a Catalyst Award. Beard is a minister of the Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church and has been an advocate for children and families for more than 30 years
❚ Claudia Haltom, receiving a Catalyst Award. Retiring after 17 years working in the juvenile court system, Haltom founded A Step Ahead Foundation, a nonprofit that provides long-term, reversible contraceptives to women without the means to afford them.
❚ Meri Armour, receiving the Innovation Award. Armour is president and CEO of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
❚ Dr. Indurani Tejwani, receiving the Philanthropy and Leadership Award. Tejwani has supported women and children over 50 years as a philanthropist, obstetrician and gynecologist. She is also a founding member of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the awards. The recipients will be honored at the Legends Awards reception 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at The Columns at One Commerce Square, 40 S. Main St. Seats are $50.
They will be honored with works of art and prose created in their honor, unveiled at the reception.
“We are proud to honor four women who have made it their life’s work to make Memphis a better place,” Ruby Bright, executive director of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, said in a news release. “This year we are honoring a trailblazer in education, a champion for social justice, an advocate for children and a committed philanthropist. Each Legend is very deserving of this honor.”