NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Economic Council on Women has given Patricia Pierce the 2006 Economic Excellence and Equity, or “E,” Award. The “E” awards recognize individuals from across Tennessee who have distinguished themselves in a specific field or life commitment that has contributed to improving the lives of girls and women.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to nominate Pat for this award,” said Yvonne Wood, the council‘s representative for the Greater Nashville Development District. “She gives endlessly of her time and skills to help women reach their full potential. Pat doesn‘t just talk about supporting women and women‘s issues; she‘s out there in the trenches making a real difference every day.”
Pierce serves as the senior director of Vanderbilt‘s Opportunity Development Center and is currently serving on the ATHENA International Board. She was recently appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to the Board of Commissioners of the Tennessee Commission on Human Rights.
“I have supported the council and its mission since its inception in 1997,” said Pierce. “I know how powerful Tennessee‘s women are, and I know that we are making positive changes through our economic efforts. There are so many women in our area who are leading the way and I am very happy to accept an award that emphasizes the achievements we‘ve made together.”
The “E” Awards were presented by Tennessee‘s first lady Andrea Conte during the Third Annual Economic Summit for Women in October.
Pierce is a 2000 graduate of Leadership America, a 2004 graduate of Leadership Nashville, and a recent inductee of the Tennessee Women‘s Forum which is a chapter of International Women‘s Forum. She is also the 2003 Nashville ATHENA Recipient and 2002 YWCA Academy of Women of Achievement Inductee.
The Tennessee Economic Council on Women was created in 1998 by the Tennessee General Assembly to assess Tennessee women‘s economic status. The council develops and advocates solutions to address women‘s needs in order to help women achieve economic autonomy.
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Media Contact: Melissa Pankake, (615) 322-NEWS
melissa.r.pankake@vanderbilt.edu