The East Tennessee Women’s Leadership Council is thrilled to announce that the recipient of the 2016 Lizzie Crozier French Leadership Award is Phyllis Nichols, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Knoxville Area Urban League. Nichols is a powerhouse in the East Tennessee nonprofit world and a recognized leader in civil rights and social justice.
The East Tennessee Women’s Leadership Council will present The Lizzie to Nichols on Friday, June 10th at the Summit. When notified that she would be this year’s recipient, Nichols said she was “humbled and honored to be considered for the Lizzie Crozier French Award.”
In her more than 15 years as the KAUL chief executive, Nichols has not only shaped the Urban League into one of Knoxville’s premier organizations, she is also recognized throughout the Knoxville community for her volunteer service. She has been recognized for her service to women and girls in Knoxville by numerous organizations, including receiving a Women of Achievement Award from the Tanasi Girl Scout Council as well as the Humanitarian Award from the YWCA as part of their annual “Tribute to Women.” In 2013, the YWCA also recognized Nichols as one of the 30 most remarkable women who have impacted our community in the last 30 years.
Also in 2013, Nichols was recognized by the TN Human Rights Commission for her advocacy for civil rights and social justice and she was recognized with the “Women of Power” Award by the National Urban League.
Nichols serves as a Senior Fellow of the National Urban League, is past president of the Executive Women’s Association, and is the Immediate past Chair and founding trustee of the Great Schools Partnership. She is a member of the board of the East TN Foundation, Knoxville Symphony, SunTrust Bank, and Tennova Hospital Metro Board.
As with previous recipients (Mayor Madeline Rogero, Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee, Scripps Networks Cynthia Gibson, and attorney Wanda Sobieski), Nichols is being awarded “The Lizzie” to acknowledge her ongoing dedication to the following four principles set out by the Award’s namesake:
1. An outspoken leader who publicly supports the advancement of women.
2. Demonstrates unwavering courage in the face of difficulty.
3. Works boldly and consistently toward positive and lasting change.
4. Supports and empowers other women through her work.
Registration for the full day of the 11th anniversary East Tennessee Women’s Leadership Summit is $125 until June 3rd; $200 after that. To register, or to find more information about the conference, go to www.easttnwomensls.com.
Sponsored by WBIR, Star 102.1, and Denso, the Summit is a program of Mountain Laurel Leadership, and is coordinated by the East Tennessee Women’s Leadership Council, which is chaired by Mountain Laurel Vice President Wendy Pitts Reeves.