The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis’ (WFGM) Annual Tribute Luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 20, 11:30 a.m. at the Renasant Convention Center and feature keynote speaker, Essence Atkins.

The theme for this year’s luncheon is “Connect. Invest. Empower.,” which reflects the foundation’s mission to support women and families in the Greater Memphis area.

Atkins is an accomplished actress, producer and director known for her work in television and film. She has appeared on numerous television shows and films including “Half & Half,” “Are We There Yet?” and “Marlon.” She is also an advocate for women’s empowerment and has been recognized for her philanthropic efforts.

FedEx is the presenting sponsor of the Annual Tribute Luncheon —WFGM’s largest fundraiser of the year. “At FedEx, we believe in the power of connections to drive progress and opportunities for all,” said Jenny Robertson, Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Communications at FedEx Services. “We are proud to support the Women’s Foundation and their commitment to investing in and empowering women and families in our community. By working together, we can advance economic mobility in Memphis and build a brighter future for everyone.”

Since 1995, WFGM has invested $35 million in 560 programs involving more than 182 local non-profits—including investments in advocacy and research—serving 6,000 individuals and low-income families annually. WFGM invests in providing pathways and access to social and economic mobility for families through the coordination of services with community-based organizations to increase earned income and build an equitable labor force in Memphis.

“We are grateful for the support of the community and our corporate partners who help us to advance our mission,” said WFGM President and CEO, Shante K. Avant. “This year’s luncheon highlights the importance of all sectors in our city including nonprofits, government entities, residents and community leaders who join together to make an impact in Memphis. The Women’s Foundation is committed to creating a more equitable and just community through connecting, investing and empowering women and families to reach their full potential.”

Luncheon attendees will also have access to the virtual Leadership Symposium on Friday, April 14, where guests will attend sessions led by local women leaders who will offer valuable insight featuring topics that will help advance the mind and career. The Leadership Symposium is presented by Baptist Memorial Health Care.

“Like the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis, we support economic mobility for women and families to build stronger and healthier communities,” said Ann Marie Wallace, Senior Community Outreach Coordinator at Baptist Memorial Health Care. “We’ve been a partner with the Foundation for more than 10 years and by helping women and their families succeed, we can improve not only their financial health, but also their mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing. This too is critical to our mission at Baptist Memorial Health Care.

The signature scarf designed yearly and specifically for WFGM created by renowned designer, Hilton Hollis, is sponsored by Independent Bank. The design will be revealed at the luncheon and preorders are on sale now.

Tickets for the Annual Tribute Luncheon are available and can be purchased online at www.wfgm.org. Proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s programs and initiatives including its Vision 2025 strategic plan which drives the work of the foundation with an overarching goal to increase investment and reduce poverty in five Memphis neighborhoods by 2025.

About the Women’s Foundations for a Greater Memphis

For 28 years, WFGM has played a major role as a backbone organization aligning people and resources, coordinating community-based services through a Three-Generation Approach to reduce poverty by impacting multiple generations through a family approach to economic mobility. The mission of WFGM is to encourage philanthropy, foster leadership among women and support programs that enable women and children to reach their full potential.