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Ten female students and three alumnae were honored for their leadership by the Women of Â鶹´«Ã½ on March 3. Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½) first lady Jessica Shannon was the luncheon speaker. The event theme was "A Legacy of Leadership."

Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty, staff and administrators nominated more than 70 students for recognition at the eighth annual event. A selection committee from the Women of Â鶹´«Ã½ selected the 10 finalists who excel in their academic and leadership skills.

Student honorees included:

• Lexi Atilano, ’23, from Dahlonega, Georgia, graduated with a degree in chemistry.
• Josie Ayers, '23, from Gainesville, Georgia, graduated with a degree in biology.
• Cadet Jaden Davidson, a junior from Hiram, Georgia, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity.
• Larkin Ethridge, a senior from Hoschton, Georgia, pursuing a degree in design and technology for theatre.
• Peyton Holley, '23, graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing.
• Cadet Zoe Kinzie, a senior from Vilseck, Germany, pursuing a degree in criminal justice with forensics concentration. 
• Taylor Koenig, a senior from St. Simons Island, Georgia, pursuing a degree in psychology.
• Jolie Lester, a junior from Peachtree City, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management. She is also a member of Â鶹´«Ã½'s softball team.
• Gisella Welch, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management.
• Krista Willey, a senior from Covington, Georgia, pursuing a degree in visual arts with a concentration in ceramics.

"I have worked very hard to learn effective leadership skills and have really enjoyed guiding others and helping them improve their own various skills. Working as a leader at Â鶹´«Ã½ has prepared and encouraged me for working as a leader in my career,” Ayers said.

Kinzie expressed appreciation for the honor.

"It is amazing to see such a strong presence of female leadership at the Â鶹´«Ã½. Our community is stronger with so many active participants, and I'm honored to be among those recognized," she said.

Koenig was humbled by the recognition.

"As a first-generation college student, navigating myself through the unknown has been a challenge," she said. "So, there is a sense of pride in myself for having been recognized for the hard work I have put into my years of service."

Willey said she was impressed by the caliber of honorees.

"I have worked hard during my time as an undergraduate student to make a lasting impact on others and the university while shaping my career and embracing my education. I am so proud to be representing the Department of Visual Arts and hope to inspire other art students with the work I have done during my time here, showing that art can be used to give a voice when words fail," Willey said. "I am so thankful for the incredible women who have supported me along the way from my family to my professors, knowing that I would not be here without their love and support."

Alumnae honorees included Karen Ash Frost '74, who has a doctorate in educational leadership, Donna Winkler Whitfield, MD '80 and Barbara DeMarco Williams '73.

Women of Â鶹´«Ã½ is a shared interest dedicated to promoting the role of women as confident leaders and active participants in Â鶹´«Ã½.