NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section Announces the 12th Annual Bethune Leadership Recognition Banquet, Strengthening Its Legacy as a Regional Leadership Institution

Jun 16
4 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nationally Recognized Executive and Civic Leader Beverly E. Smith to Deliver Keynote Address at South Georgia's Premier Celebration of Women's Leadership

VALDOSTA, GEORGIA — The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section proudly announces the 12th Annual Bethune Leadership Recognition Banquet, a signature leadership celebration that has evolved into one of South Georgia's most influential platforms for recognizing, developing, and investing in women's leadership.

Scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Valdosta State University Student Union Ballroom, the event will convene leaders from business, education, government, healthcare, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and civic institutions to celebrate excellence and strengthen a collective commitment to building thriving communities.

For more than a decade, the Bethune Leadership Recognition Banquet has served as more than an annual gathering. It has become a regional leadership institution rooted in the vision of NCNW founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune—a woman who believed that leadership, education, and service were among the most powerful tools for transforming society.

Today, that vision continues to guide the NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section as it works to create opportunities, elevate leaders, and invest in the future of South Georgia.

A Leadership Legacy That Extends Beyond One Evening

The Bethune Leadership Recognition Banquet was established to recognize extraordinary women and girls whose leadership, service, and commitment create meaningful impact throughout their communities.

However, the event has grown into something even greater.

It has become a catalyst for leadership development, community investment, and intergenerational collaboration—bringing together established leaders, emerging changemakers, and strategic partners who share a common vision for the future.

This year's theme, "Honoring the Legacy. Inspiring the Future.", reflects the organization's commitment to preserving the legacy of those who paved the way while cultivating opportunities for those who will lead tomorrow.

Nationally Recognized Keynote Speaker

The NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section is honored to welcome Beverly E. Smith as the featured keynote speaker.

Smith is a nationally recognized executive, entrepreneur, educator, and civic leader who served as the 26th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. During her tenure, she successfully led the international organization through a period of transformational growth, expanded international engagement, strengthened social action initiatives, modernized operations, and guided the organization through unprecedented global challenges.

She is also the Founder and Chair of D4Women in Action and currently serves as Senior Vice President of The HR Group, Inc., a nationally respected management consulting firm specializing in organizational effectiveness, strategic planning, and transformational leadership.

Throughout her distinguished career, Smith has held executive leadership positions spanning higher education, corporate America, government, and nonprofit sectors. She retired from the Technical College System of Georgia after overseeing adult education and GED programs that served approximately 69,000 Georgians annually.

Her lifelong commitment to leadership development, civic engagement, and service reflects the very principles upon which the Bethune Leadership Recognition Banquet was founded.

Building a Leadership Ecosystem Throughout South Georgia

The NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section believes that strong communities are built by intentional investments in leadership.

The organization's work is guided by its Core Four priorities:

Education

Expanding access to learning opportunities and developing future leaders.

Health Equity

Advancing wellness initiatives that improve the quality of life for women, families, and communities.

Economic Empowerment

Creating pathways to financial stability, entrepreneurship, and economic mobility.

Social Justice

Advocating for equitable opportunities and systemic progress.

Through strategic partnerships and community initiatives, NCNW continues to build a leadership ecosystem that empowers women, strengthens families, and positively impacts future generations.

An Invitation to Invest in the Future

The community is invited to participate in this movement in three meaningful ways.

Attend

Join leaders from across South Georgia for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, leadership, and service.

Become an Investing Partner

Businesses, corporations, foundations, and community organizations are invited to align with one of South Georgia's most impactful leadership initiatives through strategic partnership opportunities.

Investing partners help fuel scholarships, leadership development initiatives, youth engagement programs, community outreach efforts, and programs that create sustainable impact throughout the region.

Nominate Excellence

Community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding women and girls whose leadership and service are making a meaningful difference throughout Valdosta-Lowndes County and surrounding communities.

Event Details

12th Annual Bethune Leadership Recognition Banquet

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Valdosta State University Student Union Ballroom

1500 N. Oak Street

Valdosta, Georgia 31602

Cocktail Reception | 5:00 PM

Banquet Program | 6:00 PM

Black Tie Preferred

Tickets, Sponsorship Opportunities, and Nominations are now available at:

https://tinyurl.com/12thbethunebanquet

Nomination Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

About NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section

Founded on the vision of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women is one of the nation's most influential leadership and advocacy organizations dedicated to empowering women, strengthening communities, and developing future generations of leaders.

The NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section serves as a regional leadership institution that convenes leaders, builds strategic partnerships, and creates opportunities that positively impact women, youth, and families throughout South Georgia.

Guided by its Core Four priorities—Education, Health Equity, Economic Empowerment, and Social Justice—the organization is committed to building a legacy that extends far beyond individual programs and events.

NCNW is not simply hosting events. It is investing in leaders, strengthening communities, and preserving a legacy that will serve generations to come.