The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi (WFM) will host Visionaries 2026: Women Who Move Mississippi on Friday, March 27, from 6:00–9:00 PM at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson. The annual celebration honors women whose leadership and innovation are strengthening communities and expanding opportunities for women and families across Mississippi.
This year’s Visionaries honorees represent leaders in health, economic opportunity, youth development, and community advancement:
Dr. Hope Crenshaw — Healthy Women & Well-Being Award
Executive Director of Teen Health Mississippi, Dr. Crenshaw is a nationally recognized leader who advances youth-led strategies that improve health outcomes and opportunities for young people and families across the South.
Dr. Aisha Nyandoro — Access to Opportunity Award
Founder and CEO of Springboard to Opportunities and creator of the Magnolia Mother’s Trust, Dr. Nyandoro is a nationally respected advocate for economic justice and innovative solutions that support families.
Shaunta McDowell and Kiaira Quinn — Two-Generation Award
Shaunta McDowell, founder of Finding Your Way Out of Poverty, and her daughter Kiaira Quinn, a marketing leader and entrepreneur, are honored for their work empowering youth, families, and young women through leadership development, mentorship, and financial literacy initiatives.
Margaret Oertling Cupples — Legacy Visionary Award
A respected civic leader and managing partner of Bradley’s Jackson office, Cupples is recognized for her long-standing commitment to strengthening organizations that serve Mississippi’s women, children, and communities. She has also served as the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi’s past board president.
The evening will be hosted by comedienne and WFM board member Rita Brent, and will feature a fireside chat with actress, entrepreneur, and maternal health advocate Tatyana Ali, known for her roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Young and the Restless, and Abbott Elementary.
“Each year, Visionaries gives us the opportunity to celebrate women transforming Mississippi,” said Melanie Powell, Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi. “These honorees represent the courage, creativity, and commitment that move our state forward. Their leadership reminds us that when women are supported and uplifted, entire communities benefit.”
The Women’s Foundation of Mississippi works to ensure economic security for women and girls across the state through grantmaking, advocacy, and partnerships that expand opportunity in education, health, and economic mobility.
Tickets and sponsorship information are available at womensfoundationms.org. Interview inquiries contact Ayana Kinnel at akinnel@ddbsms.com or 769-226-3725.