MEMPHIS, Tenn. (April 17, 2026) – The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) will welcome nationally recognized journalist, producer, and philanthropist Soledad O’Brien as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Annual Tribute Luncheon, on Thursday, April 23, at 11:30 a.m. at the Renasant Convention Center. The sold-out event will bring together more than 1,400 of Memphis’ business, civic, nonprofit, and philanthropic communities.
This year’s luncheon will spotlight the power of bold vision, strong partnerships, and strategic community investment to create meaningful, measurable progress for women and families across Memphis. Centered on the theme Vision. Collaboration. Impact., the event reflects WFGM’s belief that stronger communities are built when philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration work in alignment to expand social and economic mobility and improve outcomes for future generations.
O’Brien, an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the PowHERful Foundation, is a leading voice in advancing access to higher education for young women from underserved communities. Through scholarships, mentorship, and support, her work closely mirrors WFGM’s mission to invest early, strategically, and collectively in women and families.
FedEx, a dedicated supporter of WFGM for more than 21 years, serves as the Presenting Sponsor of the Annual Tribute Luncheon—the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser.
Since 1995, WFGM has invested more than $39 million in over 185 local nonprofits, along with key advocacy and research initiatives. In 2026, the Foundation will invest $1.9 million through 36 nonprofit grantee partners delivering high-impact programs that create pathways to opportunity for women and families across Memphis.
“The Annual Tribute Luncheon is a celebration of what becomes possible when vision is matched with action and collaboration is backed by meaningful investment,” said Shante K. Avant, President and CEO of WFGM. “This year’s theme reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger Memphis by investing in women and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing solutions that create sustained progress for generations to come.”
The event will also highlight the essential role of community leadership—from corporate and philanthropic partners to grassroots organizations working every day to create pathways to opportunity. As WFGM looks ahead, the organization remains focused on mobilizing resources, elevating partnerships, and supporting proven strategies that strengthen families and communities across the region.
“Strong communities are built through shared vision and collective action,” said Joanna Crangle, Market President and Publisher, Memphis Business Journal, and Ann Marie Wallace Peoples, System Community Involvement Senior Coordinator, Baptist Memorial Health Care, WFGM Board Co-Chairs. “When we invest together and work in partnership, we open doors of opportunity that move women, families, and our community forward.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase the 2026 Signature Scarf, an exclusive annual design by renowned fashion designer Hilton Hollis, sponsored by Independent Bank. Preorders are available at www.wfgm.org.
Proceeds from the event directly support the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis’ programs and strategic initiatives focused on advancing economic security, expanding opportunity, and strengthening outcomes for women and families across Memphis.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: Soledad O’Brien will be available for a 15-minute interview at 11 a.m. in Room 204.
About The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis
For over three decades, the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM) has played a major role as a backbone organization, aligning people and resources and coordinating community-based services through the two-generation approach to reduce poverty. WFGM is an organization of women helping women break the cycle of poverty through philanthropy, leadership and collaboration.
Philanthropy. Since its inception, WFGM has awarded $39 million to more than 668 programs involving more than 185 local non-profits, including investments in advocacy and research.
For more information, visit: https://wfgm.org/.