The Columbus Women of Distinction Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 6-8:30 pm at the Columbus State University Cunningham Center.
Columbus Women of Distinction 
Columbus Women of Distinction
The Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction award honors women who reflect the values in the Girl Scout Promise and Law and who serve as excellent role models for girls. These women exemplify the mission of Girl Scouts as their contributions continue to make their communities and the world a better place.
The 2024 Columbus Women of Distinction honorees will be honored during special event on Thursday, May 9. Proceeds from the event will benefit Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. Individual tickets are $75, and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Questions about this event may be directed to Tawana Farley, Community Engagement Manager at tfarley@gshg.org.
We are pleased to honor the 2024 Columbus Women of Distinction.
Wanda Amos
Wanda Amos is a community volunteer and philanthropist. She is a former owner of the Columbus Cottonmouths hockey team, which she owned for 17 years. Wanda and her late husband, Shelby, established the Shelby and Wanda Amos Foundation to benefit the following charities: John B. Amos Cancer Center, Elena Amos Breast Care Center, Scott Ressmeyer and the Miracle Riders, Children's Miracle Network, Alzheimer's Association, AFLAC Children's Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Hope Harbour Outreach for Battered Women, Columbus Youth Hockey, Make-a-Wish Georgia, Girls Inc., and many others.
Bettye Cheves
Bettye Cheves, a Columbus native, graduated from Columbus High and the University of Georgia before teaching high school in Birmingham while her husband pursued law school. She's deeply involved in community service, notably serving as President of the Lockwood Partners Foundation. Recognized for her dedication, she received the Sue Marie and Bill Turner Servant Leadership Award in 2017 and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Columbus State University in 2018. Passionate about adventure, she's completed a half marathon at 63, hiked mountains in British Columbia at 64, skydived at 70, and swam with dolphins in her mid-70s. Throughout her life, Bettye's focus has been her family, faith, and community.
Dr. Chasity Reese
Dr. Chasity Reese, a dedicated Family Medicine Physician at Piedmont Columbus Regional Physicians, Northside in Columbus, GA, boasts a distinguished career marked by accolades and community service. Recognized as a two-time Preceptor of the Year at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, she earned her Bachelor of Science from Dillard University and a Master's from Tennessee State University before completing her medical training and residency. In 2023, she attained the esteemed title of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, further solidifying her expertise and commitment to her field.
Beyond her demanding professional responsibilities, Dr. Reese actively engages in community service alongside her husband, Georgia State Representative Teddy Reese, Esq. She holds leadership roles in various organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she currently serves as President of Sisters, Inc., and the Columbus, GA Chapter of Links Inc. Notably, she was selected as a Columbus and the Valley Magazine Rising Star in 2019 and participated as a Dancing Star in the Annual Alzheimer's Association Dancing with the Stars Fundraiser. Dr. Reese's unwavering dedication to her family, faith, and empowering women underscores her passion for making a meaningful impact in both professional and personal spheres, inspiring others to dream big and break new records.
Messiah Williams
Messiah Arrington Williams is the proud leader of Girl Scout Troop 50387, which is the largest Troop in the Chattahoochee Valley. Messiah started with 6 girls in 2008, and over the years, has grown to nearly 100 Girl Scouts, with an average annual enrollment of 60-75 girls per year. In addition to Girl Scouts, Messiah serves on the Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,, where she is part of the Delta Academy mentorship program for girls 11-14 years old. Messiah also serves on the International Awareness and Involvement Committee to develop the annual local AIDS walk. She is the Youth Director for her church, St. John AME Church, and strives to teach the lessons of giving back and serving others. Messiah is a retired Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Columbus State University, where she was employed for 20 years. Retired, she devotes her time to Girl Scouts, her husband, her daughter, her son-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren.
The Girl Scout Cookie Challenge
Thank you to the following restaurants who participated in the 2024 Cookie Challenge:
- Annillo's Pizzeria
- Hudson's at Main Street
- The Food Mill
- Parker's Pantry
- Moe's Original BBQ
- Ruth Ann's Restaurant
Congratulations to Hudson's at Main Street, whose S'mores Cheesecake, received the most community votes for favorite Girl Scout Cookie-inspired dessert!
