When education meets opportunity, women unlock their power to transform communities. That’s the vision behind the Yashoda Reddy Education Award, an Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF)  grant initiative honoring resilience and fueling future leaders.

Why Education Matters for Women in Atlanta

For many women in Atlanta, the path to higher education is filled with barriers. Nearly one in four single moms in metro Atlanta live below the poverty line, and mothers and first-generation students are disproportionately impacted by the rising costs and challenges of pursuing degrees. Education is one of the most powerful tools for achieving economic mobility and stability – yet women facing systemic barriers often lack access to the support they need to complete their studies.

This is why AWF invests in education as a pathway to equity. Through grants, philanthropic development, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, AWF helps women not only access education but also succeed in finishing their degrees and building sustainable careers.

The Legacy of Yashoda Reddy

The Yashoda Reddy Education Award was established to honor a remarkable woman whose life embodied strength, perseverance, and the transformative power of education. Created by her children, Dr. Sujatha Reddy, an AWF board alumna, and her brother Rohith Reddy, the award continues Yashoda’s legacy by supporting women determined to pursue higher education against the odds.

Dr. Reddy reflected on this legacy when meeting the 2025 award recipient:

“Meeting Madison and her entire family was incredibly meaningful and emotional. Our family is thrilled to honor our Mom’s legacy by supporting women like Madison, who are determined to break barriers and shatter the glass ceiling, just as Yashoda Reddy (our mom) did in her life.”

The award is a testament to the belief that when women gain access to education, they are empowered to change not only their own lives but also the lives of their families and communities.

Madison’s Journey: A Story of Resilience

The 2025 recipient of the Yashoda Reddy Education Award, Madison Johnson, embodies this vision. A mother, a working professional, and a first-generation college student, Madison’s journey to higher education has been anything but linear.

She first pursued an associate’s degree in dental hygiene at Atlanta Technical College, but paused her studies after experiencing postpartum depression following the birth of her child. Through seeking therapy, Madison found healing and also discovered a passion for mental health advocacy. Inspired by her own experience, she returned to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Clayton State University.

At Clayton State, Madison excelled academically while balancing work and family life. Through the university’s Career and Professional Development department, she secured an internship at Piedmont Henry Hospital, where she worked directly with new mothers to connect them to resources and support systems.

Now, with her bachelor’s degree complete, Madison has been accepted into a master’s program in social work at Howard University. Her long-term goal is to become a licensed clinical social worker, supporting underserved families and individuals facing mental health challenges.

Clayton State psychology professor Deborah Deckner Davis describes her as a woman driven by both compassion and determination:

“Her passion for serving others is deeply rooted in her own experience as a parent and her awareness of the urgent need for timely, culturally sensitive support services for young families. Madison has consistently demonstrated dedication, compassion, and a strong commitment to serving others.”

How the Award Fuels the Future

As the 2025 recipient, Madison received a $5,000 education grant from AWF to support her graduate education. For women like Madison, financial support can mean the difference between pausing their dreams and pursuing them. The award empowers women to continue their education despite economic setbacks, childcare challenges, or other barriers.

This award also reflects the broader mission of AWF, which has invested more than $30 million into programs and nonprofit organizations that support women and girls impacted by poverty in metro Atlanta.

These investments fuel not only individual dreams but also systemic change, creating ripple effects across families and communities.

When Education Awards Make the Greatest Impact

Initiatives like the Yashoda Reddy Education Award are especially transformative when they support women who:

• Are first-generation students navigating higher education systems on their own.

• Are mothers seeking assistance to return to school while balancing caregiving responsibilities.

• Have faced mental health challenges or life setbacks and are returning to school with resilience.

• Intend to dedicate their careers to serving others in fields like social work, education, or healthcare.

By investing in these women, AWF not only helps them achieve their goals but also strengthens the communities they will one day serve.

AWF’s Advantage: Why This Matters

Less than 2% of U.S. charitable giving supports women’s and girls’ organizations. Meanwhile, AWF steps in as a serious catalyst for change. We combine strategic grantmaking, educational support, and community-building to invest in women as a proven pathway to economic mobility and stronger communities.

The Yashoda Reddy Education Award is just one example of how AWF transforms generosity into measurable impact. By uplifting women like Madison Johnson, AWF demonstrates that philanthropy can spark generational change.

FAQ: About the Yashoda Reddy Education Award

What is the Yashoda Reddy Education Award?
An annual $5,000 education grant awarded by AWF in honor of Yashoda Reddy, recognizing women who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a commitment to education.

Who can receive the award?
It is given to women in metro Atlanta who embody perseverance, serve their communities, and are pursuing higher education goals.

Why does AWF focus on women’s education?
Education is one of the strongest predictors of economic mobility. By supporting women’s education, AWF disrupts cycles of poverty and builds stronger, healthier families and communities.

Join Us in Empowering Women Through Education

Madison Johnson’s story is a powerful reminder that when women are given the tools and support to succeed, they can transform their futures and the futures of those around them.

You can be part of this change. Learn more about AWF’s mission and grant opportunities for women in Atlanta at www.atlantawomen.org.