12th Annual Bethune Leadership Recognition Banquet

Honoring Legacy. Celebrating Leadership. Inspiring Excellence.

The NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section proudly invites you to South Georgia’s premier celebration of leadership, service, and community impact.

Named in honor of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, this signature event recognizes outstanding women, youth leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, advocates, and changemakers whose work is transforming our communities today while inspiring future generations.

This is more than a banquet.

It is an investment in leadership.

It is a celebration of excellence.

It is a commitment to building stronger communities.

We are also honored to welcome Beverly E. Smith as our featured keynote speaker.

Beverly E. Smith is a nationally recognized executive, entrepreneur, civic leader, Founder and Chair of D4Women in Action, Senior Vice President of The HR Group, Inc., and the 26th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Her distinguished career reflects the visionary leadership, service, and excellence that Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune championed and that NCNW proudly advances.

EVENT DETAILS

Saturday, November 7, 2026

VIP Cocktail Reception begins 5:00 PM

Banquet Program begins 6:00 PM

Valdosta State University

Student Union Ballroom

1500 N. Oak Street

Valdosta, Georgia 31602

Attire: Formal | Black Tie Preferred

TICKETS & TABLES NOW AVAILABLE

Individual Tickets

• Early Bird: $50

• General Admission: $60

Couple Tickets

• Early Bird: $90

• General Admission: $110

VIP Tables (Seats 8)

• Early Bethune VIP Table: $500

• Bethune VIP Table: $600

VIP Table Benefits Include:

• Priority Seating

• VIP Cocktail Reception Access

• Plated Dinner Service

• Drink Tickets

• Premier Gala Experience

Reserve Your Place Among Leaders:

https://tinyurl.com/12thBethuneBanquet

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Help us recognize extraordinary women and girls whose leadership is creating lasting impact throughout our communities.

We invite nominations in areas including:

• Leadership

• Service

• Education

• Entrepreneurship

• Advocacy

• Civic Engagement

• Youth Achievement

• Community Impact

Submit a Nomination:

https://www.ncnwofvaldosta.org/11th-annual-bethune-banquet-nominator-application

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Partner with NCNW and align your organization with one of South Georgia’s most impactful leadership celebrations.

Sponsorships support scholarships, youth leadership development, community outreach initiatives, and programs that strengthen families and communities.

Souvenir Booklet Advertising:

https://www.ncnwofvaldosta.org/bethune-ad-submission-form

Sponsor logos and VIP table guest names may be submitted later by emailing:

[email protected]

SUPPORT THE MISSION

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proceeds directly support NCNW programs that empower women, invest in youth, strengthen families, advance education, and build stronger communities throughout South Georgia.

Donate Here:

https://www.ncnwofvaldosta.org/donate

Leadership. Legacy. Impact.

NCNW Valdosta-Lowndes Metro Section

Building Leaders. Strengthening Families. Transforming Communities.