MIFA is proud to announce that Charlie Nelson, director of special events and volunteers, is a recipient of the 2010 Ruby R. Wharton Outstanding Women Award.

This annual award was established in 2005 to recognize women who have made outstanding contributions to the Memphis community in the areas of early childhood development, youth and delinquency, race relations, women’s rights, business, politics, and government.

“Charlie is one of MIFA’s greatest assets, and hers is a respected voice in this community,” commented MIFA executive director Margaret Craddock. “If anyone deserves to receive this award, she does.”

The awards were presented by Mayor Wharton during the Eighth Annual Tea and Talk at the Top on Sunday, February 14, hosted by Mayor and Mrs. Wharton in the Hall of Mayors. Finalists were announced by Joe Birch and Dee Griffin.

The recipients in each category were: Marka Bennett, Early Childhood, nominated by David Jordan; Martha Beard, Youth & Delinquency, nominated by Scott Fountain; Aurelia Kyles, Race Relations, nominated by Charlotte Kennedy; Rosie Bingham, Women’s Rights, nominated by Ruby Bright; Kelly Dobbins, Business, nominated by John Roberts; Yvonne Acey, Business/Politics, nominated by David Acey; Charlie Nelson, Community Service, nominated by Bessie Cohran; Tran Bui Smith, Community Service, nominated by Kathy Lofton.