Letha Pugh named to the prestigious YWCA Columbus ‘Women of Achievement’ list

Letha Pugh was not having the best day a few weeks ago. She had just received a call that she had been rejected from a real estate development program, a new area of interest for the out LGBTQ+ small business owner and dedicated change-agent. 

“That rejection had me a little down,” Pugh said. 

But then a few hours later her phone rang again and the day took a turn: Pugh was informed that she had been named to the YWCA Columbus Women of Achievement 2026 cohort, a prestigious list of women who embody the organization’s mission and commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women. 

“I was super quiet and just said, ‘thank you,’ but inside I was beaming,” Pugh laughed. 

Noted for her community-building efforts inside and outside the kitchen, Pugh ​​is the co-founder of Bake Me Happy, a gluten-free bakery with three locations, and Preston’s: A Burger Joint, with two locations. 

She helped create two mission-driven nonprofits: Black, Out and Proud, which advocates for Columbus’ Black LGBTQ+ community, and Service! Relief for Hospitality Workers to support hospitality workers

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She also serves as chair of the Commission for Columbus Recreation and Parks and a board member of the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, the Columbus Sports Commission and Freedom Equity.

“This year’s class of Women of Achievement is a testament to the impact of women in every sector of our region, from entrepreneurs to healthcare to philanthropy,” said YWCA president & CEO Elizabeth Brown. “Their common thread is more than traditional career success—it is their commitment to transforming and improving the communities around them”.

For Pugh, the recognition provides her with an opportunity to be her full and authentic self. 

“I’m just unapologetically gay, unapologetically Black and unapologetically a woman, and I will represent all of those things when I’m up there on the stage,” Pugh said. 

Pugh wants to remind everyone that the feel-good moments can most definitely be found outside of award recognition. 

“Hey, I feel good when somebody sees me picking up trash on Parsons Avenue and they honk and wave,” Pugh said. “Just know that you are full of amazingness and resilience and strength and when you let yourself shine, these moments will come.” 🔥

IGNITE ACTION

• This year’s Women of Achievement luncheon will be at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in the Battelle Grand Ballroom on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. There will be both in-person and virtual attendance options – and through Jan. 3, 2026, early bird pricing is available. Learn more at ywcacolumbus.org/woa.