Honoring the Past.
Empowering the future.
Achievement.
Vision.
Inspiration.
The Louisa Nelson Awards are an annual occasion for Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery to honor the past by celebrating the future. Each year, we recognize the achievements, vision, and inspiration of three female leaders from Nashville’s business and cultural communities.
The Louisa Nelson Awards are just a small way for Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery to recognize the encouraging, transformative work of women in the 21st century.
Meet Louisa Nelson
When her husband Charles died in 1891, Louisa Nelson took over his role as the president of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. From there, she steered the company toward 18 booming years of prosperity, becoming one of the largest and most successful distilleries in the world.
Awards Event
We created the Louisa Nelson Awards as a way of bringing the story and spirit of Louisa Nelson to the present. Our annual gala commemorates her extraordinary life while honoring contemporary Nashville women whose powerful work echoes the lasting influence of our distillery’s matriarch.
Past HONOREES
Learn more about the inspirational women in the Nashville community who have previously received the Louisa Nelson Award. Discover more about their organizations and their important work in our community.
"Many know the story of our great-great-great grandfather, Charles Nelson. However, few know about his devoted and hard-working wife, Louisa, who assumed control of the family business after his death in 1891. She was one of the only women ever to have run a commercial distillery. In addition to being a powerful business owner, Louisa Nelson displayed enlightened leadership that benefited the entire community. Today, her foundation and business model remain a driving force in our own practices."
- Charlie Nelson
