On February 24, 1947, thirteen women, interested in giving their time and talents to the community, founded the Knoxville Junior Women's Club. The founding members were Mrs. Dawn Atchley, Mrs. Helen Child, Mrs. Mary Katherine Gentry, Mrs. Neta Hinton, Mrs. Betty Hyle, Mrs. Wanda Kalthoff, Mrs. Margaret Luttrell, Mrs. Ruth Ann McDonald, Mrs. Mary Lee Moore, Mrs. Helen Murrian, Mrs. Judy Peel, Mrs. Easter Seaton, and Mrs. Bonnie Kate Spradling. 1951 brought two major changes to the club. The name was changed to Akima, which is a Native American word meaning women, and the club revised the by-laws to eliminate age limitations for membership. In 1987, the club chose not to renew its membership in the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Tennessee District II, and the Knoxville Federation of Women's Clubs.

     Akima members have continued the tradition begun 60 years ago. These women will accumulate over 3000 hours in volunteer work and donate thousands of dollars each year.