About the ATHENA Awards
The ATHENA Award was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment—qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model. The Award is unique in both scope---local, national and international---and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an individual who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. The Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce holds this event on alternating years.
FUN FACT
ABOUT THE ATHENA AWARDS
Almost 8,000 leaders have been recognized with the ATHENA Leadership Award in 500+ regions representing 48 states & 11 countries including USA, Bermuda, UK, China, Canada, Greece, India, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Mexico. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations, and universities to a person of any gender who has demonstrated the qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model and who:
- Has achieved the highest level of professional excellence
- Contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community
- Actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential
ATHENA Recipient Photo Gallery
Past ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients
- Jim Rowe - 2023
- Marsha Lloyd – 2021
- Dr. Genevra Walters – 2019
- Dr. Kristine Condon – 2017
- Dr. Jill Bowling – 2015
- Sandra Knight – 2014
- Carol Braford – 2010
- Beth Brosseau – 2009
- Dotty Lagesse – 2008
- Tinker Parker – 2007
- Jeff Hammes – 2006
- Brenda Randazzo – 2005
- Pam Dunlap – 2004
- Yvonne Chalfant – 2003
- Toby Olszewski – 2002
- Glendal Kilbride – 2001
- Gwen Hopkins – 2000
- Brenda Baird – 1999
- Claire McElroy – 1998
- Dr. Kay Green – 1997
- Peggy Sue Munday – 1996
- Mary Thomson – 1995
- Sue Ann O'Connor – 1994
- Wilma Reuter – 1993
- Maggie Frogge – 1992
- Connie Ashline – 1991
- Terri Hult – 1990
- Trudy Dickinson – 1989
- Jane Schriefer – 1988
- Peggy Shutter – 1987
Past ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipients
- Fawn Hendershott - 2023
- Jenny Schoenwetter - 2021
- Claire Chaplinski - 2019
- Jillian Snyder - 2017
- Rebecca Schatz - 2015
- Leslie Hertz - 2010
- Melissa Tanner - 2009
- Danielle VonWerder Walters - 2008