Award Community Spotlight
Celebrating ATHENA Leaders Around the USA
2024 ATHENA Award recipients: Erika Hermosillo, Leticia Robles. Image: Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce.
ATHENA Awards in Stockton California
On November 28, 2023, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce honored Leticia Robles with the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award and Erika Hermosillo with the 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. The ceremony took place at the historic Stockton Golf & Country Club. After receiving their awards, both Leticia Robles and Erika Hermosillo shared insights from their journeys and offered words of wisdom, leaving the audience inspired and motivated to make a positive impact in their community.
Image: Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce
Remembering Judy Chambers
This year’s event also included a tribute to Judy Chambers, the first Stockton ATHENA Award recipient in 1986, who passed away in July. Judy was a dedicated supporter and mentor to all subsequent ATHENA recipients and is remembered as a true trailblazer who will be greatly missed by the community.
Jackie d'Escoto Receives Inaugural ATHENA Servant Leadership Award
Championing of the ATHENA Mission
Jackie is a remarkable and humble leader who has willingly given her time and resources to the Chicagoland ATHENA Leadership Organization. She is a driving force in recognizing other women leaders for their accomplishments and contributions to Chicagoland and beyond.
- KL Daly, Former ATHENA International Board Member, 2005 ATHENA Award Recipient
In December 2023, Jackie d'Escoto was honored with the first ATHENA Servant Leadership Award, recognized for her exceptional contributions to leadership and community service. Nominated by KL Daly, a past ATHENA Chicagoland ATHENA Award recipient, Jackie exemplifies the core values of ATHENA International.
With over five years of dedicated service, Jackie demonstrates The Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ and significantly contributes to recognizing the women they all admire in their local community. Jackie's leadership goes beyond recognition, consistently advocating for women and girls and improving community life. Her receipt of this award underscores her commitment to servant leadership, setting a high standard for future leaders.
Jackie d'Escoto’s work continues to inspire, embodying the true spirit of ATHENA International's mission and fostering an empowering community for women.
Celebrating Excellence: 2024 ATHENA International Awards in Greater Rochester, NY
ROCHESTER, NY (February 1, 2024) – The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Council affiliate proudly presented the 38th annual ATHENA Award to Julie Chapus, Founder and Director of Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, at an awards ceremony on February 1st. This prestigious event also honored Agathi Georgiou-Graham with the ATHENA Young Professional Award and the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County with the ATHENA Organizational Award.
2024 ATHENA Award recipients: Dr. Myra Henry, Julie Chapus, Agathi Georgiou-Graham. Image: Greater Rochester NY Chamber of Commerce.
Julie Chapus received the ATHENA Award for her significant achievements in business and community service. As the founder of Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, a nonprofit cosmetology school, she empowers survivors of human trafficking through vocational training, offering a path to stable and lucrative income. Chapus brings her extensive background in social work and cosmetology to educate and uplift these survivors, making a lasting impact on their lives and the community.
Agathi Georgiou-Graham was honored with the ATHENA Young Professional Award. As the Owner and President of Arbor Venues + Agathi & Co., she has transformed her boutique event planning business into a network of women-owned organizations. Agathi's dedication to creating opportunities for women in the male-dominated hospitality industry has set a standard for excellence and inclusivity. She is also actively involved in local community service through her church and Rochester Hope for Pets.
YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County received the ATHENA Organizational Award for its longstanding commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women. Under the leadership of Dr. Myra Henry, the organization provides safe, affordable housing and career development programs for women and families in crisis. The YWCA’s comprehensive approach to addressing racial and gender inequalities has had a profound impact on the Rochester community.
Sault Ste. Marie Celebrates Women in Leadership
Jasmyn Rowley was presented with the ATHENA Leadership Award by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce at their 23rd annual Women in Business event. As the Director of Marketing and Communication at Village Media, Rowley has demonstrated remarkable leadership and innovation, growing the company from a small startup to a major media presence. Her commitment to community service and mentorship of young women highlights her dedication to fostering the next generation of female leaders.
Jackson County Michigan Chamber
2023 Award Recipient Sarah Ermatinger, 2024 ATHENA Award Recipient Angela Machnik, Traci Costa. Image: Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
Jackson, Michigan honored Angela Machnik with the ATHENA Award for her contributions to improving the quality of life in her community. Sponsored by TRUE Community Credit Union, this award recognizes Machnik's excellence and her role in mentoring women to reach their full leadership potential.
Nashville CABLE
Make it stand out
Cynthia Whitfield-Story
2024 ATHENA Award recipient was honored for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the community.
Tamara L. Bates
Named the 2024 Nashville ATHENA Young Professional for her spirit of innovation and community engagement, serving as an exemplary model for young professionals.
The ATHENA International Awards continue to honor and uplift extraordinary leaders who are making significant contributions to their communities and industries. These awards celebrate those who inspire, support, and empower women to achieve their full potential, creating a more inclusive and equitable world.