Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce Rallies it’s ATHENEANS
37 Years of Celebrating ATHENA Award Recipients
2024 ATHENA Award recipients: Gizelle Figueroa (ATHENA Youth Award), Jordan Giannoni Harless (ATHENA Young Professional), Linda Luna (ATHENA Award), Traci Costa (ATHENA International President/CEO). Image: Greater Stockton Chamber.
Linda Chin Luna
Honored as the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce's 2024 ATHENA Award Recipient
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce announced Linda Chin Luna as the 2024 ATHENA Award Recipient, recognizing her decades of service, leadership, and dedication to her hometown of Stockton. Linda’s remarkable career spans 37 years of public service in education and administration, culminating in her retirement as a Superintendent in 2021.
A Stockton native, Linda spent 26 years with the Stockton Unified School District, beginning as a passionate classroom teacher and advancing to the role of Assistant Superintendent. Her deep connection to the community is reflected in her personal and professional journey. Linda's children also attended Stockton schools, and she treasures her time teaching her son’s fifth-grade class as well as the children of her high school classmates. These moments stand out as highlights of her career, reflecting her dedication to fostering relationships and nurturing the next generation.
Even in retirement, Linda’s commitment to Stockton continues to shine. As the volunteer President and CEO of the Stockton Chorale for the past two years, Linda has transformed the organization into a forward-thinking, purpose-driven, and inclusive cultural institution. Under her leadership, the artistic staff now enjoy a clear and cohesive path for planning each season, fostering both creativity and community engagement.
Linda’s philosophy of leadership centers on the power of relationships. She firmly believes that great leadership is about helping others become their very best. This principle is evident in her enduring connections with those she has mentored and worked alongside throughout her career. Many of her former colleagues and team members still seek her guidance, knowing they can count on her for unwavering support and encouragement—a testament to the lifelong impact of her compassionate leadership.
The ATHENA Award celebrates individuals who embody the values of excellence, service, and empowerment, and Linda Chin Luna is a shining example. Her lifelong dedication to education, her transformational leadership within the Stockton Chorale, and her unwavering commitment to community make her a deserving honoree.
As the 2024 ATHENA Award Recipient, Linda joins a legacy of extraordinary leaders who inspire others to achieve their highest potential. Congratulations, Linda, on this well-deserved recognition of your impactful contributions to Stockton and beyond!
Jordan Giannoni Harless
Honored as the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce's 2024 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient
The Greater Stockton Chamber proudly recognizes Jordan Giannoni Harless as the 2024 Young ATHENA Award Recipient for her exceptional contributions to education, leadership, and community empowerment.
A proud San Joaquin County native, Jordan returned to Stockton a decade ago to serve her home community at San Joaquin Delta College, an institution that helped shape her own academic journey. As a Delta College alumna, Jordan’s connection to the young adults she mentors is deeply personal.
During her first two years at Delta, Jordan served as Classified Senate’s Vice President while earning her MBA from UC Davis, demonstrating her dedication to growth and service. Shortly thereafter, she secured a full-time faculty role and has spent the past seven years teaching business and English courses. Beyond the classroom, Jordan coordinates Delta’s campus tutoring services and participates in the institution’s shared governance process, contributing to its strategic future.
Jordan’s leadership extends beyond academics. She exemplifies ATHENA’s principles through her advocacy for equity and her commitment to empowering others. In her moving award acceptance speech, Jordan shared the story of her friend Samantha, who has shown remarkable strength in her battle with cancer. Samantha’s resilience inspired Jordan to reflect on her own upbringing, where her parents instilled in her a powerful voice and sense of agency, preparing her to navigate a world often fraught with challenges for women.
Jordan addressed systemic inequities women continue to face, from pay gaps to safety concerns, calling for collective action. To create meaningful change, she announced the launch of her new Young Women Rising in 2025. This nonprofit will empower young women through programs in financial literacy, self-defense, leadership, and self-worth. Along with scholarships in business and STEM, there will be special scholarship in Samantha’s honor will supporting young women overcoming extraordinary challenges.
Jordan concluded her speech with a powerful rallying cry: “Take up your armor and swords and go to war for the ATHENA’s in your life.” Her words remind us of the ongoing need to champion women’s rights, opportunities, and voices in every arena.
As we honor Jordan for her achievements, we celebrate her unwavering dedication to education, her passion for empowering the next generation, and her commitment to fostering a more equitable future. Jordan embodies the spirit of ATHENA, and her leadership will continue to inspire the Stockton community and beyond.
Greater Stockton Chamber Current and Past ATHENA Award Recipients. Image: Greater Stockton Chamber.
Gizelle Figueroa honor as ATHENA International’s First Youth Leadership Award Recipient
Gizelle is a senior at Linden High School in Stockton California and has provided a valuable service to her community.
Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award Recipients Unite to Empower Youth Leader Gizelle Figueroa
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce’s past ATHENA Award recipients join forces to celebrate and support an inspiring young leader, Gizelle Figueroa, as she becomes the very first recipient of ATHENA International’s Youth Leadership Award. Their collective financial backing has made it possible to present Gizelle with a $2,000 scholarship, which she will apply toward her college education.
Gizelle, a standout student and dedicated community leader, aspires to attend California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO). Her unwavering commitment to excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and service demonstrates her determination to create a brighter future—not only for herself but also for her community.
From an early age, Gizelle has showcased her passion for leadership and service. She played a pivotal role in the Relay for Life events in Linden, where she served as Team Captain for several years. In this role, she exhibited outstanding organizational and motivational skills by building teams, setting ambitious goals, coordinating fundraising efforts, and successfully preparing for events. Her dedication and ability to inspire others have made a lasting impact on her peers and her community.
Gizelle’s hard work and resilience have been recognized in many ways. She ranks in the top 2% of her graduating class and has received numerous awards for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Her drive to excel and her compassion for others make her a deserving recipient of the ATHENA Youth Leadership Award.
This scholarship represents more than just financial support; it symbolizes the collective belief of Stockton’s ATHENA leaders in the potential of the next generation. Gizelle’s story is a testament to the power of young women who, when given the opportunity, rise to meet challenges and inspire change.
As she embarks on her journey to college and beyond, Gizelle plans to continue her leadership journey and positively impact every community she touches. Her aspirations align perfectly with the principles of ATHENA International: fostering collaboration, courage, and vision to build a better world.
Congratulations, Gizelle, on this remarkable achievement! The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce and ATHENA International are proud to stand behind you as you take the next steps toward realizing your dreams.
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.