End of Year ATHENA Award Recipients Honored
Lindsey Lewitzke & Jennifer Johnson
Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce's 2024 ATHENA Award Recipients
The Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award and ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award at a program held on Thursday, November 21, at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Rothschild.
Jennifer Johnson, Senior Corporate Communications Specialist at Church Mutual Insurance Company SI, received the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award. Johnson highlighted the significance of the award, stating, "This year’s recipients prove that you can do great things in your community to lead and help others regardless of where you are in your career or life. You just need to find your passion and pour yourself into it.”
Lindsey Lewitzke, Chair of the DC Everest Area Education Foundation, was honored with the 2024 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. Lewitzke expressed her gratitude, saying, “It is my hope that girls in our community further believe they can be and do anything... by seeing myself selected, someone who doesn’t hold the typical 'job.' I love this community and am grateful for the opportunities I have to further advance the quality of life for the region.”
Amber Gober, the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, and Jessica Scharfenberg, the 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, presented the awards to this year’s honorees.
Alison Guevas & Dr. Treva Brown
East St. Tammany, Inc’s Honored it’s 2024 ATHENA Award Recipient & ATHENA Young Professional, Photo Courtesy of La PheauxTographty
EAST ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA – ATHENA of East St. Tammany, Inc. proudly announces Alison Cuevas as the recipient of the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award and Dr. Treva Brown as the recipient of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award.
Alison Cuevas, a trailblazer in business, is the retired owner of Cuevas Insurance Agency, the first woman-owned branch of The Woodlands Financial Group in Louisiana. Her dedication to her community is evident in her role as Board Member and Shopping Chairwoman for Project Christmas, where she oversees efforts benefiting more than 1,400 children. She has also served in leadership roles with impactful organizations such as Project Graduation and the Junior Auxiliary of Slidell.
Dr. Treva Brown is a Physical Scientist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, where she advances critical corrosion science research in the Ocean Sciences Division. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Brown earned her Bachelor of Science degree from LSU and her doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of New Orleans, where she was a distinguished Board of Regents Graduate Fellow.
These remarkable women exemplify the ATHENA mission of honoring individuals who contribute to their profession, serve their community, and mentor others. ATHENA of East St. Tammany is proud to recognize their leadership, dedication, and lasting impact.
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Women in Business Celebration, Photo Courtesy of Freedom Light Productions Photography
Mary Ila Ward
2024 Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 ATHENA Award Recipient, Photo Courtesy of Freedom Light Productions Photography
Mary Ila Ward, founder of Horizon Point Consulting, Inc., was celebrated today as the recipient of the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award at the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Women in Business Celebration.
Since establishing Horizon Point Consulting in 2011, Mary Ila has been a trailblazer in human resources, workforce development, and leadership coaching. Her innovative approach to “hiring for fit,” improving diversity, and supporting employees holistically has transformed the way organizations engage their teams. Her passion for career and leadership development not only drives business success but also enriches communities.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary Ila is a mentor and advocate for emerging leaders. Her volunteer work with the Neighborhood Christian Center and as a founder of Table 12 showcases her commitment to building a brighter future through service and example.
“Mary Ila exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and vision,” said Crystal Brown, president and CEO of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. “Her dedication to her profession, her community, and the next generation of leaders embodies the very essence of the ATHENA Leadership Award.”
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.