ATHENA International Honors Ann Playter with 2024 Global Leadership Award
Celebrating Ann Playter: A Pillar of Strength and Stability for ATHENA International
Ann Playter, a cornerstone of ATHENA International, has been a beacon of dedicated leadership for nearly a decade. Her efforts have significantly shaped the current state of the organization, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic when many non-profits struggled to survive. Ann has earned the heartfelt gratitude of the ATHENA staff and Board of Directors, who have selected her as the 2024 ATHENA Global Award Recipient and will honor her at their January 2025 Conference.
Exemplifying ATHENA's Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™
Ann’s invaluable contributions provided not only the foundation for the future but the stability needed at a crucial time in the history of ATHENA. Ann continues to provide invaluable counsel, time, and wisdom through her volunteerism to ATHENA International and in her local community, as she continues to inspire, support, and amplify women and girls.
“Ann provided a lifeline through the pandemic and exemplifies every one of our Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ ATHENA International not only survived the pandemic but is thriving as a direct result of her authentic servant leadership. We could not have gotten through the pandemic without her stepping into the void, going above and beyond, and continuing to do so. The positive ripple effect of Ann’s dedicated leadership and strong business acumen will be felt for generations to come.”
– Traci Costa, ATHENA President & CEO
Former Board Chair, Debbie Peterson highlights Ann's straightforward, authentic and supportive nature: "Ann’s no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is attitude was refreshing. Being able to go to someone, lay it all out, and know that she would jump in and be a resource and a friend, supporting me, Traci, and all of us. Ann’s authentic self and contributions are such a gift."
Board officer, Pam Sansbury reflects on Ann's ability to build strong relationships and instill order and stability within the organization: "I watched Ann add structure and thoughtfulness around an organization that didn’t have a lot of structure. She provided consciousness around plans through a lot of ups and downs during Covid, when our future was being redefined."
Carrie Harbinson Current Board Chair, shares her perspective on Ann's courageous and humble leadership style: "Ann led from a place of humility, compassion and empathy.” Her willingness to get things right and attention to details are remarkable. I am so glad she will be receiving this award, and I look forward to celebrating with her at the Conference."
Former board member Sarah Jennings expresses her admiration for Ann's dedication to future leaders: "For everything Ann has done and her dedication to women, to leadership, to youth, to future leaders of the world, and to ATHENA International overall, I am grateful to ATHENA for having connected us. I have learned so much from her, this is so deserving."
Current board member Kimberly Bates appreciates Ann's technical prowess and graceful demeanor: "Without Ann’s technical expertise and all of her efforts working in the backend and supporting the creation of our new website, that would not have been possible. She was pivotal in getting that done, and she did it with such grace and humility. She was awesome to work with on that."
Ann Playter’s contributions to ATHENA International have been invaluable. Her ability to lead with humility, her dedication to structure and organization, her straightforward support, and her technical expertise have left an indelible mark on the organization. The heartfelt testimonials from her colleagues highlight the profound impact she has had on their lives and the future of ATHENA International. Ann, thank you for everything you have done and continue to do. Your legacy of leadership and compassion will undoubtedly inspire and give rise to future generations.