Mid-Year Momentum: Celebrating 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients
At the heart of the ATHENA mission is a simple but powerful truth: when women rise, communities flourish. As we reach the midpoint of 2025, we pause to celebrate the extraordinary women and organizations honored so far this year through local ATHENA Leadership Awards — each one a living example of ATHENA’s Eight Leadership Principles: Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Build Relationships, Foster Collaboration, Act Courageously, Advocate Fiercely, Give Back, and Celebrate.
These local honorees are creating ripples of transformation in every corner of their communities — in business, government, education, health care, and service. Their stories inspire action and remind us that leadership grounded in values has the power to change lives.
Photos courtesy of: Local ATHENA Communities
Community Spotlights:
Windsor, Ontario honored:
Recognized by her local community, Helga Reidel has been a trailblazer in public administration, utilities, and board governance. Her leadership includes serving as CAO of the City of Windsor and President & CEO of ENWIN Group, where she fostered inclusive, employee-led initiatives like the ENNOVATION Think Tank. Helga has long been a mentor to women entering finance and public service leadership, and remains a powerful advocate for women in STEM and policy.
The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce honored:
Jennifer Nordstrom, Jen Nordstrom Accounting – Private Sector ATHENA Award Recipient
Cindy Payne, Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona – Public/Nonprofit ATHENA Award Recipient
Sarah Heemstra, Coconino Community College – Young Professional Award Recipient
Their achievements span health, education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, reflecting the strength of Flagstaff’s leadership ecosystem.
The ATHENA Leadership Foundation of Saint Charles County recognized:
Julie Seymore – ATHENA Leadership Award
Nancy Zoellner – Young Professional Award
OakHaven Montessori School – Organizational Leadership Award
Each honoree demonstrates deep commitment to empowering others through mentorship, education, and service.
Henderson County, NC honored:
Rebecca McCall was celebrated by the Henderson County Chamber for her leadership across disaster relief, community planning, and youth mentorship. Her grassroots initiatives, including a 150,000-sq-ft Disaster Recovery Center and the Pathfinders Mentor Program, show the power of civic courage and visionary service.
Rutherford County, TN recognized:
The Rutherford Cable ATHENA Awards honored 18 nominees and awarded scholarships to non-traditional women students. This dual celebration of leadership and access to education reflects ATHENA’s long-standing values of service and empowerment. The 2025 Rutherford ATHENA Award recipients were Ronda Spivey, Esq., for the Rutherford ATHENA Leadership Award, and Tosha Price for the Rutherford ATHENA Young Professional Award
Macomb County, MI honored:
Lauren Falzone, founder of beautiLofts, received the ATHENA Award from the Macomb Foundation for her mentorship-based beauty business model and her commitment to giving back through nonprofits like Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids.
Harford County, MD honored:
At the Harford Community College Foundation event:
Vickie Bands was the ATHENA Award recipient for her 45+ years of healthcare and public health leadership.
April Cheatham received the Young Professional Award for her passionate advocacy for underserved communities.
Homeward Bound Veterinary Services was awarded ATHENA Organizational award for their mobile care and spay/neuter clinics supporting over 30 rescue organizations.
Reading, PA recognized:
The Greater Reading Chamber Alliance presented the ATHENA Award to Meggan Kerber, AVP at Alvernia University, for her decades of nonprofit leadership rooted in humility, community, and mentorship.
Washington County, PA honored:
The Washington County Chamber celebrated:
Tracie Liberatore, Bradford House Historical Association – ATHENA Award Recipient
Kimberly Price, EQT Corporation – Young Professional Award Recipient
These honorees were recognized alongside four other finalists in a community-wide celebration of impactful leadership.
Wheeling, WV recognized:
At the 3rd Annual Ohio Valley ATHENA Awards, hosted by the Wheeling Area Chamber and YWCA Wheeling honored Becky Shilling-Rodocker as their 2025 Ohio Valley ATHENA Leadership Award recipient for her transformative service and impact in addressing food insecurity.
Barry County, MI honored:
Katelyn Brown, Coordinator at Corewell Health Pennock Wellness Center, was honored by the Barry County Chamber & EDA as their 2025 ATHENA Award recipient during their Annual Dinner celebration. She was recognized for her leadership in community wellness and supported by six sponsors.
Great Falls, MT recognized:
The Great Falls Area Chamber recognized Jamie Marshall, as their ATHENA Award recipient. She is the owner of Marshall Orthodontics, whose leadership in healthcare and mentorship has inspired others throughout her community.
As the 2025 award season continues, more communities will join the celebration, recognizing the women who lead with strength and intention. Every ATHENA Award presented is a moment of reflection — a public acknowledgment of the courage it takes to lead and the grace it takes to lift others along the way.
Marion, OH honored:
At the 28th Annual ATHENA Banquet, Lisa Bush, Co-Founder of Alluvial Private Wealth, was named the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient by the Marion Women’s Business Council. Celebrated for her leadership and unwavering support of women in business, Lisa stood out among ten exceptional nominees for her commitment to lifting others while excelling in her field.
Stay Involved
✨ Know someone who exemplifies the ATHENA Principles?
Nominate them for a local award
Become a sponsor or event partner
Host a celebration in your community
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.