Honoring Lori Healey: A Radiant Legacy of Leadership and the ATHENA Spirit
Lori Healey, honored in 2022 with the Chicagoland ATHENA Leadership Award, stood as a radiant example of what it means to lead with authenticity, courage, and compassion. Her recent passing leaves a lasting void in the hearts of those she uplifted, mentored, and inspired across decades of public and civic service.
Lori’s career was a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. From her influential roles as CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, to serving as a senior advisor to mayors, and her instrumental work in launching the Obama Presidential Center, Lori continuously created space—for community voices, for women in leadership, and for the civic transformation of Chicago.
Her work at the Obama Foundation reflected the same values ATHENA champions around the world: the courage to advocate for equity, the commitment to give back, and the vision to foster authentic, inclusive collaboration across diverse communities.
Photo provided by Chicagoland ATHENA: Pictured left to right: KL Robertson Daly, Rohini Dey. Ph.D., Lori Healey, Meredith O’Conner, Jackie d’Escoto
A Living Embodiment of the ATHENA Principles
Lori didn’t just check the boxes of leadership—she redefined what it meant to hold power with grace and humility. She lived the ATHENA principles in every space she entered: building relationships with intention, fostering courageous conversations, and celebrating the accomplishments of those around her.
“I, along with so many others, deeply respected Lori and viewed her as a role model for her business and civic leadership in the Chicago community,” shared Marianne Markowitz, President & CEO of First Women’s Bank. “Her presence and guidance inspired me and all those around her, and she will be genuinely missed.”
These words echo the profound impact we witness in our own ATHENA leadership trainings: women stepping into their voice, rediscovering their sense of purpose, and building networks grounded in personal strength and compassionate leadership. Lori modeled what our participants describe as one of the most powerful outcomes of the program: the ability to influence with authenticity—not authority—and to lead in a way that honors both self and service.
A Quiet but Powerful Thread
In Lori’s story, we see a reflection of what’s possible when leadership is guided by clarity, compassion, and community. Just as participants in ATHENA’s programs share that their growth continues long after the final session, so too does Lori’s legacy ripple outward—through the lives of those she empowered, the initiatives she shaped, and the future leaders she inspired.
We are proud to have celebrated Lori as an ATHENA leader. And this fall, at the 2025 Chicagoland ATHENA Leadership Awards reception, her life and lasting contributions will be honored once more.
As we look ahead to the women, we will inspire—we do so with reverence for the path Lori helped pave. Her life was a bridge between civic service and soulful leadership. She showed us how it’s done—with quiet courage, thoughtful conviction, and a belief in the power of community.
Lori Healey led not for recognition, but for impact. And her impact will endure.
“Everywhere Lori went, she brought people together. She knew how to lead at the intersection of government, business, and community. She mentored almost everyone she worked with, especially me. The city is better because Lori was in it. Her legacy, her impact, her lessons, her example will live forever. Heaven gained a remarkable leader.”
— Meredith O’Connor, Vice Chairman, International Site Selection and Economic Incentive Services, JLL
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.