The ATHENA Award® Program was created in 1982 by ATHENA Founder Martha Mayhood Mertz through her partnership with the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce in Lansing Michigan. The program was developed to recognize and honor outstanding business and professional individuals for excellence in their chosen field, for providing valuable service to their community and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.
ATHENA administers the international ATHENA Award® from its Chicago, Illinois headquarters. The annual award program has grown to include organizations in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as Canada, China, Russia, and most recently the United Kingdom. More than 5,000 individuals have received the ATHENA Award.
CRITERIA
Demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession.
Provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
Actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential.
NOMINATORS
Must be submitted using a nomination form that you may find at the Chambers of Commerce or may be requested via email at Zonta Club of Antelope Valley
We request the nominator to provide brief information, stating how the nominee meets the criteria
you can no nominate a family member or a previous ATHENA recipient
THE PROCESS
Nominees will be sent a questionnaire, addressing three topics, to complete in more detail. A selection committee will review completed questionnaires and score the narratives. (The Selection committee is a diverse group of community leaders.) Nomination Form here
THE EVENT
Date: Friday, November 20, 2009 Place: The Palmdale Hotel, 300 West Palmdale Blvd, Palmdale Time: 5:30 Cocktails and entertainment
7:00 – 9:30 Dinner and Award Ceremony Theme: Every Woman Matters
SPONSORS
Sponsors are organizations that support the ATHENA Award Programs. Include corporations, small and large businesses, community organizations and individuals. For more sponsorship information, click here.
For a Pledge Form, please click here
For sponsorship opportunities please call Laura Gordon 661-350-8856
SCULPTURE
The Sculpture was chosen by Sculptor Linda Ackley. She chose ATHENA, the dynamic goddess of Greek mythology for her inspiration. Wise and valiant daughter of Zeus, she was a deity of resolute courage and wisdom, guided and enlightened by reason.
Marble: represents the recipients solid foundation.
Texture of bronze: the unique textures of the bronze differ on each sculpture as the life experiences of the recipients differ.
Cut crystal: symbolizes the many facet of human character and the light emanating from the recipient
Outstretched arms: Can be seen to express the celebration of achievement.
ATHENA CONFERENCE
The International ATHENA Conference is held annually in the spring. The conference provides the opportunity for existing and emerging leaders to share their professional and personal experiences, gain new skills and celebrate their common bond that is ATHENA.
