ATHENA Valley of the Sun, a nonprofit based in Mesa, is honoring outstanding woman business leaders and young women in our community at the “ATHENA Leadership Awards – Honoring ATHENA Inspired Leaders” on April 4 from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Marriott Tempe at the Buttes. The organization has announced a call to sponsors to invite local businesses to participate in the event which will feature a special presentation by honoree and American businesswoman, ambassador and former United States astronaut: Barbara Barrett.
According to Dr. Kristine Quade, President of ATHENA Valley of the Sun, “This is an event of ‘Celebration, Education and Inspiration’ to applaud not only the remarkable lifelong achievements of Ambassador Barbara Barrett, but to also recognize our 6 other ATHENA Leadership Award winners who were selected by local business leaders and our young ATHENA candidates who are making a difference in their high schools and community.” The complete list of honorees and more information will be announced on March 1.
Businesses can participate by sponsoring a table, through the purchase of a ticket for a valued woman in their organization and through monetary donations to the ATHENA Foundation.
Tickets for the event are $75 through March 14. Space is limited. Additional sponsorship levels are on the website at www.athenaaz.com. Sponsors will be recognized on the website, on Social Media, in press releases and at the event.
Community members can also participate by making a contribution of $75 in honor of a woman who has inspired them. The donor and recipient name will be mentioned in the official event program.
Quade says that, “These awards will feature women in our community whose stories deserve to be heard. These are extraordinary leaders who are demonstrating the ATHENA Leadership Principles: Live Authentically; Learn Constantly, Build Relationships; Foster Collaboration; Advocate Fiercely; Act Courageously and Give Back and Celebrate. ATHENA Valley of the Sun provides a platform for emerging and established women leaders to have deep, inspiring conversations to help them identify, embrace, and realize their aspirations.”
ATHENA Valley of the Sun is the new independent Arizona Chapter of Athena International. Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 7,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities across the world have received the prestigious ATHENA Award. The ATHENA® Leadership Award is presented to women who are honored for professional excellence, community service and actively assisting other women.
Proceeds of the event will support the ATHENA Principle of “Leave No Woman Business Leader Behind” through mentorships, forums and other critical community initiatives.
Quade adds, “We want to feature the stories of the amazing things Arizona women are doing. Every woman has a story to tell and ATHENA Valley of the Sun wants to provide a platform by identifying and honoring women who are leading by example.”
“It takes stories of others who are acting courageously, and noticing what needs to change, in order to improve our community. It is through the acts of others that we become motived and draws us to collaborate with others in a way that builds strong relationships, forms a goal oriented team wanting to exceed expectations or accomplish something yet to be experienced.”
For more information on ATHENA Valley of the Sun, visit www.athenaaz.com, email Kristine@athenaaz.com or call (612) 860-5992.
