2023 ATHENA Awards Luncheon - Wednesday, October 11
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Ambassador Conference Center, 7794 Peach St, Erie, PA 16509
The ATHENA Awards Luncheon is held every other year opposite the ATHENA Women's Leadership Luncheon. During the event, three awards are presented to honor women leaders and those who support them. The awards are:
- The ATHENA Leadership Award - presented to an established leader for their efforts in supporting and encouraging women leaders
- ATHENA Young Professional - presented to a local female college student who demonstrates excellence and a commitment to the community while being a role model to her peers
Since the program’s inception in 1982, nearly 6,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, China, Greece, India, Russia, United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Leadership Award program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives. To view a complete list of past ATHENA Leadership Award winners and the selection criteria, visit our awards page.
In addition to the leadership award, each of the four local universities is approached to nominate a female student for the ATHENA Young Professional Award. One nominee is selected from each university: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Gannon University, Mercyhurst University, and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. Each of the finalists is recognized at the luncheon event and one winner is announced.
To view a complete list of past ATHENA Young Professional Award winners and the selection criteria, visit our awards page.
2023 ATHENA Awards Luncheon Keynote Speaker
Traci Costa, President and CEO of ATHENA International
Traci Costa is a prominent figure in the field of women's leadership development. Her dedication to cultivating women leaders has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award in 2018. Traci's commitment to empowering women led her to serve on the ATHENA International Board of Directors until she was named the President and CEO in 2021.
Before her tenure at ATHENA International, Traci played a pivotal role as the founding director of the Olivet College Women's Leadership Institute. In under three years, she spearheaded the establishment of various women's leadership programs that positively impacted the lives of over 1,500 girls and women.
Additionally, Traci has had extensive fundraising background, as the north central regional manager for the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF). While working for ACF, she was elected to the Northern Arizona Association of Fundraising Professional Board and was named the 2009 Northern Arizona New Fundraising Professional of the Year.
Traci's leadership journey began with her experiences as a former NCAA Division 1 volleyball coach and athlete. A native of California, she attended California State University, Fresno on a full athletic volleyball scholarship. Traci distinguished herself as a two-time team MVP, a three-time scholar-athlete, was selected for the All-Big West Conference team, and honored as the FSU Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She went onto be the founding head volleyball coach at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where she directed the team to a conference championship title, was named TCAC conference coach of the year.
Traci’s diverse experiences have helped shape her zest for leadership and vision for ATHENA; to inspire all leaders to do their part in accelerating a balance in leadership worldwide. Traci has a deep-rooted passion for supporting individuals, as they awaken their unique and authentic leadership strengths. Together, we can bridge gaps, build inclusive communities, and create the balanced leadership we all aspire to see.
Before her tenure at ATHENA International, Traci played a pivotal role as the founding director of the Olivet College Women's Leadership Institute. In under three years, she spearheaded the establishment of various women's leadership programs that positively impacted the lives of over 1,500 girls and women.
Additionally, Traci has had extensive fundraising background, as the north central regional manager for the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF). While working for ACF, she was elected to the Northern Arizona Association of Fundraising Professional Board and was named the 2009 Northern Arizona New Fundraising Professional of the Year.
Traci's leadership journey began with her experiences as a former NCAA Division 1 volleyball coach and athlete. A native of California, she attended California State University, Fresno on a full athletic volleyball scholarship. Traci distinguished herself as a two-time team MVP, a three-time scholar-athlete, was selected for the All-Big West Conference team, and honored as the FSU Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. She went onto be the founding head volleyball coach at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, where she directed the team to a conference championship title, was named TCAC conference coach of the year.
Traci’s diverse experiences have helped shape her zest for leadership and vision for ATHENA; to inspire all leaders to do their part in accelerating a balance in leadership worldwide. Traci has a deep-rooted passion for supporting individuals, as they awaken their unique and authentic leadership strengths. Together, we can bridge gaps, build inclusive communities, and create the balanced leadership we all aspire to see.
Congratulations to our 2021 ATHENA Award Luncheon recipients: Kathy Dahlkemper (ATHENA Award), and Kathryn Dickey (ATHENA Young Professional Award).
Photo credit: R.Frank Media |
2021 ATHENA Young Professional Award Luncheon honorees: Madison Sissem, Kathryn Dickey, Emily Blount, Jennifer Gustafson, and 2019's AYP Award recipient: Silenia Guerrero-Vasquez
Photo credit: R.Frank Media |
2021 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient: Kathryn Dickey, Gannon University
Kathryn Dickey has made an impact Gannon University through her leadership and artistic talents. A social work major and student in the Honors Program, Kathryn serves as President of the Gannon University Social Work Club, President of the Gannon University Chapter of Active Minds and as a member on the Gannon University Honors Program Student Advisory Board. Kathryn’s artistic talents are showcased in the Honors Center, as she painted a mural of a Willow Tree, representing the ability of the Honors Program to bend and adapt during challenging times like COVID. She has performed social-justice related poetry at multiple Gannon events, placing second in the annual Gannon Poetry Contest. Kathryn has also worked to improve the quality of life for students and staff, being the first student member invited to serve on Gannon University’s Mental Well-Being Initiative, helping plan a wellness committee in the Honors Program and bringing the first open mic style event to campus on the topic of mental health.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Signature Sponsors
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