2023 ATHENA Young Professional Award Nominees

We are thrilled to introduce the nominees for the prestigious ATHENA Young Professional Award. These women have accomplished amazing things both at their respective universities and in our community. Take a few minutes to learn more about each one of these shining stars. Congratulations to all four women on their nominations!

Matti Trimbath, Mercyhurst University
Major: English and Religion

Originally from Dunbar, Pennsylvania, Matti an emerging servant-leader at Mercyhurst University. In addition to being a Resident Assistant, Mattie serves as Student Government Events Coordinator and is committed to improving herself and the lives of others for the betterment of her community. 
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Matti is already seen by her peers, professors, coaches and supervisors as a woman of character. As one who demonstrates leadership through collaboration and authenticity, Mattie has already become involved in Honors Council, Student Government, the Frisbee Club and serves as treasurer of Sigma Tau Delta.

Matti is managing a double major in English and Religious Studies while boasting a 3.9 GPA. She has spent many hours at the John F. Kennedy Center for Youth working with the after-school Kids Café.

Matti is a powerhouse in the classroom and in the professional world and she also has charisma. She is considered “a great person to be around.”

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Sarah White, Gannon University
​Majors : Finance and Marketing

​Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, Sarah maintains a 3.9 GPA in Gannon University’s Finance program. Sarah excels as a leader in academics, athletics, professionalism and in service to the community. In every aspect at Gannon, Sarah is truly an exceptional student leader. Academically, Sarah chose to pursue a minor in Innovation and Creativity, allowing her to work in diverse groups to create innovative solutions to complex problems.

Sarah sets an example of professionalism, integrity and dedication in the classroom. Sarah not only stands out academically, she is a student-athlete on Gannon’s Women’s Golf Team. She has earned All-PSAC First Team honors in three consecutive years; attaining PSAC Women Golf Athlete of the Year in 2021-22. As this year’s team captain, her goal is to leave the program better than when she started.

​Off the golf course, Sarah has been a member of the NCAA Student Athletic Committee, where she acts as the Gannon spokesperson.  Additionally, she has been President of Gannon’s Students for Life and will be volunteering this year with Gannon’s Campus Ministry. She currently works part-time as a Social Media Coordinator for Keystone Insurers Group, the third largest agency partnership in the country.

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Sarah Keating, PennWest Edinboro
Major: Business Administration

​Sarah, a PennWest Edinboro student, is from Erie, Pennsylvania, and has maintained a GPA of 3.97. Sarah received the President’s Excellence Award and was a nominee for the Edinboro Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award. Sarah is an active student, intern volunteer and entrepreneur. Her desire to impact others in a positive way has resulted in an impassioned leader.

​As president of Edinboro’s Student Government Association, Sarah led her board in the integration of Edinboro into PennWest Edinboro. Sarah can also be found volunteering at prospective and admitted student events, with the Tim Tebow Night to Shine event, and preparing tax returns for low-income taxpayers. Sarah has served in leadership roles for the Personal Financial Planning Club, the Highland Ambassadors, and is enrolled in Edinboro’s Honors Program. 

Sarah goes above and beyond to ensure that all students feel valued, heard, represented and included.

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Gabrielle Watson, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
​Major: English

An Erie native who studies at Penn State Behrend, Gabrielle initially began her college experience at University Park where she became emotionally and mentally exhausted from the stress, requiring a break from studies and a return to Erie. A year later, she was thriving at Penn State Behrend.

Gabi was determined to make the most of her college experience and was soon serving on several campus clubs. Gabi likes to be challenged and thrives when she works on projects like the Lion Entertainment Board, where she was elected executive director. She blossomed from someone who was nervous to speak in meetings, hesitant to share ideas, and overall disconnected from the larger group, to being someone who thrives in her leadership position.

Her volunteer efforts extend beyond Penn State Behrend. She traveled to Fort Myers Beach, Florida, as part of the Alternative Spring Break Program, helping in the demolition of homes that had been destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Gabi has held internships, served as a Welcome Week Leader, and mentors LGBTQUIA+ students. Gabi is a vocal and constant advocate for all human rights.