The ATHENA Leadership Award was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment. Qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model.  The Award is unique in scope-local, national and international-and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to a woman or man, who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Since the program’s inception in 1982, nearly 6,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Awards 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.

Nominations are solicited and an ATHENA sculpture is awarded to an individual in the community who meets specific criteria listed below.

Criteria - The Award Recipients Are Individuals Who:

• Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.
• Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
• Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.

Past ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients:

Susan Breon

Tina Donikowski

Tom Kennedy

Colleen Moore Mezler

Kathleen Scheppner

Linda Stevenson

Richard Wachter, CPA

Susan Wellman

A natural extension of the ATHENA Leadership Award, the ATHENA Leadership Young Professional Leadership Award recognizes outstanding young students who have the potential to be our future leaders.

We have extended the offer to nominate a young professional to the four major universities in our surrounding area: Edinboro University, Gannon University, Mercyhurst College, and Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The intent of the award is to provide a meaningful start on the path of leadership for the young professional receiving it. The vision is that by recognizing their excellence this award will serve to cultivate distinguished opportunities for the recipient and our community.

Criteria - The Recipients Are Individuals Who:

• Is an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their college community.
• Provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
• Clearly serves as a role model for young women, personally, professionally and in their college community.

             One nominee from each participating organization is put forth by official representatives at each college/university.

Past ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipients:

Hannah Kirby, Gannon University

Catherine Franks, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College