The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Girls Incorporated are accepting nominations for the 23rd annual ATHENA Award. The prestigious award honors someone within the community who demonstrated professional excellence, devoted time and energy to the community, and assisted women in attaining their full leadership potential.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Jan. 28. Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce at 270- 926-1860 or Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.
The award recipient must meet each of the following criteria:
- Actively assisted women in realizing their full leadership potential
- Demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
- Provided valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Both females and males are eligible.
- The nominee must live in, work in, or influence the Owensboro-Daviess County community.
- Past ATHENA Award recipients are not eligible; however, past nominees are.
- There is no age qualification.
- Nominees do not need to be actively employed to be considered.
- Award candidates may not nominate themselves.
- Current or past affiliation with Girls Inc., the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce or award sponsors is not a prerequisite for consideration or given undue weight in the selection process.
- No staff member of Girls Inc. or the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce or award committee member is eligible for consideration during their active tenure.
- No posthumous awards will be given except for the possibility of a person who died within the current year of the award.
Due to COVID-19, a virtual program is being planned for late March.
“Even though circumstances this year will not allow us to gather together for an awards luncheon as in the past, we felt it important that we continue to honor and highlight individuals who through their professional endeavors, passion and dedication have made a positive impact on women and our entire community,” said Sue Napper, ATHENA Chairperson. “The input of the community, through the nomination process, is critical in identifying individuals, female or male, who embody the spirit of the award.”
Tish Correa-Osborne, CEO Girls Inc. added, “Even though we are faced with some challenges we also have new opportunities in presenting the ATHENA Award to the community. Those interested in sponsoring the event should contact our office.”
For additional information, contact: Napper at 270-993-0646 or suenapper10@gmail.com, or Correa-Osborne at 270-684-7833 or tish@girlsincowensboro.org.
The local Girls Inc. chapter and GO Chamber in 1999 began a focused and collaborative effort, embracing the ATHENA vision to recognize and celebrate not only the contributions of women but more importantly those individuals who opened doors and enabled other women to be self-sufficient and to reach their full potential.
This effort has resulted in widespread community support of the program and the showcasing of the efforts of many individuals in the community.
In addition, in 2017, the annual award program expanded to include theLegacy Award, which posthumously honors individuals who had a profound impact on the community and women.
Last year Alma Randolph was honored with the ATHENA Award and Olive Burroughs was the recipient of the Legacy Award.
Ryan Richardson, Owensboro Times