The Women's Business Council (WBC) of Marion, Ohio is honored to again sponsor the ATHENA Leadership Award. The ATHENA 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 both 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.
ATHENA nominations are solicited from community members. The WBC honors all nominees with a luncheon and awards the beautiful ATHENA sculpture to the final recipient.
The 2018 ATHENA will be presented at a luncheon Monday, March 12, in the Guthery Room at Maynard Hall on the Ohio State University at Marion/Marion Technical College campus. Pam Hall, 2018 ATHENA recipient and president of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, will give a few brief comments. Hall’s charity of choice was the Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter. Their executive director, Chuck Bulick, will then speak on how the $5,224 they received as a result of the silent auction at this event impacted the shelter.
Terri Martin, chair of the Marion Women’s Business Council board, indicated, “Once again we have a strong list of nominees, and I know the judges will have a difficult time choosing a winner.” She continued, “The quality of women in leadership positions throughout the Marion community is strong, and we are honored to provide a forum for those accomplishments to be recognized.”
Local companies championing the ATHENA recognition include Cummins Facility Services, Lois J. Fisher & Associates, Majic 95.9 iHeart Radio, OhioHealth, The Ohio State University at Marion, and Wyandot. Others are The Barn at All Occasions, Allstate Insurance Rob Hyburg, Custom Professional Accounting, Fahey Bank, Marion Community Credit Union, Marion Flower Shop, Marion Technical College, Marion Wealth Management, McDaniel Motors, Morral Companies, Nucor Steel, Ohigro Inc., The Ohio Neck & Back Pain Relief Centers, Sims Brothers, Stifel Nicolaus & Company, The Union Bank, United Church Homes, Aqua Ohio,
Carroll’s Jewelers, Marion OnLine, Marion Star, Merrill Lynch, The Power Factory, River’s Edge, and Sisler Companies.
Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial has once again committed to matching the funds, up to $2500, raised from the silent auction which will then be presented to the ATHENA Leadership Award® recipient’s non-profit charity of choice.
Marion Women’s Business Council is dedicated to inspiring women to reach their full potential through mentoring, networking education and recognition. Visit www.WomensBusinessCouncil.com for more information on the ATHENA or how to become a part the Marion Women’s Business Council. Athena luncheon reservations are $18 each and may be made by sending an email to mrn.wbc@gmail.com or by calling Sherry Goodman, Membership Co-Chair, at 740-751-6950.
2018 ATHENA AWARD NOMINEES
Katherine (Kate) Fisher
Owner
Redbrick Social Media
Nominated by Elaine Merchant
Non-profit donation choice: Downtown Marion, Inc.
Chris Haas
Financial Director, Former Executive Director
Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program (MAPP)
Nominated by Tami Galloway
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program
Heidi Jones
Director
Marion Matters, Inc.
Nominated by Tom Stotts
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Matters, Inc.
Jackie Peterson
Pastor
Logos Christian Ministries
Nominated by Lora Troutman
Non-profit donation choice: Peace and Freedom Committee
Lauren Schifer
Director
Mary Kay
Nominated by: Rebecca Williams
Non-profit donation choice: Marion County Humane Society
Cheryl Wickersham
Vice President of Housing Services
United Church Homes
Nominated by: Rev. Kenneth Daniel
Non-profit donation choice: Brownstone Terrace, Marion
Shary Williamson
Author & Co-Owner
The Woodland Elves
Nominated by: Pam Hall and Doris Dunn
Non-profit donation choice: Explore-It-torium
Kristi Wink
Palace Theatre Production Director and Choreographer, Marion Palace Theatre
Activity Director, Marion Senior Center
Nominated by Diane Glassmeyer
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Palace Theatre