ATHENA® Award

ATHENA® Award
Nomination Instructions
The ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates exemplary leadership and is reflective of a quote by Plato: What is honored in a country will be cultivated there. Over 8,000 ATHENA awards have been presented since the program's inception in 1982.
Presented to leaders across professional sectors, the ATHENA Leadership Award's rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship development, supporting and honoring women leaders distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.
The ideal candidate will embody the eight principles of enlightened leadership, including:
- Living authentically
- Constantly learning
- Advocating fiercely
- Acting courageously
- Fostering collaboration
- Building relationships
- Giving back
- Celebrating
THE CRITERIA
ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees must meet each of the following three criteria:
• Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.
• Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community.
• Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential.
QUALIFICATIONS
- ATHENA Leadership Award nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector.
- Previous ATHENA Leadership Award recipients are not eligible for nomination; however, past nominees may be nominated again.
- There is no minimum or maximum age qualification that must be met by ATHENA Leadership Award nominees.
COMPLETING THE FORM
- You are encouraged to work closely with your nominee to complete their nomination.
- Nominations for the ATHENA Leadership Award must be submitted using this nomination form and format.
- You may include supporting documents (articles, testimonials, etc.) with your completed nomination form.
Nomination deadline is Friday, October 16, 2026.
The ATHENA Award recipient will be announced at the MBA's Annual Meeting on Wednesday, February 10, 2027, held at the Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center.

Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
NOMINEE
Name

First NameLast Name
Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Company/Organization Name
Title/Position
Business Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Work Phone
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Business Email
example@example.com
NOMINATOR
Name

First NameLast Name
Company/Organization Name
Business Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Phone
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com

I. PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
Provide specific examples of how the nominee has demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession.
II. COMMUNITY SERVICE:
Provide specific examples of how the nominee provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community. Include type and length of service in civic and service organizations and initiatives.

III. PERSONAL LEADERSHIP:
Provide specific examples of how the nominee has assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential, and/or demonstrated support for their personal and professional development.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO CRITERIA:
Include any additional information you feel is important for consideration of your nominee. List awards, honors received, publications or articles supporting service to their profession, industry or community.
Please include any supporting documents (articles, testimonials, etc.)

Cancelof
Past Local Recipients:
Joanne Reeves, Rose-Marie McQuaid, Gwen Lang, Sue Mackellar, Donna Rapp, Janet McGuire, Nancy Ohle, Sharon Miller, Carol Campbell, Elyse Rogers, Kathleen Fuce-Hobohm, Jenee Velasquez, Cathy Bott, Claudia Wallin, Dr. Connie Moll, Dr. Catherine W. Chen, Lee Ann Rouse, Bonnie McManus, Dr. Nancy L. Barker, Ann T. Fillmore, Angela Hine, Maureen Donker, Judge Dorene Allen, Kimberly Houston, Cathy Devendorf, Rebecca Cox, Bobbie Arnold, Dr. Lydia Watson, Diane Postler-Slattery, Sharon Mortensen, Sarah Opperman, Kay Wagner, Dr. Betty Jones, Bridgette Gransden, Elizabeth Lumbert, Carol A. (Dudley) Williams, Holly Miller, and Stacey Gannon.
Should be Empty:

ATHENA® Award

Nomination Instructions

THE CRITERIA

QUALIFICATIONS

COMPLETING THE FORM

NOMINEE

NOMINATOR

I. PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

II. COMMUNITY SERVICE:

III. PERSONAL LEADERSHIP:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO CRITERIA:

Past Local Recipients: