Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce

Delta County ATHENAProgram
FACT SHEET

ATHENA AWARD ONLINE NOMINATION FORM

ATHENA AWARD PRINT (pdf Format) NOMINATION FORM

• ATHENA is an international program designed to recognize those who have assisted women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. The award can be presented to either a male or a female.

• Inspiration for the Athena Program originated in 1980 in Lansing and is now an international program.

• The program was introduced in Delta County in 2001. The award is presented each year at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner in October.

• Funds raised through sponsorships are used to provide scholarships to a female student at each high school in Delta County and at Bay College, and to purchase an ATHENA statue. To date, we have given out more than $3,000 in scholarships to young women who demonstrate exceptional volunteerism and community involvement.

• Nominations can be submitted throughout the year and are actively sought during the summer and fall, prior to the Chamber Annual Dinner. Nomination forms are available at the Delta County Commerce Center or above

• Selection process: The ATHENA Committee serves as the selection committee and chooses the ATHENA recipient each year. In reviewing candidates, members follow the nomination form and a “Selection Criteria” sheet. There are four basic criteria that should be addressed and explained in a successful ATHENA nomination form:

- The candidate assists women in reaching their full leadership potential

- The candidate demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in his or her business, profession or community involvement

- The candidate provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

Special consideration is given when the nominee’s community involvement and leadership is not a part of his or her job. Also, it is encouraged that nominations include a letter(s) of recommendation from women who have been mentored by the nominee.

• Committee members include: Lanna Scannell, OSF St. Francis Hospital, Chair; M. Jean Jokipii, Retired school teacher and the first ATHENA recipient, in 2001; Bonnie Wenick-Kutz, Garceau, Wenick-Kutz, Magowan Ins. Agency and 2002 recipient; Elnora Vader, retired school teacher and 2003 recipient; Debbie Peterson, Upper Peninsula State Bank and 2004 ATHENA recipient; Bev Postler, St. Francis Women’s Center, Bev Ladin, AAUW member; Candice Swetkis, member of National Organization for Women; Shirley Gollach, Bay College instructor; Andrea Tourangeau, Delta County Commerce Center; Connie Sundstrom, Daily Press; and Jeanne Rose, retired from the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.

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