As the name suggests, the ATHENA International Award is an award given to women across the country to recognize their contribution to their communities, and leading women. This year, Women’s Network honored five women at their ATHENA International Awards Banquet help May 18, 2018 at Stephens College.
Each year, nominators compile recommendations, testimonies, and successes of their ATHENA Young Professional nominees in hopes that they are chosen and announced at the Women’s Network Luncheon at Showcase CoMo each year. This year, three deserving women were revealed as the ATHENA Young Professional Finalist: Sarah Dubbert, Commerce Bank; Brianna Lennon, The Law Office of Mike Campbell; and Jennifer Schenck, The Connection Exchange, LLC.
The annual banquet welcomed over 200 professionals and supporters around Columbia. Among the attendees were 20 of the past ATHENA Leadership Award, and ATHENA Young Professional recipients eager to welcome the additions to their respected group. There, the three finalists were recognized with Sarah Dubbert ultimately being named the ATHENA Young Professional Finalist. The prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award was also presented to a woman who has achieved immense success, acted as a mentor for young women, and worked hard over her career to further women in the professional industry. This year, Dr. Bea Smith, Dean Emeritus at the University of Missouri was named the 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient. Michele Batye, nominator and Chair of Women’s Network, recounted Dr. Bea’s work as the first woman dean at MU and told of her trailblazing success in fighting for women’s equality in the workplace, even recounting the time Dr. Bea first wore slacks to work and the impact it had on her office, and MU alike.
Pictured below are award winners Sarah Dubbert and Dr. Bea Smith. Check out the Young Professional’s video below where they discuss how each of the eight ATHENA pillars play in to their professional and personal lives.
Women’s Network awards one ATHENA Leadership Award and one ATHENA Young Professional Award each year. Nominations open in November. Contact Brandi at the Chamber with any questions.