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 2020 ATHENA will be presented at a luncheon Monday, March9, in The Barn at All Occasions, 6989Marion-Waldo Road, Waldo, Ohio.Social time will begin at 11:00 a.m., and the luncheon at 11:45 a.m. 2020 ATHENA recipient Major Christy Utley is slated to give a few brief comments on her charity of choice,which was The Boys and Girls Club of Marion County. She willrelatehow the$5,836they receivedas a result of the silent auction at this event has made an impact.
Kathie Seckel, chair of the Marion Women’s Business Council board, indicated, “I am always amazed at the strong list of nominee seach year. This tells me that the quality of women in leadership positions throughout the Marion community is solid, and we are honored to provide a forum for those accomplishments to be recognized.” She continued, “I know the judges will again have a difficult time choosing a winner.”
Local companies championing the ATHENA recognition include Gold Sponsors: Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, Cummins Facility Services, iHeart Media Marion,Marion Flower Shop,Marion Technical College, OhioHealth, and Wyandot.
The Silver Sponsors are The Barn at All Occasions,Mathews Hyundai, McDaniel Motors,Merrill Lynch/The Olson Bush Sharma Group, Nucor Steel, The Ohio Neck & Back Pain Relief Centers,The Ohio State University at Marion,Sakamura U.S.A.,Stifel,Tri-Rivers Career Center,The Union Bank Company, United Church Homes, and United Way of Marion County.
The Bronze Sponsors are Aqua Ohio, Carroll’s Jewelers,Dostal & Kirk Insurance and Financial Services,Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter, The First Citizens National Bank,and Marion Star.
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.
Due by February 21, Athena luncheon reservations are $20 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.
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 program or how to become a part the Marion Women’s Business Council.
Dr. Heather Columber
Family Practice Physician
OhioHealth
Nominated by: Geoff Gregory
Non-profit donation choice: Marion General Hospital Foundation, Patient Care Professional Development Fund
Tara Dyer
Mentor Supervisor
Marion Mentors 21
Nominated by: Whitney Gherman
Non-profit donation choice: Peace and Freedom Committee
Bev Ford
Executive Director
Marion Palace Theatre
Nominated by: Nikki Workman
Non-profit donation choice: The Palace Academy of the Arts
Sharol Herr
President
Marion County Federation of Women’s Clubs,Inc.
Nominated by: Nancy E. Hafer
Non-profit donation choice: Marion County Federation of Women’s Clubs,Inc.
Heidi Jones
Director
MarionMatters, Inc.
Nominated by: Tom Stotts and Annette Walton
Non-profit donation choice: MarionMatters,Inc.
Traci Kinsler
Health Commissioner
Marion Public Health
Nominated by: Tyler Pigman
Non-profit donation choice: Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter
Beth Meadows
Advisor, Philanthropy and Volunteer Services
OhioHealth Marion General Hospital
Nominated by: Doris Schwartz
Non-profit donation choice: Downtown Marion, Inc.
Ellen Messenger
Directorof Communications
Tri-Rivers Career Center
Nominated by:Diane WatsonandTammi Cowell
Non-profit donation choice: Explore-It-Torium
Barbara Mills
Executive Director
Voice of Hope Family Pregnancy Crisis Center
Nominated by: Lisa Bush
Non-profit donation choice: Voice of Hope Family Pregnancy Crisis Center