MARION, OH -- 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 2023 ATHENA award will be presented at a luncheon Monday, March 13, in The Barn at All Occasions, 6989 Marion-Waldo Road, Waldo, Ohio. Social time will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the luncheon at noon.
Due by March 3, Athena luncheon reservations are $25 each and may be made by sending an email to mrn.wbc@gmail.com or via the website at www.womensbusinesscouncil.com.
The 2023 Nominees are:
Lisa Cudd
Owner/Entrepreneur/Philanthropist
Bluebird’s Nest
Nominated by: Melinda Johnson
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Palace Theatre
Heidi Jones
Executive Director
Marion Area Chamber of Commerce
Nominated by: Jamie Beckett
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Matters, Inc.
Jennifer Decker Lawson
Senior Education Specialist & Coach
Focus 3
Nominated by: Tammi Cowell/Ashlee Cordes
Non-profit donation choice: Peanut Butter & Jelly Truck
Amy Orr Parker
Education Program Specialist
State of Ohio Department of Education
Nominated by: Brock Parker
Non-profit donation choice: Luke 3:11 Ministries
Leslie Schneider
Resource Development Director
United Way of North Central Ohio, Inc.
Nominated by: Amber Wertman
Non-profit donation choice: Marion Child Care Share Coalition
Lora Troutman
Founder, Peace and Freedom Committee
(retired from business)
Nominated by: Theresa Lubke
Non-profit donation choice: Peace and Freedom Committee
An online auction will be held within the next few weeks. All proceeds will be presented to the ATHENA Leadership Award recipient’s non-profit charity of choice. Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial has once again committed to matching the funds, up to $2500.
Other local companies championing the ATHENA recognition include Gold Sponsors: Alluvial Private Wealth, Cummins Facility Services, Marion Flower Shop, and Marion Technical College.
The Silver Sponsors are Executive Imaging, iHeart Media, The First Citizens National Bank, Lois J. Fisher & Associates, Marion Star, McDaniel Automotive, Nucor Marion, OhioHealth, Pillar Credit Union, Sims Brothers, Stifel, Tri-Rivers Career Center, The Union Bank Company, United Church Homes, and Verne Hart Insurance Agency.
The Bronze Sponsors are All Occasions Catering & the Barn at All Occasions, Aqua Ohio, Inc. – Marion Water System, Carroll’s Jewelers, Dostal & Kirk Insurance and Financial Services, Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter, Marion Public Library, and The Ohio State University at Marion.
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.