Girls Inc. and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce are preparing for the 21st annual ATHENA Award luncheon, which takes place at 11:30 a.m. March 19 at the Owensboro Convention Center.
Seventeen people have been nominated. This year’s winner will be announced at the luncheon.
The ATHENA Award provides a chance for the community to shine a spotlight on some of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make a difference in Daviess County, said Tish Correa Osborne, executive director of Girls Inc.
“This gives us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible women in our community,” Correa Osborne said.
In addition, the awards ceremony provides a public platform for Girls Inc. and its girls, several of whom will speak at the luncheon.
“It allows us to share our mission with the community, and the girls get to see the whole community is behind them,” Correa Osborne said.
Last year, about 450 people attended the awards ceremony. Sue Napper, the event’s chairwoman, expects at least that many next week.
She urged people to make their reservations by the end of business Tuesday, March 12, by calling Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.
Setting aside a day to recognize a community leader who champions women’s issues and helps women develop leadership qualities inspires others, Napper said. “It makes other individuals step back and ask, ‘What can I do to help young women succeed?’ “
The awards ceremony also will announce the winner of the Legacy Award, which Girls Inc. and the Chamber started three years ago. The Legacy Award acknowledges someone posthumously for their work in advancing women and related issues.
“It’s an opportunity to look back on true pioneers who fought for things, such as the right to vote and equal pay,” Napper said.
The annual ATHENA Award luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. March 19 at the Owensboro Convention Center.
Reservations are needed as soon as possible. Reserve seating at 270-684-7833.
Nominees for the 2019 ATHENA Award are:
• Cindra Stiff — retired vice president of finance, Kentucky Wesleyan College
• Amanda Owen — founder and executive director of Puzzle Pieces
• Dana Peveler — executive director of the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County
• Susan Montalvo-Gesser — director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Owensboro
• Joan Hayden — co-owner of Hayden Electric and Hayden Farms
• Goldie Payne — retired business owner of Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse in Kentucky
• Joanne Kendall — retired
• Paula Dehn — vice president of academic affairs and dean of the college, Kentucky Wesleyan College
• Carol T. “Kit” Gallagher, Ph.D. — retired associate professor of English
• Margaret Ann Huston — retired former co-owner of Counseling Associates
• Christina Vittitow O’Bryan — owner and financial planner at Beacon Asset Management
• Daisy Bryant James — retired from Green River District Health Department and community volunteer
• Theresa Rowe — founder and owner of Shaped by Faith
• Cathy Armour — retired small business owner
• Diane Bowers — financial affairs administrator, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
• Pam Smith-Wright — Owensboro city commissioner
• Diana Grinter Hunter — retired high school guidance counselor/teacher/coach, head men’s and women’s tennis coach at Kentucky Wesleyan College
By Renee Beasley Jones Messenger-Inquirer