Girls Inc. accepting nominations for 26th ATHENA Award
Girls Inc. is accepting nominations for the 26th annual ATHENA Award, which will be awarded in March. The prestigious award is given to a community member who makes a major positive impact in women’s lives as well as the community as a whole.
ATHENA International was founded in 1982 as a nonprofit seeking to support, develop, and honor women leaders. Locally, in 1999 Girls Inc. and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce “began a focused and collaborative effort, embracing the ATHENA vision to recognize and celebrate not only the contributions of women but more importantly those individuals who opened doors and enabled other women to be self-sufficient and to reach their full potential,” according to a release.
So they began giving out an annual ATHENA award that year. In 2017, the annual award program expanded its reach to include the Legacy Award, which posthumously honors individuals who had that same profound impact on the community and women.
“The Athena Awards is a wonderful time to celebrate individuals who are leaders and have dedicated their lives to helping others, especially women, in our community,” ATHENA chairperson Sue Napper said. “We need the input of the community through the nomination process which is critical in identifying who embodies the spirit of the award.”
The deadline for submitting nominations is January 12. Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833 or online at girlsincowensboro.org.
Once nominations have been received, nominees will be asked to complete a questionnaire that details their achievements. Materials are then sent to a selection group outside of the community.
The 2024 award program is set for March 26, 2024, at Owensboro Convention Center.
To qualify for the award, the nominee must meet the following criteria:
- Actively assisted women in realizing their full leadership potential
- Demonstrated excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
- Provided valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
Eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Both females and males are eligible for consideration.
- The nominee must live, work, or influence the Owensboro-Daviess County community.
- Past ATHENA Award recipients are not eligible for nomination. However, past nominees may be nominated again.
- There is no age qualification for nomination or consideration.
- Nominees do not need to be actively employed to be considered.
- Award candidates may not nominate himself or herself.
- Current or past affiliation with Girls Inc., the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce or award sponsors is not a prerequisite for consideration or given undue weight in the selection process.
- No staff member of Girls Inc. or the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce or award committee member is eligible for consideration during their active tenure.
- No posthumous awards will be given except for the possibility of a person who died within the current year of the award.
“Girls Inc.’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold, preparing our next generation of female leaders,” said Girls Inc. CEO Tish Correa Osborne. “The Athena Awards aligns perfectly with our mission and we are delighted to be a part of this event.”
By Josh Kelly The Owensboro Times