The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County are accepting nominations for the 28th annual ATHENA Award.
The award honors someone within the community who has assisted women in attaining their full leadership potential, personifies the highest level of professional excellence and has devoted time and energy to the community in a meaningful way.
Founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz, ATHENA International is a nonprofit organization that seeks to support, develop and honor women leaders.
“The Athena Award provides a focused opportunity to celebrate the many and impactful accomplishments of women in our community,” said Sue Napper, ATHENA chairperson. “Women have been a driving force as leaders in the forefront and behind the scenes. With the award program, we recognize their contributions and assistance in helping other women reach their potential”.
Napper added that the public is encouraged to make nominations.
“We rely on the community’s input through the nomination process,” she said, “which is critical in identifying those individuals who truly embody the spirit of the award.”
Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce have successfully partnered in a focused and collaborative effort, embracing the ATHENA vision to recognize and celebrate not only the contributions of women, but also those individuals who opened doors and enabled other women to be self-sufficient and to reach their full potential.
Napper said the effort has resulted in widespread community support of the program and the showcasing of the efforts of many outstanding individuals in the community.
In addition, in 2017, the annual award program expanded its reach to include the Legacy Award, which posthumously honors individuals who had a profound impact on the community and women. Girls Inc. partners with the Owensboro Chapter of AAUW in naming the Legacy Award recipient.
Beth Steele, chief operating officer for Owensboro Health, was the recipient of the 2025 ATHENA Award, and Mary Hale Dean was honored with the Legacy Award.
The criteria for being a nominee includes having 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 for nominees are:
• 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.
“We are truly grateful for the partnership with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, our sponsors and supporters which allow us to celebrate leaders who have positively impacted the lives of women in our community,” said Tish Correa Osborne, Girls Inc. CEO. “The mission of Girls Inc. is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold — preparing our next generation of female leaders.
“The Athena Award aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to continue this meaningful event.”
Due to the growing interest in the award and the number of nominees, the judging was changed in 2025. Nominations will be received and nominees will be asked to complete a questionnaire that details their accomplishments and impact. The responses will be sent to an outside panel that will select up to eight finalists for consideration. Those finalists will then be announced and considered by a separate panel to select the recipient of the award.
Members of both panels are from outside the community with no knowledge of the nominees other than the information provided by the nominee.
The deadline for submitting nominations is Jan. 7, 2026. Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.
The award program and luncheon are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. March 24, 2026, at the Owensboro Convention Center. Owensboro Health and German American Bank are presenting sponsors of the award luncheon.
Anyone else wishing to help sponsor the event should contact Girls Inc.
By: Scott Hagerman Messenger-Inquirer