Eight finalists for the 28th annual ATHENA Awards, which are presented by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and Girls Incorporated, were announced Friday.
The ATHENA Award celebrates the outstanding contributions of professional and business women.
An individual in the Owensboro community will be recognized for their excellence in their business or profession, who has served the community in a meaningful way and who has assisted women in developing their leadership potential.
“The award recognition represents more than individual achievement, it celebrates leadership that elevates our entire community and beyond,” said Sue Napper, ATHENA chairperson. “By recognizing professional excellence, community service and the intentional mentorship and assistance to women, ATHENA highlights the kind of leadership that strengthens us all.”
There were a record-tying 28 nominations received from the community for the award. Candidates completed a nominee questionnaire packet that was forwarded to a selection panel to determine up to eight finalists.
“We were very pleased with the quality of the nominees and the stories of the lives they lead,” said Tish Correa-Osborne, Girls Inc. CEO. “There is real excellence in this community and the impact on girls, women and men will be felt for years to come.”
The 2026 nominees are:
• Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, president and CEO, RiverValley Behavioral Health
• Jan Goldman, executive director, Kentucky Community Learning Network
• Jessica McDonald, operations group manager, (vice president), Mortgage Financial Operations
• Rebecca McQueen-Ruark, assistant vice-chancellor of student affairs, Ivy Tech Community College, Evansville
• Tracy Naylor, executive director, Owensboro Health Foundation
• Jessie Schartung, program director, St. Benedict’s Women and Family Shelter
• Jackie Smith, owner, operator and designer, Jackie Blue Handmade
• Samantha Taylor-Kaai, chief operating officer, Audubon Area Community Services
Finalists will be assessed by a separate panel to determine the award honoree. Members of both panels are from outside the community with no knowledge of the nominees other than the information provided by the nominee.
In addition to the ATHENA Award, the luncheon will acknowledge someone posthumously with the Legacy Award for their work in advancing women and related issues.
Both winners will be recognized during the ATHENA Award program luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, at the Owensboro Convention Center. The luncheon is sponsored by German American Bank and Owensboro Health.
Single tickets are $100, and tables of eight are available for $800. Reservations may be made by calling Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.
“This marks the 28th year we have had the privilege of celebrating outstanding women in partnership with the Chamber,” Napper said. “Each year, hearing their stories and learning about the incredible contributions they make to our community and to the advancement of women is both inspiring and humbling.
“It is a huge honor to be part of a celebration that recognizes such extraordinary leadership and impact.”
By Scott Hagerman Messenger-Inquirer