Eight women have been named as finalists for the 2026 ATHENA Award, which honors professional and business women for excellence in their careers, community service, and commitment to developing leadership in other women.
The award is presented annually by Girls Inc. and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. The award luncheon will be held on March 24, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center.
The 2026 ATHENA Award finalists 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
A total of 28 nominations were submitted by the community. Nominees completed a detailed questionnaire that was reviewed by a selection panel, which narrowed the field to eight finalists. A separate panel will now evaluate the finalists and select the 2026 ATHENA Award honoree. Members of both panels are from outside the community and have no prior knowledge of the nominees beyond the submitted materials.
“We were very pleased with the quality of the nominees and the stories of the lives they lead,” said Tish Correa Osborne, CEO of Girls Inc. “There is real excellence in this community, and the impact on girls, women, and men will be felt for years to come.”
ATHENA chairperson Sue Napper said the award reflects leadership that reaches above individual success.
“It celebrates leadership that elevates our entire community and beyond,” Napper said. “By recognizing professional excellence, community service, and the intentional mentorship and assistance to women, ATHENA highlights the kind of leadership that strengthens us all.”
Napper added that the partnership with the Chamber has made the program a lasting tradition.
“This marks the 28th year we have had the privilege of celebrating outstanding women in partnership with the Chamber,” she 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.”
In addition to the ATHENA Award, the luncheon will include the presentation of a posthumous Legacy Award recognizing an individual’s contributions to advancing women and related issues.
The event is sponsored by German American Bank and Owensboro Health. Individual tickets are $100, and tables of eight are available for $800. Reservations can be made by calling Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833.
By Meghann Richardson The Owensboro Times