Honoring women leaders, the Southwest Indiana Chamber has proudly hosted the annual ATHENA Award® Luncheon since the 1990s. Reflecting critical importance of women in the community, hundreds of local women have been nominated, hundreds of local women have been celebrated as Athenas, and 28 leaders have been recognized as ATHENA Award® representatives.

Representatives of the ATHENA Award® are exceptional leaders in the Evansville-area community that have actively and generously assisted others in the attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Chicago-based ATHENA International is a nonprofit organization founded in 1982 by Martha Mertz. In addition to supporting, developing, and honoring women leaders, the organization seeks to create balance in leadership worldwide and inspire women to achieve their full potential. Since the program’s inception in 1982, nearly 6,000 leaders in more than 500 communities have received the ATHENA Award®.

2020 NOMINATIONS ARE COMPLETE – THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUBMITTED NOMINATIONS!

TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT – SCROLL DOWN

ATHENA Award Nomination Forms

Completed nominations received by January 30, 2020 will be carefully reviewed by an impartial selection committee. The 2020 ATHENA Award recipients will be announced at the 29th Annual ATHENA Award® Luncheon on February 28, 2020.

Sponsors Apply Here

2020 ATHENA Award Recipients

Left to Right: Lynn Lingafelter, Stephanie Terry, Nikki Davis, Alyssia Oshodi, Dr. Heidi Dunniway, Jean Hitchcock and Tara Barney

Healthcare Professional of the year
LYNN LINGAFELTER, Chief Operating Officer, Deaconess Hospital — This award recognizes a woman who has distinguished herself in the healthcare industry and her community.

Non-Profit Professional
STEPHANIE TERRY, Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) — The recipient of this award will be someone who demonstrates professional excellence in leading an organization or program that serves the community with impact while also mentoring future community leaders, particularly women.

Entrepreneur of the Year
NIKKI DAVIS, ENGAGED! River Valley Magazine — This award recognizes a woman who demonstrates the transformation of her dream into the reality of a product or service and who exhibits the traits of an entrepreneur.

Rising Star of the Year
ALYSSIA OSHODI, Senior Communications Specialist, Vectren – A CenterPoint Energy Company — This award recognizes a woman, under age 35, who has distinguished herself as a leader and role model to other young women in her profession.

Executive of the Year
DR. HEIDI DUNNIWAY, Regional Chief Medical Officer , St. Vincent Evansville — The recipient of this award demonstrates professional excellence, community service and an active role in a service or program that assists other women in the attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Educator of the Year
JEAN HITCHCOCK, Executive Director/Principal, Signature School — The recipient of this award will be someone whose talent, creativity and vision are exemplary in developing and preparing female students for the corporate workplace.

Past Award Representatives

2019: Susan Parsons
2018: Chris Ryan
2017: Jan Davies
2016: Sara Miller
2015: Parri Black
2014: Sheila Huff
2012: Barb Butler
2011: Lynn Miller Pease
2010: Kathy Shoettlin
2009: Susan Hardwick
2008: Cathlin Gray
2007: Sally Rideout Lambert
2006: Lois Duncan
2005: Jane Wittmer
2004: Donna Leader
2003: Kristen Tucker
2002: Lucy Himstedt
2001: Linda White
2000: Lisa Collins
1999: Catherine Kelly
1998: Joan David
1997: Nancy Hartley Gaunt
1996: Meg Dettwiler
1995: Joyse Briding Rivers
1993: Marjorie Soyugenc
1992: Carolyn Georgette
1991: Diane Floyd
1990: Roxy Baas

Past Event Archive

Loading Photo Albums…

Request Information

For more information about the ATHENA Award Luncheon, to purchase seats, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, email Karen Robinson, manager of events, or call 812-425-8147.