Welcome to the Annual ATHENA Awards!
The ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates exemplary leadership and is reflective of a quote by Plato:
What is honored in a country will be cultivated there.
Gratiot’s ATHENAS are community champions who sustain and inspire the vibrancy of our community. They
- Have achieved the highest level of professional excellence.
- Contribute time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
- Actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.
Each year, we honor a new ATHENA. Here’s how you can help:
- Sponsor the annual ATHENA Selection and Celebration
- Nominate a leader for the ATHENA Award
- Celebrate with us at the next ATHENA Award Luncheon
2026 DUE DATES
Sponsorship: March 27
Nominations: March 13
We are especially pleased to announce that the Founder of ATHENA International, Martha Mayhood Mertz, will be joining us for this year’s ATHENA Awards Ceremony. Her attendance makes this celebration even more meaningful as we honor the leaders who embody mission and values.
Sponsor the Annual ATHENA Selection and Celebration
Please help us continue this important tradition, promoting the advancement of women in our society.
- Gold sponsorship: $500 – includes 4 complimentary tickets.
- Silver sponsorship: $350 – includes 2 complimentary tickets.
- Bronze sponsorship: $150
The event and your sponsorship will be well-publicized in local and social media. You may sponsor online at (CLICK HERE FOR SPONSORSHIP FORM) or by check to Gratiot Chamber with “ATHENA” on the memo line. TAX ID #38-12225653
Nominate a leader for the ATHENA Award
We are so fortunate to have so many potential ATHENAS in Gratiot County who, through their selfless service, inspire others and increase the vibrancy of our communities. Anyone may nominate an individual by completing the nomination form HERE, accompanied by three letters of recommendation. The nomination can be returned to the Chamber by mail or emailed to chamberathena@gmail.com.
Past Gratiot ATHENA Award recipients are listed HERE. They are excellent examples of the ATHENA Leadership Award®.
2026 ATHENA Awards Luncheon
April 9, 2026 at Noon
Masonic Pathways, Doig Chapel
Noon – 1:30pm
Tickets are $20
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
GRATIOT COUNTY ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS
Stephany Slaughter – 2025
Jennifer Siefker – 2024
Marita Hattem-Schiffman – 2023
Diane Clise – 2019
Anne Lambrecht – 2018
Irene O’Boyle – 2017
Mary Anne Evans-Justin – 2016
Sonia Lark – 2015
Harmony Nowlin – 2014
Janet Hunter – 2013
Tina Travis – 2012
Sharon Fenton – 2011
Barb McKenzie – 2010
Joanne Gilbert, Ph.D – 2009
Sue Malone – 2008
Sara Wassenaar, D.D.S. – 2007
Cindy Bosley – 2006
Ginna Holmes – 2005
Saundra Tracy, Ph.D. – 2004
Christine Freestone – 2003
Maxine Swanson – 2002
Jack Stack, M.D. – 2001
Carol Goffnet – 2000
Jonieta Stone – 1999
Sandra Brooks – 1998
Vicki Chessin, M.D. – 1997
Nancy Gallagher – 1996
Charlene Van Haften – 1995
Mary Deci – 1994