ATHENA GRAND RAPIDS
ATHENA
We empower, connect, and equip women in West Michigan to fearlessly lead and cultivate our next generation of leaders.
ATHENA, an affinity group of the Grand Rapids Chamber, provides the information, access, and connections to support the professional development of women professionals in West Michigan. The scheduled events and programs of ATHENA are built upon 8 Principles: Learning, Relationships, Celebration & Joy, Courageous Acts, Fierce Advocacy, Authentic Self, Collaboration, and Giving Back.
ATHENA Grand Rapids focuses on issues and topics relevant to women professionals at all career levels in corporations, small businesses, public and non-profit organizations within our community. The program offers the annual ATHENA Leadership Award, ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, and ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award, scholarships to women, and leadership forums and events.
Follow our ATHENA Facebook Page to stay in the loop with all things ATHENA!
ATHENA International
ATHENA International is a non-profit organization that aims to support, develop, and honor women leaders in local communities all around the world through scholarships, leadership forums, and recognizing women of excellence.
Click to donate to the Grand Rapids Chamber ATHENA Eileen DeVries Scholarship Fund
ATHENA Awards Celebration
The ATHENA Awards program began in Grand Rapids in 1989 to honor individuals for their professional excellence, community service, and active assistance of women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. More than thirty amazing individuals have received the prestigious ATHENA Award in Grand Rapids.
Other awards that are presented include the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award and the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award.
The 34th Annual ATHENA Awards Celebration is taking place Wednesday, September 30! Register now to be a part of HERstory and celebrate with this year's top women leaders in West Michigan.
ATHENA Leadership Forums & Events
Authentically connect across roles, communities, and sectors to promote growth for individuals and the community as a whole. Each forum is based on one of the eight ATHENA Principles. The speaker format varies from one person, two people in a fireside chat, to a panel. Throughout each forum, there will be 1-2 breakouts for table discussion.
Walking Tour - Wednesday, May 10 Leadership Forum - Tuesday, June 13 Leadership Forum - Tuesday, November 7
ATHENA Action Committee
As our programs and community expand, we need leaders to intentionally put our principles into action. Through the ATHENA Action Committee, we will create spaces to authentically connect and celebrate those that are fiercely advocating and leading for women in our community. The Action Committee will:
- Promote events and be intentional to invite and include new people
- Unofficially lead table discussions to ensure depth and participation at ATHENA Leadership Forums
- Actively create a strong community where people own their ATHENA power
- Participate in quarterly Uplift event to help foster ATHENA principles in our community
- Contact Summer Sharrard-Neering for more information about the ATHENA Action Committee.
ATHENA COUNCIL
The ATHENA Council meets monthly and attends ATHENA Leadership Forums and events throughout the year, including the Annual ATHENA Leadership Awards Celebration. We ask that our council members commit to attending 80% of our ATHENA programming for the year. Please only apply if you are able to make this commitment.
Additions to the Council will be reviewed in November of every year for a January 1st start date.
Kimberly Van Driel | DGRI
Council Chair
Jaime Counterman | University of Michigan Health-West
Erin Fisk | Fisk Solutions
Ana Jose | Michigan Women Forward
Isabel Lopez-Slattery | Isabel Media Studios
Jennifer Pascua | Broadway Grand Rapids
Mei Mah | GVSU
Vice Chair
Krashawn Martin | City of Wyoming
Patty McCormick | Retired
Krista Paulin | Huntington Bank
Abbey Sladick | Priority Health
Misti Stanton | Mercantile Bank
Questions or Comments?
Please reach out to Monica Mendez, Director of Talent & Leadership Programs, at 616.771.0317 or monica@grandrapids.org.