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 Award and ATHENA Young Professional Award, scholarships to women, and leadership forums and events.
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.
The ATHENA Awards Celebration
The ATHENA Award program began in Grand Rapids in 1989 and exists to honor women and men for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. More than thirty amazing individuals have received the prestigious ATHENA Award in Grand Rapids. We are also excited to continue the ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award, which began in 2019, to recognize businesses and organizations that support, develop and honor women leaders.
Be sure to visit the ATHENA Facebook Page for the most up-to-date details on events!
The ATHENA Leadership Forum
These events are a time for people to 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.
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
- Click here 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.
Krashawn Martin | City of Wyoming. | Chair
Lizzie Williams | OST | Outgoing Chair
Daysha Pell | LCS Record Retrieval
Erin Fisk | Fisk Solutions
Isabel Lopez-Slattery | Dreams by Bella Photography
Jaime Counterman | Metro Health | University of Michigan Health
Kimberly Van Driel | DGRI
Krista Paulin | Special Olympics Michigan
Lauren McElrath | NYC Leadership Academy
Misti Stanton | Mercantile Bank
Mei Mah | GVSU
Patty McCormick | Consultant
Berta Sniatecki | PNC Bank
Sara Grey Lachman | Lachman Stuart PLC
Questions or Comments?
Please reach out to Mel Trombley, Director of Leadership Programs, at 616.771.0317 or mel@grandrapids.org.