Facilitated by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, the ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County is presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon each May to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

The 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award nominees include: 

• Anna Conner, Nominated by Lauren Wilkie
• Brett Hulsey, Nominated by Anonymous Community Member
• Corrine Illes, Nominated by Jen McDonald
• Elizabeth Willson Moss, Nominated by Sharon Tirrell
• Gale Hoots, Nominated by Marcia Cunningham
• Gloria "Glo" Nock, Nominated by Julie Huneycutt and Morgan Grindstaff
• Jennifer Balkcom, Nominated by Melanie Fridal
• Michelle Cervantez, Nominated by Amy Cervantez
• Peggy Allen, Nominated by Harriett Hilton and Julie Huneycutt
• Sonya Jones, Nominated by Leslie Carey

These nominees are individuals who actively support the ATHENA Mission of supporting, developing, and honoring women leaders as well as inspiring women to achieve their full potential. They should demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community, and they must also live or work in Henderson County.

Brett Hulsey is the first male nominated in the 17 years Henderson County has been hosting ATHENA Award events.

Founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood, ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. ATHENA’s flagship program, the ATHENA Leadership Award, has honored about 8,000 women leaders from 48 states and 11 countries since its inception.

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA Leadership Award to Henderson County in 2008. She embodied the values underlying ATHENA International's philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, communities, and government.

Award nominees are recognized for their professional excellence, community service, and actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. Anyone can obtain a nomination form from the Henderson County Chamber’s website or an ATHENA Committee member.