About The Athena Award
History
The Athena Award was invented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, to recognize outstanding business and professional men and women in the community and those who create leadership opportunities for women. The program is now celebrated internationally in over 600 communities. It continues to honor those who help foster the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the community. The Athena Award signifies what is best about our community. It showcases wonderful and inspiring examples of selflessness, and celebrates the accomplishments of some amazing individuals whose efforts help improve the quality of life in our community.
The Athena Leadership Award was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, wisdom, courage and enlightenment. The award may be presented to a woman - or man - who demonstrates exemplary leadership. The Athena Award program is now a global movement. Since its inception, more than 7,000 awards have been presented in over 500 communities in eight countries. We are very proud to be a part of this international network of communities that make it a priority to illuminate and celebrate outstanding leaders by coordinating an Athena Award program. Ours is the only one in existence in the state of Rhode Island and only one of two that exist in the state of Connecticut. For more information on Athena International organization visit http://www.athenainternational.org/. The Ocean Community Chamber Foundation invests to be a licensed partner with Athena International. Our awards celebration is not a fundraiser and is in fact, partially subsidized by the OCCF.
The Athena Award Criteria
Nominees for the Athena Award must meet the following criteria to be considered for the Award:
- Nominee actively assists women in realizing their full leadership potential. This can be in the form of mentoring, providing employment or education opportunities, or any other demonstration of investment in the welfare, professional or otherwise, of women.
- Nominee demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession.
- Nominee provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
- Nominee must work and/or live in Westerly, Charlestown, Hopkinton, Hope Valley, Wood River Junction, RI, and/or Stonington, North Stonington, and Mystic CT. (The award may not be given posthumously.
- Nominee must not have been nominated in the past 5 years for this award.
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