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The 2023 ATHENA Awards, hosted by the Lakeland Chamber Foundation, was held Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Lakeland Community Theatre.
Founded over 30 years ago, 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® Program, has honored more than 7,000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries since its inception in 1982. The program is facilitated locally by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community and recipients are selected by a diverse group of community leaders. The ATHENA Leadership Award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture symbolizing the strength, courage, and wisdom of the recipient. ATHENA Leadership Award recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope and emphasis on mentorship makes this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.
Over the summer, nominations were received by the Lakeland Chamber Foundation. Women and organizations applied for the ATHENA Leadership Award as well as the ATHENA Young Professional Award and the ATHENA Organizational Award. The Lakeland Chamber Foundation is proud to announce the finalists and recipients of the 2023 ATHENA Awards.
2023 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient: Libby Chappell
Finalists:
Kristin Aiken – Achievement Academy
Kelly Lopes Fischer – Royal Fischer
*Libby Chappell – First Presbyterian Church
The ATHENA Leadership Award® honors women who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment: women who excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and open doors so that others may follow in their path.
2023 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient: Michelle Netwal
Emily Mort – SouthState Bank
*Michelle Netwal – Bank of Central Florida
Mary Terry – Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine
The ATHENA Young Professional Award® honors emerging women leaders under 42 years old who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession. Recipients must also demonstrate their commitment to service by contributing time and energy to improving the quality of life of others in the community while serving as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.
2023 ATHENA Organizational Award Recipient: Lakeland Regional Health
*Lakeland Regional Health
The ATHENA Organizational Award® is presented to an organization based on the following criteria: the business or organization creates a culture that encourages women employees to achieve their full leadership potential; gives back to the larger community of women and girls by providing and/or supporting leadership development opportunities and initiatives; and supports and develops women’s leadership initiatives on a global scale.
In addition to the three awards, the evening featured keynote speaker Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales at Konica Minolta.
Special thanks to event sponsors:
Silver Level Sponsors:
Boring Business Systems
Citizens Bank and Trust
CPS Investment Advisors
GEICO
Lakeland Regional Health
Mazda Lakeland
Polk State College
Patron Sponsors:
A Woman’s Choice
Watson Clinic, LLP
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The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 1,300 investor businesses in the Greater Lakeland area and provides opportunities for networking, professional development, and advocacy for companies of all sizes. Five-Star Accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber upholds the following vision and mission statements:
Vision Statement
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce will be the premier catalyst for the advancement of economic growth and quality of life.
Mission Statement
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce serves as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community