"ATHENA-Goddess of Wisdom" - Women's ways of leading have become the gold standard for great leaders and the building blocks for success in today's global economy. The ATHENA Program honors females in leadership roles that make them effective, admirable, and successful leaders and they have also contributed to the development and empowerment of women. These individuals have strong values that emulate the eight principles of ATHENA:
 
• Live authentically
• Learn constantly
• Advocate fiercely
• Act courageously
• Foster collaboration
• Build relationships
• Give back
• Celebrate
 
ATHENA leaders are fierce advocates for what they believe and committed to enriching their communities. ATHENA award programs have participated in more than 500 American cities and six foreign countries.

​Supporting, Honoring and Developing Women Leaders

Terry Walsh, City of Kennewick, receiving the ATHENA Leadership Award in 2019. Pictured with Jim Hall, Kadlec (left), and Derrick Stricker, Regional Chamber Board Chair (right).

ATHENA Leadership Award

ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award

THE CRITERIA 
ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees must meet each of the following three criteria:

• Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
• Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community
• Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential

QUALIFICATIONS

• ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector. 
• Previous ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are not eligible for nomination, however past nominees may be nominated again.
• There is no minimum or maximum age qualification that must be met by ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees.

THE CRITERIA 
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Nominees are emerging women leaders who meet each of the following criteria:

• Demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in her business or profession
• Provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in her community
• Clearly serves as a role model for young women both personally and professionally

QUALIFICATIONS

• ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Nominees are 40 years of age or younger.
• ATHENA Young Professional Award Nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector.
• Previous ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipients are not eligible for nomination, however past nominees may be nominated again.

Previous ATHENA Leadership Award recipients