2009 ATHENA Award®

Supporting, developing and honoring women leaders
Inspiring women to achieve their full potential
Creating balance in leadership worldwide

The ATHENA Award® is presented annually by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities. The award is established through local host organizations in partnership with ATHENA International’s national underwriters, local businesses and individual sponsors.

“What is honored in a country will be cultivated there.” - Plato

These words by Plato underscore the philosophy of the ATHENA Award® was developed for individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment, excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way and forge new paths encouraging others to follow. The ATHENA Award® is a national program that recognizes the accomplishments of local businesswomen in their profession and community.

ATHENA Award® nominees are distinguished business leaders who have achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential.

Since the program’s inception in 1982 more than 5,000 awards have been presented in over 500 communities in the United States, Canada, China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and most recently the United Kingdom. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Award® Program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.

THE CRITERIA
ATHENA Award Recipients are individuals who: Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession. Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community. Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.

Previous recipients include:
*2008 – Suzanne Charriere – Corgan Associates (formerly)
* 2007 – Wanda Brice, The Women’s Museum
* 2006 – Wendy Lopez, LOPEZGARCIAGROUP
* 2005 – Becky Sykes, Dallas Women’s Foundation
* 2004 – Camille Keith, Southwest Airlines (formerly)
* 2003 – Retta Miller, Jackson Walker L.L.P.
* 2002 – Valerie Freeman, Imprimis Group
* 2001 – Liz Minyard, Minyard Food Stores (formerly)
* 2000 – Grace McDermott, US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce
* 1999 – Brenda Jackson, TXU Electric Delivery
* 1998 – Gale Duff-Bloom, JCPenney Company, Inc. (formerly)
* 1997 – Norma Lea Beasley, SAFECO Texas
* 1996 – Jinger Heath, BeautiControl Cosmetics (formerly)
* 1995 – Tegwin Pulley, Texas Instruments

This year's recipient will be honored at the 2009 Women's Business Conference on Thursday, September 3rd at the Sheraton Dallas hotel. The Conference is a day long event that focuses on professional development and networking opportunities for businesswomen and men at all levels in their careers. Early bird registration is $125 for Chamber member companies and $150 for non-Chamber member companies. Early bird registration rates are in effect through May 1, 2009.

Jackson Walker L.L.P. is the platinum sponsor of the 2009 Women’s Business Conference. Corporate sponsorships are still available. Click here to make reservations for the conference
on line. For more information, please contact Kimberly Sims at 214-746-6728 or via e-mail womenbiz@dallaschamber.org.

Nomination forms are available at www.dallaschamber.org under the women's business initiative program.
Nominations are due Friday, May 29th, 2009 by 5:00 p.m. to Emily Morton at emorton@dallaschamber.org.
Please call 214-746-6776 or email emorton@dallaschamber.org for more information.