The ATHENA Leadership Award
The ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates exemplary leadership and is reflective of a quote by Plato: What is honored in a country will be cultivated there. Over 7,000 Recipients have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since the program’s inception in 1982. Presented to leaders across professional sectors, the ATHENA Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.
2024 Athena International Recipient
Sandee Drown
The 2024 Athena Award has been awarded to Sandee Drown for her exceptional leadership, resilience, and commitment to empowering others in the community. Starting her career in the retail sector, she quickly rose to leadership positions while mentoring young women. Later she transitioned to the corporate world managing multi-million-dollar accounts and driving industry innovations.
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Drown and her husband took a leap of faith, turning their restaurant into a thriving community hub, demonstrating her commitment to business and community support. She has actively advocated for causes such as fighting human trafficking, supporting women in recovery and advancing childhood cancer research, raising significant funds for these initiatives.
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Her involvement in local government and business associations has helped create opportunities and strengthen the community, Drowns' leadership is marked by her ability to empower others and foster meaningful connenctions, making her a true mentor and advocate for positive change.
The Criteria
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ATHENA recipients must meet each of the following three criteria.
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- 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 reaching their full leadership potential
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Qualifications​
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- 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.
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Completing the Form
- You are encouraged to work closely with your nominee to complete their nomination.
- Nominations for the ATHENA Leadership Award must be submitted using this nomination form and format.
- You may include supporting documents (articles, testimonials, etc.) with your completed nomination
form.
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The Process
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A Selection Committee, made up of a diverse group of community leaders, will review all nominations and select the ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient.
The Recipient will be announced on March 7, 2026 at A Day for Women Event.
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Questions
Please contact Nancy Elrod or Kellie Geweke for questions
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Past Athena International Recipients
1985 Justine Gartrell
1988 Mary Knapp
1989 Patricia Wirth
1990 Barbara LeVake
1991 Beverly Paget
1993 Marsha Krouse-Taylor
1994 Coni Stevens
1995 Joan Bechtel
1996 Carol Ramirez
1997 Lisa Del Pero
1998 Jim Stevens
1999 Dee Dee Brady
2000 Staci Johnson
2001 Virginia Black
2002 Foster McManus
2003 Jackie Sillman
2004 Sharman Kobayashi
2005 Jami Larson
2006 Carole Spiller
2007 Janet Siller
2008 Gay Starkey
2009 Betty Nelson
2010 Julie Cantrall
2011 Julie Morehead
2012 Joellen Jimerson
2013 Donna Cummings
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2014 Mandy Jones
2015 Cherie Stephens
2016 Brynda Stranix
2017 Neena Gill
2018 Kellie Sheeran
2018 Nancy Elrod
2019 Jeanine Werner
2021 Diana Langley
2022 Coleen Morris
2023 Christine Ivory
2024 Sandee Drown
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