2025 ATHENA Awards Luncheon

Description

2025 ATHENA Leadership Awards

Honoring Excellence in Leadership and Empowering Women of the Roanoke Region

Date: November 6th, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Roanoke, VA

The ATHENA Leadership Awards are one of the most prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding leadership and dedication to empowering women in business and community service. In partnership with the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, we are excited to bring this important event to Virginia’s Blue Ridge, a region that celebrates the strength, innovation, and resilience of its women leaders.

This year, we’ll be honoring exceptional women in two categories:

• ATHENA Leadership Award – Celebrating women who have achieved tremendous success in their careers and have made a significant impact in their communities.

• ATHENA Young Professional Award – Recognizing emerging leaders under the age of 40 who have demonstrated commitment to their career, leadership, and mentorship in their fields.

2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees

We are proud to recognize the following outstanding women who have been nominated for the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award:

• Angela Martin

• Becky Freemal

• Beth Hoel

• Carmen Agra-Boitnott

• Carol Young

• Courtney Watson

• Deirdre Perry

• Denise Hayes

• Erin Doherty

• Felicia Branham

• Franny Apel

• Helen Favor

• Jenna Zibton

• Jessie Coffman

• Kayla Wimmer

• Kim Sargent

• Lisa Soltis

• Lori D. Thompson

• Lutheria Smith

• Lynn Rogers

• Macel Hubbard Janoschka

• Marquetta Jones

• Megan Jackson

• Melissa Woodson

• Melissa Woodson (listed twice)

• Mindy Boyd

• Monica T. Monday

• Rebecca Evans

• Renee Brown

• Scotti Hartman

• Shamaill Ross

• Shannon Davis

• Stacie Vest

• Stephanie Hoer

• Taren McCoy

• Teresa Brown

• Valerie Brown

2025 ATHENA Young Professional Award Nominees

We are also thrilled to recognize the following emerging leaders nominated for the 2025 ATHENA Young Professional Award:

• Alicha M. Grubb

• Charlotte Woodcock

• Cyan Belluccia

• Dykotia Fisher

• Elise Manning

• Hannah Hopkins

• Jessica Fintel

• Keerthi TK

• Kelley Weems

• Kohava Blount

• Lydia Higgs

• Macy Ware

• Mia Yugo

• Steph Reschka

About the ATHENA Awards

The ATHENA Leadership Awards are presented in communities across the globe and honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and are dedicated to inspiring and empowering others. The awards celebrate not only professional accomplishments but also an individual’s commitment to fostering mentorship, community service, and social change.

The ATHENA Awards program holds special meaning in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Here, we have an opportunity to recognize the women who contribute to shaping our region’s businesses, non-profits, and community efforts. From entrepreneurs to educators, activists to corporate leaders, the women of our region embody the spirit of the ATHENA Awards, making this event a truly inspiring celebration of excellence and leadership.