ATHENA Awards Dinner 2026:  Blue Harbor Resort
Date & Time: Thursday, November 12, 2026 — 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Blue Harbor Resort, 725 Blue Harbor Dr, Sheboygan, WI 53081

ATHENA Awards Dinner Event

• ATHENA Young Professional Leadership
• ATHENA Organization Leadership
• ATHENA Leadership 

• Celebrate local leaders and organizations who are creating lasting impact.
• Be inspired by stories of leadership, mentorship, and service.
• Enjoy an evening of networking, community, and recognition.
• Support the growth and empowerment of women leaders in Sheboygan County.

The Legacy of the ATHENA Awards

Origins & Mission

The ATHENA Award program began in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, to honor individuals who demonstrate excellence in their profession, serve their communities, and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential.

Named after the Greek goddess Athena — known for strength, wisdom, courage, and enlightenment — the award celebrates those who embody these traits in both their personal and professional lives.

Over the decades, the ATHENA Awards have grown into an international movement. Thousands of recipients in hundreds of communities have been recognized through this prestigious honor, which continues to inspire leadership and mentorship across generations.

The ATHENA mission is to:

• Recognize individuals and organizations that achieve professional excellence

• Foster community service and civic leadership

• Encourage mentorship, particularly to support women in leadership roles

Award Categories

Many communities now celebrate ATHENA through multiple award categories:

• ATHENA Leadership Award – Recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession, and who support the development of others.

• ATHENA Young Professional Award – Honors emerging leaders (those under 40) who serve as role models and demonstrate a passion for leadership and service.

• ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award – Celebrates organizations whose culture and values promote leadership development and gender equity.

Each award emphasizes the importance of personal integrity, professional accomplishment, and community engagement — with a particular focus on lifting others as we lead.

Famous ATHENA Award Recipients

• Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, honored for her lifelong dedication to gender equality and women's rights.

• Billie Jean King – Tennis champion and pioneering advocate for equal pay and opportunities for women in sports.

• Christina Koch – NASA astronaut recognized for her record-breaking spaceflight and her advocacy for women in STEM.

• Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole – Educator, author, and diversity leader, celebrated for her influence in higher education and social justice.

• Lujaina Mohsin Darwish – International business executive and political leader known for advancing women in leadership in the Middle East.

• Gavriella Schuster – Technology executive and leadership advocate who has championed diversity and mentorship in global tech sectors.