Once again it’s that time to nominate a person in Cass County for this year’s Athena Award. The ATHENA Leadership Award — made possible locally by Deter Motor Company, in Atlantic — is presented in January at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce’ Annual Dinner. Those interested in nominating an individual can pick up a nomination packet at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Chestnut Street, or by visiting www.atlanticiowa.com. Nominations are due in September.

The ATHENA Leadership Award, developed through a grant from W.K. Kellogg Foundation, identifies eight distinct attributes that are reflective of women’s contributions to leadership: living authentically, learning constantly, advocating fiercely, acting courageously, fostering collaboration, building relationships, giving back and celebrating. These personal traits are more intuitive to women and combined with the strongest aspects of traditional leadership – taking risks, assertiveness, hard work – prepare women to be successful leaders in the 21st century.

Over 7,000 recipients around the world have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since the program launched in 1982. Locally, past winners include: LaVon Eblen, Judy Marnin Leanne Pellett, Denise O’Brien, Margaret Slepsky, Glenda Farrier, Carole Schuler, Jan Kinnison, Janell Hansen, Ann Pross, Wendy Richter, Dolly Bergmann, Pat Markham, Lanette Plambeck, Kathie Hockenberry, Dr. Tressa Wilcox and Heather McKay.

Presented to leaders, woman and men, across the professional sector, the ATHENA Leadership Award is one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive—and Atlantic is one of the few communities in Iowa with an active ATHENA Leadership group.

Nominees must meet each of the following three criteria:

1.      Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession

2.      Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community

3.      Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential