The Atlantic Area ATHENA award recipients have announced a scholarship to the Iowa Women Lead Change (IWLC) Conference in Des Moines in November. The scholarship will be given to a woman who is interested in improving her leadership skills while in college or in her career. The Iowa Women Lead Change conference will be held November 6th & 7th in Des Moines. It will include speakers Cy Wakeman, Elias Johnson, Gale V. King, Geena Davis, Jeannette Walls, Jeffery Tobis Halter, Joanne Lipman, Sabrina Ahmed and Stedman Graham. Past conferences have included introductions by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.

Interested applicants, or those interested in nominating an individual, can pick up a nomination form at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, 102 Chestnut Street, or visit www.atlanticiowa.com. Nominations are due Friday, September 28th to Dolly Bergmann at bsktcola@gmail.com or the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.

The ATHENA Leadership Award 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. Over 7,000 recipients around the world have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since its inception in 1982. Presented to leaders, woman and men, in the professional sector, the ATHENA Leadership Award is on 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.

Local winners include: LaVon Eblen, Judy Marnin, Leanne Pellett, Denise O’Brien, Margaret Slepsky, Glenda Farrier, Carole Schuler, Jan Kinnison, Janelle Hansen, Ann Pross, Wendy Richter, Dolly Bergmann, Pat Markham, Lanette Plambeck, Kathie Hockenberry, Dr. Tressa Wilcox and Heather McKay.