Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Deter Motor Company, in Atlantic, have announced the recipient of the 2018 ATHENA Award. Dr. Elaine Berry, provider at Cass County Health System, was recently presented with the prestigious award that is given to leaders, women and men, across the professional sector.

Dr. Elaine Berry. 2018 ATHENA Award recipient

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, prepare women to be successful leaders in the 21st century. Atlantic is one of the few communities in Iowa with an active ATHENA Leadership group, with 17 women currently making up the local group.

Pictured: Dr. Elaine Berry with past ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients Dolly Bergmann, Heather McKay, Kathie Hockenberry, Carole Schuler and Judy Marnin.

Dr. Berry, it was noted, has spent her entire professional career mentoring young people interested in the medical field. Whether it was a junior high, high school or college student, or someone who has already begun their medical training, she never misses an opportunity to encourage and teach. Most of her days off are spent at the health system, attending meetings, working to improve the EMR system, catching up on paperwork, checking patients’ test results and caring for patients who just can’t wait another day.

In addition to her formal mentoring, Dr. Berry has impacted young people, particularly young women she encounters every day. As a female physician who has successfully balanced a challenging, rewarding career while raising three children and being a supportive, involved farm wife, she sends the message that other women can achieve their dreams, too. In a society where young women are less likely than their male counterparts to pursue careers in the STEM fields, Dr. Elaine Berry sets a shining example of what is possible.

Over 7,000 recipients around the world have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since the program launched in 1982. Nominees must meet each of the following three criteria:

• 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 achieving their full leadership potential

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.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce began partnering in 2001 with Deter Motor Company, to provide the community with the prestigious Athena Award.