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ATHENA®

ATHENA Leadership Luncheon Sponsorship

ATHENA Leadership Awards® | 2024

Please note: After selecting the nomination form of your choice, you will have the option to download it. Once downloaded, the form will be available in PDF format, allowing you to edit it directly as needed.

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ATHENA Leadership Awards®

Each year, the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the ATHENA Leadership  Award and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award at a gala luncheon, traditionally held in November.

The esteemed International ATHENA Leadership Award Program® celebrates women as valued members and leaders of the community who serve as role models in multiple ways. The ATHENA Awards honor individuals who are nominated in recognition of their business or professional accomplishments, community service, and mentoring of other women, encouraging them to achieve their full potential. ATHENA nominees give back to the community in profoundly meaningful ways and make it a better place to live, work, and lead.

To be considered for an ATHENA Leadership Award, nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector and must demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community; and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential. The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recognizes emerging community leaders who are 24 to 40 years old.

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce is privileged to be the only organization in New Jersey that is officially licensed to present the ATHENA Leadership Award, whose rich history, international scope, and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.

The Criteria

ATHENA Leadership Award 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

Qualifications

  • ATHENA Leadership Award nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector.
  • Previous ATHENA Leadership Award recipients are not eligible for nomination; however, past nominees may be nominated again.
  • There is no minimum or maximum age qualification that must be met by ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees.
  • ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award nominees must be ages 24-40.
  • To be considered as finalists, nominees must be available to personally attend the ATHENA Awards Luncheon, where all finalists will be recognized.

The Process

The ATHENA Program Committee will review each nominee application form to ensure it meets the qualifications and eligibility based on the criteria outlined above and to select the finalists, using a rubric scoring system. Submitting a form does not guarantee a nomination as a finalist. Applicants will be notified of their nomination status after the deadline submission date.

The ATHENA Award selection committee, made up of a diverse group of community leaders, will then review the finalist nominations and select the ATHENA Leadership Award and ATHENA Young Leadership Award recipients, who will be announced at the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Awards Luncheon.

OUR 2023 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to our 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient,

Carol Stillwell, President and CEO of Stillwell-Hansen, Inc.

 

Congratulations to our 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient,

Nicole Suissa, Esq.

Photo Caption: Nicole Suissa, 2023 ATHENA Young Professional  Award Recipient and Carol Stillwell, 2023 ATHENA Award Recipient. 

(Photo Credit: Tom Zapcic Photography)
Photo Caption: Nicole Suissa, 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient and Carol Stillwell, 2023 ATHENA Award Recipient. (Photo Credit: Tom Zapcic Photography)

Thank You to BMW of Freehold for Being Our Diamond Sponsor!

Terese Rolke, Executive Director of MRCC and Bob Fleishman, Retired General Manager of BMW of Freehold (Photo Credit: Tom Zapcic Photography).
Terese Rolke, Executive Director of MRCC and Bob Fleishman, Retired General Manager of BMW of Freehold (Photo Credit: Tom Zapcic Photography).
PRESS RELEASE

Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Annual ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon

Neptune, NJ – The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) had a very successful 2023 ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon on November 3, at the Jumping Brook Country Club. The event recognized the professional achievements and community involvement of local women leaders.

Carol Stillwell, President and CEO of Stillwell-Hansen Inc., was the recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, and Nicole Suissa, Esq., was the recipient of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. These recognitions highlight their contributions to business excellence, community service, and mentoring other women.

This year, the 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalists include:

  • Dr. Tara Chalakani, CEO, Preferred Behavioral Health Group
  • Dr. Margie Donlon, Rehabilitation Medicine Director, Complete Care
  • Dawn Massabni, Founder, Don't Shock Me, Maddy Massabni Foundation
  • Dr. Joan Scocco, Acting Chief Academic Officer, Brookdale Community College

The MRCC also recognized the 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Finalists:

  • Dyese Davis, Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Gopal
  • Dr. Paola Marin-Rivera, Program Director, Community Affairs & Resource Center
  • Caitlin Miller, President & Chief Hospital Executive, Bayshore Medical Center
  • Shira Yerike, National Director of Marketing, Veteran Care Services

In addition, the Luncheon also presented the Dr. Denise Johnson Miller Memorial Award to Dawn Doherty of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide for her meaningful work in the community.

A special acknowledgment was given to Bob Fleischman, retired General Manager of BMW of Freehold, for his long-term support as the Diamond Sponsor of the ATHENA Leadership Awards program.

Ivy Jacot, Co-chair of the event says, "The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce proudly stands as the sole presenter of the ATHENA Leadership Awards in New Jersey, celebrating leadership and mentorship at our recent event attended by 200 people at the Jumping Brook Country Club. Audio-visual production was by One Of A Kind Events. This awards ceremony distinguishes itself by honoring those who achieve professional excellence, enhance community life, and empower others, especially women, to realize their full leadership potential. Congratulations to all the Finalists!”

Terese Rölke, Executive Director of the MRCC said, “It takes a village to create this event. It is our honor to recognize these incredible leaders in our community. Many thanks to Ivy for all her hard work and dedication. It’s because of Ivy’s tenacity that we can proudly say this is the 38th consecutive year the chamber has celebrated this program!”

Additionally, the MRCC thanks Tom Zapcic Photography for documenting the event in such a meaningful light.

The ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon aims to celebrate leaders who exhibit professional excellence, mentorship, and contribute actively to improve the quality of life for others in the community.

For more information and future events, please visit www.monmouthregionalchamber.com

For details about the International ATHENA Awards, go to www.athenainternational.org.

 

(Photo credit: Tom Zapcic Photography)

2023 ATHENA Finalists at BMW Freehold Reception
2023 ATHENA Finalists at BMW Freehold Reception

OUR 2022 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to our 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, Chaya Pamula, President and CEO of PamTek, Inc., founder of Support Organization for Kids in Need (SOFKIN) and SHETEK.

Congratulations to our 2022 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, Rachel Mitzelman, Paramedic & Field Training Officer for Robert Wood Johnson/Barnabas Health.

Photo Caption: Chaya Pamula, 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award R
Recipient and Rachel Mitzelman, 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient. Photo Caption: Chaya Pamula, 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient nad Rachel Mitzelman, 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient. (Photo Credit: Tom Zapcic Photography)
Photo Caption: Chaya Pamula, 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award R Recipient and Rachel Mitzelman, 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient. Photo Caption: Chaya Pamula, 2023 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient nad Rachel Mitzelman, 2023 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient. (Photo Credit: Tom Zapcic Photography)

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Zapcic Photography

THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 ATHENA EVENT SPONSORS!

MONMOUTH REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2022 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD FINALISTS

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) is delighted to announce the finalists, representing communities throughout New Jersey, for this year’s ATHENA Leadership Award® and ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award! An exciting gala luncheon is planned for Friday, November 4, 2022 from 11:30 am to 2 pm at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune, NJ, where the 2022 ATHENA Award recipients, selected by a diverse group of community leaders, will be announced and all finalists will be honored.

The esteemed International ATHENA Leadership Award Program® celebrates women as valued members and leaders of the community who serve as role models and encourage all women to achieve their full potential. Each year, the ATHENA Awards honor individuals who are nominated in recognition of their business or professional accomplishments, community service, and mentoring of others. Their achievements give back to the community in profoundly meaningful ways and make it a better place to live, work, and lead. The ATHENA Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope, and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive, with more than 6,000 recipients honored worldwide since the renowned program was established in 1982.

This will be the 37th year that the ATHENA Leadership Award will be presented by the MRCC, the only organization in New Jersey that is licensed to do so. It will be the eighth year that the MRCC will present the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, which recognizes emerging community leaders, ages 24 to 40.

To be considered for an ATHENA Leadership Award, nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector and must demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community, and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential.

The 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award finalists include:

  • Helen Archontou – CEO of YWCA Northern New Jersey and Co-Chairperson of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking Legislative Committee
  • Erin Avery of Fair Haven, NJ - President of Avery Educational Resources, LLC and Commissioner of The American Institute of Certified Educational Planners
  • Vicky Flynn of Holmdel, NJ – New Jersey State Assemblywoman
  • Chaya Pamula of Bordentown, NJ – President and CEO of PamTen, Inc. and founder of the nonprofit Support Organization for Kids in Need (SOFKIN) and SHETEK
  • Marta Quinn of Red Bank, NJ – Senior Development Director of HABcore

 

The 2022 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award finalists include:

  • Devin Carrick of Red Bank, NJ – Older Girl Program Specialist for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
  • Dawn Doherty of Freehold, NJ – Executive Director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
  • Rachel Mitzelman of Freehold, NJ – Paramedic and Field Training Office for Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
  • Stephanie Toal of Pine Beach, NJ – Marketing & Communications Coordinator for OceanFirst Foundation

 

Everyone in the community is invited to attend this outstanding celebration and show their support for these stellar Garden State leaders and the women that they inspire. Tickets for the 2022 ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon are priced at $60 per person through October 21 and $70 per person from October 22 through October 31. There is an additional 5% discount for tables of eight. Registration closes on October 31; walk-ins cannot be accepted. Kindly note that registrations are non-refundable and cannot be applied to other MRCC events.

This signature annual event of the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce also offers an unprecedented opportunity for extensive, far-reaching exposure for participating businesses and organizations. Sponsorships for the 2022 ATHENA Awards are a valuable way of showing your support for women’s achievement and your dedication to investing in the community and its growth, honoring community leaders, and cultivating important professional and personal relationships.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional details, see https://bit.ly/MRCC2022ATHENA. Sponsorship and ad payments and materials are due by October 19, 2022.

For information about the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce, visit www.monmouthregionalchamber.com.

For details about the International ATHENA Awards, go to www.athenainternational.org.

 

Photo caption: The 2022 ATHENA and Young Professional Leadership Award finalists are, left to right: Chaya Pamula, Rachel Mitzelman, Dr. Erin Avery, Marta Quinn, Stephanie Toal, Dawn Doherty, Devin Carrick, Helen Archontou.

MONMOUTH REGIONAL CHAMBER’S ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS LOOK AHEAD TO A NEW YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENT AND INSPIRATION

[MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ – JANUARY 2022] The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) closed out 2021 with an in-person celebration of one of the organization’s signature events, the International ATHENA Leadership Awards® Luncheon. The gala event, held in November at the elegant Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune, NJ, honored individuals for their outstanding professional accomplishments, community service, and mentoring of women to help them achieve their full leadership potential. By day’s end, two award recipients were announced from among a stellar group of finalists whose inspiring stories were highlighted in a series of video profiles. Now, those recipients are looking ahead to another year of making a difference and encouraging others to be recognized as ATHENA Award nominees for 2022.

 

The 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award was presented to Jodi Grinwald. With over 16 years of non-profit experience, Grinwald started her career as a regional director at the American Heart Association, rising to executive director. She next served as vice president of development for the American Lung Association of the Mid-Atlantic. In 2017, she became co-founder and CEO of the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, which provides ongoing funding for children with financial needs to take ongoing lessons at performing arts studios close to their homes for up to 15 years. Grinwald launched and is the lead for the statewide NJBIA Not-for-Profit Council and has chaired the NJBIA Women Business Leaders Council and Forum. She is a mentor for NJ Advance Media’s Mentoring Monday event for women and is a certified professional coach for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and individuals. She also provides consulting services to non-profit organizations, reinforcing their mindset as “for-impact” organizations. In 2020, Grinwald launched the Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast and YouTube Channel, where she interviews changemakers and inspirers, including CNN heroes, CEOs, professors, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and others who are making a difference in the world. In March 2022, she will launch the first international Today is the Day Changemakers Virtual Forum, connecting leaders from a range of backgrounds and industries for an inspiring global summit. She is currently writing a book about her quest to help people feel more connected.

 

The 2021 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award was presented to Kristina Henderson. She is the chief executive officer and co-owner of Henderson Promos in Red Bank, NJ, was crowned 2020 Mrs. New Jersey American in the Mrs. America Pageant, and placed in the top six at the Mrs. American 2021 pageant in Las Vegas. In June 2021, Henderson held “Stars of Women in Business,” a red-carpet networking and awards event where women leaders in television, business, and the nonprofit arena were honored for their contributions to the community and the advancement of women, and the inaugural Kristina Henderson Empowering Young Women Scholarship for college was presented. Henderson is an ambassador for Tigger House Foundation, an organization to prevent drug abuse, and is on the advisory board for the Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation. She was a flight attendant before going on to be a television news producer in New Hampshire and later establishing, together with her husband, Henderson Promos, LLC and the nonprofit Bart and Kristina Henderson Foundation, which will help fund community projects. Henderson is also the co-founder of The Giving Back Forum, an event that brings together more than 65 community nonprofits in one space to learn from one another, share resources, and promote awareness for their causes.

Jodi Grinwald and Kristina Henderson are now working together with other Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce ATHENA committee members to plan and promote this year’s event and the importance of the esteemed International ATHENA Leadership Award program, which celebrates women as valued leaders who serve as role models and give back to the community in profoundly meaningful ways. The program’s rich history, international scope, and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive, with more than 6,000 recipients honored worldwide since the renowned program was established in 1982. The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce is the only organization in New Jersey that is licensed to present the ATHENA Award and has hosted the event for 36 years. 2021 marked the seventh year that the MRCC has presented the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, recognizing community leaders ages 24 to 40. Look for more details in the coming months for the 2022 ATHENA Awards event, to be held in November.

About the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit volunteer organization whose mission is to promote business, enhance economic development, and serve as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in the communities it serves. Its vision is to provide opportunities for business growth and prosperity, to offer quality service to members, and to serve as a resource leader for business and the entire community. The chamber represents the voice of business on a regional level.

For information about the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce, including member benefits, upcoming events, sponsorship opportunities, and more, visit www.monmouthregionalchamber.com. You may also like and follow the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram and subscribe to the organization’s YouTube channel to view videos of meetings, events, and presentations.

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PHOTO CAPTION:

Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terese Rolke, 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient Jodi Grinwald, 2021 ATHENA  Young Professional Leadership Award recipient Kristina Henderson, and MRCC ATHENA Awards Event Chair Ivy Jacot (Photo credit: Tom Zapcic Photography)

THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 ATHENA EVENT SPONSORS!

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: UPDATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

MONMOUTH REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2021 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD FINALISTS

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) has announced the finalists for this year’s ATHENA Leadership Award® and ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. An exciting gala luncheon is planned for Friday, November 5, 2021 from 11:30 am to 2 pm at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune, NJ, where the 2021 ATHENA Award recipients, selected by a diverse group of community leaders, will be announced.

The esteemed International ATHENA Leadership Award Program® celebrates women as valued members and leaders of the community who serve as role models and encourage all women to achieve their full potential. Each year, the ATHENA Awards honor individuals who are nominated in recognition of their business or professional accomplishments, community service, and mentoring of others. Their achievements give back to the community in profoundly meaningful ways and make it a better place to live, work, and lead. The ATHENA Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope, and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive, with more than 6,000 recipients honored worldwide since the renowned program was established in 1982.

This will be the 36th year that the ATHENA Leadership Award will be presented by the MRCC, the only organization in New Jersey that is licensed to do so. It will be the seventh year that the MRCC will present the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, which recognizes emerging community leaders, ages 24 to 40.

To be considered for an ATHENA Leadership Award, nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector and must demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community; and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential.

The 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award finalists include:

  • Lisa Ascolese – CEO and founder of Inventing A to Z and the nonprofit Association of Women Inventors and Entrepreneurs
  • Roe Couture DeSaro – founder and president of Gutsy Gals Get More, LLC and executive managing director for eWomenNetwork, Inc.
  • Jodi Grinwald – certified professional coach, co-founder and CEO of Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, and founder and host of Today is the Day Changemakers Podcast
  • Michele Lawson – owner of Hair & Company Salon and founder and president of Wig Warriors: The Maureen S. Konopko Foundation

The 2021 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award finalists include:

  • Amanda Deltuvia – spiritual healer, psychic, and certified life coach
  • Kristina Henderson – co-owner and CEO of Henderson Promos, LLC and 2020 Mrs. New Jersey American
  • Danielle Ippolito – CEO of D Fitness Studio

Tickets for the 2021 ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon are priced at $60 per person through October 22 and $70 per person from October 23 through November 1. Registration closes on November 1; walk-ins cannot be accepted. Everyone in the community is invited to attend this outstanding celebration and show their support for these stellar leaders and the women they inspire.

This signature annual event of the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce also offers an unprecedented opportunity for extensive, far-reaching exposure for participating businesses and organizations. Sponsorships for the 2021 ATHENA Awards are a valuable way of showing your investment in the community and its growth, honoring community leaders, and cultivating important professional and personal relationships.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional details, see https://bit.ly/MRCC2021ATHENA1105

 

For information about the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce, visit www.monmouthregionalchamber.com.   

For details about the International ATHENA Awards, go to www.athenainternational.org.

 

Photo caption: The 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award finalists are, left to right: Jodi Grinwald, Roe Couture DeSaro, Michele Lawson, Amanda Deltuvia, Danielle Ippolito, Lisa Ascolese, and Kristina Henderson. Photo by Mark Lamhut.

OUR 2021 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

Congratulations to Our 2021 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, Jodi Grinwald, Certified Professional Coach at Today is the Day, Live It, Not for Profit Consultant at NJ Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) and CEO at Zzak G. Applaud Our Kids Foundation, Inc.


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Congratulations to our 2021 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, Kristina Henderson, CEO and Co-Owner of Henderson Promos, as well as 2020 Mrs. New Jersey America

 

OUR 2020 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

 

Congratulations to Our 2020 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, Frances Keane, Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer, Human Resources, CentraState Healthcare System

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Congratulations to our 2020 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, Danielle Woolley, Danielle Woolley Consulting, LLC

Hear Danielle's remarks about what ATHENA means to her: https://youtu.be/HaGCnPdYa98

OUR 2019 ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENTS

 

                                   

Congratulations to Our 2019 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, Willa Edgerton Chisler, CEO & Founder of certified MWBE firm, Symphony Coaching, LLC

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Congratulations to our 2019 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, Theresa Furmato Velardi, Legislative Aide Intern at New Jersey Legislative District 13, Legal Content Writer at McOmber & McOmber, PC, and Law Student at Seton Hall School of Law.

A BIG THANK YOU to our Athena Nominating Reception host, BMW of Freehold and our hard-working ATHENA Committee Chair, Ivy Jacot of Veitengruber Law, LLC!

Photo Credit: Mark Lamhut of Paul=Mark Printing.

2018 ATHENA Awards

Congratulations to Our 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient, Dr. Denise Johnson Miller of Hackensack Meridian (left) and to our 2018 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, Erica Jedynak of American for Prosperity (right).

main photo 2018 recipient miller
main photo 2018 recipient jedynak

Dr Denise Johnson Miller video "What ATHENA Means to Me":

Erica Jedynak video "What ATHENA Means to Me":

Some photos from our 2018 ATHENA Awards Luncheon November 2nd at the Radisson of Freehold... Thank You Diamond Sponsor BMW of Freehold...

Photo credit Mark Lamhut/Paul=Mark Printing

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