2026 Athena Award Nomination Form



The ATHENA Award Program celebrates the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the

community and recognizes those who support them. The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive toward

the highest levels of professional accomplishment. This award honors women who excel in their

chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and who also open paths

so that others may follow. Thank you River Valley Community Bank for sponsoring this award!

Previous recipients of the Athena Award include:

  • Jamie Hazen
  • Wendy Gerig
  • Kristen Holihan
  • Donna Eckwortzel Frey
  • Sheila Cardno
  • Kim Silvers
  • Leilani Fratis
  • Barbara Johnson
  • Sonbol Aliabadi
  • Kat Maudru
  • Janette Moynier
  • Bonnie Gore
  • Krista Bernasconi
  • Ann Diamonstone
  • Julia Burrows
  • Julie Hanson
  • Cathy Macaulay
  • Marilyn Festersen
  • Sharon Brown
  • Elaine Van Overbeek
  • Colleen Nichols


ATHENA recipients must meet each of four specific criteria:

  • Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.
  • Provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
  • Serve as a role model in attaining balance between profession, community and personal involvement.
  • Assist women in reaching their full leadership potential.


THE PROCESS:

Nominations for the ATHENA Award must be submitted using this nomination form by December 20th. Please review the nomination form carefully to ensure that comprehensive, quantitative information is supplied which demonstrates the involvement, achievement and leadership accomplishments of your nominee. A Selection Committee of prominent community leaders will review all nomination forms and select the ATHENA Award recipient. The ATHENA Award recipient will be announced at the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation Dinner to be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026.



Fields marked with an * are required.

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.

List special recognitions, projects and achievements. Include business-related affiliations, directorships, trusteeships or other designations.

Describe local, county, and state level participation, length of service and offices held in civic and service organizations, charitable activities, political pursuits, religious groups, Chambers of Commerce, merchants' associations, etc.

Provide specific examples of how the nominee has demonstrated support for the advancement and leadership development of business and professional women.

Nominees may already have been honored for service to their profession, industry or community. They also may have publications to their credit or articles published supporting their service to their profession, industry or community. Please list awards and honors received which supports this nomination.

Nominees may already have been honored for service to their profession, industry or community. They also may have publications to their credit or articles published supporting their service to their profession, industry or community. Please list awards and honors received which supports this nomination.