Awards are presented annually to recognize outstanding lakeshore women who excel in their professions, give back to their communities and help to raise other women leaders.

ATHENA on the Lakeshore luncheon will be held Tuesday, October 8th from 11:30am-1:00pm.

Register Here to Attend the Luncheon!

Thank you to this year’s Premier Sponsor

History

ATHENA International is a non-profit organization that seeks to support, develop and honor women leaders. The program was founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz. Since the program’s inception, more than 7,000 awards have been presented in over 500 communities across 8 countries.

 

Leadership Model

The ATHENA leadership model identifies eight 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.

 

Committee

This committee gathers monthly to produce the ATHENA on the Lakeshore Awards.

  • Abby Selby, Chair, Selby Tax & Accounting PC
  • Cindy Achterhoff, Past Chair, ChoiceOne Bank
  • Pat Shafer, Ex-Officio Historian
  • Jill Bonthuis, Pioneer Resources
  • Elizabeth Huisman, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
  • Kathy Moore, Muskegon County Health Department
  • Stacey Ruwe, City2Shore Gateway Group
  • Abigail Witthopp, The Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg
  • Keria Shineldecker, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

 

Past Recipients

  • Kathy Moore (2023)
  • Stacey Ruwe (2022)
  • Brianna T. Scott (2019)
  • Mary Boyd (2018)
  • Kelly Springer (2017)
  • Tracy L.N. Wilson (2016)
  • Renae Hesselink (2015)
  • Helen Zeerip (2014)
  • Leslie Brown (2013)
  • Patricia VerDuin (2012)
  • Candace Dugan (2011)
  • Elizabeth Rolinski (2010)
  • Blanche Smith (2009)
  • Judith Hayner (2008)
  • Nancy Miller (2007)
  • Nancy McCarthy (2006)
  • Nancy Crandall (2005)

 

Past Young Recipients

  • Ashley Latsch (2023)
  • Rachel Gorman (2022)
  • Abby Selby (2019)
  • Meghan Heritage (2018)
  • Stefanie Herder (2017)
  • Sara Julius (2016)
  • Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga (2015)
  • Kris Collee (2014)

Become A Sponsor!

Have an event coming up? Tell us about it. Chamber members are encouraged to submit upcoming events to our online calendar.