Henrietta Hadley Named 2025 Lakeshore ATHENA Award Recipient
Muskegon, MI – The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg proudly announce Henrietta Hadley as the recipient of the 2025 Lakeshore ATHENA Award, recognizing her outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to empowering women across West Michigan.
Hadley, CEO and co-founder of Infinite Solutions Consulting Group, brings more than 30 years of experience in post-secondary education, nonprofit leadership, and business development. Throughout her career, she has built a legacy rooted in equity and empowerment—guiding countless small businesses and nonprofits across Michigan toward sustainability and growth. Her mentorship has supported over 500 women, helping them secure more than $1 million in funding through grants, accelerators, and pitch competitions.
In addition to her consulting work, Hadley serves as Director of Fund Development and Strategic Outreach for the Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute, where she has supported programming that engaged over 200 women exploring careers in the skilled trades. She also inspires future leaders as an Adjunct Professor in Workforce and Talent Development at Muskegon Community College.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hadley’s service to the community includes supporting survivors of domestic violence, creating spaces of healing for women veterans, and collaborating on initiatives that honor their contributions—such as a storytelling project showcased at ArtPrize.
Her impact has been recognized through numerous honors, including the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Award, the Greater Muskegon Club’s Woman of Accomplishment Award, and the Black Diamond Empowerment Award.
“Henrietta’s dedication to mentorship, workforce development, and community service embodies the very essence of the ATHENA Award,” said Mark Allen, President and CEO of the Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg “Her work continues to open doors and inspire courage in others.”
This year’s keynote speaker was Brianna T. Scott, Attorney, Entrepreneur, and Owner of Brianna T. Scott & Associates, PLLC. In her address, Ms. Scott shared insights from her trailblazing career in law and leadership, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, representation, and purpose-driven service. As the first African American Assistant Prosecutor in Muskegon County and the first person of color to serve as President of the Muskegon Rotary Club, she has long been a champion for equity and opportunity. Her professional and civic achievements—including serving as Rotary International District 6290 Governor and receiving the Athena of the Lakeshore, Living Legend, and Woman of Accomplishment Awards—reflect her lifelong dedication to advancing others. Through her words and example, Ms. Scott inspired attendees to lead with integrity, uplift their communities, and create lasting impact.
The Chamber would also like to congratulate Sharlene Shineldecker, Leighann Mikesell, Dwana Thompson, Nichol Stack, and Stacy Mellema as 2025 Lakeshore ATHENA Finalists.
The Lakeshore ATHENA Award is presented annually to a woman who demonstrates professional excellence, community service, and active assistance to other women in their attainment of leadership skills.
For more information about the ATHENA Award and this year’s celebration, visit https://www.muskegon.org/programs-events/chamber-events/athena-on-the-lakeshore/
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About ATHENA International
ATHENA International is a catalyst for developing diverse, transformative leaders worldwide through experiential programs that ignite, amplify, and celebrate girls, women, and allies —from young scholars to seasoned professionals. At the heart of everything we do are the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ (ATHENA Leadership Model®): Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Build Relationships, Foster Collaboration, Act Courageously, Advocate Fiercely, Give Back and Celebrate. ATHENA is driven to bring empathy based, compassionate, and inclusive leadership culture to the workplace, educational institutions, and individuals.
In our pursuit of creating positive change, we empower women entrepreneurs to achieve new heights of success through ATHENAPowerLink®, an innovative mentorship program connecting selected entrepreneurs with a tailored advisory board to support the growth of their businesses. For over four decades, we have recognized exceptional women and pioneering leaders with ATHENA Leadership Awards on global, national, and community levels. Our impact extends to nearly 8,000 award recipients who stand as change-makers and trailblazers, opening doors.
About the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is the premier business membership organization on the Lakeshore. The Chamber represents approximately 1100 businesses and organizations, of every size and type, all over West Michigan. The Chamber has been working for 126 years to sustain an environment for business success, through community leadership, promotion, inclusive business advocacy and valued member services.
About the Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg
The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg has been a connection point and leading voice for businesses in Northwest Ottawa County since 1899. The Chamber facilitates economic drivers and conversations to support business development, sustained growth, health and quality of life for businesses and communities throughout the region.