Nominations for 2025 ATHENA on the Lakeshore Awards are now open!
The ATHENA on the Lakeshore Award program is the perfect opportunity for you to show your support for our talented and outstanding women. Two women will be presented with ATHENA awards at a luncheon on October 7, 2025 at the Trillium Catering & Event Center.
Nominations are open through May 31. Submit a nomination here
For more information and to register for the ATHENA awards luncheon click here
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.
Congratulations to the 2024 ATHENA on the Lakeshore Recipient, Shelby Bytwerk and the 2024 ATHENA on the Lakeshore Young Professional Recipient, Dr. Jessica Lambert.
Learn more about Shelby and Jessica
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)
This page is sponsored by:
