Nominations Open for Athena Leadership Award

CONROE, TX -- Nominations are open through Sunday, May 28, for the ATHENA Leadership Award. For the sixth year, the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce has partnered with ATHENA International, an organization that develops, supports, and honors girls and women from the classroom to the boardroom, building a global pipeline of women leaders.

To recognize the wonderful women in Montgomery County, the Chamber collects nominations for the ATHENA Leadership Award and sends them to ATHENA International, where a committee selects three finalists and an award recipient based on the following criteria:

- Demonstrates a high level of professional excellence
- Contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others
- Actively assists women and girls in achieving their full potential

Qualifications include:

- Nominee may represent either the for-profit or non-profit sectors.
- Nominee should be a woman.
- No minimum age requirement.
- Previous ATHENA Leadership Award recipients are not eligible for nomination; however, past nominees/finalists may be nominated again.?

Nominations can be submitted at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/23ATHENA

The ATHENA Leadership Award luncheon, presented by Better Bookkeepers, will be held on Friday, July 21, at Margaritaville Lake Conroe. During the luncheon nominees and finalists will be recognized, and the recipient will be announced and celebrated. This is the only women-focused event in Montgomery County that celebrates women leaders from all industries, ages, and backgrounds. Over 500 guests are anticipated to attend the luncheon.
Keynote speaker Erin Brockovich, who will speak on the importance of women empowerment and leadership, is a nationally-renowned consumer advocate, environmental activist, cultural icon and American hero. Her keynote speech is sponsored by Worthington Manor of Conroe.

“Erin Brockovich has been a touchstone for multiple generations – not only as an environmental activist, but as a woman, a mother, and a fighter for humanity,” said Scott Harper, President of the Chamber. “Her story and her message are the perfect fit for ATHENA, which honors excellence and leadership in our community and recognizes women who contribute their time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.”

“Better Bookkeepers is honored to support the ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon,” said Melanie K. Bush, owner, Better Bookkeepers. “Our female leaders empower and drive us to reach higher and achieve more every day. Similar to our fabulous speaker this year, ATHENA leaders don’t settle. They consistently strive for righteousness in every situation.”

It’s been over 20 years since Julia Roberts starred in the Oscar-winning tour de force, Erin Brockovich. The film turned an unknown legal researcher into a 20th century icon by showcasing how her dogged persistence was the impelling force behind the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history.

Former ATHENA Leadership Award recipients have included:
2022: Natalie Saikowski Goertz, Guaranty Bank & Trust
2021: Carol Gooch, Montgomery County Association of Business Women
2020: Dr. Dana Hoyt, Sam Houston State University
2019: Dr. Marlen Tejeda, Alliance of New Americans
2018: Danielle Scheiner, Conroe Economic Development Council

Sponsorship opportunities for the ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon are available for Chamber members by contacting Courtney Budra, Director of Special Events, at 936.538.7111 or courtneyb@conroe.org. To purchase tickets to the event, visit bit.ly/3L6bFvy.