For over three decades, the ATHENA Awards Celebration has honored more than 100 local leaders who have made a difference for women.
This year, we’re celebrating twelve incredible finalists who have helped create a vibrant and forward-thinking community. Join us in celebrating these trailblazers on Wednesday, October 9 and be the first to hear the recipients of our three prestigious ATHENA awards!
Meet the finalists below!
ATHENA Leadership Award
This award is presented to an exceptional leader whose dedication to professional excellence, community service, and empowerment of women exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and mentorship.
Shannon Cohen, Founder/CEO, Shannon Cohen, Inc.
Shannon Cohen is a consultant, founder, and author of two books, “It’s Normal to Shake as You Soar” and “Tough Skin, Soft Heart: A Leadership Guide to Growing Stronger, Better, and Wiser”. Shannon is the Founder and CEO of Shannon Cohen, Inc. a company that creates products, spaces, and experiences that invest in the emotional wellbeing of people who lead, love, and serve in transformational ways. Her company has a licensing agreement with American Greetings and her products have been featured at Target, Meijer, and West Elm. Her Tough Skin, Soft Heart podcast is available on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher with subscribers spanning 12 countries. Her “Build What You Dream” album has been coined a “Masterclass put to Music” and is available anywhere you enjoy streaming and downloading music. Shannon is the Founder of the global Rockstar Woman™ Movement, serving thousands of women throughout the U.S and Canada. Shannon has been named one of the 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan and recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Shannon is an alumnus of the prestigious W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellowship, 2023 recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma mater, Grand Valley State University, and the 1st alumnus in the University’s history to serve as commencement keynote speaker. Shannon was honored with the 2023 “Woman of Courage” award from Michigan Women Forward, and selected “Brilliant Woman of the Year” by West Michigan Woman in 2022. This March, Shannon was awarded the WMCAT [West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology] Award for “Imagination” at the 2024 iBall. Shannon serves on several boards including the Corewell Health Foundation Board, GROW Board, GVSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Board, and the Small Advisory Board for Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. Shannon is the proud mom of a 5th grader, and entering 15 years of “I do” with the love of her life!
Jaime Counterman, Foundation Director, University of Michigan Health – West
Jaime Counterman would tell you she is not bossy, she has leadership skills. With a deep-rooted passion for our community and a career dedicated to healthcare and social service philanthropy, Jaime is committed to fostering a world where everyone can thrive. As Director of the University of Michigan Health-West Foundation, Counterman leverages her influence to mobilize people and systems to affect equity and access in the West Michigan health care landscape. In the community, Jaime is described as a fierce advocate for inclusion, mental health, and above all things, female empowerment. Raised in an A.L.I.C.E. family and having experienced childhood trauma, she understands the importance of breaking down barriers to independence. Pair that with a late-adulthood neurodivergent diagnosis, and she’s inspired to be an activator for change, speaking on topics such as: developing female leaders, navigating neurodivergencies as a professional, and building authentic, psychologically safe teams. As exhibited by her recent side-jam into business ownership of Herrington Excavating with her husband Aron and partners Lonnie and Kim Herrington, Jaime lives life as a ‘yes-and.’ She’s here to change the world… for her daughter Olivia, her family, herself, for YOU and for as many others as possible.
Tenisa Frye, Chief Executive Officer, Family Promise of West Michigan
Tenisa is a trusted leader who couples passion with purpose to drive strategic goals and quality performance with a demonstrated history of working in employee and customer relations. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She received her ministerial license from Christian Faith Theological Center based in Lagos Nigeria, serving as clergy for 10+ years. As an entrepreneur, she opened Heaven’s Angels Family Childcare serving Greater Grand Rapids for 12 years. After the childcare sector, she joined Farmers Insurance where she worked for almost 8 years from an individual contributor to a people leader. She served as National Lead for the Black Professionals Alliance, United Way Ambassador, Community Partnership Lead and Farmers Community Champion with non-profits throughout the country. With 20+ years of experience in leadership, business management, philanthropy and career development, she recently moved into the non-profit sector serving as the CEO of Family Promise of West Michigan, being responsible for the vision and strategic goals that elevate the organization’s mission, growth and development. Tenisa and her husband Darnell have four children and are originally from Flint and Detroit but have enjoyed raising their family in West Michigan over the last 25 years.
LaSandra Gaddy, President and CEO, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
LaSandra became president and CEO of Grand Rapids Community Foundation as the organization stepped into its second century of service and impact. In her role, she guides the Community Foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees in their fundraising, grantmaking and community leadership efforts. A passionate servant leader with over 20 years of executive leadership experience, LaSandra has expertise in team development, strategic planning, forming collaborative partnerships and fund mobilization, and is focused on expanding the scope and impact of the organization. LaSandra previously served as CEO of Women’s Resource Center (WRC), a gender-responsive organization focused on improving women’s economic opportunities. Prior to WRC, LaSandra served in various executive leadership roles in the nonprofit sector focused on building long-term, sustainable change. LaSandra’s experience also includes 15 years in banking, including serving as a Vice President in Retail, Business Banking and Wealth Management. Recognized for her leadership, LaSandra was a member of the 2023 “Grand Rapids 200” by Crain’s Business Grand Rapids, was honored at the Giants Awards in 2019 with the W.W. Plummer Humanitarian Award and is a previous ATHENA Leadership Award Finalist. LaSandra holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornerstone University and Executive MBA from Grand Valley State University.
ATHENA Young Professional Award
This award is presented to a rising leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative. They serve as a role model and improve the quality of life for others.
Kelly Brown, Director of Operations, Green Giftz
Kelly Brown is a marketer, writer, and creative change maker. Currently, she is the Director of Marketing & Operations at Green Giftz, a certified woman-owned branded merchandise agency. Here, she helped the company transition to an EOS operating model, where she took the role of Integrator and helped implement a cloud-based operating system which doubled annual sales from 2019 to 2021. Additionally, she coaches the Varsity Sideline & Competitive Cheer Team at Rockford High School, is a fitness instructor with Spoke Cycle and Grand Rapids City Parks and Rec, and a published writer both in short fiction and non-fiction. In addition to her diverse professional engagements, Kelly volunteers her time as the Host of CreativeMornings Grand Rapids, where she fosters a vibrant community of innovators and creators who meet once a month to listen to a speaker from West Michigan. Her passion lies in helping mentor young women to develop into strong, authentic business leaders. Aligning with the Athena principle “Authentic Self”, Kelly believes that vulnerability and authenticity are the cornerstones of successful and meaningful connections – whether with your clients, employees, friends or the cashier at the grocery store.
Carrie Machkouri, Integrated Education and Training Coordinator, Literacy Center of West Michigan
Carrie Machkouri is a Grand Rapids native with a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of adult English language and literacy learners in the community. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University and a Master’s in TESOL from Cornerstone University. With over 10 years of experience teaching English to adults, Carrie helps New Americans navigate their career pathways in the United States and acquire the English skills necessary to achieve their language and career goals. Carrie’s dedication to advocacy and professional development is evident in her work. In 2022, she was honored as the Michigan Fellow for the Coalition on Adult Basic Education’s State Advocate of Adult Education fellowship program, where she championed the importance of adult education programs. She is also a member of the Kent County Welcome Group, contributing to the Maximize Economic Potential sub-committee. Firmly believing that immigrants and refugees are essential to the community’s prosperity, Carrie tirelessly seeks ways to connect learners with the social capital and resources they need to succeed. Her work is a testament to the power of education and community support in helping individuals achieve their dreams and beyond.
Amanda Rostic, Senior Project Specialist, Corewell Health
Amanda is THE epitome of fierce advocacy. She is a strategist, entrepreneur, film director and a master of public health. Everywhere she goes she joyfully invites conversation on social justice and explores ways she can be a world changer! She sees the best in other people and helps empower them to be more. Amanda started a mindfulness program at Corewell Health that helps the team members to be still and meditate on being women, people of color and all of the other intersectionalities that we bring to work each day. She recently produced and directed a documentary “Delivering While Black”, where she leveraged her expertise in public health to spotlight critical issues, which has garnered recognition at multiple film festivals. This intersection of media and advocacy underscores her dedication to educating and empowering women and communities on health equity. Amanda is a board member of Girls II Women, an outreach program that helps ladies ages 13-18 in the Grand Rapids area that aspire to positively impact the world around them via community service. She is the founder of her own business, Kettle and Hops, a beverage company on a mission to brew up hops tea products that hydrate the masses.
Madyson Mansfield, HR Generalist, Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
Madyson Mansfield earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and International Business from Grand Valley State University. She proudly holds the SHRM-CP and SPHR certifications, reflecting her deep expertise in human resources, and her commitment to staying current with industry standards and best practices. She has further enhanced her skills with a DEI certification from Michigan State University. With over seven years of experience, she has driven impactful changes in policy management, recruitment strategies, workforce planning, DEI initiatives, and strategic HR management within West Michigan’s non-profit and government sectors. Madyson has worked extensively with community outreach programs to address workforce needs and develop job opportunity pipelines. As a Grand Rapids native and first-generation college graduate, Madyson is passionate about opening doors for others and creating opportunities, driven by her own experiences and desire to give back. She finds happiness in exploring new experiences with her three children, and discovering all that life has to offer.
E.B. Sonheim, Director of Marketing, Feyen Zylstra
E.B. Sonheim has dedicated over a decade to Feyen Zylstra (FZ), a national electrical contractor committed to having a positive impact on the lives of people. As the Director of Marketing, E.B. crafts and communicates FZ’s story to employees, customers, and the broader community. Passionate about transforming industry standards, she focuses on enhancing the employee experience and fostering a culture of respect and value for field team members. Beyond her role at FZ, E.B. serves as the vice-chair of the David D. Hunting YMCA board, appreciating the Y’s critical role in the community. She is also a mentor with the Calvin Women’s Business Network, aligning with the university’s mission to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agent of renewal in the world. In addition, she contributes to the Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction Committee, championing the advancement of the industry and honoring skilled tradespeople. E.B. is a busy mom, raising two young boys with her husband Joe. As a family they enjoy long walks, community events, and time with their Eastown neighbors.
ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award
This award recognizes a company that intentionally fosters an environment for women to thrive. This organization is outstanding in their pursuit of supporting, developing, and honoring women leaders in every stage of their life and career.
Huntington Bank is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women professionals thrive. Their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in their comprehensive HR policies, including Workplace Flex, paid parenting and caregiver leave, and family-building assistance. These policies support women throughout their careers, ensuring equal opportunities for growth and development. Central to their commitment is the Women’s Business Resource Group (BRG), which unites women and allies to promote a culture of empowerment and advancement. The BRG provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development programs that equip women with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace and beyond. As a community partner, Huntington Bank leads initiatives such as the Lift Local Business program, tailored to support minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned small businesses. This program offers essential resources like loans, business planning support, and financial education courses, underscoring their dedication to economic empowerment and community development. Through these initiatives and policies, Huntington Bank continues to champion diversity, support women leaders, and drive positive change across West Michigan.
SpartanNash is a food solutions company that delivers the ingredients for a better life. Committed to fostering a People First culture, the SpartanNash family of Associates is 17,000 strong. The company distributes products for every aisle in the grocery store, from fresh produce to household goods to its OwnBrands, and operates 147 brick-and-mortar grocery stores, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market. SpartanNash is deeply committed to – and actively promotes the inclusion and development of – women leaders. The company’s Associate Resource Group (ARG) Women’s Impact Network (WIN) provides a supportive space for mentoring, networking and professional development for women. SpartanNash also provides female Associates access to learning and development opportunities. Programs like “I GROW” help women early in their career develop essential leadership skills so they can enjoy a lifelong journey of professional and personal growth.
W Talent Solutions is comprised of passionate, talent-change agents who use behavioral analytics to help companies design and recruit winning teams. As an executive search firm, they are focused on helping their clients find the best executive leadership and subject matter experts by utilizing top evidence-based selection practices, behavior analytics, and intensive vetting processes to get their clients the right person, in the right seat, at the right time. Founded with a mission to better the community, W Talent Solutions donates 10 percent of its profit to community partners that help women who are experiencing domestic violence. Founder Ashley Ward serves as a Board Member for the City of Grand Rapids’ Downtown Improvement District, Advancement Committee Chair for Wedgwood Christian Services, Fund Development Committee for the YWCA, and has been recognized as a 3X 40 Under 40 Business Leader and one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan.
