The Grand Rapids Chamber and ATHENA Grand Rapids are excited to announce the finalists of the 2023 ATHENA Awards Celebration. This celebration honors leaders from three categories who embody, encourage and promote the inclusion of women.
Join us in celebrating these uplifting role models and hear the recipients announced live on Wednesday, September 20! Register here.
Read about each of the individual finalists on our Meet the Finalists page.
The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an outstanding leader who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
The Finalists Are:
- Sonali Allen | Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance & Community Development Officer, Mercantile Bank
- Shorouq Almallah | Director, Grand Valley State University Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Sara Armbruster | President & Chief Executive Officer, Steelcase, Inc.
- Rosalynn Bliss | Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
- Latesha A. Lipscomb, JD | Director of Engagement & Relationships, Amplify GR
The ATHENA Young Professional Award is presented to an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; serves as a role model for young women personally and professionally; and provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others.
The Finalists Are:
- Renida Clark | Director of Workforce Development, West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology
- Evelyn Esparza-Gonzalez | Executive Director, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
- Stella Michael | Director of Digital Services, Priority Health | Corewell Health
- Allie Walker | President, Truscott Rossman
- Carrie Wilson | Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Freedom Construction
The ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award recognizes an organization that supports, develops and honors women leaders. These organizations create a culture that encourages women to achieve their full leadership potential and give back to the larger community of women and girls by supporting leadership initiatives.
The Finalists Are:
- Grand Valley State University
- Steelcase, Inc.
- Treetops Collective
Join the Celebration
Gather with us for an afternoon of inspiration, celebration and connection. Register here.
