ATHENA AWARD NOMINATIONS 2025

Ignite. Amplify. Celebrate Women Leaders.

The ATHENA Award honors women who exemplify exceptional leadership, integrity, and service. Recipients of this distinguished award are recognized for:

Demonstrating excellence and leadership in their profession
Actively mentoring, supporting, and advocating for women and girls
Contributing meaningfully to the advancement of their community

The ATHENA Award celebrates women who have reached the pinnacle of professional achievement while making a lasting impact through service, mentorship, and leadership—paving the way for future generations of women leaders.

Nomination & Award Timeline

January 15, 2026 – Nominations Open
March 6, 2026 – Nominations Close
March 9–27, 2026 – Finalist Review & Selection by ATHENA Alumni Committee
April 15, 2026 – Business Conference & ATHENA Award Presentation Luncheon

Recipients will be formally recognized at the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce Business Conference Awards Luncheon on April 15, 2026, at the Yuma Civic Center, 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive, Yuma, AZ 85365.
Additional details regarding the Awards Luncheon will be announced in the coming days.

Important Nomination Guidelines

Reminder: The selection committee can only evaluate information that is fully and clearly documented within the submitted nomination materials.

Letters of Recommendation (Optional but Strongly Encouraged)

Up to three (3) Letters of Recommendation may be submitted in support of a nominee. These letters provide critical insight into the nominee’s leadership, character, and community impact.

📧 Send to: Carrie@yumachamber.org
📌 Subject Line: ATHENA Recommendation: [Nominee Name]

⚠️ Important: Letters submitted in any other way (uploaded, mailed, or sent to a different address) will not be included in the nomination review. This process ensures confidentiality and secure delivery to the ATHENA Alumni Award Committee.

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Email *
Person Submitting Nomination *
Your Phone Number

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May we contact you? *
Nominee's Name *
Nominee's Place of Employment *
Nominee's Email Address *
Nominee's Phone Number *
Personal Leadership: Mentorship & Advancement of Women (40% of Score) 

Question: Please provide 3–5 specific examples demonstrating how the nominee has supported women and/or girls in reaching their full leadership potential.

What to Include: This section should reflect a deep, authentic, and sustained commitment to the advancement of women. Narratives should clearly explain how her actions made a difference, who benefited, and the outcomes achieved. Examples may include, but are not limited to:

· Encouraging or influencing career development or advancement of women

· Providing formal or informal mentoring, coaching, or sponsorship

· Leading or volunteering with women-focused organizations or initiatives

· Advocating for women through policies, programs, or leadership decisions

· Serving as a visible role model whose leadership positively impacts other women and girls

Use specific stories, names, roles, and outcomes where possible. Testimonials or observations from women impacted by her leadership are encouraged.
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Professional Leadership: Excellence, Creativity & Initiative (30% of Score)

Question: Please provide 3–5 specific examples demonstrating how the nominee has exhibited excellence, creativity, and initiative in her profession or industry.

What to Include: This section should highlight how the nominee stands out professionally and contributes beyond standard expectations. Examples may include:

· Leadership roles held within her organization or industry

· Demonstrated personal accountability and measurable results

· Impact on revenue, financial performance, or organizational sustainability

· Improvements to products, services, or operational quality

· Positive impact on customers, clients, employees, vendors, or stakeholders

· Strategic positioning, innovation, or change leadership

· Industry, organizational, or professional awards and recognition

Use concrete outcomes, metrics, and examples to illustrate professional excellence and leadership.

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Community Leadership & Service (30% of Score)

Question: Please provide a minimum of three (3) specific examples demonstrating the nominee’s leadership in service to the community.

Guidance: This section should focus on meaningful civic and community involvement rather than a list of affiliations. Examples may include:

· Leadership or active service in civic, nonprofit, charitable, or service organizations

· Length of service and leadership roles held

· Initiatives led or influenced that improved quality of life for others

· Clear explanation of how her involvement benefited the community

Describe the nominee’s role, leadership responsibility, and the tangible outcomes of her service.

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Additional Information (Optional)

Please include any additional information that may assist the Selection Committee, such as:

· Awards or honors received

· Publications, articles, or speaking engagements

· Additional accomplishments supporting service to her profession, industry, or community

This section should supplement—not repeat—the information provided above.

Nomination Guide & Directions for Nominators, Page 1
Nomination Guide & Directions for Nominators, Page 2
Nomination Guide & Directions for Nominators, Page 3
Nomination Guide & Directions for Nominators, Page 4
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