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Meet the 2019 Young Professional ATHENA finalists

The ATHENA Awards, an internationally prized honor, recognizes the achievement of businesswomen across the Greater Phoenix region.

ATHENAs are challenged across industries to continue their dedication to leading, serving, and mentoring. The award highlights three women every year who are at the top of their field and who invest in their careers, their community, and especially other women. ATHENAs demonstrate inspiring leadership within their industry, mentor women throughout their career, and dedicate themselves to the community.

Over the past 32 years, 53 accomplished and compassionate Valley businesswomen have earned the title of ATHENA. Their contributions to our business community are immeasurable and help propel Phoenix forward.

Hear their stories at the ATHENA Awards Luncheon on Friday, November 15.

Yassamin Ansari, Policy Advisor, Climate Action Summit Team, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, United Nations
A rising star in her field, Yassamin Anasari is taking a big stand for an issue she believes is at a critical tipping point. In her current work at the United Nations, she serves as the Policy Advisor and Lead on Youth Engagement and Public Mobilization for the Climate Action Summit, and as the Principal Advisor for Mission 2020. Through visionary leadership, she conceptualized and is bringing to life the first-ever Youth Climate Summit at the U.N. As an Arizona native, she is focused on giving back to her community and making a local impact on global issues by educating local leaders on her international work. Additionally, she serves her community through the Arizona Persian Cultural Center and developed the Ansari Fellowship program to give back to the next generation of Iranian-American women. She is forging a path forward for other young, female leaders on the global stage.

Reyna Montoya, CEO & Founder, Aliento 
Reyna Montoya is a fierce advocate for justice in her community. As a dedicated social entrepreneur, she founded Aliento in 2016, an Arizona community organization that harnesses resources to educate, and empower immigrants. A former Teach for America corps member, she leveraged her personal experiences as an undocumented student to help her students thrive. After serving in the classroom, she wanted to expand her reach and impact. From boots-on-the-ground work assisting immigrants to employing trauma-informed models at Aliento, she is redefining what it means to fight for social justice.  Through Aliento, she uses her experience to convene communities to develop collaborative solutions and create a space that supports immigrant students and their families. Named a 2018 Forbes 30 under 30 social entrepreneur, Reyna is opening doors for other young women to take risks, and is propelling communities forward.

Jennifer Yee, Attorney, Snell & Wilmer, LLP
From mentoring middle school students during law school to volunteering her time through the Volunteer Lawyers Program, Jennifer Yee puts her skills and experience to use in the courtroom and the classroom. As an attorney at Snell & Willmer, LLP, she litigates cases in federal and state court, specifically employment issues. A published author, she is a leading voice in the employment law arena and serves on the State Bar of Arizona’s executive council. In her community work, she has served with Kiwanis International since 2012. Through Kiwanis, she serves as the Southwest District Lieutenant Governor and volunteers her time to other community organizations, organizes fundraisers, and so much more. She also mentors and role models for young women by providing guidance and encouragement to young, female attorneys as they embark on their legal career.  Jennifer practices what she believes: women helping other women. микрозайм

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