MEDIA CONTACT:
Janelle Tassart
(O): 602.495.6480
(C): 480.215.2149
jtassart@phoenixchamber.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 17, 2020
(PHOENIX) – The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 11 women chosen as finalists for its prestigious ATHENA Awards, continuing its strong tradition of recognizing outstanding Valley businesswomen.
The ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award recognizes a woman in the public and private sectors, in addition to highlighting an upcoming leader in the Valley as an ATHENA Young Professional. ATHENA finalists are chosen for their excellence in business and leadership, dedication to the community, and support and mentorship of other women.
The 11 finalists are:
Private Sector finalists:
- Rhonda Bannard, President & Chief Connector, Inspired Connections
- Rachel Frazier Johnson, Esq., Principal & Managing Attorney, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law
- Monica Garnes, Division President, Fry’s Food Stores
- Doris Savron, Vice Provost, Academic Colleges, University of Phoenix
Public Sector finalists:
- Peggy J. Chase, President & CEO, Terros Health
- Chevy Humphrey, The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO, Arizona Science Center
- Torrie Taj, CEO, Child Crisis Arizona
- Christine K. Wilkinson, PhD, Senior Vice President & Secretary of the University; CEO & President, ASU Alumni Association, Arizona State University
Young Professional finalists:
- Veronica Aguilar, Associate Director of Alumni Career Services, Arizona State University
- Anna Carolina Ortiz, International Program Director, Esperança
- Monica Trejo, Arizona State Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance/Care in Action
“In a year unlike anything we’ve experienced before, we are proud to shine a light on the great work being done in Arizona by honoring an incredible group of ATHENA finalists. These women are making unbelievable contributions to enact positive change and ensure the Greater Phoenix region remains strong. They represent the best of the best our community has to offer and I look forward to seeing how they will lead us into the future,” said Todd Sanders, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. “Congratulations to our 2020 ATHENA Awards finalists.”
The ATHENA Awards highlight women who have achieved the pinnacle of success within their industry, have mentored women throughout their career, and have dedicated their time to their community and making a difference in the lives of others.
Join the Greater Phoenix Chamber to celebrate outstanding businesswomen in our community and to support all nominees, finalists and recipients past and present.
WHO: Three ATHENA Award recipients will be announced during the 33rd Annual ATHENA Awards luncheon.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual Event
REGISTER: Register here | Registration closes on Monday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m.
QUESTIONS: Email events@phoenixchamber.com with any questions.
HASHTAG: #PhxATHENA2020
Finalist reactions
“I am honored to be a finalist for the ATHENA award and be named alongside other powerful women who exemplify the Athena goddess through inspiration, courage and wisdom. As a proud Phoenician, I am thankful for my family, influential mentors, education from Arizona State University and unique experiences that have shaped my lifelong mission to serve my community and empower young women. I will cherish this honor and continue to grow, lead and invest in female leaders as I uphold the responsibilities and values as an ATHENA Young Professional.”
Veronica Aguilar, Arizona State University
“The ATHENA Award is a very special platform that celebrates women, and I’ve been filled with joy to watch others be highlighted for their leadership and service to others over the award program’s many years. I am honored to now be included in that circle of women. I’ve always been in awe of the collective talent of every woman at the luncheon, every nominee, finalist and recipient, and our potential to shape a most amazing future for our communities. To be included as a finalist – well, I’m speechless.”
Rhonda Bannard, Inspired Connections
“The ATHENA Award represents the exceptional value women bring to Leadership and the workplace, the importance of servant leadership and the need to give back to the community. Mentoring women to achieve their goals and dreams and striving for greater leadership in our businesses and our communities is the legacy ATHENA honorees create. Being recognized as a finalist for this prestigious award and standing next to other inspiring women is an honor of a lifetime.”
Peggy J Chase, Terros Health
“Being selected as an ATHENA finalist is a humble reminder of the importance of celebrating women who make things happen and show up not concerned about who is watching. This experience, thus far, acknowledges women’s dedication to other women in our community, a sisterhood especially during a time when the world is filled with so many complexities and complications. Women truly supporting women…women who work on the challenges in our community every day.”
Rachel Frazier Johnson, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law
“I am grateful to be named an ATHENA finalist and it’s a recognition I don’t take lightly. I am proud to represent the women of the grocery industry who work diligently to achieve high levels of success in a traditionally male-dominate field. It truly is an honor to stand alongside some of the most inspiring, hardworking and compassionate women within our Phoenix community.”
Monica Garnes, Fry’s Food Stores
“It is an understatement to say that it is an honor to be considered, with such amazing women, as a finalist for the ATHENA Award. The nominees, the finalists, as well as the past nominees and winners, have added significant inspiration for my own leadership. To be in their company, and especially for this internationally prized award, is truly a privilege.”
Chevy Humphrey, Arizona Science Center
“To be selected among such an inspiring group of women is extremely humbling and an unparalleled honor. As a Latina in Public Health, I am passionate about working towards a more just and equitable health system that functions for all. If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught me anything, it is that now more than ever, our health is intersectional and will require an intersectional solution, which is why I look forward to collaborating with current and past Athenas across all disciplines as we find solutions to navigate this new normal.”
Anna Carolina Ortiz, Esperança
“I have always been inspired by the stories of past ATHENA’s who set the bar high for leadership in our community. To be nominated for this award and considered in the same category as these women is an incredible honor. I am grateful for the extraordinary mentors, friends, and family who invested in me and supported me along my career journey and share this recognition with them. Congratulations to all the nominees and finalists!”
Doris Savron, University of Phoenix
“Lifting each other up is now more important than ever! History and wisdom tell us that dedication, commitment and caring about others strengthens our community. I am honored to be included in this circle of inspirational women whose meaningful work lifts us.”
Torrie Taj, Child Crisis Arizona
“Athena’s are accomplished, compassionate, and courageous leaders across the valley. I am humbled to be selected as a finalist for an Athena Award and hope to continue building a pipeline of leadership for other women. As a young professional, I am deeply inspired by the spirit of our former Athena’s and their commitment to community service and mentorship.”
Monica Trejo, National Domestic Workers Alliance/Care in Action
“It’s an honor to be considered for an award presented by the Greater Phoenix Chamber that recognizes women who mentor others, actively serve in their communities and work to make an impact in their professions. So many talented professional women serve passionately in our community, encourage and support women in their careers, and work diligently for a diverse society for us all.”
Dr. Christine Kajikawa Wilkinson, Arizona State University
The Chamber congratulates all of the 2020 ATHENA Nominees
Private Sector Nominees
Barbara Gould, Point B
Bettina Nava, OH Strategic Communications
Carol May, Wisdom Natural Brands
Carrie Masters, LGE Design Build
Cheryl Naumann, University of Phoenix
Christine Gannon, Brightworks Consulting
Christine Nowaczyk, BOK Financial
Dana Lam, Surprise Date Challenge
Doris Savron, University of Phoenix
Emily Finch, Dance 101
Erica Tatum Sheade, Integrated Mental Health Association
Eunique Yazzie, euniQue LLC
Imelda G. Castro, Intel Corporation
Jennifer Dimeck, Four Leaf Financial & Accounting
Jenny Poon, Co+Hoots
Jodi Low, U & Improved
Joni M. Horn, Arizona Freelance Interpreting Services
Kathryn Uhles, University of Phoenix
Kathy A. Till, La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings
Lisa Riley, Wells Fargo
Luisa Leon, AzLotusArt
Maria T. Echeveste, Bank of America
Mary Beth Reisinger, Plexus Worldwide, LLC
Mary Rabago, Mary Rabago Productions
Melissa Boyles, Jacobs Engineering Group
Monica Garnes, Fry’s Food Stores
Nicole Johnson, Willis Towers Watson
Norma C. Izzo, Jennings, Strouss & Salmon PLC
Olivia Fierro, AZ Family Meredith Corporation
Polly Bristow, USAA
Rachel Frazier Johnson, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law
Rhonda Bannard, Inspired Connections
Sally Johnson, Lockton Companies
Shaney M. Salomon, Optima ECM Consulting
Stephanie Roldan, Rosendin
Stephanie Vasquez, The Fair Trade Cafe
Sun Jones, University of Phoenix
Susan Wissink, Fennemore Craig
Teri Twarkins Kelley, Morgan Stanley
Vikki Hale, Zovio
Public Sector Nominees
Andrea Whitsett, ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy
Anne Gill, Tempe Chamber of Commerce
Chevy Humphrey, Arizona Science Center
Christine K. Wilkinson, Arizona State University
Erica McFadden, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Holly Rose, Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump!
Jody Farley, The Singletons
Julie Peterson, Sojourner Center
Kim Covington, Arizona Community Foundation
Kimberly B. Roland, Better Business Bureau
Lorraine Tallman, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels
Marcia Mintz, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Nancy Padberg, Catholic Education Arizona
Natalia Ronceria Ceballos, La NRC
Peggy Chase, Terros Health
Shereka Jackson, Future Stars, Inc.
Shivani Dubey, U.S. Small Business Administration
Sophie Etchart, Read Better Be Better
Tamika Walton, Arizona Department of Revenue
Tara S. Laurie, Youth World Education Project
Torrie A. Taj, Child Crisis Arizona
Young Professional Nominees
Anna Carolina Ortiz, Esperança
Bella Hibbs, Good Faith Casting LLC
Breanna Naegeli, Grand Canyon University
Hillary Kuenn, HiConsulting, LLC
Jessi Wright, Paradise Valley Community College
Jodi Petersen, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
Julie Euber, YNPN Phoenix
Krystal Keilholtz, Rosendin Electric
Lindsay Moellenberndt, Fennemore Craig
Monica Trejo, National Domestic Workers Alliance/Care in Action
Sonia Rivera, Mujeron Movement
Stephanie Greenfield, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Trisha Larson, Morgan Stanley
Veronica Aguilar, Arizona State University
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About the Greater Phoenix Chamber
Representing 2,400 businesses across the Greater Phoenix region, the Greater Phoenix Chamber promotes regional prosperity by serving as a catalyst for economic vitality and strong communities. The Chamber pursues this mission by collaborating with business, political and community leaders to grow the regional talent pool, create a regional approach to economic development and drive a pro-Arizona agenda.
About the ATHENA Award
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 career, their community and especially other women. ATHENAs demonstrate inspiring leadership within their industry, mentor women throughout their career and dedicate themselves to the community.
About the ATHENA Young Professional Award
ATHENA International established an award to honor emerging young leaders in our community. The ATHENA Young Professional Award officially launched at the 2007 International ATHENA Leadership Conference and Phoenix was proud to be one of the first cities to present it within their community. These are the “women to watch.”
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