(PHOENIX) – The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 11 women chosen as finalists for its prestigious 39th annual 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 and highlights an upcoming leader in the Valley as an ATHENA young professional. ATHENA finalists are chosen among dozens of nominations for their excellence in business and leadership, dedication to the community, and support and mentorship of others. Congratulations to all the 2026 ATHENA nominees!
The 11 finalists are:
Private Sector:
- Kathy Gallowitz, LtCol, USAF, Retired, President & CEO, Vanguard Veteran
- Ann Meyers Drysdale, Broadcaster, Olympian & Hall of Fame, Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Mercury
- Karrin Taylor Robson, Founder & President, Arizona Strategies
- Alexi Venneri, Co-founder & CEO, DAS Technology
Public Sector:
- Kim Despres, CEO, Circle the City
- Fran Mallace, President & CEO, Make-A-Wish Arizona
- Janice Palmer Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Helios Education Foundation
- Donna Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Beatitudes Campus
Young Professional:
- Nicole Campillo Penagos, Economic Development & Government Affairs Specialist, Arizona Diamondbacks
- Rachelle Giles, Vice President, Local Government Relations and Association Management, Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs
- Lauren Smith, Director of Community Engagement, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC)
“Each year, the ATHENA Awards give us the opportunity to recognize exceptional women whose leadership, service, and mentorship are strengthening the Greater Phoenix business community,” said Todd Sanders, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. “These finalists represent the vision, dedication, and impact that continue to move our region forward. We look forward to celebrating their achievements this October and honoring the meaningful difference they are making across Arizona.”
The ATHENA Awards highlight women who have achieved the pinnacle of success within their industry, have mentored others throughout their careers, dedicated their time to their community, and are 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 Greater Phoenix Chamber’s ATHENA Awards Luncheon.
WHEN: Thursday, October 29th | 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
REGISTER: Register here | Registration closes on Wednesday, October 21st
QUESTIONS: Email events@phoenixchamber.com with any questions.
HASHTAG: #PHXATHENA2026
More opportunities for Valley businesswomen!
Join the Greater Phoenix Chamber for our Professional Women’s Alliance Series (PWA)! Build your network, connect with peers, and hear from inspiring businesswomen in the community. The Chamber brings businesswomen together each month by hosting a dynamic female leader in the community to share insights on leadership, career growth, community involvement, and women’s issues. For more information on PWA, please contact Carly Kastner, Program Coordinator, at ckastner@phoenixchamber.com.
###
Greater Phoenix Chamber
Representing businesses across the Greater Phoenix region, the Greater Phoenix Chamber catalyzes regional prosperity through forward-thinking public policy, intentional economic growth, and diverse, prepared talent. 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 Awards
The ATHENA Awards, an internationally prized honor, recognize 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.”
| Follow online: @phxchamber facebook.com/phxchamber Learn more: |