Meet the 2026 ATHENA Finalists

Kathy Gallowitz’s life’s calling is cultivating Civilian Veteran Champions – influencers who elevate support for Veterans. Intentionally hiring Veterans in her first business – and watching them drive productivity – sparked the Veteran Champion Movement and inspired her book, “Beyond ‘Thank You for Your Service.'” A recognized leader in Veteran talent strategy, she helps employers turn Veteran hiring into a competitive edge and shapes Arizona’s Veteran workforce policy. Through Women Who Lead, a ‘cascading mentorship’ forum, she develops leaders whose momentum multiplies – fueling the Veteran Champion Movement. That civic leadership culminated in Kathy’s 2025 induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. 

Ann Meyers Drysdale is one of the most accomplished pioneers in the history of American sports. Her extraordinary career spans professional basketball, executive leadership, broadcasting, philanthropy, and advocacy for women and youth. Over 50 years, she has broken barriers that transformed opportunities for women in sports and leadership while building a legacy defined by equality. Arizona has become the centerpiece of Ann’s leadership legacy. Since joining the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury organization, she has served in executive leadership roles, including General Manager of the Suns and President of the Mercury, helping build one of the WNBA’s premier franchises while continuing as a respected television analyst. 

Karrin Taylor Robson, Founder and President of Arizona Strategies, is a long-time Arizona business leader and land-use expert. She has worked with national organizations representing major landowners and stakeholders across the country to advance balanced federal environmental law and policy and forged many multiple public-private partnerships, leveraging private sector capital to deliver significant public benefits.  

Karrin has served on the boards of numerous government, community, and economic development organizations. Karrin is the proud mother of four, a grandmother, and the wife of Ed Robson.  In the most recent chapter of her career, Karrin was a candidate for Governor of Arizona.  

Alexi Venneri started DAS Technology at her kitchen table in the middle of a recession, with no outside investors and a belief that technology should make things better for real people. Sixteen years later, the AI-native customer data and experience platform she co-founded serves more than 9,300 retailers and has passed $50 million in annual revenue, still without outside capital. A New York Times best-selling author, keynote speaker, and one of the 100 Leading Women in North American Automotive, Alexi measures success by the leaders she grows and the communities her team serves. 

Dr. Kim Despres, DHA, RN, is Chief Executive Officer of Circle the City, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing compassionate medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness across Maricopa County. A registered nurse for more than 40 years, she has led the organization since 2014 through remarkable growth, expanding its medical respite centers, outpatient clinics, street medicine teams, and mobile medical units. Under her leadership, Circle the City launched innovative programs including its first in-house pharmacy, a Memory Clinic, a Substance Use Disorder Program, and the new East Valley Medical Respite Center opening in Mesa in 2026. She holds degrees from the University of Phoenix and Grand Canyon University. 

Fran Mallace is President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona, where she leads with passion, purpose, and a deep belief in the power of people. A respected business and community leader, Fran is committed to service, mentorship, and developing the next generation of leaders. Her leadership is grounded in trust, authenticity, and bringing out the best in others. At the heart of Fran’s life is her family-her husband, Michael, and their two daughters, Jordie and Sydney-who inspire and support her every day. She believes that when we invest in people and lead with purpose, extraordinary things are possible.

Janice Palmer is Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Helios Education Foundation and a respected education policy leader with more than 25 years of experience. Known as a trusted consensus builder, she has helped shape legislation and statewide initiatives that expand educational opportunity and improve student outcomes in Arizona and Florida. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing Proposition 123, which increased funding for Arizona’s public schools. Janice also serves on numerous boards and advisory committees and has been appointed by multiple governors to lead Arizona’s Education Commission of the States delegation. 

Donna Taylor, MBA, is Chief Operating Officer of Beatitudes Campus and a respected leader in Arizona’s aging services community. With more than 20 years of executive leadership, Donna is known for transforming vision into action while leading with compassion, integrity and a deep commitment to people. A passionate mentor, she has helped develop emerging leaders who now serve organizations throughout Arizona. Her community leadership includes service as Past President of Arizona LeadingAge, on the Arizona Governor’s Task Force for Long-Term Care, and on the Greater Phoenix Chamber Board. Guided by faith, Donna believes leadership is ultimately an act of service. 

Nicole Campillo Penagos is the Economic Development & Government Affairs Specialist with the Arizona Diamondbacks, where she has the opportunity to work across sports, public policy, economic development and community impact.

Guided by a belief in stewardship, Nicole sees the opportunities she has been given as a responsibility to leave her community better than she found it. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships and using those opportunities to serve others.

Outside of work, Nicole mentors young professionals and coaches junior high girls, encouraging them to believe in themselves and the possibilities ahead. She is grateful for every opportunity to learn, serve and grow alongside her community.

Rachelle Giles is Vice President of Local Government Relations and Association Management at Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs. Originally from North Dakota and a graduate of North Dakota State University, she began her career in the office of Governor John Hoeven. Her experience also includes U.S. Senate, presidential and congressional campaigns, and service in the office of Phoenix Councilwoman Thelda Williams. Rachelle joined Goodman Schwartz in 2013 and remains active in community leadership through the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s Valley Young Professionals Board, Kappa Alpha Theta, mentorship of emerging professionals, and volunteer work with local animal rescues. 

Lauren Smith, MPH, CFRE, is the Director of Community Engagement at the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), where she brings extensive experience in fundraising, relationship-building, and developing impactful corporate and foundation partnerships. Throughout her career, Lauren has worked closely with local, regional, and national companies to create meaningful partnerships that drive community engagement, volunteerism, sponsorships, and long-term philanthropic investment. She has successfully secured nearly $20 million in corporate and foundation funding. Lauren obtained her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2020 and leads a team focused on strengthening corporate partnerships, expanding community engagement initiatives, and formalizing innovative volunteer programs in support of SARRC’s mission to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families.